When the sun had reached its peak in the sky, a soft light filtered through the cave's , casting a warm glow on the sleeping figure. Katrice stirred, her eyes blinking open to the sight of the hut's ceiling, the shadows of the fire playing across the rocky expanse. She felt different, changed in a way that was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Her body was no longer a battleground of pleasure and pain but a well-rested sanctuary. Looking down, she saw that she had been dressed in a fresh tunic, the fur soft against her skin. The scent of the herbs from Old Marla's hut lingered around highly, hinting at the she was bought to her for her care that had been done by cleaning and tending to her after their night of passion.