The wolf, discovering the only one left was Snow, got up and began advancing on her. Snow pleaded with her, "Red! Red, it's me. I'm your friend. You know me. Remember how you caught me stealing your eggs? Remember searching for the perfect place for our cabin? Come on, Red. Please."

The wolf advanced painstakingly slowly. For a moment, when the wolf's ears twitched, and it's eyes softened just a bit, Snow thought she had reached her. Then it's snarl grew wider, it's growl louder.

Snow turned and ran. She could hear the wolf launch behind her, but she tried desperately to run those last few feet. She threw herself on the ground, grabbed the cloak, and flipped over just to see the wolf's teeth about to land on her face.

Snow hugged the wolf with the cloak as it landed on her, fearing she would be ripped to shreds with the cloak before it could work. With her eyes squeezed shut, she felt the shape becoming different. She opened her eyes, and exhaled, just then realizing she had been holding her breath. The wolf was now unmistakably her friend. She gently manuvered out from underneath Red, making sure the hood was now securely over her shoulders.

Red seemed very dazed, and unaware of her surroundings. She was breathing heavily, and her head kept moving from side to side. When her eyes finally rested on Snow, they suddenly widened in recognition. "Wait, what, Snow?"

Snow smiled, leaning against a tree, suddenly feeling drained of energy. "We made it."

Red was silent for a few seconds, her roving eyes displaying her quickly moving thoughts. "I don't remember. The wolf came out again, but I don't know what happened. How did you get the cloak? What happened to the Queen? Don't tell me I-" She let her last sentance fall short.

"Red, the Queen's gone, but no, she's not dead." Snow told her how she found her, and all that she knew had just happened.

Red was horrified when she found out she had attacked Snow. "Oh no! Are you hurt?" Her eyes looked for signs of blood or injury. "What have I done? I was supposed to keep myself from hurting you."

"Calm down, Red. I'm not really hurt. You look far more banged up than I am." Red had a large red welt on her arm, and her clothes were singed on the chest.

Red held a hand to her chest, but said "I'll be fine." It was quiet for a moment, then she suddenly smiled. "I can't believe it worked out! I was almost certain I was going to die. And I actually got my cloak back! Thank you, Snow. I could never have made it without you."

"Anything for a friend." Snow stood up. "Come on. Let's get out of here, and find a more cheery place." Red took her offered hand.

"I'm so glad I didn't end up hurting anyone." Snow flinched slightly, but kept her gaze straight ahead. She had not told Red about the Queen's guards. She had intended to wait until she felt Red was better prepared for it, but she had no choice now. Just as Snow opened her mouth to respond, Red continued. "I have this nightmare vision of you in my mind. You're standing by some trees, you're speaking, but I can't hear what. You look scared, like you're pleading for your life. It makes me so uncomfortable."

Snow's face lit up, confusing Red. Snow stopped suddenly, and gave her a hug. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine, and I think you will be soon, too."

She ignored Red's continued confusion, and pulled her along. Out of the forest. Away from the ashes and blood. Soon, she thought, Red and the wolf would live peacefully. Soon, the wolf would be what she knew Red truly was. A protector, not a killer.

Red's confidence grew with each step out of the forest. This short journey had tested every bit of will, strength, and bravery she had, and she was still alive. A part of her still feared the wolf, but she faced it now with determination. She would gain control of it. She would find a way to help those she had hurt. And she would help Snow claim the throne that she knew was truly hers. The cabin would come someday, but now it was time to fight.

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Thanks for reading! This is my very first fanfic. It is also my first attempt to write a longer story. I know it could be improved, but I'm overall pleased with the result. I hope you enjoyed it.