Chapter 0265

I cradle my precious Seraphina in my arms as we enter the dining hall. She squirms slightly, but exhaustion wins out—she doesn't protest. My mate never ceases to amaze me. The way she wields her Guardian aura, bending it to her will, is nothing short of miraculous. Even Evelyn can't manipulate energy like this. I used to believe Evelyn was the strongest she-wolf alive, but now I know the truth—my mate surpasses them all.

Seating her on my lap, I signal for two meals. She needs to eat. Maybe food will revive her enough to join Oberon's demonstration. She should witness firsthand what Guardians are capable of.

Oberon's gaze lingers on Seraphina again. After last night's reunion, jealousy doesn't flare—just irritation. Would it kill him to stop staring?

"Auras function like muscles," Oberon remarks, eyes sliding to me. "Training will strengthen hers without draining her completely."

My mate's voice cuts in sharply. "I'm right here, you know."

Oberon blinks. "My apologies, Seraphina. I wasn't certain you were listening."

By meal's end, color returns to her cheeks. "Ready to continue?" I ask, brushing hair from her face.

She smirks. "Advanced healing, remember?"

"Watch first. Then participate."

Her response is a soft kiss that makes my pulse spike.

Outside, Oberon gestures toward me. "Sebastian, let's test your immunities. Seraphina and Valeria resist wolfsbane. Do you share that trait?"

He produces a vial. My growl rumbles through the clearing before I can stop it. "You want me to drink poison?" I invade his space, muscles coiled. He's taller, but I know my strength dwarfs his.

Seraphina materializes at my side. "Explain, Oberon."

"You're immune to wolfsbane, correct?"

She hesitates only a second. "Yes."

My head whips toward her. "Since when?"

"Wolfsbane and silver both. Resistance, if not full immunity."

Evelyn chimes in, "I inherited wolfsbane immunity from my mother."

I study both women before snatching the vial from Oberon. One quick swallow later, I brace for agony.

Nothing happens.

Nathaniel, Adrian, and Gregory gape at me. "Well?"

I grin at Seraphina. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

Crushing her against me, I claim her lips fiercely. "Thank you."

She laughs against my mouth. "I didn't do anything."

"You shared your gifts with me. Intentionally or not, this is your doing." My thumb traces her jaw. "You keep giving me miracles."

Mischief sparks in her eyes. "Want to test silver next?"

Hell yes, I do. Oberon produces shackles from his bag. The metal should sear my flesh, but when I grip them, only discomfort flares.

'Dorian?'

'It weakens me, but doesn't incapacitate.'

Seraphina's proud smile ignites something primal in my chest. Whatever comes next, we'll face it—together.