chapter 25

In the early morning, the neighborhood's alleyways were teeming with people. Everyone had gathered around the gigantic, stiff wolf lying on the ground, its fur still tinged with the night's dampness. The ordinary hunters, proud of their supposed victory, boasted without restraint.

"We got him, that monster was only a matter of time," one of them said, tapping his rifle.

"He was fast, but not fast enough for us," another added.

The stories grew increasingly glorious, each person embellishing their role in this supposed hunt. The villagers applauded them, relieved to finally be rid of the threat.

But in the shadows of an alleyway, Kaelen watched the scene silently. He had managed to divert attention, but something gnawed at him. This wasn't their victory. This wasn't a triumph, just an illusion he had woven. And he knew that this lie, however well orchestrated, would eventually collapse.

Alma stood behind Kaelen, her gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before her. The villagers, stil