"No, Everblaze, don't!" persuaded Moon. But by that time, I had already tossed my fur blanket aside and hurried out of the cave.

"You might die!" she howled desperately. However, I just turned a deaf ear and continued running. As I passed two astonished guards, I heard Moon holler, "Stop him!" Two wolves came out of nowhere and gripped me. I winced slightly but wriggled out. I raced through the snow-coated trees and past them, was the mountains.

I took a big gulp and raced towards the nearest mountain. I soon found my feet flying towards a forest clearing when I heard two soft thumping noises behind me. My ear twitched and turned to the side. There was no need to guess what was behind me. I turned confidently to face my enemy for the second time. The cougar stood in front of my face, growling as its yellow eyes eyed me menacingly.

I snarled as the cougar circled me. Several tense minutes went by. We continued eyeing each other, hate shining in the cougar's eyes. Finally, with a loud growl, the cougar lunged at me, swiping its paws. I ducked its blows and struck a nice blow in its face. I grinned for a moment before my smile flipped upside down. The cougar jumped onto me and hit me a few times. Holding one paw to my throbbing head, I struggled to escape from the animal pinning me down from above.

I used my feet to push myself to the bottom of the cougar, near its legs, and I slid out. With an annoyed growl, the cougar lunged at me again. This time, I was trapped. It was about to eat me, and I was doomed.

However, just as I closed my eyes and anticipated my last hour, a long howl split the air. Unable to control my curiosity, I opened my eyes. The cougar was no longer on top of me, instead, it was baring its teeth at a grey wolf. Star! My heart lightened reasonably as I saw this.

Star and the cougar immediately started trading blows; it was like watching a re-enactment of my mum and the cougar once again. To avoid getting hit by the engaging pair, I moved far away from the fight. Just as the cougar faced me, I felt someone hold on to the loose piece of skin on the back of my neck. Whoever pulled me dragged me several metres away behind a hedge. Finally, I was lowered down.

I quickly turned to my side to face Moon and Patches. "Thanks," I panted to my siblings. "Mum and Dad are helping Star fight the cougar now," informed Patches. Once taking a look at the worried expression on my face, Moon assured, "Don't fret. They'll be alright." However, just then, a howl of agony split the air. My eyes widened in panic. Worry was written all over Moon's face. "Sis... are you sure about that?" asked Patches, before we dashed out.

On the nearest boulder were three wolves, Black, Star, and Diamond. Black and Diamond were comforting Star who, to my utmost horror, had a huge wound with claw marks on his neck and body. A small pool of blood had surrounded the trio as Diamond attempted to staunch the wound. Upon seeing this, we rushed forward.

"You're going to be alright, Dad. Think positively," persuaded Dia. Black nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dad, Diamond's right." However, Star was shaking his head. "No, no... I won't." Then, when he noticed us, he moaned, "Kill...kill the cougar, please... Everblaze-" before he winced in pain.

Moon turned to me. "I'll get some herbs," she informed, before sprinting off into the forest. I nodded. "I think I better go with you, Everblaze." "It's dangerous!" Patches and Mum warned in unison. I shook my head. "No, I must kill it by myself, face my fear, then can I prove my worth to Patrick."