Chapter 71. The Seaside Challenge

Celeste’s POV

It’s been three days since we defeated Lucen and saved Eryndor, and yet the squirrels still haven’t sent us back to our side of the forest. That means we remain stuck here as neighbors to the very people we invaded—and nearly killed—their alpha.

We held a victory celebration a few days ago, complete with laughter and dancing, but the animosity lingers, most palpably from Eryndor himself. He’s never been fond of werewolves; he only tolerated members of the Stormclaw pack. So when he spoke the words “…my friend” to me, I nearly burst with joy every time I remembered it.

“Oh, look who’s smiling!” my inner wolf taunted, her voice a sis-sisterly sneer inside my head.

“I’m not smiling,” I replied, even as the corners of my mouth twitched upward. “I’m just—resting my face!”

Leah padded alongside me, her dark fur brushing the dew-damp ground. We were strolling along a winding forest path beneath a canopy of oak and birch, sunlight dancing