#Chapter 540: Return

Nina The portal shimmered and swirled in front of us, waiting for us to enter. We had found our way to a nearby forest clearing, where the veil was thin enough for Luke and I to open the portal. Kai stood beside us, leaning on his walking stick, and cast me a somewhat somber look as I approached. “Thank you,” he said, “for all you’ve done for us. You’ll be missed.” I felt my cheeks tinge a slight shade of red at his kind words. “There’s no need to thank me. This was all my fault, anyway—” Before I could finish, Kai held up a hand and narrowed his eyes. “It’s not your fault. You did your best.” “But—” “Enough,” Kai cut me off again. “I won’t hear any more of it.” There was a brief silence, during which Kai and I simply stared at each other. Then, suddenly, he broke out into a gravelly laugh and pulled me in for an unceremonious—and rather out of character—hug. “We hope to see you soon, wolf girl,” he said softly. “You’re always welcome here.” I couldn’t help b