A year passed in relative peace.
The sanctuary thrived, hosting hundreds of supernatural beings seeking healing, training, or refuge. Adrian's reputation grew—he was no longer just "the young Coordinator" but "the Coordinator who defeated a demon lord," "the healer who saves bloodlines," "the bridge between species."
Li Wei and Hao were happy, their bond strong. They'd even started talking about eventually siring their own fledglings, building their own family.
Wei's pack had grown, incorporating wolves who'd lost their original packs in various conflicts. She ruled them with firm compassion, and they adored her.
The sanctuary's library had become legendary—the largest collection of supernatural knowledge in existence, open to all species.
But the entity's return loomed. Every supernatural being felt it—the wrongness growing stronger, reality's barriers weakening, the inevitable confrontation approaching.
"Three months," Adrian announced at a Congress meeting. "Maybe four. The entity will fully manifest by winter solstice."
"Then we have three months to finalize preparations," Elena said. "To train our last recruits, strengthen our final defenses, make peace with what's coming."
The coalition mobilized completely. Every supernatural being not actively defending something else joined the effort. It was the largest gathering of supernatural forces in recorded history.
"We're ready," Kieran said one evening, reviewing their preparations. "As ready as we can be."
"I hope it's enough," Adrian replied.
"It will be. Because we have something the entity doesn't—choice. It's driven by hunger alone. We fight for love, for future, for each other. That makes us stronger."