*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 ...