*Greenwood Territory— Moonrise*
The night settled over Greenwood. No guards paced. No torches burned. The forest lit itself with soft glows from moss-lined paths and pale crystals embedded in the roots.
Crystal sat near the sacred clearing, her back against a thick-barked tree that is older than the packs themselves.
Its roots curled around her, dipping into the earth and pressing against her spine. She could feel the hum of the forest, not just around her but within. Her wolf stirred quietly, as if it too recognized this place.
Veen had marked the ground with a mixture of ash and water, drawing runes. They pulsed faintly, reacting to Crystal’s presence.
Ryder crouched beside her, adjusting the blanket draped across her legs. His armor clinked softly with the movement, but his eyes
