Chapter 0431

I quickly wipe away my tears as Thomas and Elara disappear into the house. That little sprite has a way of tugging at my heartstrings like no other. They're all precious, but Elara...there's something special about her.

"You have our deepest gratitude, Oberon." I approach the Fae king, my voice thick with emotion.

He waves a dismissive hand. "No thanks necessary. As Luna of your pack, you'd move mountains for those under your protection. I'm no different—just my methods vary from yours, Isolde. Though perhaps not as much as you might think."

Turning to the remaining sprites, Oberon asks, "Does anyone else require my attention before I begin training with the Guardians?"

A chorus of tiny voices erupts:

"Your Majesty, might we have more time with you?"

"We just want to be near your presence!"

"We promise not to disturb you!"

"We could assist with your work!"

I sense Victor's patience thinning and quickly intervene. "Why don't you all join us for dinner tonight? We'll eat in the garden, and you can tell King Oberon about your experiences with our pack. Those who attended the mating ceremony can share those stories too."

The sprites erupt in delighted chatter:

"Thank you, Luna Isolde!"

"We'll return at sunset!"

"We'll bring our finest nectar!"

As they flutter away, Oberon gives me an approving look. "You manage them beautifully."

I shrug. "Their intentions are pure. I know they irritate some." My gaze flickers to Victor. "But they're gentle souls at heart."

"The sprites have always adored werewolves," Oberon explains when Seraphina asks about their connection.

He watches the retreating sprites with a thoughtful expression. "They're peaceful creatures with little means of defense. Historically, wolves protected sprites while sprites acted as lookouts. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement." His lips quirk. "And as you've witnessed, they make remarkable mates. Sprites cherish their partners in ways we wolves appreciate, while wolves provide the security sprites crave. They actually enjoy our possessive nature—makes them feel valued."

"Exactly right." Sebastian appears behind Seraphina, wrapping her in his arms. "A true mate is our most sacred treasure. Those who don't cherish that bond don't deserve it."

Oberon strokes his chin. "I've been wondering...perhaps this generation of Guardians is stronger because you've found your fated mates. Your mates empower you, but you yourselves seem more powerful too. Only time will tell."

"Time will tell for you," Adrian remarks dryly. "We won't be around to see it."

"Fair point," Oberon chuckles. "Shall we begin?"

Valeria steps forward. "What's our focus today?"

The Fae king turns to me. "I understand you channeled power from Valeria and Seraphina. Describe that experience."

I explain the color visualization—how their auras blended with mine. Oberon nods as if this confirms his suspicions.

"So Aurora's power manifests as red. As the progenitor, her energy dominated Valeria's orange aura. Evelyn's directing ability created yet another hue that merged with yours, forming something entirely new. And you harnessed all three simultaneously."

"Precisely."

"Healing energy presents as gold—like the glow when I treated Elara. I'm curious if you could locate Evelyn's healing abilities and draw from them."

+15 BONDS

I exchange a worried glance with Seraphina. "She's expecting, and last time the power drain knocked us unconscious. We can't risk the baby." I note Sebastian's relieved exhale.

Oberon studies me intently until I fidget under his gaze. "Then perhaps," he finally says, "you should practice with me instead."

"With you?" My voice cracks on the words.