Swiftcurrent Creek the pointy end

As her tale concluded, she felt the weight of the pups’ disappearance descend upon her once again. She felt different, though, as if humoring her dark-furred companion had changed her perspective on the otherwise dismal task of locating the missing children.  
 
She met his gaze as he looked towards her; his pale eyes stirred an emotion deep within her that caused her heart to beat faster, but she experienced no fear while in his presence. A bright smile was offered as his wishful words filled the brief silence between them. “I think we all could,” she replied with a jovial wave of her tail behind her hips.
 
To October, the concept of happily ever after seemed vague and somewhat unattainable. “Have you ever been in love?” she asked him, genuine curiosity lacing her soft voice. She hadn’t, but she had witnessed the timeless love that her parents shared. Orleans and Cadences’ mateship had set the bar high for her. She didn’t know if she’d ever find anything to rival it.