Chapter 0184

Sebastian stared at Evelyn in disbelief. "I'd like to say no honorable Alpha would force a mate bond for power, but it tracks. My pack is already the strongest in the country—I don’t need more power. But a weaker pack? A smaller one? They’d kill to have a Guardian."

Evelyn turned back to me. "Now that we’ve confirmed you can trust Sebastian, let’s return to your question. Valeria, you know you’re a Guardian, right?"

"Yes," I answered without hesitation.

"Do you know you descend from the Guardian line that began with Valeria?" she pressed.

I nodded. "I remember fragments from past lives. The clearest is that you, Selene, are my daughter. Born to Evander and Andra. You were the first Guardian ever born."

Sebastian held up a hand. "Wait—so you were Ivy Sinclair’s wolf before you were Seraphina’s?"

Evelyn shook her head. "It’s complicated. King Oberon explained it like this—the Guardian spirit reincarnates when both human and wolf die. The wolf finds their mate, and humans experience love in their own way. A mate bond, like Evander and Andra’s, ends when one dies. But the Guardian spirit retains memories. Not all of them, but enough. That’s why the Fae started recording our histories." Her face lit up. "Oberon will lose his mind when he finds out we’ve located you! He’s searched for thirteen years."

Sebastian’s growl was low. "Why would a Fae King care about a wolf Guardian?"

Evelyn met his gaze. "A century ago, Oberon was mated to the wolf who carried Valeria’s Guardian line. Her Alpha refused to release her and forced a mate bond. Though Oberon never got to be with her, he’s watched over her bloodline ever since."

A knock interrupted us. Nathaniel entered with a food cart, freezing when he spotted Evelyn.

"Luna? I didn’t realize you were here. Good to see you."

Evelyn hopped up, grinning. "So formal, Beta. It’s just Evelyn, like always."

"You as well," he said, though his tone was flat. His eyes darted between Evelyn, Sebastian, and me.

Sebastian grabbed a tray and brought it to me. "Eat while we talk. You’re recovering fast, but I want you stronger."

Evelyn took a tray, and Nathaniel inhaled sharply. "Luna… is there news you’d like to share?"

She beamed. "Adrian won’t mind—it’s obvious anyway. We’re expecting our first Alpha heir in five months."

"Congratulations." Nathaniel hugged her stiffly. "Please tell Adrian the pack is happy for you both." His gaze flicked to Sebastian, but Sebastian was focused on me.

"You’re not eating," he murmured.

I quickly picked up my fork. He smiled before grabbing the last tray.

Once Nathaniel left and everyone was seated again, Evelyn leaned forward.

"I don’t want to overwhelm you, but there’s so much to discuss. My father will be thrilled to see you." She paused. "Valeria, when do you think you’ll be strong enough to visit our pack for dinner?"

Sebastian cut in. "She was nearly dead two weeks ago, Evelyn. She’s not ready for social calls."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. "She’s a Guardian with accelerated healing. Oberon taught me that. She’ll bounce back faster than you think." She turned to me. "So? How long?"

Valeria hesitated. ‘Should I answer in front of the Alpha?’

‘He already knows we’re a Guardian. And your daughter—still weird to say—trusts him.’

"I’ll be strong enough for light activity tomorrow. Shifting will take a few more days."

Evelyn nodded. "Same as Selene and me when we healed. Tomorrow’s Thursday—Adrian, Alistair, and I always have dinner with my father. You should come. He’ll be ecstatic we found you."

I glanced at Sebastian.

"If you feel ready, meeting another Guardian could help your recovery," he said. Then, to Evelyn: "I also need to speak with all of you. There might be a war coming. I’ll need your help."