As the sun dipped below the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches, and Patch stumbled into a secluded grove. Before they could even catch their breath, the underbrush rustled, and several pairs of eyes glinted in the dim light. A group of wild cats emerged, their fur rough and scars visible; a stark contrast to the indoor cats’ well-groomed coats.

One of the ferals, a broad shouldered tabby with a notched ear, stepped forward and gave them a cold, assessing look. “Lost, aren’t you?” he growled. Elsie and Patch shrank back, but Lord Fluffy Britches held his ground, tail flicking nervously.

“We just want to get home,” Patch whispered, his voice barely audible.

The wild cats exchanged glances, some with curiosity, others with suspicion. The tabby’s gaze softened only slightly. “The forest isn’t safe for pampered cats like you,” he warned. “If you want our help, you’ll need to prove yourselves.”