King Ironhide stopped pacing when Hartcrest entered.

“Elder, you’ve returned. These two are…?” His deep voice carried careful caution.

His gaze swept over Jared and Luther, lingering on Jared’s calm, unreadable eyes. Thick brows drew together in wary suspicion.

Hartcrest spoke quickly and quietly—the passage through the Godgrave death range, the fall of the Five Venerables.

The bear king listened without interruption.

When Hartcrest finished, King Ironhide’s eyes widened, black pupils sharpening.

“You truly killed all five?” he demanded, his voice rough as gravel.