*Greenwood — The Moonlit Clearing*
Tonight was the Festival of the Moon — a night older than kingdoms, older than dynasties. A night when wolves set aside war and duty, gathering to honor the bond between the packs and the moon that watched over them all.
Crystal stood at the side of the clearing, her heart racing as she took it all in. Lanterns carved from crystal bark hung in the branches, glowing with captured moonlight.
Long tables overflowed with roasted meat, fresh bread, and honeyed fruit. Wolves wore woven garlands of ivy and silver thread, their laughter filled the night.
Once again, Greenwood was filled with joy. Pups darted between legs, warriors clasped each other’s shoulders in greeting, and songs rose toward the stars.
And yet, as Crystal stepped forward, she felt doze
