Chapter 0036

Did Adrian get this for me? Why? He barely knows me. Unless... Does he? Could this be some territorial move because Sebastian showed interest? That would explain his reaction yesterday if he felt compelled to claim what another Alpha desires.

This gift stands apart from the rest. No delivery person—just a fae repaying a debt. That alone speaks volumes about the giver's status. And with no card attached, maybe this isn't from my original secret admirer. Maybe it's someone new.

I catch Adrian tilting his head slightly toward me, a silent "You're welcome" in his gaze.

Flustered, I gather my things, clutching the ancient tome to my chest. I tell Nathaniel I'm leaving—he can join me now or find his own ride later. He chooses the latter, so I head straight home to show my father this impossible treasure.

It's beyond anything I imagined. Someone sees me—truly sees me. A Guardian, hungry for her own history, her roots. Someone who understands that to be my best, I must know where I come from. It feels like my soul is laid bare before a stranger.

Could it really be Alpha Adrian? And if so... when did he figure me out?

Dad isn't in the house when I arrive. The rhythmic thud-thud from the training facility guides me. After dropping my bag in the kitchen, I follow the noise, still gripping the book like a lifeline.

The sight inside steals my breath. Dad's blasting music while assembling what looks like a hybrid of a military obstacle course and a gladiator arena. Since when did training an Alpha require this? Clearly, he's decided if I'm competing against Sebastian, we're doing it with stakes—and a timer. A grin tugs at my lips. Tonight just got interesting.

The music cuts off abruptly. "Evelyn? You're home early."

I blink at the chaos. "What is all this?"

Dad smirks. "If I'm training an Alpha and a Guardian, I can't half-ass it."

His gaze sharpens. "Now—why are you here?"

Wordlessly, I hand him the tome. His fingers freeze over the embossed cover, his breath hitching. "Where did you find this?" he whispers.

I explain the fae, the repaid debt, the lack of adornment—no card, no clues.

Dad traces the leather with reverence before locking eyes with me. "Do you understand what this means?"

Oh, I do. It means secrets buried for generations are now within reach. Forgotten Guardian powers. Our origins. Whether we're truly the last. Every question we've ever had—answered.

I smile. "I do. But Dad?" I wait until he meets my gaze. "Now I have a problem. Because whoever did this... they're serious about wanting Selene. And me. And I don't know if I want to resist anymore."