Lily POV
Celeste's arm was steady around my shoulders as we descended the stairs, her presence grounding me when everything else felt like it was spinning out of control. My legs felt weak, like they might give out at any moment, and I was grateful for her support.
We'd just reached the bottom of the staircase when Uncle Tobias's voice stopped us.
"We can't leave."
Celeste and I both turned to look at him. He stood a few steps behind us, his face grave and thoughtful in a way that made my stomach twist with fresh anxiety.
"What do you mean we can't leave?" Celeste asked, her voice filled with confusion. "You just said Lily needed to get somewhere safe. Those wolves could come back with reinforcements at any moment."
"They won't," Uncle Tobias said quietly, his gaze moving between Celeste and me. "Not tonight. Maybe not ever, as long as she stays here."
