Chapter 0386

Victor and I retreated to our room early. Though emotionally draining, this weekend had been exactly what we needed. It was the first time in weeks we'd had uninterrupted time together. Once we returned to our pack, the grueling days would resume.

I kept my earlier promise, finishing what I'd started. Reconnecting with my mate felt electric—like shutting out the entire world until nothing existed but us for those precious hours.

Morning came with renewed energy. We joined the others downstairs for breakfast before gathering to test our combined Guardian abilities.

Adrian had objected to Evelyn participating, so Oberon paired me with Seraphina instead.

"Since you've worked with Evelyn before," Oberon said to Seraphina, "let's see if you can channel Isolde's power too."

Seraphina approached, offering her hand. "Ready?"

I nodded, eyeing the warriors who'd volunteered. Oberon instructed us to divide them—half under Seraphina's protection, half under my aura.

"Start by projecting outward like you did with Sebastian," Oberon directed. "Let Seraphina sense your energy first, then slowly extend it as before."

The sensation was bizarre—like having my essence molded by invisible hands. Oberon had us rotate through the group, selecting individuals at random while maintaining both abilities simultaneously.

During the break, we collapsed into our mates' laps. Oberon paced, deep in thought.

"We've successfully used one Guardian to manipulate another's power," he mused. "But now I want to see if a Guardian can temporarily borrow another's gift."

Confused glances darted around the circle.

"What exactly do you mean?" Adrian asked.

Oberon turned to Sebastian and Seraphina. "You both possess my lie detection ability, correct?" They nodded.

Then to me and Victor: "I want to see if Isolde can pull that skill from Valeria to identify falsehoods."

My eyes widened. "You can detect lies?"

Seraphina started to explain, "It tastes like—"

"Don't tell her," Oberon interrupted. "Let's see if she can discern it independently."

After resting, Seraphina and I faced each other, hands clasped.

I swallowed. "What now?"

"Focus on wanting to recognize deception," Oberon instructed. "Have Aurora reach for Valeria." He turned to Seraphina. "Push your gift toward her."

Our wolves surged forward as I closed my eyes, concentrating.

"My name is Oberon." Nothing.

"I am Fae royalty." Silence.

"I rejected my true mate."

A sudden metallic tang flooded my mouth, making me grimace. My eyes flew open to see Seraphina beaming.

"Metal?" I guessed, wiping my tongue.

"Yes! Lies taste like copper."

"Revolting," I muttered.

"Now that you recognize the sensation, let's continue."

We repeated the exercise until the metallic flavor became unmistakable.

"Before switching," Oberon said, "try drawing from Sebastian's ability too."

Sebastian replaced Seraphina, his large hands enveloping mine. Behind me, Victor growled.

"Hush," I murmured without opening my eyes. "You're my only wolf, love."

Aurora reached for Dorian. I tilted my head. "Sebastian's energy feels...different. Darker than Seraphina's. More Alpha power?"

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up when I peeked. "No idea."

"Describe the difference," Oberon pressed.

I closed my eyes again. "Seraphina's gift flows lightly, like silk. Sebastian's is heavier—thick like molten steel. Dorian's presence is...overwhelming."

+15 BONGS

Victor's hands tightened on my hips. I turned to find him glaring at Sebastian over my shoulder.

"I have my own mate, Victor," Sebastian said dryly. "Not stealing yours."

Victor didn't budge.