Chapter 0136

Evelyn and Gregory exchanged stunned glances. "Yes," they answered simultaneously.

"That lineage traces back to Valeria as well."

Oberon rose gracefully, moving toward an ornate bookshelf. His fingers brushed against three ancient tomes before carrying them back to the table. He placed them before Gregory with deliberate care. "These chronicle the first four generations of your wolf spirit's Guardian lineage."

Resuming his seat, the Fae king folded his hands thoughtfully. A shadow crossed his features as he began speaking again. "I met Elowen while documenting the Guardians. She came with her Alpha to share her story." His voice grew heavy. "The moment our eyes met, we both knew. But her Alpha refused to release her from his pack."

"What?" Adrian's father growled, his outrage mirroring my own. Denying a mate bond violated every sacred wolf law.

"Guardians were considered strategic assets," Oberon explained bitterly. "When we planned her escape, he discovered us. Marked her before my very eyes to claim her permanently."

Evelyn gasped, her hand flying to her mating mark. I pulled her against me instantly, feeling her tremble. This story cut too close to our own nightmare.

Oberon paused, perplexed by her reaction. "This happened centuries ago."

"For you," I countered sharply. "Someone recently tried to force the bond on Evelyn."

The king's eyes widened. "And you resisted?"

"Selene fought the venom until Adrian found me," Evelyn whispered.

Oberon nodded slowly. "Elowen was of age when marked. Afterward, her Alpha spread lies that I sought to steal his mate for power. It shattered our alliance." His gaze lifted to Adrian's father. "Not until your pack, Alpha Alistair, has any wolf treated my kind with honor."

"I see no reason we can't rebuild that alliance," Adrian's father declared. "Our Guardians would benefit from having their histories preserved again."

"Absolutely," Gregory agreed. "I want to understand my legacy—and how it affects Evelyn."

"Call me Oberon." The king's posture relaxed slightly. "Finnian could apprentice as your scribe. As for Selene's unique situation..." He exhaled sharply. "We'll discuss this tomorrow. My guards will show you to your chambers."

We opted for private dinners, needing to process everything. Before separating, Adrian's father called a meeting in his room.

So much had changed in a single day. The past wasn't just history—it was alive, breathing, and inextricably tied to our future.