Chapter 0385

We pause for our midday meal, and I seize the chance to pull my mate onto my lap. The chaos in our pack has kept us apart too much recently, but here in the Fae realm, I intend to make up for lost time.

"Victor, really?" Isolde gives me that exasperated look I adore. I simply grin, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose before sliding her plate closer so she can eat while nestled against me.

From across the clearing, Seraphina muffles a laugh in Sebastian's embrace. "Told you you'd never sit in an actual chair." Sebastian murmurs something that makes her cheeks flame crimson, his smug satisfaction evident.

Once we've eaten, Oberon proposes testing our mind-link capabilities. "As Guardians and their mates, your range should exceed normal werewolf limits," he explains, leading us back to the training area.

He begins with Isolde. "Try contacting someone in your pack. Focus on someone you share a strong bond with."

Her brow furrows in concentration before she shakes her head. "Nothing."

"Now channel Aurora's Guardian strength," Oberon instructs. "Let her power amplify your connection like before."

I watch as Isolde's eyes flutter closed. A minute later, she gasps. "Rosalind says they're serving lasagna tonight!" She turns to me, amazed. "We had a full conversation."

"Impressive," Oberon nods before turning to me. "Your turn, Victor."

"But I don't have a Guardian spirit."

"True, but Magnus can lend his strength. The mate bond grants you access to shared abilities."

I reach out to Magnus through our link. 'Think we can manage this?'

'Let's try. I'll push everything I have toward your connection. Start with Leopold, then Donovan if needed.'

Closing my eyes, I focus on Leopold's familiar presence. For a fleeting moment, I sense him before the connection fades.

'Switch to Donovan,' Magnus suggests.

This time, the link snaps into place with startling clarity. "Alpha? You're back?" Donovan's mental voice rings with surprise.

"Still in Blackthorn. Testing long-distance linking."

"That's... damn impressive. Anything urgent?"

"Just training. Oh, and I nearly reached Leopold. Is he nearby?"

"On perimeter patrol, Alpha."

"Good to know." I break the connection and grin at Isolde. "Medical supplies arrived for Seraphina."

Oberon's eyes gleam with satisfaction. "Now for the real test. Isolde, try reaching Leopold."

She succeeds effortlessly. "He's definitely on patrol," she confirms.

"Excellent. Now join hands. Isolde, have Aurora channel energy toward Magnus. Victor, attempt Leopold again."

Our fingers intertwine. Sweat beads on my brow as we strain against the limits of our connection. After several failed attempts, a throbbing headache forces us to stop.

"Perhaps this particular synergy isn't possible," Oberon muses. "We've confirmed you can amplify Guardian abilities, but enhancing a mate's innate gifts may have limits."

He dismisses us for the day. "Tomorrow we'll focus on Guardian enhancements before your departure. Finnian and I will document today's findings."

As the Fae king and prince retreat, I nuzzle Isolde's hair. "Think we should warn the kitchen about lasagna night?"

Her laughter is the sweetest sound in any realm.