Chapter 42. Reincarnation and Accusation

Celeste’s POV

At long last, the summit meeting was about to begin. I stood in the vast torchlit hall, inhaling the cool, echoing air as the final guests assembled. Orren and Tavir were present, both assuming human forms to fit the gathering.

Orren appeared as a slender, light-skinned man wearing a deep green suit; his hair was a dense, tightly coiled black afro that framed his narrow face. Beside him, Tavir moved through the crowd with precise, methodical steps, checking that no one had smuggled weapons inside. All blades and firearms had been deposited with another chaperon waiting outside the hall’s great doors.

Once security confirmed everyone was unarmed, the introductions to the other packs commenced. Naturally, our own Crimson Howl pack had seats near the front. Leon stood with slumped shoulders, looking uncharacteristically disheartened. Ronir’s glare was fixed on Eryndor across the room, and Lira kept her eyes trained on the floor, avoiding mine ent