Chapter 0267

Sebastian and Oberon returned from their walk, and my heart swelled seeing the smile on Sebastian's face.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

He pulled me into his arms. "Perfect. Oberon has one final test for you. Let's see what other surprises my little mate has in store."

Laughing, we joined the others - Donovan, Evelyn, Adrian, Alistair, Oberon and Finnian were already gathered.

"I'd like to conduct one last experiment before Finnian and I return to Eldermere," Oberon announced. "I want to see if Seraphina can channel her ability to manipulate Evelyn's aura."

He turned to Adrian. "Could we borrow some warriors again?"

Adrian summoned several warriors, including an eager Sebastian who practically bounded over. The young warrior clearly enjoyed witnessing Guardian abilities firsthand.

Five warriors assembled this time. "Seraphina, stand behind Evelyn and place your hands on her arms."

As I moved into position, Evelyn reached back and grasped my hands instead. She gave them an encouraging squeeze before flashing me a smile over her shoulder.

"Evelyn, slowly extend your aura," Oberon instructed. "Seraphina, I want you to direct it so these two warriors," he indicated Sebastian and another, "remain unprotected while these three are shielded."

Sebastian smirked. "Show us what you've got, Luna!"

His companion elbowed him. "Quiet, Sebastian."

Focusing intently, I reached out to sense Evelyn's energy signature.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Ready."

As her aura expanded, I wrestled it under my control. Though powerful, my will proved stronger. With considerable effort, I shaped her energy to protect only the three designated warriors.

Sebastian grimaced but watched the unaffected trio. "Damn."

"Evelyn, is this your full strength?"

"Just standard output."

"Seraphina, could you maintain if she increased pressure?"

"Not certain," I gritted out, already straining.

"Evelyn, gradually intensify your aura," Oberon directed.

The moment I lost control was unmistakable - the three unprotected warriors collapsed under the sudden onslaught of energy.

When Evelyn released her aura, I sagged against Sebastian who immediately supported me, transferring his strength.

"With your impending battle, I recommend the Guardians train together," Oberon advised. "Experiment with combining your powers. Perhaps this was always the intended dynamic, but previous Alphas kept Guardians separated. Or maybe Evelyn serves as the nexus that unites your abilities. Regardless, with practice, you'll become an unstoppable force against the vampires."

After training, we shared lunch before parting ways. Oberon and Finnian departed for Eldermere while Sebastian and I returned to Nightshade.

"Do you realize how extraordinary you are, my mate?" Sebastian murmured, cradling my hand in his lap and pressing periodic kisses to my knuckles.

"Valeria's the remarkable one - I'm just the fortunate human who gets to host her," I replied.

"I disagree. The human must be worthy of the Guardian spirit just as the wolf is. By that measure, you're exceptional. And we already know Valeria is extraordinary."

The drive passed pleasantly with Sebastian's curated playlist - which I found myself enjoying more each time.

Back at the packhouse, Sebastian turned to me. "I need to check in with Nathaniel and Donovan. Will you be alright alone?"

I chuckled. "Sebastian, what kind of Luna would I be if I couldn't navigate our own pack without you?"

He kissed my forehead before heading off. I made for the kitchens, curious what Penelope had accomplished in my absence. The transformation astonished me - in just days, she'd completely reorganized everything, grouping ingredients by their intended meals.