Chapter 0249

Sebastian's comments about my father initially infuriated me. When we fought, I channeled all that rage into every strike. His ability to match me surprised me - Valeria's combat knowledge surfaced vividly during our clash.

By the time Adrian proposed sparring, my anger had dissipated. I focused entirely on analyzing his movements, exploiting openings with precision. The successful takedown pleased me more than I expected.

After Sebastian suggests daily training sessions with the warriors, inspiration strikes. "Bring Evelyn and Gregory tomorrow," I tell Adrian.

His brow furrows. "Why?"

"Three Guardians versus your warriors would make excellent practice."

"Absolutely not. Evelyn's pregnant, and Gregory..." He gestures vaguely at the wheelchair.

"First," I counter, "No one would dare lay a finger on Evelyn. Valeria knows her daughter's capabilities. Second, if you think a wheelchair diminishes Gregory's skills, you severely underestimate your father-in-law."

Donovan interjects. "She's right about Gregory. When Victor attacked with those rogues, we kept throwing them his way. He dismantled them like a seasoned warrior. Mobility limitations didn't hinder him at all." Several Blackthorn warriors nod in agreement.

Adrian exhales sharply. "Fine, they'll come. But Evelyn won't spar."

"Of course," I reply quickly, turning away before he sees my smirk. Evelyn will have her own opinions about that.

Sebastian reaches for my hand, pressing his lips to my knuckles. "Truce?"

"Truce."

His grin turns playful. "Race back as wolves?"

Valeria practically vibrates with excitement. 'Yes! Now!'

Laughing, I translate, "That's an enthusiastic yes from Valeria."

"Last one to the packhouse misses dessert," Sebastian declares mid-shift, his clothes shredding as Dorian bursts forth, already sprinting.

'Cheater!' Valeria snarls as I transform, letting her take control.

She stretches into a full run, muscles coiling with newfound power. Dorian notices her gaining ground and accelerates. Valeria moves faster than ever before - her speed astonishes even me. At the cliff base, she scales the rock face with impossible agility, reaching the summit first.

We're nearly to the packhouse when Dorian tackles us. Valeria rolls gracefully to her feet, darting for the back door despite Dorian nipping at her heels. Someone opens the door just in time - she barrels through, howling triumph as we bound upstairs.

We pause briefly to nuzzle Genevieve on the staircase before skidding to a stop outside our room.

Behind us, I hear Genevieve ask Nathaniel, "What was that about?"

"Seraphina and Sebastian racing," he explains. "Looks like Seraphina won. The white wolf was Valeria - she stopped to thank you for helping Seraphina during the coven ordeal. The tawny one was Dorian."

I shift back, heading straight for the shower. Sebastian follows close behind. "I won," I announce, pulling him in with me.