Chapter 97: Rising from the Ashes

As the sun rose, casting its golden light over the forest, a sense of calm washed over us, the remnants of our battle fading into the morning mist.

"We did it," Kellan exclaimed, his voice filled with relief and pride. "We defeated the shapeshifter."

I nodded, a sense of satisfaction warming my heart. "But we can't let our guard down just yet," I cautioned. "There may be others out there, waiting to take its place."

Alex's brow furrowed in thought. "She said she wasn't alone," he reminded us, his voice tinged with concern. "There could be more of them out there, lurking in the shadows."

I grimaced, the weight of our new reality settling over me like a heavy cloak. "Then we need to be prepared," I said, determination burning bright in my eyes.

With a renewed sense of purpose, we set about fortifying our defenses, our movements swift and efficient as we prepared for whatever threats may come.

But even as we worked, a sense of unease lingered in the back of my mind, a nagging