*Greenwood Territory — Southern Glade*

The path to the southern glade was rougher, less worn.

It twisted through the earth, overgrown and tangled with creeping vines. It wasn't a trail meant for many. The deeper they went, the thicker the silence became. It wasn't empty but expectant.

Ethan led the group, his eyes scanning every shadow. His attention kept flicking to Alia, who walked beside him with a stillness that wasn’t shy, just steady. Her presence grounded him in ...