*Dust*
I stay beside River, my heart pounding in my chest as we walk through the dense forest that surrounds the pack grounds. The towering trees loom above us, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze, and I feel a strange sense of comfort in the wild embrace of nature. It’s almost as if the forest knows something I don’t yet grasp… a secret waiting to be revealed.
River’s grip on my hand is warm and reassuring, grounding me as we make our way deeper into the woods. I glance up at him, searching his expression for any sign of doubt, but all I see is determination. His resolve strengthens my own, and I draw in a breath, inhaling the scent of pine and damp earth mixed with the heady aroma of adventure.
“Are you sure this is the right way?” I ask, my voice a mix of excitement and nerv
