Chapter 31. Golden Wolf’s Fierce Protection

Celeste’s POV

The second day of our reconnaissance mission passed even faster than the first. I felt a dull sadness knowing we’d leave that very night. Deep inside, I longed to stay in that village; its people were genuinely kind and never asked anything of me. I especially liked that everyone remained in human form—no shifting, no surprises. Back when I couldn’t shift at all, I’d been jealous of children who could. But now, able to control my transformation and choosing to stay human, I finally felt I belonged.

Nora continued drilling with her new throwing disks, each spin and release more precise than the last. Sia, by contrast, had already mastered brewing healing potions and was busy perfecting her tinctures. I tried to contribute by seasoning our meals, but I was hopeless at it—every time I cooked, I dumped in too much salt, leaving the meat almost inedible.

Meanwhile, Eryndor returned to the guild to stock up on wolfsbane. It seemed every guild kept a