Chapter 326 Gathering Forces
Chapter 326 Gathering Forces
Sebastian's POV
A week had passed since we'd broken the suppression spell, yet freedom seemed like a distant memory. The hunter threat had transformed my mansion from a sanctuary into a fortress—or perhaps a prison.
"Everyone needs to remain within the mansion grounds," I informed the gathered group in my office. "We can't risk hunters tracking any of our movements."
Raymond leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "What about Eliza and Evelyn? They weren't part of your original plans. I could help them leave—"
"No," I said firmly, cutting him off. "They might unintentionally lead the hunters to other supernatural communities. The risk is too high."
Eleanor, who had been quietly listening from her position next to Gavin, finally spoke up. "What if we send them to Celeste territory? The wolves could protect them there."
Before I could respond, Eliza shook her head. "I've changed my mind. I can't leave Raymond." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "If we separate, I might never see him again."
Raymond's expression softened as he took her hand.
"What about Scarlett and Keisha?" Eleanor persisted. "Could they go stay with Lana Avery?"
Scarlett's green hair seemed to bristle. "Absolutely not. I'm staying right here with all of you."
Keisha nodded firmly beside her. "This is our fight too."
I looked around the room at these humans and supernatural creatures who had become our unlikely family. Each face showed the same determination—they would stand with us, regardless of the danger.
"Everyone's determined to face this crisis together," I observed, unable to hide the pride in my voice.
---
Later that evening, Helena and I reviewed our strengthening defenses.
"Theodore's call for aid has brought over forty vampires who've pledged to stand against the hunters," Helena reported. "Robert and Karina's warriors have significantly bolstered our defense force."
I nodded, feeling a moment of gratitude for these unexpected alliances. "The witch coven leaders and Lana have been fully briefed on the hunter threat. Several witches have volunteered to join our fighting ranks."
"Lana has also contributed three troll and ogre families," Helena added with a hint of amusement. "They'll make formidable additions to our force."
"She's also recruited a clan of goblins from deep in the forest," I said, remembering their gleeful expressions when battle was mentioned. "Naturally warlike, and utterly ruthless. They're also scavengers—they'll handle battlefield remains."
"With this support, victory seems almost certain," Helena observed.
"Almost," I agreed. "But we still need to understand what weapons and personnel we're facing."
"Karina mentioned Axel is secretly gathering that intelligence," Helena reminded me.
---
Each day before dawn, we gathered in the underground training room. The early hour allowed both Raymond and me to participate before sunrise drove us to shelter.
I watched Eleanor as she moved through complex fighting forms. Her movements had become fluid and graceful—almost vampire-like in their precision.
"You move like a true vampire," I commented approvingly.
She smiled, a hint of color touching her ivory cheeks. "I've had excellent teachers."
The early training also reduced the risk of hunter surveillance. Timothy worked exclusively with Olive, teaching him to channel his half-witch abilities into offensive skills. Eliza and Evelyn focused on defensive protection spells.
Keisha, in her elemental form, was teaching Scarlett basic swordsmanship. "Elves have a natural affinity for blade work," she explained as Scarlett awkwardly swung a practice sword.
Most impressive was Aurora. Maximilian and Gavin were teaching her to fight in partial shift form, and she was learning at an astonishing rate.
"She should be her pack's Beta," I remarked to Helena. "She has the instincts for it."
"But she would refuse such a position," Helena replied. "I wonder what her life will be like when she turns away from the hierarchy her nature craves."
---
Later in my study, I found myself staring at reports without reading them, my mind elsewhere.
"I know you're lost in some important daydream," Helena said, interrupting my thoughts, "but I need your focus on this conversation."
I set the papers aside. "Eleanor and Gavin are progressing remarkably well in their training," I said, unable to keep pride from my voice, though my eyes betrayed my concern.
Helena studied me closely. "You don't want them involved in the coming battle."
"It's not that I doubt their abilities," I explained. "I want them to have a chance to be together if something happens to me."
"You and Eleanor could have that chance too, if you both stayed away," Helena pointed out. "Could you live with yourself, knowing you should have been there?"
Her words struck home. Of course I couldn't. Neither could Eleanor or Gavin.
"We fight together," Helena continued softly. "We protect each other. We'll be stronger for it."
I nodded, accepting her wisdom. I wouldn't lose this new family as I'd lost my last. I would protect them all—or die trying.
---
The ringing phone broke the silence. Karina and her intelligence team with news we'd been anxiously awaiting.
"Sebastian," Karina greeted me without preamble. "The hunter numbers are increasing. Most of our communication with Axel has been cut off."
"Is he compromised?" I asked sharply.
"No, just under heavy surveillance. They don't trust newcomers easily. He's gained some status by claiming to hunt Theodore—'Death' himself."
"Clever," I admitted. "What does he need from us?"
"He's requested a meeting to deliver materials and intelligence notes he's gathered. The meeting point must be someone without obvious supernatural features—no pale skin, no intimidating figures."
I considered our options. "I know a nightclub that caters to all species. I can arrange for them to skip the line."
---
"Axel has physical descriptions of Gavin, Olive, Aurora, Maximilian, Eleanor, and you," Karina warned.
Karina's voice came through the speaker. "Axel excels at charming female hunters. He's managed to sleep with most of their women. He seems particularly focused on female targets."
Helena smirked. "Women are always attracted to mysterious, powerful men... he nearly charmed me with that appeal."
"What about Thea?" I suggested.
"If Theodore and his witch need to make an appearance, she could be recognized," Karina pointed out.
"Raymond would never allow Eliza to take such a risk," Helena said. "His protectiveness rivals yours for Eleanor."
I nodded, considering our options. "What about Evelyn? Eleanor could escort her and monitor security cameras from backstage."
As if summoned by my words, there was a soft knock, and Evelyn appeared in the doorway.
"Excuse me," she said hesitantly.
Helena raised an eyebrow. "Why are you here?"
"I was reading the runes, and they directed me here. When I asked where I should go, they pointed to this place."
I gestured to the empty chair across from me, studying her carefully. She was too thin to be a shifter, lacked the sickly pallor some young vampires displayed, and had a natural flush to her cheeks no vampire could mimic.
"Evelyn," I began, "we need someone to meet with our infiltrator at a nightclub."
A scent of nervousness filled the room—the instinctive witch fear of hunters.
"Eleanor will accompany you and ensure your safe return," I reassured her. "You'll be in our sight the entire time."
"That's not what concerns me," Evelyn said, surprising me. "I'm not good with crowds. Nightclubs are full of people."
Helena's expression softened. "You'd only need to stay by the bar. Order drinks on one side, seating on the other."
Evelyn bit her lower lip, clearly torn.
I weighed our limited options. I could send Eleanor with Raymond and Eliza, but how would Raymond react seeing his Solus Amor accept another man's attention?