Chapter 0235

Tension crackled in the air when Adrian informed Evelyn she'd be responsible for the civilians in the bunker. Evelyn's eyes flashed with defiance. "I won't be sitting this fight out," she snapped.

Their argument escalated until Alistair chuckled, glancing at Gregory. "Seems my son needs to learn the same lesson Ivy taught me decades ago."

Gregory smirked. "I wouldn't bet against Evelyn if I were you."

While they debated, I drifted toward the refreshments. My stomach churned too much for food, but the grim talk of vampires, battles, and potential losses gnawed at me. Sebastian's gaze burned into my back despite his involvement in the strategy session—our bond transmitting my unease.

I twisted the cap off a water bottle. The cool liquid did nothing to soothe the dread coiling in my chest.

Gregory rolled up beside me. "How you holding up, kid?"

"Fine," I lied.

His wheelchair creaked as he leaned forward. "Try again."

Hot tears pricked my eyes. I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms. "I'm terrified," I whispered.

He captured my trembling hands. "I'd worry more if you weren't."

A shuddering breath escaped me. "They're coming for me. They don't know about you or Evelyn. If I left—"

A guttural growl cut through the room. "Don't even fucking think about running." Sebastian's voice dripped with lethal promise. "I'll track you to the ends of the earth and drag you back."

My pulse spiked. Apparently, he'd been monitoring me closer than I realized.

"But Sebastian—"

"He's right, Seraphina." Gregory squeezed my fingers. "Come here." He guided me to a chair, positioning his wheelchair directly in front of me.

"Just because they haven't found us yet doesn't mean they've stopped looking. This is our best chance to eliminate the threat on our terms. Otherwise, they'll strike when we least expect it—and next time, Evelyn or I might end up in chains."

Adrian snarled, "Over my rotting corpse."

"We all pray it won't come to that," Gregory continued. "But make no mistake—they will come. These monsters slaughter without remorse. They just don't realize they'll face three Guardians and two Alphas enhanced by Guardian bonds." His gaze swept the room before returning to me. "This is our opportunity."

"I know I should be stronger—"

Gregory gripped my chin, forcing eye contact. "You survived seven years in their clutches and still have the courage to fight. That's strength. Your instinct to protect others by sacrificing yourself? That's what Guardians do. Starting tomorrow, we intensify your training. I'll forge you into a weapon worthy of your pack."

"Thank you," I murmured, embracing him.

"Anytime, kid."

Final plans solidified over dinner. Nathaniel had the kitchen staff deliver meals while we cleared the tactical maps.

Sebastian pulled me against his chest, his heartbeat thundering against my ear. "You and me, Seraphina. That means no vanishing acts. Promise me."

I tilted my head up, drinking in the fierce determination in his golden eyes. "You and me," I vowed. "Always."