*Greenwood Borderlands — Dusk*
Shadows stretched long between the trees and the songs of birds grew distant, replaced by the low rustle of evening winds.
The border patrol was already assembling in pairs… two wolves per stretch of land, the safest way to sweep after the recent battle.
When Thalia approached, her jaw tightened the moment she saw who was waiting for her.
Luca.
He leaned casually against a moss streaked stone, arms folded, expression infuriatingly smug. The fading sunlight caught in his tousled hair, making it look like bronze fire.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Thalia muttered under her breath.
“Nice to see you too,” Luca said, pushing off the stone with easy grace. “Looks like we’re partners.”
“I asked to patrol alone.”
“And I asked for good company. Guess one of
