Chapter 0275

"Not yet. Our scouts haven't spotted them approaching, but according to Victor's intel, they could arrive any moment now."

I pull Seraphina closer, breathing in her scent. "Tonight, I need you to ensure the bunker and safe rooms are fully prepared. I'll announce to the pack that the vampire threat is imminent. Everyone designated for shelter must be ready to move at a moment's notice."

"Consider it done, Sebastian." Her arms tighten around me. "I love you."

"I love you too."

We work tirelessly until the early hours, collapsing into bed exhausted. Dawn barely breaks when a sharp mind link jolts me awake.

"Alpha! Urgent situation at the Blackthorn Pack border!"

"On my way. Alert Beta Nathaniel to meet me there."

I leap from bed, yanking on sweatpants I know I'll discard seconds later to shift. Seraphina sits up instantly. "What's happening?"

"Border disturbance. I have to go."

"I'm coming with you."

"Seraphina—"

"We promised, Sebastian. No separation during this fight. I'm coming."

No time to argue. I nod sharply.

Outside, we strip and shift in unison, racing toward the border. An unfamiliar scent hits my nostrils—crisp as winter's first frost, sharp as glacial ice. "Fae," Seraphina links.

We arrive simultaneously with Adrian. My breath catches.

Five hundred fae warriors stand in flawless formation, each wielding pearlescent spears taller than their seven-foot frames. Their ethereal height makes them resemble Tolkien's elves brought to life.

I shift back, positioning myself protectively before Seraphina. Though nudity doesn't bother shifters, no one looks at what's mine. She tosses me my sweats once dressed.

"I'm Alpha Sebastian of Nightshade Pack. This is Alpha Adrian. Explain your presence."

The lead warrior steps forward. "King Oberon sends his regards. To honor our alliance, he dispatches 550 warriors to aid the Guardians against the vampire horde."

Adrian's stunned expression mirrors my own.

"Your assistance is deeply appreciated," Adrian recovers first. "Though our alliance required no such demonstration."

I glance at the canyon. "We can arrange accommodations—"

"Unnecessary." The fae interrupts. "King Oberon provided supplies. We understand the battle will occur in yonder canyon?"

"Correct."

"Then we'll encamp there unless you object to our early positioning."

"None whatsoever," Adrian answers for us both.

The fae leader bows slightly. Seraphina steps forward, extending her palm skyward in a fae greeting. The warrior mirrors the gesture without making contact. "King Oberon sends his personal regards, Guardian."

She nods before turning to me. "I should return. Are we finished here?"

"We're good," Adrian and I say in unison.

After ensuring the fae have everything needed, I'm about to leave when another mind link shatters the calm.

"Alpha! They're coming! Thousands of them!"