Chapter 40. Clash at the Summit

Celeste’s POV

I had spent endless nights wondering what I’d feel the moment I saw him again. Leon… my former mate. The man I once loved, my childhood friend, the one whose betrayal had disgraced me simply because I was the omega of the pack. In my darkest hours, I imagined that seeing him might stir old feelings—romance, longing—despite the potion that clouded my memories. Or maybe I’d feel a relentless urge for revenge. But now, standing on this rocky mountain pass, I realized I felt nothing for him. My rage had chosen a different target: Lira, my ex-best friend, the one I trusted with my life.

She had betrayed me. Set me up. Almost got me killed, all because she coveted Leon and couldn’t stand the thought of me in his life. If only she’d asked, I’d have stepped aside gracefully—even agreed to be his second mate. But instead she unleashed hell upon me out of jealousy. Unforgivable. Unforgivable.

I took a slow step forward, loose gravel crunching beneath my