Chapter 74. Oracle’s Dire News

Celeste’s POV

At long last, the enchanted glow that sustained our tether to the squirrels flared back to life, signaling that the squirrels’ magic had returned. In that same moment, we prepared to bid farewell to the neighbors forced upon us for far too long. The air crackled with bittersweet emotion.

Ayra was already sobbing at the thought of Nora’s departure, her tears spilling freely down her cheeks. The others wore sorrowful expressions, their eyes heavy with regret over the coming separation. Only Cira seemed immune to such sadness—she greeted Nora’s imminent exit with a bright, almost triumphant smile, as if parting with a long-lived nuisance.

Just then, Lucen strode forward, determined to have his say before any of us left the clearing. He spread his arms wide, his expression earnest.

“Remember, dear Nora,” he called, raising his voice so everyone could hear, “even though you rejected me, you will always have a place here!” His tone was half-jok