*Greenwood Territory — Border Stones*
The wind moved with more intensity, the moment they stepped beyond the moss-covered runes.
But unlike Weeping Valley, Greenwood felt… different. The forest didn’t resist them.
Ethan slowed first.
Crystal glanced at him, noting how his steps grew hesitant. His gaze swept across the high trees, the thick-stone boundary and the distant sound of life — training weapons clashing, water splashing, children laughing faintly somewhere beyond the trees.
There was a pack here. A functioning one with life thriving among the trees.
“You’ve been here before,” she said softly.
Ethan nodded once. “Yes. I didn’t stay long, but…”
His voice trailed off.
“But what?” Crystal asked.
“I scented my mate here,” he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. “But I neve
