Chapter 0264

The session begins with aura manipulation. Oberon observes with keen interest, his piercing gaze analyzing every movement. He starts with me first, giving precise instructions. Adrian summons two of his warriors—one eager, the other hesitant.

"Evelyn, focus your aura around one while pushing it onto the other," Oberon directs.

I hesitate, not wanting to inflict pain. The last time I unleashed my aura, it harmed the pack. These men don’t deserve suffering. My eyes flick to Sebastian, silently pleading for guidance.

"Adrian," Sebastian says without breaking eye contact with me. "Do you have anyone in holding?"

Adrian considers for a moment. "Two. One joyrider who wrecked his parents' car, and another who used his mate as a punching bag after drinking."

"That one," Sebastian decides.

Minutes later, guards drag a disheveled man forward. Adrian steps close, voice cold. "Consider this an extension of your punishment. You’ve been selected as a test subject."

He turns to me. "Whenever you're ready—"

Valeria snarls in my mind before I even act. The man collapses, knees slamming into the dirt, neck bared in submission. The warrior beside him—Nathaniel—stares wide-eyed. "Damn."

"Impressive," Oberon murmurs. "Nathaniel, you felt nothing?"

"Just warmth," Nathaniel admits. "Like being wrapped in a comfortable blanket."

"Good. Now let’s test Seraphina."

Valeria seethes, furious at the man’s abuse of his mate bond. He whimpers as my aura presses down, his body trembling. Sebastian’s arms encircle me. "Release him, Valeria. This is training, not vengeance. His punishment is Adrian’s to deliver."

I exhale sharply, reining Valeria in. The man crumples, gasping.

Sebastian strokes my hair, murmuring, "Breathe, Evelyn." His touch soothes me until my pulse steadies.

When I turn back, Seraphina is ready. Oberon gestures. "Same exercise. Protect Nathaniel while directing your aura at him."

Seraphina’s aura flares—unfocused, uncontrolled. I feel it, and so does Sebastian, his muscles tensing. The man drops again, submitting instantly. Nathaniel fights to stay upright but eventually kneels.

"Is that your limit?" Oberon asks.

Another pulse of energy. Sebastian and Adrian grunt under the pressure. Nathaniel hits the ground. But it doesn’t affect me or Gregory.

"Strong, but imprecise," Oberon notes. "Your aura affects everyone nearby. Evelyn, now you try—just Nathaniel."

He turns to Nathaniel. "Your rank?"

"Lead warrior."

Oberon glances at Adrian. "High in the hierarchy?"

"Top one percent," Adrian confirms.

"Perfect. Evelyn, bring them both down."

"We already know she can," Adrian cuts in. "She subdued twenty of my best warriors at once."

Oberon’s eyes gleam. "How many for this test?"

"Fifty?"

"Excellent."

Adrian summons his warriors. First, Seraphina and I force all fifty to their knees. Then Oberon has me refine my control—half under my influence, half free. He varies the groups—three here, two there, one isolated. Each time, I succeed. But exhaustion creeps in, weighing me down.

Sebastian senses it before I speak. "Enough. She’s drained." He lifts me effortlessly.

Oberon nods. "We’ll break. If Evelyn needs rest, we’ll adjust this afternoon’s trials."

The session ends, but the real test has only just begun.