Chapter 0394

The news came just days after our encounter with the Sylvan Fae. Seraphina had given birth—a strong, healthy boy named after her father and Gregory, who'd been like a second father to her.

Victor kept me busy sparring with tournament hopefuls until he finalized the roster. Two warriors from Adrian's pack, two from Sebastian's, and sixteen from ours made the cut. Victor was already preparing for our week-long absence. The Luna's Challenge spanned four days, plus travel time, concluding with an awards ceremony for the top five packs.

Through mind links, Victor coordinated with Adrian and Sebastian. Our packs would support each other if needed. Both Alphas were leaving their Gammas in charge. Though we hadn't appointed a Lead Warrior, Adrian was bringing Sebastian while Sebastian brought his newly promoted one.

Day one would feature warriors. Lead Warriors and Gammas fought on day two, Betas on day three, Alphas and Guardians on day four. Single elimination rounds each day culminated in final battles. Winners earned points determining pack rankings. Bonus points rewarded exceptional performances—fighting through injuries, instant knockouts. We'd sit out day two, but as first-time competitors, top five wasn't expected. Victor and I aimed for top three, knowing Adrian and Sebastian's packs would dominate. As Guardian, I needed to prove our pack's strength.

Nearing the event, anxiety coiled in my gut. How would I react seeing my father after all these years? Would he even recognize me? Did his new mate know about me or my mother? Maybe he wouldn't show. I could hope.

I was discussing Joel's pepper plants when twin streaks of light shot across our territory toward the packhouse. "Luna! Two fae breached our patrols!" the border guard mind-linked.

"I see them." I sprinted toward the commotion, hearing shrill cries for Alistair. The twins.

They crashed into me the moment I intercepted them. "Lady Luna Isolde! Hunters! In the woods! They took Elara!"

Alistair burst from the packhouse—he'd been meeting them daily. "Oberon's children!" He caught them as they dove at his neck. "What happened?"

"Metal men! They shook Elara! Tore her wing! Threw her in a cage!"

Their words chilled me. Sylvan Fae didn't lie. I tilted my head and unleashed a rallying howl before turning to Alistair. "Get them to the bunker."

Mid-leap, I shifted. Behind me, Alistair soothed the twins as warriors converged from all directions. Ninety-three panicked fae swarmed our border when we arrived. I shifted back, spotting Oberon.

"Oberon! Why is your entire court here?"

"Lady Luna!" The fae king trembled. "We sent Luna and Stella, fearing you'd attack us if we trespassed. The hunters have cages. They're torturing our kind!"

Magnus skidded to my side as I surveyed the terrified fae. "Do you need sanctuary?"

Relief washed over Oberon's face. "Yes, Lady Luna. They've taken so many already..."