Akira watched the trees pass through the truck window, cataloging scents even through the glass. Pine, cedar, animal trails—these woods were healthy. Not like the sickness she smelled near human cities. These forests remembered the old ways.
When they crossed the boundary marked by wooden totems, she felt it immediately—a shift in the energy, subtle but unmistakable.
Territory with proper guardians. Protected. Jimmy had explained his mother's people were bear-shifters mostly, with some moose-clan mixed in. Strong protectors for forest lands.
Twelve thousand winters had taught her to recognize good territory. This place had power.
"We're home," Jimmy said softly, his earlier tension melting away. "My mother's territory."
Kova stirred in her lap, small nose working as he caught the new
