Chapter 148. Return and Revelations

Celeste’s POV

After nearly a month spent in the remote Ironshade village, we were finally on our way home, our heads held high with pride and relief. We had rescued Ardan, the revered Alpha of the local wolf pack, and with his allegiance firmly secured, our strength in the looming battle against the Dreadmaw pack had grown immeasurably. Of course, we all knew in our bones that the Dreadmaw would be plotting some terrible retribution for what we had done. Still, for the moment, we could let that worry lie behind us.

Our return journey shattered all expectations: a single day of travel, start to finish. Every member of our party shifted into their wolf forms—an act that transformed what would normally have been a grueling trek into a swift, effortless sprint. Even Sia, missing one of her limbs, ran at full speed without faltering. I admired her resolve; she refused to let her disability shackle her spirit, and I had no doubt that, inside, she remained every bit as s