Chapter 217. Assault of the Deltas

Celeste’s POV

On the castle grounds, Zephyr wasn’t the only Dreadmaw pack delta present. To the west, Nyra, Sylin, Faela, Kaien, Miranda, Ronir, and Astrid were arrayed in battle formation, facing down Myrrha—protector of the valley. The tension crackled as the wind whipped through the ancient stones and the low drizzle began to patter.

“Oh my, all you darlings here for me,” Myrrha drawled, voice dripping with false sweetness. “I don’t think I’ll be able to handle all of you…”

Before she could finish, four thick roots burst from the earth at her feet. They wriggled upward, weaving themselves into perfect duplicates of Myrrha.

The real sorceress tilted her head, amused. “Now I believe I can manage,” she said, voice matching her mirror images.

Nyra squared her shoulders. Sia had warned her about Myrrha’s abilities—and had even provided antidotes for the valley witch’s deadly toxins. She was grateful to have allies at her side. It was an unexpected