Chapter 0280

Prince Damien sends his first wave crashing toward us. Hundreds of bloodthirsty vampires surge forward. Evelyn, Gregory and I combine our powers, but the energy drain is immediate and brutal. We barely manage to eliminate the first assault before the second wave breaks through our defenses. By the third onslaught, we're forced to separate and fight individually.

We hold our formation as long as possible. I catch glimpses of Adrian and Sebastian hurling vampires toward Gregory like lethal projectiles. The man is an unstoppable force. Even confined to his modified wheelchair, he's slaughtering more vampires than most able-bodied warriors. Valeria remembers his prime - stronger than any Alpha, a living legend.

The psychic backlash of pack deaths hits me like physical blows. I've never held rank, yet each fallen warrior's final howl echoes through my soul before their life force extinguishes. The agony threatens to overwhelm me.

Then my Guardian instincts take over. Centuries of combat knowledge floods my consciousness. Valeria has battled vampires before - we know exactly where to strike. We become a whirlwind of death, dispatching monsters faster than they can regenerate.

I fight my way toward Sebastian, even as the tide separates us from Evelyn, Adrian and Gregory. I trust Adrian will protect his pregnant mate, though I understand Evelyn's need to stand with us. We're the power they fear. This is our war to win.

Sebastian is magnificent. Dorian's strength radiates through him, proving why Alphas lead. He cuts through vampires with terrifying precision, his every movement lethal.

When three vampires simultaneously attack Sebastian, Valeria reacts before I can think. She launches us forward, decapitating one creature mid-leap with a single swipe. The headless corpse disintegrates before hitting the ground.

Oberon's fae warriors fight valiantly, but many already lie motionless. My heart shatters knowing these ancient beings have met their final sunset.

A pained howl from Sebastian snaps my attention. As Valeria turns to aid him, the stench of decay assaults my senses. Prince Damien. The bastard exploits my split-second distraction, seizing us by the throat.

"There's my exquisite little Guardian," he purrs, rancid breath washing over my face. "How I've longed to taste you properly." His gaze flicks to Sebastian just before his fangs pierce my neck. White-hot agony erupts through my nervous system.

'Valeria, shift now! He can't maintain his grip on our smaller form.' We transform mid-air, ignoring Damien's startled curse. My skull connects with his nose as I regain human form, forcing him to release my bleeding neck.

"Seraphina, down!" Sebastian's warning comes just in time. I duck beneath his swinging fist as it crunches into Damien's temple. The vampire I wounded earlier still twitches at my feet. My claws extend, severing its head in one clean motion.

When I look up, Sebastian has Damien restrained. My mate offers me the killing blow, understanding my need for vengeance. This monster tormented me for years - the privilege of ending him belongs to me alone.

Unlike with Malachi, I know precisely how to destroy this creature. My fist drives upward beneath his ribcage. Valeria's claws extend internally, puncturing vital organs as we grasp his unbeating heart. Damien's expression is almost comical - the arrogant prince never imagined his prey would turn predator.

I want him to comprehend his worthlessness as I tear his heart free. This parasite brought nothing but suffering to our world. No remorse floods me as I crush the shriveled organ in my fist, watching his body disintegrate to ash.

Sebastian pulls me against his chest. His embrace anchors me, preventing my mind from spiraling into darkness. The battle's tide has turned - we're winning, though the cost is steep.

Then I see it.

Malachi has Gregory in a death grip, fangs buried in his throat. With a vicious jerk, the vampire rips out Gregory's esophagus, blood cascading down his chin. Malachi tilts his head back in ecstasy, savoring his feast.

The Guardian bond between us snaps. I feel Gregory's life extinguish just as Evelyn does. Her anguished scream precedes the shockwave of raw power erupting from her body. This uncontrolled energy surge will kill everyone nearby.

"SEBASTIAN!"

I leap into his arms, wrapping my protective aura around him. I extend the shield toward as many wolves and fae as possible before Evelyn's power bomb detonates. The concussive force slams into us like a freight train. I absorb the brunt of the impact, shielding my mate and allies until darkness consumes me.

Hundreds of miles away, in a modest apartment, another Guardian's eyes snap open.