Hexx had taken to walking the borders more than sleeping. It was routine, but not mindless. Every circuit of Dawnbreak's edges was another chance to ensure nothing slipped through unnoticed. There were too many vulnerable lives tucked safely behind these scent marks now. Tiberii's children, among others. Thise who deserved to grow without fear creeping into their den mouths.

And somewhere beyond those same borders... Monty. The thought lingered heavier than he'd admit aloud. Tiberii had told him his son had been here, close enough to smell home, and close enough to leave tracks. Then gone again, so each patrol carried the quiet hope of finding fresh signs, some indication that the boy was still alive.

Instead, another scent reached him one that was unfamiliar and brought the soldier to slow his pace. Broad paws would fall nearly silent against the earth as steel eyes settled upon the woman lingering just beyond Dawnbreak's borders. She stayed outside the markings, cautious and unsure letting forward a timid greeting.

For a moment he simply watched, studying her posture before stepping from between the pines. His towering frame emerged without flourish dark against the mountain backdrop. He remained on his side of the border, giving her the same respect she had unknowingly offered him. There is, he rumbled, voice level and cold as the stone beneath his paws.

You're standing at Dawnbreak's borders,

—

Hexx had spent enough years around frightened creatures to recognize the difference between caution and deception. Those who intended harm rarely made themselves smaller, they stood taller, tested boundaries and searched for weaknesses. But this woman did the opposite. Every instinct she possessed begged her to retreat. His expression remained unchanged, though the hard edge in his gaze softened by a measure so slight most would never notice as he blinked.

You haven't intruded, he would rumble plainly. You stopped where the borders begin

When she offered to leave, his gaze drifted briefly toward the valley behind him. Snow rested peacefully across Dawnbreak's slopes, blanketing the dens where pups slept beneath the watchful eyes of their parents, protecting them would always come first. Yet Dawnbreak had never been a fortress that shut its doors to every stranger. He would have never had the flickering chance at his own family if he hadn't welcomed Golde home that day. Golde. He shut her face out of his memories, turning back to the present.

Dawnbreak had been built as a refuge. And those willing to live by its laws, to contribute rather than take, had always been given the chance to earn a place among them. There was room enough for those seeking something better, provided they came honestly. His silver eyes settled back upon the woman, Asny is what she had called herself.

You can call me Hexx, I cannot bring an unknown into the heart of the territory until I understand why you're here,

He studied her for another quiet moment before continuing. The Vale is home to Dawnbreak, where everyone has a voice — we are a family

—

Hexx listened quietly, he had never been one to rush another's words. Silence had always been more comfortable to him than idle conversation, and hers deserved consideration. His gaze drifted across the valley, over the pines and rugged peaks that had stood unchanged through countless seasons. Home. He had spent nearly a year believing he might never see it again.

Raising what little remained of his family and then chasing rumors of Monty across unfamiliar lands, returning only to learn his son had stood within these borders...and disappeared once more. The feeling of coming home while still searching for family was one he wouldn't wish upon anyone. When his eyes found hers again, they held the same ice.

You sound... displaced he rumbled, the word Skuggamaður caught his attention, though he let it pass without question. Whatever language it belonged to, it carried no hostility. His ears flicked toward the valley behind him. Dawnbreak was built for those searching for a place to belong, those who needed somewhere to stand again, it had been that for him when he first arrived in Mythris all those years ago. He had offered it to several since then,

and now he could again.

We don't ask perfection from those who come here, his silver eyes settled on her with quiet scrutiny. We ask for honesty, a long silence stretched between them before he continued. If your memories return and they lead you elsewhere... he only blinked, then you leave, but until then...there may be a place for you here if you wish it his gaze swept over the border separating them. As long as you have no ill intent,

—