Chapter Fifty-Seven: Victorious Return

Coming home should have been rewarding, welcoming even.

But as I stood there, why did I feel like I was lost in the background?

I watched as the celebrations took place, as the villagers gathered around in rowdy crowds of excitement at our victory and safe return.

Alpha Morax held up the relic for all of them to see. Food and drink were given among the masses, laughter filling the air. Wood that was being used to rebuild cottages from the fire had been repurposed as dance floors, and I had never seen the Aconite Clan so lively.

So why, even though I was a key part of our almost unblemished victory, was I standing off to the side? While they all celebrated… her.

I watched as Angelica took the center of the field, surrounded by people who were shocked and delighted to see she was still alive and well. Her hair was laced with flowers and threaded like silken rope throughout her strands. While I couldn’t fault them for being happy, what stung the most was that Morax was standing tall