*Greenwood — Moonlit Clearing*

Alia sat with the other healers earlier, sorting herbs, her hands moving mechanically while her thoughts refused to settle.

When the laughter of the younger wolves around the fire grew too loud for her restless mind, she slipped away, her feet moved along a winding path lit only by the pale silver of the moon.

That was when she saw him.

Ethan.

He stood just beyond the clearing, leaning against the rough bark of a pine tree, ...