In the chamber, Arlan pulled a chair close to Oriana's bed and settled in for the entire night, a steadfast sentinel watching over her while she was cocooned in the comforting presence of Snowflake. He hesitated to disturb their tranquility, knowing how crucial it was for Oriana's body to mend without interruption.
The following morning, Oriana stirred, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth that embraced her like a mother's love—a sensation foreign to her until now. As she reached out her hand, she encountered nothing but softness beneath her touch.
Slowly, she blinked her eyes open, greeted by the sight of snow-white fur surrounding her. Even in her drowsy state, she recognized the familiar texture and lifted her gaze, meeting the piercing frost-blue eyes of Snowflake.
