Chapter 0206
The water feels incredible against my skin. Gregory guides me through gentle stretches, working muscles that have lain dormant for years. Evelyn effortlessly overtakes me lap after lap. It reminds me of that superhero movie Dad managed to get for us in the bunker - the scene where the fast guy keeps passing the other one on the track. Now I truly understand both the humor and frustration of that moment.
By the time we finish, every muscle burns with that satisfying ache of exertion. 'Gregory was right. I can feel myself getting stronger,' Valeria murmurs in my mind.
I climb out of the pool, dripping wet as Evelyn hands me a towel. While Valeria feels empowered, I'm completely drained. Evelyn settles beside me just as Gregory wheels closer in his chair.
"How are you holding up?" His gaze is assessing.
"Valeria says she's stronger, but I'm wiped out," I admit. Evelyn nods knowingly. "That tracks. It always takes more out of you than her, but the results are worth it."
Gregory studies me thoughtfully. "Let's keep lunch simple today - sandwiches here. You can tour the packhouse tomorrow. I gave Sebastian my word I wouldn't push you too hard, and I intend to keep it." Relief washes over me at the suggestion.
Over our meal, Evelyn shares news about her talk with Oberon - the Fae king plans to visit next weekend with his son Finnian. They're eager to meet me and begin documenting my story for their Guardian Archives.
Gregory explains the Valeria bloodline's enhanced healing abilities. "This explains how Valeria sustained you for so long, and why your scars aren't more severe."
I glance down at my marked arms. "They look plenty severe to me."
"Imagine how much worse they'd be without Valeria's healing," Gregory counters.
"He's right," Evelyn adds. "Those wounds could have festered, or caused permanent damage given how often you were... used." The realization hits me. I'd been so focused on the visible damage that I never considered how much worse it could have been.
'I wish I could have done more,' Valeria whispers guiltily.
"You saved my life. That's more than enough."
'I believe I can improve their appearance after we shift. Not erase them completely, but make them less prominent.'
'Don't strain yourself. I'm just grateful we're both regaining our strength.'
"Seraphina," Gregory changes subjects abruptly, "when was the last time you ran?"
"Define run. For pleasure? For survival?"
"Exercise," he clarifies.
"Never, honestly. Dad's training focused on combat - sparring, fighting techniques."
He nods. "Fighting skills are vital, but so is stamina. Tomorrow we'll start running drills. Evelyn can still run for another month or so, but her endurance surpasses yours - for now. We'll take it gradually."
After helping clean up, I'm ready to collapse before my shopping trip with Sebastian. Evelyn offers to drive me home, and we chat easily about Luna responsibilities, her pregnancy, and baby preparations.
"Want me to walk you in?" she asks when we arrive.
"No, I'm good. Thanks! See you tomorrow."
"Looking forward to it!" She waves as she drives off.
Turning toward the packhouse, the rich scent of pine floods my senses. MATE! MATE! MATE! Valeria practically vibrates with excitement.
'Our mate's here?'
'Yes! Hurry!'
I rush inside only to freeze at the coppery tang of blood mingling with my mate's scent. My stomach plummets. Is he hurt? I creep toward the kitchen and there he stands - Sebastian. My mate. Drenched in blood that clearly isn't his own.
Every nightmare memory from the feeding chambers crashes over me. Valeria whimpers in confusion and fear.
I can't breathe. My lungs refuse to function. Pressing against the wall, I watch silently as Sebastian heads upstairs. 'He's a monster, Valeria. I warned you. I told you we couldn't trust him.'
She cries pitifully, torn between mate-bond and horror. 'We have to leave. I can't go through this again. I won't survive that hell a second time.'