Chapter 147. Respite in Ironshade

Celeste’s POV

I awoke as if from an age-long slumber, the comforting softness of the Ironshade village beds still cradling me in a lingering haze of rest. Strange how the simple touch of carefully woven linens in a treehouse could feel nothing short of miraculous after our grueling ordeal.

I rolled onto my side and peeked through half-lidded eyes at the wooden beams above, the early dawn light filtering in through the gaps, dust motes drifting lazily in the gentle glow. The Ironshade villagers truly knew how to welcome a weary traveler—or in our case, two she-wolves battered almost to ruin.

With a deep, stretching yawn, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and planted my feet on the cool wooden floor. My joints popped and cracked in protest, as though they were rusty hinges finally coaxed into motion after years of neglect. I propped myself up on one elbow, then rose, methodically extending each arm and leg until the dull ache of immobility subsided int