*Greenwood Territory — The Deepgroves*
The wind that blew heavily through Greenwood.
Crystal stood at the edge of the grove, her fingers brushing the bark of an old tree. Her mark still pulsed faintly, silver light dancing under her skin. The forest felt closer now, like it breathed with her.
Behind her, Ryder spoke with Veen in low tones. His voice was gravel and steel, the sound of a leader holding too much and refusing to bend beneath it. Crystal turned slightly to watch him.
He caught her gaze and stepped closer.
"You should rest."
Crystal shook her head. “If I sleep, I’ll dream and I’m not ready to go back there yet.”
He reached for her hand. “Then you don’t have to push yourself. You need to prepare.”
Veen joined them, the light filtering through the canopy laying pale patter
