Chapter 0193

Opening up to Seraphina felt terrifying yet exhilarating. She's my fated mate. I crave to know every thought in her mind, every secret in her heart.

That hallway moment proved she's feeling the mate pull too, even if she doesn't understand the sensation yet.

Everything about my Seraphina intoxicates me. Beyond her honeyed scent and addictive taste, the mere idea of sharing my burdens with someone after all these lonely years? It's almost more than I dare believe.

We reached the Sinclair residence five minutes early. I'd brought two bottles of Cabernet since Evelyn hadn't specified any contributions.

Circling the truck, I helped Seraphina down. Her petite frame makes even simple exits challenging, but truthfully? I'll seize any excuse to touch her. Our fingers remained entwined as we approached the front door.

Muffled voices carried through the wood. Gregory's gruff "Who's here?" blended with Evelyn's cheerful "I'll get it!"

The door swung open to reveal Evelyn's beaming face. "You made it! Come in, come in."

We followed her into the kitchen where Evelyn positioned herself before Seraphina. "Dad, we've got company tonight," she announced.

Gregory's gaze found me first. "Sebastian! Been too long," he said, maneuvering his wheelchair toward us.

"And someone special," Evelyn added, stepping aside to reveal my mate.

Evander surged forward instantly. "Valeria?" His gravelly voice cracked.

"Evander." Valeria responded through Seraphina. "I go by Valeria now."

"Valeria." Gregory whispered the name like a prayer, eyes glistening. "Where... all these years... I thought you were..."

Seraphina knelt before his chair. "We'll talk tonight. But first - Lily left you a message."

Gregory's calloused hand covered his mouth, dragging downward roughly. "From Lily?" His whisper trembled.

"You understand how Guardian spirits work? I inherit memories, but not all at once. Some surface when I meet certain people - like with Evelyn yesterday... and now you." Gregory's eyes darted to his daughter before locking onto Seraphina again.

Gregory grasped Seraphina's hand. "What did she say?"

Valeria covered their joined hands with her free one. "She knew. That final battle? The Moon Goddess warned her days before. She traded her life for yours. The attack was meant to claim you, but she knew you'd survive for Evelyn and Selene. Her sacrifice was deliberate."

I watched Alistair move to Gregory's side, gripping his shoulder. The devastated look on Gregory's face... How would I react if Seraphina made that choice for me? Because once she accepts our bond, she absolutely would.

"If you'll excuse me..." Gregory wheeled away abruptly, disappearing down the hall.

Seraphina rose, seeking me out. "Was that wrong? Lily wanted him to know." Her uncertain gaze demanded both reassurance and validation.

Cradling her face, I murmured, "Thirteen years wondering about her Guardian... and now he learns not only of Valeria's return, but that Lily chose death for him. It's overwhelming." My attention shifted to where Adrian cradled a weeping Evelyn against his chest.