Jade Fern Grove defying gravity,

Cole’s steps slowed slightly as he listened, his ears angling toward her voice. Her question lingered in the crisp air between them, weighted with a quiet vulnerability that drew his gaze to her. He caught the flicker of embarrassment in her features, the way her ears folded back, and his own softened in response.

It’s alright, he said simply, his voice a low rumble, steady as the mountains she’d been admiring. Questions like that aren’t too personal. They’re honest.

He paused, considering her words as his golden eyes traced the path ahead. I knew because it wasn’t just the place, he began, his tone thoughtful. It was how I felt in it. My chest felt lighter. My paws didn’t ache, even after a long walk. It was like... the air there was meant for me, and I was meant for it.

His gaze flicked to her, watching her expression as he spoke. It’s not about the view or the sweetgrass or the creek, he added, his voice softening further. It’s the way it settles in your bones. Makes you feel whole. Like you’ve been wandering without knowing it, and then, all of a sudden, you’re not.

He shifted slightly, his shoulders rolling in an almost sheepish manner. Maybe that’s not the answer you were looking for, he admitted, glancing toward the dark horizon she’d been watching. But that’s how I knew. It’s a feeling. A quiet kind of knowing.

Cole fell silent for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as it returned to her. Don’t apologize for asking, Paloma. I think... you’ll find it too, if you haven’t already. His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. Sometimes you just need to look in the places you haven’t before.