Chapter 0262

"She can control her aura." I blurt out.

Seraphina turns to me with raised eyebrows before facing Oberon again. "It's true. I can focus my energy on specific targets while shielding others."

Oberon's jaw drops. "Demonstrate."

She gives a casual shrug. "Already did. When I pushed my power onto you earlier, I wrapped Sebastian in a protective bubble so he wouldn't be affected."

My brows furrow. "When did you use your aura on him?"

"Right before he was about to attack you. I needed to diffuse the situation." So that strange warmth I'd felt came from her. I'd mistaken it for Oberon's energy, though his always carries an edge. This felt like being wrapped in a security blanket.

I lock eyes with Oberon. "Is that why you backed off?"

He's staring at Seraphina like she's the eighth wonder. "Honestly? I'm not sure. It definitely forced my attention onto her, but whether that was from the impact or compulsion... We'll need proper testing this weekend."

"What else?" His intense gaze never leaves her face.

"I can detect lies. Evelyn and Gregory don't have this gift."

"You still possess it." His voice drops to a whisper, eyes glazing over with memory.

Confusion radiates through our bond. "Still have what?" Seraphina asks.

"Finnian, record this. I bestowed Elowen with lie detection when her Alpha was manipulating their bond. I never expected the ability to persist beyond one generation, yet your guardian essence has absorbed it permanently." A soft chuckle escapes him. "Remarkable."

Tension coils in my muscles until Seraphina's fingers begin tracing soothing patterns along my forearm. Oberon notices immediately.

"Appreciating a Guardian's worth doesn't equate to claiming her. Fae rarely receive fated mates, which makes the bond sacred. I'd never violate that."

I nod stiffly, grateful when Seraphina maintains contact.

"Any other observations?"

Adrian speaks up. "Yes. Based on last year's discussion, Guardian powers shouldn't transfer through mating bonds."

"Correct." Oberon confirms.

"Yet both Sebastian and I experienced ability enhancements and power surges after bonding."

Oberon's eyes widen. "You're manifesting Guardian traits?"

"To a lesser degree, I believe." Adrian says.

"Beyond increased strength, I've gained lie detection too." I add.

Silence stretches as he studies us all. "This requires testing during my visit. No historical records mention such phenomena. Perhaps the reincarnation frequency..."

"We think it's because our bonds were chosen, not forced." Seraphina interrupts.

Evelyn nods in agreement.

Oberon turns to Finnian. "We have much to analyze. I'll need tonight to process these revelations. Shall we reconvene tomorrow morning with test protocols?"

Everyone agrees. I desperately need privacy with my mate—my emotions are a tangled mess.

After being shown to our quarters, I pull Seraphina inside and lock the door. The world outside can wait. Right now, I just need her.