Chapter 53 | Lycan's Crown
Neal, Jinzo, and I stood at the edge of the square, watching as the townspeople gathered under the fading light of the day. Festive decorations draped over the stone walls, lanterns glowing softly as the evening crept in. Posters of the commanders, and even Xianne and I, hung from makeshift stands—faces of victory. My chest tightened with a strange mix of pride and hope. It warmed my heart to see how Ironwatch had pulled this celebration together, despite everything, and how in victory, people found the strength to keep going. To keep fighting.
If only we can stop the Lycan for good. The thought weighed on me. Maybe then, these celebrations won't just be brief pauses between battles, but real moments of peace. I wanted this for them. For all of us. For Xianne.