Chapter 0369

Hours pass as I train with Seraphina and Evelyn, learning to channel and control each other's Guardian powers. Then Adrian insists on physical training.

We head toward Gregory and Evelyn's former home. Adrian explains along the way.

"You've mastered your Guardian strength, but your human form needs work. Training both forms will help Aurora too. You might recall Gregory built an entire training facility for Evelyn."

The house comes into view, stirring mixed emotions—joy and sorrow, isolation and belonging. A complicated blend.

Gregory lived here after losing Ivy. Though he had Evelyn and loved her, and Alistair visited weekly, the void of his lost mate never faded. Aurora shares the memory with me.

Victor's brows lift as we approach the impressive outdoor setup. "What is this place?"

"Just the exterior training grounds. There's a full indoor facility too," Evelyn says.

"Gregory constructed it over the years to train Evelyn," I add, recalling Aurora's memories. My fingers trace the equipment. "He worked on it daily while she was at school. It kept him going after Ivy's death. Gave him purpose."

A tear slips down Evelyn's cheek. "Sorry, the memories—"

"Don't apologize." She wipes it away. "Like you said yesterday, knowing something and hearing it confirmed are different. Dad was incredible at training me, and later the pack warriors too."

"I just wish he'd started their training sooner," Alistair remarks, stepping out from the house.

"Hey Dad. We're here to train Isolde and Aurora today, if that's alright."

"Of course. I'll observe."

"You live here now?" I ask.

"Seraphina and I do." He glances at Evelyn. "She's pulling your favorite brownies from the oven in five minutes."

Evelyn's face lights up. "I do have an unstoppable craving for brownies." I catch Adrian's eyes darkening.

"Let's begin before this gets awkward," Sebastian interjects. When Adrian seats Evelyn beside his father, his kiss lingers a beat too long. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.

Sebastian explains the obstacle course while Evelyn chimes in about its unpredictable nature—designed to knock you off balance, forcing intense focus.

"Competition makes training more engaging, Isolde. Any preference who you face?" Sebastian asks.

"I'm training with my mate," Victor declares before I can respond.

Sebastian smirks at Adrian. "Then I guess it's you versus me." He rubs his hands together, eyes gleaming.

Adrian chuckles. "Why not rotate? Isolde needs extended training. We'll each run it three times."

"Isolde, do you remember the course, or should Adrian and Sebastian demonstrate first?" Evelyn asks.

"I remember, but Victor won't."

"I'll manage. Spent nearly two decades in the wild. Unexpected obstacles are nothing new," Victor says.

I shrug. "Alright. And if I recall, the goal is navigating the course and hitting the finish button first?"

"Exactly," the spectators chorus.

Victor and I take our positions. I smirk at him. "Think you can handle me, Alpha?"

His growl answers just as Alistair fires the starter pistol.

In Aurora's memories, Gregory never ran the course himself. He built it, trained on the strength sections, but never attempted the full obstacle run. Completing it now feels like honoring his legacy.