Chapter 0405

Isolde steps forward, addressing the gathered Alphas. A collective gasp ripples through the room as Aurora makes her presence known.

"All happily marked and mated," Adrian declares, his voice edged with defiance as he rises. I notice he’s handed Ivy back to Genevieve. He’s prepared for conflict.

Victor’s arm tightens around me possessively. When I glance up, I see Magnus gleaming in his eyes. Adrian’s and Sebastian’s gazes burn with the same warning—their wolves close to the surface. The message is clear: Touch what’s mine, and there will be consequences.

One of the tournament elders stands. "Alphas, no one here intends to challenge your claims. This is a friendly competition. Your mates are marked, and their scents bear your claim. Those paying attention have already noted the three females competing on Alpha Day. Some may have mistaken them for Alpha females, but we all know now—they’re Guardians here to fight. Let’s finish lunch and resume the tournament."

The tension eases. Sebastian guides Seraphina back to our table, though his gaze remains locked on the Alpha who’d eyed her. When they sit, I pass Julian back to Seraphina. It’s as if the entire room suddenly registers the two infants at our table—both belonging to Guardians. The unspoken truth settles over the gathering: We are claimed.

After lunch, packs with remaining warriors return to the arena. Some choose to spectate, while others take the afternoon to let their wolves run free. By 4 PM, only 100 warriors remain—all from our three packs still in contention. By 6 PM, that number dwindles to 50. A few of Adrian’s and Sebastian’s warriors fall to ours, along with a handful of skilled outsiders. By 8 PM, only 10 stand. Victor and I have five warriors fighting; Sebastian has three, Adrian two. The rest have been eliminated.

By 10 PM, it’s over. Our warrior, Gideon, takes first. Victor and I agree to offer him Lead Warrior when we return home. Sebastian’s warrior claims second, Adrian’s third. Both our packs earn extra points for decisive victories or fighting through injuries.

The final rankings flash on the leaderboard:

1st Place: Nightshade Pack – 230 points

2nd Place: Sanctuary Pack – 225 points

3rd Place: Blackthorn Pack – 140 points

Throughout the day, I’ve watched my father. The toddler with him is undeniably his son. His mate is young—early twenties, closer to Seraphina’s age. Old enough to be her father. It makes me wonder: Did she choose this, or was she forced?

I’ve noticed other things too. As a child, I admired my father’s dominance, mistaking brutality for strength. Now, as a Luna bonded to a true Alpha, I understand real power doesn’t demand constant proof. A respected Alpha leads without fear of challenge. His pack trusts him. My father’s doesn’t.

Is this new since my banishment? Or did I simply not see it before?

I’ve also spotted Silas, my father’s former Gamma—the one who let my mother and me escape. I owe him my life. I need to thank him.

Back at the cabins, our warriors celebrate today’s victories. Victor and I check on them, ensuring no harassment from former packmates. A few had been approached earlier, but after the Guardians’ presence became undeniable, the threats ceased.