Chapter 0276

I sprint back to the packhouse and immediately mind-link the leaders of each safe room. "Status report. Are we fully prepared? War is upon us."

Once confirming our readiness, we begin rounding up all pack members. Those who need extra time—the elderly, the injured—are directed to their designated shelters now.

One she-wolf is in active labor. I've stationed a doctor in her safe room along with others who might need medical attention.

Just as I'm helping the last group settle in, Sebastian's urgent voice pierces my mind. "Seraphina, where are you?"

"Securing the vulnerable members," I reply.

"They're coming. Sunset. I'm returning now. Initiate lockdown procedures."

Moments later, his command echoes through the pack link—a call to arms.

I change into combat gear swiftly. Passing Valeria's room, I scent her nearby—in Nathaniel's quarters. My knock is answered instantly.

"It's time," I say. "Grab your go-bag. Now."

Her eyes widen but she moves without hesitation.

"Luna!" Nathaniel's panicked mind-link hits me.

"I have her," I assure him. "Bunker-bound."

"Did she pack her blades? She fights better armed."

I turn to Valeria. "Nathaniel's asking about your knives."

She taps her thigh where twin daggers are strapped. "Always."

At the bunker entrance, I hand her a clipboard with evacuation protocols. "Seal the doors when the last person enters. No exceptions."

"Understood. Go!"

The packhouse floods with warriors saying tearful goodbyes. Pups cling to parents; mates share desperate embraces. Near the exit, Nathaniel barrels in and sweeps Valeria into a crushing hug. Their kiss is fierce, final—a silent promise to survive.

My chest tightens. Not all of us will keep that promise tonight.

Sebastian's right—this war isn't just about me or Evelyn and Gregory anymore. Valeria's safety, every human mate's survival, hangs in the balance. As Luna, my duty is clear: stand with my Alpha, protect our pack, honor our alliance with Adrian's Blackthorn Pack. Even without treaties, Oberon's bond with Valeria would compel me to fight for them.

Nathaniel jogs over after releasing Valeria, jaw set. "Ready, Luna?"

I nod. "Move out."

As we race toward Black Canyon, I spot warriors diverging from our path. "Where—"

"Sebastian's orders," Nathaniel cuts in. "Reinforcing perimeter weak spots. No vampires reach those bunkers."

Smart. Hostages would be catastrophic.

He grabs my arm abruptly when we reach the staging area. The canyon yawns before us—our battleground under the blood moon.