Chapter 0390

Isolde returned from the mate gathering with sixteen new pack members. Six warriors and ten omegas. Leopold immediately assigned quarters to the fighters and began their training regimen, evaluating each one's combat skills. The adjustment period was rough—our pack was still young and unpolished. But soon, they embraced the challenge, thriving under the purpose we gave them.

The omegas integrated seamlessly. With our rapid expansion, their skills were in high demand. Some chose to build homes while others explored business ventures. Their excitement was palpable—this was a fresh start.

Of the ten members who visited potential mates, all chose to stay in those packs. Once they saw how Adrian, Evelyn, Sebastian, and Seraphina led with fairness, their decision was easy. Having familiar faces in each pack made the transition smoother.

Construction progressed over the next month. After Theodore recovered, Donovan and Seraphina completed the hospital's framework. Now, with two new medical apprentices from the gathering, Seraphina worked on final details while teaching them.

As housing expanded, packhouse rooms freed up. Donovan repurposed the first-floor omega quarters into a nursery and orphanage. He also broke ground on Main Street, starting with an open-air marketplace.

Thirty hens proved insufficient. Isolde acquired 150 more, plus a rooster. She separated breeding hens from layers, ensuring controlled reproduction.

We held an initiation ceremony for new mates and sanctuary seekers. With increasing arrivals, Isolde and I instituted monthly rites.

Our Blackthorn visit showcased Isolde's growing power. Her synergy with Aurora and the other Guardians intensified. She carefully moderated energy draws from Evelyn and Seraphina to protect their pregnancies. I wondered how their dynamic would shift post-birth.

During training, Aurora channeled power to Magnus. I attempted another mind link with Leopold—and succeeded. We even reached distant patrols.

Isolde checked on former pack members thriving in Blackthorn. She invited them to share experiences at future gatherings, easing transitions for new mates.

Two weeks later, little Ivy arrived during a difficult delivery. Our presence proved fortuitous—Seraphina's healing saved both mother and child. Afterward, Isolde replenished Seraphina's energy.

We'd speculated about the fae-Guardian connection. Then Oberon recognized Ivy as Finnian's mate, explaining his earlier fascination with Evelyn. Fae mating worked differently than wolves'. Seraphina revealed Oberon had lost his Guardian mate a century prior, making Finnian's bond unsurprising.

Evelyn's melancholy vanished when cradling Ivy. Adrian simply looked relieved they'd survived childbirth. Finnian assisted somehow—though Seraphina and Sebastian remained tight-lipped about his exact role. When Finnian returned to Oberon, their silent communication preceded a swift departure.

Luna's Challenge approached. I selected our first ten competitors. Isolde and I would represent as pack alphas. Despite being wolfless, Leopold's strength earned him a spot. Lillian showed promise too. Other standouts included one of Adrian's former warriors, eager to best old packmates. Donovan wanted to compete, but Seraphina needed him to complete the hospital and handle medical emergencies. He'd manage the pack in our absence.

Sebastian and Seraphina hosted a second gathering a week before her due date. Twenty-five new pairs emerged, requiring another reshuffle. Isolde and I agreed to host the next event post-tournament. Our growing community was something to showcase.

As I finalized paperwork, a mind link interrupted.

"Alpha. Unidentified beings at the border," Leopold reported. "They're requesting Luna Isolde specifically."

"Not me?"

"Only her, Alpha."

"On our way."

I found Isolde searching for me. "You heard?"

She nodded. "Let's see who's asking for me." We sprinted toward the waiting strangers.