Truth watched the feline approach, her face shifting back to her more natural expression. "I'm aware," she said softly, perhaps a little sadly. She had rather enjoyed the older cat's company, even though he had attacked her and her children.

"I as well. But I have put my full trust in Aiyana for too many years to give up on her now." She looked behind her, her brow furrowing. "Please, assure me you will continue to keep her away from Frost. I want her to stay away from your father until he is..." she paused, searching for the right words as she looked back.

"Sorted out."

Mara nodded. "I planned on it. He wont stop until he gets what he wants," The cat glanced ahead to make sure no one else was around. "..bloodshed." She sighed. "No matter how friendly one seems.. never trust a cat. Hes known to.. change. His whole appearance," Mara meowed.

"Its happened before."

Truth looked down at the feline, her eyes glinting curiously. "Whatever do you mean by that? What could he possibly want with Lamentis? She is nothing but a pup, soon to be a Juvenile. Her magic has yet to show itself to us." She furrowed his brow, now thoroughly worried. "Change his appearance? Has he some magic in his blood like... like the rest of us?"

Perhaps he could be of use to the pack if I were to gain control of him...

Truth closed her eyes and hummed in thought. "How very curious," she said softly, before pausing. Without another word, she glanced up at the sky. The sun had begun to fall once more, and Truth felt her eyes growing heavy. Her children flashed in her mind, and then Lamentis, and finally, Frost. She hoped they were all alright. "Perhaps we should rest for the night. There's nothing much we can do for now," she said, looking back down at Mara.

Truth laid her head down, feeling her body ease into a dreamless sleep. It was peaceful, being asleep. She sighed softly, curling her tail over her nose and crossing her paws daintily. Soon, soft snores emitted from her nose.

...

Lamentis looked out from the den, her ears laying flat against her skull. Flashes of Frost echoed in her mind, and she whimpered softly. What was he doing? Was he alright? She felt something long and snake-like press on her side gently, and she glanced up. From across the den, Blossom gave her a sad look. "Soon, my child," she said softly. Lamentis growled softly and looked away. She wasn't a pup anymore. Tomorrow, she would be a Juvenile and the future Alpha. It wasn't fair that everyone had to protect her; she could do it herself! She huffed and watched a small bug that crawled along the stone floor.

Mara sat outside of the den, patiently waiting. Like she knew.

....

Frost had paired up with Briar, one of his very close feline friends. Frost was going for a raid, to take what he could. Or even a good fight, you never know. With that, the two felines ran into the forest, slowing as they neared a certain place.

...

This set Mara off, when she saw two pairs of ears, one belonging to the one who had come back.

"Dont move!"

"You arent getting away with this!"

Truth, startled awake from a nightmare that had begun to form, was drowsy and disoriented. She lifted her head, blinking sleepily.

"Wha...?" she mumbled, her words slurred. It was still dark out, so she couldn't've slept for long...

"Mara? What's wrong?"

---

Lamentis's ears pricked up as she heard someone padding to the den. She glanced over her shoulder at Blossom, who was now curled up and asleep. Butterscotch Swirl laid close to her, his head resting on her shoulder. Looking back to the entrance, she was startled to see Whispered Rumors, hiding behind the wall. Her ears flattened as she remembered the fight.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, her tail twitching. His shoulders hunched as he looked down, almost sheepishly. "I wanted to apologize," he whispered back, so very softly. This surprised Lamentis; from what she had observed and been told by the others, Whisp wasn't a very kind individual, and always thought he was right.

So what was the motivation behind him apologizing?

She eyed him warily, her lip curled slightly. He didn't look as if he had any ill intentions. She glanced back at Blossom, before standing. With her chin lifted, she trotted out of the den towards Whisp. He looked slightly startled as if he didn't account for her coming out to talk to him. "I will accept your apology," she said, flicking her tail. "If you come with me to find Frost."

Whisp let out a low growl, but Lamentis cut him off with a growl of her own. "You have no say in the matter; I'm the heir to the throne, and what I say goes. Now, come on," she said sternly, before padding away into the forest, leaving a stuttering Whisp behind. Adina fluttered down from a nearby limb, chuckling, and pecked at his ear. "Well? Let's go find that son of a bitch and teach him a lesson, yes?"

He let out a heavy sigh before reluctantly following the younger wolf into the woods. Little did they know, something was brewing in the forest.

Mara was quick on her paws, and leaped at Briar, the one she recognized. The feline quickly grabbed the scruff of the slightly smaller cat, dragging the spy from the bush. "Who else is here?" She questioned.

..

Frost soon walked from the concealing bush, and mara seemed to know instantly.

..

"You did it again?"