The tawny wolf followed a few paces behind, ears swiveling as though the forest might suddenly decide to reveal all its secrets at once. Her gaze bounced from the moss to the branches overhead, then back to Serrune’s face, trying to piece together the puzzle.

“So,” Kiva squinted at the nearest trunk with exaggerated concentration. “I’ve concluded it’s definitely a tree.” The declaration came with all the confidence of someone who knew they were spectacularly missing the point. A beat passed before the corner of her mouth tugged upward.

“I swear, I’m trying.” She stepped closer, nose brushing the bark where the darker moss clung stubbornly to one side. Until now, she’d always searched for the things that stood out—a crooked boulder, a fallen log, a stream that smelled faintly of mint after the rain. Little landmarks that told her she’d gone the right way.

“I always looked for things to remember.” Her amber eyes wandered upward through the canopy. “Not reasons they were there.” The realization settled heavier than she’d expected.

“I guess I never asked the forest for directions.” A quiet huff escaped her, half laugh, half embarrassment. “Which, in hindsight, explains why I ended up here.” She glanced toward Serrune again, warmth returning to her expression.

“So,” A paw gestured vaguely toward the surrounding trees. “Teacher, where else is the land talking? Besides the moss.”