Chapter 0273

Training to amplify each other's gifts is exhausting, but we're improving by the session. Just as we finish, I catch Sebastian talking to Nathaniel about Genevieve needing a live target. My stomach drops—he's planning to volunteer himself.

He trusts his healing ability, but the thought of him getting stabbed makes my skin crawl. I watch as Nathaniel positions Genevieve in attack stance. Then Dorian lunges.

Genevieve reacts instantly—pure reflex. The knife leaves her hand before she even processes the threat. I track its path. Too fast. He won't dodge in time.

Valeria surges forward before I can think. My body moves on its own. I intercept the blade bare-handed, catching it inches from Dorian's chest.

For one surreal moment, I just stand there, stunned it worked. Then Sebastian shifts back and yells my name like a curse.

"Seraphina!" He wrenches the knife from my grip. "We swore you wouldn't do this again." The blade clatters to the ground as he shakes me. "You promised."

"It wasn't a choice." My voice comes out steadier than I feel. "Valeria acted before I could think. She saw Dorian in danger and—"

Sebastian crushes me against him, his heartbeat wild against my ear. "We're changing tactics. I can't fight distracted, wondering if you'll throw yourself in harm's way." He pulls back just enough to lock eyes with me. "We stay side by side. That's the only way we both keep our vows. I won't lose you."

Adrian and Evelyn join us. Evelyn touches my arm. "She's right, Sebastian. It's instinct. If it were Adrian, I'd have done the same." She gestures between us and Gregory. "We Guardians need to fight close to our mates. Otherwise, we'll break formation trying to protect you."

Sebastian and Adrian exchange a loaded look. "Fine. New battle plan." Adrian tucks Evelyn against his side. "The Betas lead their squads. My father commands his own unit."

"That puts the five of us on the front lines." Adrian's grip tightens on Evelyn. "You don't leave my sight, little Guardian."

The weight of impending battle presses down like a physical force. There will be losses. People I've laughed with, trained with—people who feel like family.

I scan the clearing—my Guardian sisters, Adrian's family and pack, Nathaniel, Genevieve, Donovan, our warriors. Who won't make it home? How much blood will buy our victory? What if we lose?

If Evelyn, Gregory and I are captured... Evelyn and I might not survive our mates' deaths. But Gregory would be left alone.

And Genevieve. She's just starting to feel safe again. Could she endure another nightmare?

Sebastian's arms wrap around me as my thoughts spiral. "Breathe." His voice cuts through the panic. "I know it's brutal, but you can't let it consume you. War is ugly. Messy. But we will win." His lips brush my temple. "Those parasites won't take what's ours."

I cling to him like he's the only solid thing in a crumbling world. Because he is. When the fight comes, it'll be him and me. Together in life. Together in death.