Chapter 82. Ambush for Nimbusken

Celeste’s POV

Alpha Ardan looked visibly better after receiving the black antidote, and Sia made absolutely sure that no one could slip him any more poison. She insisted he eat only fruit until we returned—after all, white poison can’t contaminate fruit, so any further attempts at poisoning were effectively neutralized.

By the time we were ready to move on, Nyra had finally grown tired of the endless climbing and rejoined us. Our plan was to delve even deeper into the forest in search of the medicinal herbs. Lorian said he’d spotted them in two distinct areas, so we split into two teams: Nyra and I would head west, while Sia, Lorian, and the Goddess Rene would strike east, toward a small clearing where the jungle thinned.

We had all been nervous about encountering the giant tigers rumored to roam these parts—but those fears evaporated the moment Nyra landed a single, bone-shattering punch that sent the entire pride fleeing in terror. I suppose that’s what ha