Chapter 0261

One more touch from Oberon and I swear I'll rip his hands off. If he thinks he can steal my mate from me, he's got another thing coming. Seraphina is mine, and I won't let anyone take her from me.

Valeria's calming presence soothes my rage, but I still keep Seraphina close. I trust her completely, but that Fae king? Not a chance.

"Now that we've settled that," Adrian says, "let's move to the conference room."

I pull Seraphina onto my lap the moment we're seated. She rolls her eyes but doesn't resist, melting against me with an exasperated sigh.

"Everyone, meet my son Finnian." The young Fae prince, no older than ten, gives a polite nod. "He's here to begin his training as our future historian."

I notice the kid deliberately sits beside Evelyn. Interesting. These Fae males seem drawn to our Guardians. I tighten my grip around Seraphina - no chances will be taken this weekend.

Oberon focuses on my mate. "Seraphina and Valeria, I'm curious about your whereabouts these past thirteen years. From what Evelyn shared, it wasn't a pleasant experience."

I hold Seraphina closer as she recounts her story - from first shifting to when she stumbled onto our territory.

Oberon strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Have you encountered this before?" Gregory asks him.

The Fae king's prolonged gaze at Seraphina makes my wolf snarl. Her fingers trail down my arm, instantly calming the beast within.

"There was a Guardian death under mysterious circumstances," Oberon finally says. "It happened after Elowen's time, so I wasn't officially recording history then. But since it involved Valeria's bloodline, I kept notes. The records were vague - it occurred during vampire unrest."

He turns to Finnian. "Make a note to research Gabriela's undocumented history. I believe I noted the vampire conflicts from that period."

His attention returns to Seraphina. "They called you Custos Regni?"

"Yes. Evelyn said it means Guardian of the Realm."

Oberon's expression darkens. "It does, which suggests a far greater role than just a werewolf Guardian."

After a pause, he continues. "I noticed your Guardian aura has intensified significantly. Did you attempt to use it on Prince Damien or other vampires?"

Seraphina shakes her head. "I was only sixteen when they took me. After that, Valeria grew weaker until she only appeared when I needed healing."

"Father, should I research Guardian auras?" Finnian interrupts.

Oberon studies Seraphina before turning to Gregory. "Can you project your aura?"

Gregory does, and while noticeable, it's nothing compared to Valeria's power.

"Fascinating. Evelyn?"

Her aura flares stronger than her father's, though not quite matching Seraphina's intensity.

The Fae king's thoughtful gaze lingers on my mate again. My arms constrict around her. I've never been the jealous type, but this Fae is testing my limits. Before Seraphina, everyone was replaceable. She's the exception.

"I believe your aura's strength comes from your Guardian spirit's multiple reincarnations," Oberon concludes.

Alistair voices the question we're all thinking. "Why would that matter?"

"Each rebirth strengthens the Guardian spirit," Oberon explains. "Memories and abilities accumulate. Valeria's line has reincarnated four times more than Gideon's, resulting in greater power. Have you noticed any other changes?" he asks Seraphina.