Chapter 88

"I am incredibly proud of you. You remained calm and composed, facing the moment head-on and coming out victorious."

"Thank you." I found myself at a loss for words. This new Xavier was disorienting, and although I was overjoyed with the unexpected changes, I couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed. Whatever it was, I knew I wanted to remember it, just in case he retracted into his former self.

As we entered the outskirts of town, we reached the desolate area filled with ramshackle structures. This was no man's land—a chaotic assembly of shifters disconnected from any pack. Some were outcasts, others were dishonored, and a few chose independence for various reasons. Yet, none of them were wanted; had they been, they would have received help and lived within the bounds of proper territory.

One undeniable truth remained: like me, they lived without basic comforts. Tattered tents lined both sides of the path, and their occupants appeared neglected. Rusted garbage can