Chapter 182. Pressing Onward

Eryndor’s POV

The next morning, we were ready to depart—only to have the very same blue messenger bird I had dispatched to the southern werewolves return to us, bearing new correspondence. Auraya was the first among the humans to clamor for permission to hear it, but I refused her request. Instead, I slipped away toward the Poppy Village before anyone could argue.

I told the human contingent that they should go on without me—that I would catch up soon enough. After all, I can sense their auras and follow their trail with ease. The real reason, though, was that I desperately wanted to hear what Celeste had sent. I already knew the bird carried two messages: the first from Daren, and the second from Celeste. I didn’t mind if the others heard Daren’s; it contained nothing sensitive. But Celeste’s note—too personal, too revealing of the Umbra Veil pack’s inner affairs—had to remain private.

When I reached the Poppy Village, I headed straight for Natira’s hut. I