Later that night, Secret woke up. “ Where am I? “ She said drowsily, Her eyes slowly taking in her surroundings.  


“ You are safe with us. “ Cinder replied.


“ Oh thank goodness I found you. “ Secret relaxed and listened to all that had happened after they fled. Then jumped up. “ What about Aspen?! “ Secret meowed.


“ What about her? “ Quince asked slowly.


“ I was looking for you with her, we managed to escape those crow-lovers, When suddenly she passed out next to me. I realized her belly had been slit open and she had been powering through her pain to find you. So I ran after your scent, we had found it but it was faint. Then suddenly I heard voices. I was starting to feel dizzy, but I yelled your names anyways and then I kinda tripped on a root… and passed out. Now I am here. “ Secret mewed.


“ Well we have to find mama! “ Cinder shivered slightly. Quince twined her tail with Cinder’s. Since Cinder was bigger than Quince, she was crouching in her shadow, cast by the setting sun.  


“ Yea.. we do. I will take you there. I feel much better. Thanks to Goldfish’s herbs. “ Secret thankfully dipped her head to Goldfish. Goldfish dipped her head also. Secret got up and trotted swiftly out of the den. Cinder, Quince, and Goldfish followed. Secret led them to a bush, scenting the air. “ She is behind here. “


They all hurried around the bush. In front of them lied Aspen. “ Mama, wake up. “ Cinder poked her mother with her paw. Aspen’s body was cold and stiff. “ M-Mama? “ Cinder stuttered. Goldfish put her paw on a spot on their mother’s neck. She shook her head sadly.


Quince didn’t even say anything she just huddled into Cinder’s thick grey, tabby fur. Quince slowly reached up with her front paw and touched her head lightly. Cinder and Secret did the same.


“ What is that? The thing you did with your paw? “ Goldfish asked slowly.


“ It is a sign of farewell… and love. “ Secret replied sorrowfully.

Cinder looked down at Quince. Her face was full of grief. Cinder leaned into Quince and draped her fluffy tail over her back. Quince tucked her tail under her paws.


They next few days passed slowly but comfortable. Secret continued to get better but spent the days sitting on a large rock next to where Aspen was buried, watching the wood. Cinder, Quince, and Goldfish continued to become better friends. One day Goldfish decided to reveal her true name to her friends.


“ I am ready to tell you my true name. “ Goldfish meowed one morning when everyone was in the cave enjoying some fresh prey. “ My name is Enchanted. I was named after the Enchanted Wood. I guess mum always thought I would do something for the world one day, but nothing has happened yet besides me meeting some new family. “ Enchanted flicked her tail toward the other cats. “ And healing someone I can call a friend. “ Secret dipped her head.


“ So what are we supposed to call you now? “ Cinder asked mischievously. “ Enchanted Goldfish? “


“ Enchanted will be fine. But call me Goldfish whenever you like. “ Enchanted’s whisker’s twitched in amusement.


“ Me and Quince have something to announce too. “ Cinder looked at Quince, she nodded. “ We are going to leave. “ Enchanted gasped and Secret looked shocked.


“ Why?! Where will you go? “ Secret mewled.


“ To Mount Scorch. “ Quince said. “ We are going to stop Bane once and for all. He has killed to many and we will have revenge for our parents. “


“ Well, I am coming with you. I want to avenge my family also. “ Enchanted stood up and walked over to the sisters. “ When do you plan to leave? “


“ Soon. “ Quince mewed.


“ Wait, what about me? “ Secret asked. She looked torn. “ I want to go with you, but your mother in buried here. “


“ We understand. You can go or stay we will not be angry any way. “ Cinder meowed reassuringly.


“ I feel that I should stay here. “ Secret declared softly. “ But I want to know exactly when you are leaving. “


“ How about a week? “ Enchanted asked. The two others nodded. Secret relaxed.


Little did they know they would have a visitor before that week was done.