Chapter 0274

The following days pass in a blur as Seraphina settles into her role as Luna of our pack. Her office takes shape quickly, and she and Genevieve establish an effortless rhythm together. Watching them, you'd swear they'd been preparing for this Luna-Beta partnership their entire lives.

While the threat of war looms over us, an unexpected calm blankets the pack. I've given everything as Alpha—strength, strategy, protection. But strength alone isn't enough. A pack needs a soul, and Seraphina has become ours.

I see the fear in her eyes when she thinks I'm not looking. The unspoken terror that this war might take everything from us. The Moon Goddess wouldn't be so cruel, would she? To finally bring us together, to give me everything I've ever wanted, only to rip it away?

Warrior training progresses without issue. We've started evacuation drills for non-combatants, assigning leaders to each bunker group. Their responsibilities include headcounts and supply management—food, water, medical kits. Everything must be accounted for.

Adrian and I have scouts monitoring vampire movements. So far, nothing. Meanwhile, the Guardians grow stronger daily. Evelyn seems to be the glue holding them together. While Seraphina and Gregory are formidable, Evelyn's presence as their daughter completes the triad in a way nothing else could.

"Alpha." The mind link from my border patrol snaps me to attention.

"Report."

"A visitor at the perimeter demands to speak with you."

"Identity?"

"Claims to be Victor Blackwood."

Victor? What the hell is he doing back? I shipped him out on a bus weeks ago. "Hold him there. I'm on my way."

I reach out to Nathaniel through the link. "Meet me at the southern gate. Now."

When we arrive, Victor paces like a caged animal. He lunges toward me the moment I appear, but my warriors intercept. I wave them off.

"Victor. This is... unexpected."

"They're coming, Sebastian. The vampires." His eyes dart wildly. "I couldn't save your mother, but I won't let history repeat itself."

"Timeframe?"

"Tomorrow. Maybe forty-eight hours if you're lucky."

I nod stiffly. "You have my thanks. Need shelter?"

He shakes his head. "Found my mate north of here."

"Congratulations. Watch your back—steer clear of bloodsucker territory."

With a sharp nod, he shifts and vanishes into the trees.

I turn to Nathaniel. "Mobilize the warriors. Double patrols effective immediately."

A quick call to Adrian confirms he'll reinforce his borders as well.

Back at the packhouse, I stride straight to Seraphina's office. Genevieve stands guard outside, but one look at my face makes her step aside. I enter without knocking.

"Sebastian?" Seraphina reads my expression instantly. "What's wrong?"

Gwendolyn rises from her chair. "I should go."

The moment the door closes, I pull Seraphina against me. Her warmth steadies me.

"Victor just appeared at our border. The vampires move against us. We have one day. Two at most."

Her fingers dig into my arms. "Numbers?"

"Unknown."

I hold her tighter, memorizing the feel of her in my arms. The clock ticks louder now. War comes for us all.