The Heartwood Dreamland is a free land

The dead forest intrigued him because for all intents and purposes it looked like a place he should not be. His previous run-in with the pale female in the bramble-woods had not convinced him of the spiritual power of this region. He had no information on the no-go sites of the Wilds where not even wolves could protect themselves, though other than avoidance he had no true way to protect himself.

Spirits or not, the charred woods were an anomaly. They stood out like a black wound on the land, evidence of troubles beyond mortal ken. He could not tell how long ago the fires had occurred, especially not with the freezing rain pelting himself and the forest. 

A large bush, twisted and gnarled and old, remained standing despite its charred appearance. It almost looked like the bush would turn to ash the moment Yao touched it, but as he approached and fit himself under, it remained solid. It was a relief, small as it was, to feel the rain on his back lessen. He shivered, his teeth chattering. Freezing rain was worst than snow! 

He was at the very least, not alone in his misery. Another wolf, pointed with black and pale ash, was stalking through the burnt woods. Hey! Yao called to the wolf walking through the rain, looking drenched and miserable. Both of us might be able to fit under here,