Chapter 0227

I awaken with Sebastian's weight still pressed between my thighs, his body heat seeping into my skin. Every muscle aches in delicious ways I'd never known possible. The bond hums between us, radiating his contentment that mirrors my own. For the first time in years, the hollow loneliness is gone.

He loves me. The certainty of it thrums through our connection, his joy at our completed bond as tangible as the morning light filtering through the curtains.

My head rests on his bare chest while his fingers trace idle patterns through my hair. The peaceful moment shatters when he speaks.

"We're meeting Adrian and his pack tonight about the vampire threat." His voice rumbles beneath my ear. "Since we missed visiting Victor yesterday, do you want to go this morning?"

I tilt my head up. Sebastian's gaze is fixed on the ceiling, but it drops to meet mine when I move. "I need to go. Don't you want answers, Sebastian? Don't you want to finally move forward?"

A heavy sigh escapes him as his eyes return to the ceiling. "More than anything. I want to bury this past and start fresh with you." His lips brush my forehead before he sits up. "Let's get dressed."

When I slide from the bed, his palm connects sharply with my backside. I whirl around, arching an eyebrow.

"Couldn't resist," he smirks, stretching his muscular frame.

"As for your things," he continues while pulling on black jeans, "I want them moved into this room today. Redecorate however you like. The only things I care about are those photos of my parents."

"We'll make new memories here," I promise, slipping into a sapphire blue top. "And yes, I'll move my things in. Not that I have much."

That boyish grin from his childhood photo transforms his face. In two strides he crushes me against him. "You and me together," he murmurs into my hair. "I'll never tire of hearing that."

Hand in hand, we descend to the dining hall. The instant we enter, conversation dies. My fingers tighten around Sebastian's.

His alpha voice rings out. "Thank you for your patience these past weeks. There will be a formal pack announcement soon, but today I present Seraphina Bennett - your future Luna."

Applause erupts. Sebastian guides me to a table before fetching our food. Multiple pack members approach to congratulate me, their eyes lingering on the mate mark displayed proudly at my collarbone. For once, I don't shrink from the attention.

Over breakfast, I observe how effortlessly Sebastian interacts with his pack. The respect they show him is palpable. When questions about my origins arise, he deftly redirects, promising full explanations during his announcement.

The dungeon stench hits us before we reach the bottom stairwell - urine, sweat, and despair. Sebastian's grip on my hand turns vise-like as we approach Victor Blackwood's cell.

The disgraced beta springs to his feet at our arrival. "The fuck, Alpha?" He spits the title like a curse. "Since when do you parade she-wolves through your torture chambers?"

"She's not here to watch," Sebastian growls.

"Oh, just to listen to you breaking my bones then? Classy."

Sebastian lunges. I intercept, pressing both palms against his chest until the murderous glint fades from his eyes.

When he's calmer, I turn to Victor. "I want to hear your answers."

"To which question?" Victor sneers. "He only ever asks one."

"Then answer it for me."

"Why?" His eyes narrow before suddenly widening. "Guardian." The word comes out reverent.

Sebastian yanks me behind him. "She's already marked. Don't even think about it."

Victor actually rolls his eyes. "I told you - what happened with Evelyn was a mistake. I wouldn't touch your mate."

"That's not why we're here," I interrupt before they can spiral into their usual argument.

Sebastian's question drops like a stone. "Why did you do it?"

"I didn't." Victor's gaze flicks between us. "Not that you'll believe me, even with your Guardian present."

Valeria's voice whispers through my mind. 'He speaks truth.' I already know - lies carry a metallic tang that's conspicuously absent.

"You were found holding her body," I press, stepping forward despite Sebastian's warning growl.

"Never denied that."

"Then explain why."

Victor's bitter laugh echoes off the stone walls. "Why bother? Your mate's made up his mind."

I turn to Sebastian, whose expectant look demands confirmation of Victor's guilt. My next words shatter his certainty.

"He's telling the truth."