And so the small group of wolves began to swim. They swam for what seemed like hours. At first everyone kept up relatively well, including Snowypaw, but after a while it was just Icetail pushing Snowy along. Everyone else looked tired as well. 

"Can... can we stop?" Lightpaw asked timidly.

"Good idea", said Coralheart, looking at Snowy.

"How about on that island?" Shadow suggested quietly, gesturing towards a small island that was off to the right of them.

The others agreed, so they swam towards it. 

  Once they had reached the safety of the trees, they all collapsed on the ground. All except Star and Shadow. 

"We can keep watch," Shadow offered. Icetail nodded yes in exhaustion.

Star and Shadow roamed the shore of the island, away from the other tired wolves. 

"Shadow," Star said quietly, "Do you really think that you parents will be alright?"

Shadow turned towards the ocean, avoiding her gaze. "My mother is the alpha. It is her responsibility to look after the pack. She... she cares about the welfare of others." His voice trembled close to the end, but his voice stayed strong.

"Oh, but Shadow..." Star said in dismay.

"We can wait. We will wait," Shadow said firmly, although it sounded a bit like he was convincing himself more than Star. In the newly fallen night light, his fur looked almost white.

Star came closer to him. "Well, for what it's worth, you'll still have me," she said softly, eyes full of worry. And she nuzzled him gently.