As night deepened, Blanche traveled with Snowy, but they didn't venture far from Oakvale. She found a secluded cave in a remote forest area to rest and recover from her injuries.

Yesterday's battle with Narcissa had ended in her favor, but it had aggravated old wounds. She needed time to stabilize her condition.

Snowy lay quietly beside her, licking her front paw. Its amber eyes occasionally glanced toward the cave entrance with watchful alertness.

Blanche's thoughts were far from peaceful. S