The chilly night breeze whispered through Mona's fur as she sat on the rooftop, the weight of the failed caravan rescue heavy on her shoulders. Valen's anger had been a live thing, and it lit a fire in her own chest. She couldn't ignore the chance to help. I can do more.
With a nod to herself, she decided to investigate alone. She'd use her feline agility to navigate Calamor's shadowy streets and follow the heavily guarded shipment. Darting from roof to roof, her cloak billowed around her. Security tightened, with city guard watch towers in the distance. She clutched her hood, eyes narrowed, as they moved closer to the castle.
She slipped to the streets below, following cautiously. She kept a wide distance, tracing the path it had taken with her hearing. The guards were careful, checking corners, roofs and quickly changing paths. But Mona kept herself calm. Back to the wall. Low to the ground. Not a sound. The castle soon loomed overhead.
Peeking from the shadows, she spotted guards patrolling the perimeter, armor gleaming under the weak moon. Her ears flattened as she observed their pattern. She had to be careful; Valen would be furious if she were caught. But the memory of his guilt still stung her ears. She would be brave. For them.
With a quiet huff, she flattened against the damp wall, tail flicking as she waited for her moment. Her patience was rewarded. The transport container she had followed now sat dormant. A pair of guards opened it, giving the empty interior a final, cursory inspection. A cold understanding settled in Mona's gut. It's for my kin... They'll shove 'em in there and disappear.
As the guards finished their check and disappeared through a nondescript castle door, Mona saw her chance. A flick of her tail, a burst of speed, and she darted toward it. Her paws made no sound on the ground, a rush of pride warming her.
But victory was short-lived. The door was thick and unyielding, its lock as cold as the night. As she retreated, the jingle of armor and murmur of voices grew closer—a shift change. She ducked into an alcove, heart racing as a new squad of guards marched past. Their conversation floated to her: the captain's return, a new 'shipment' due to depart. The pieces clicked into place, confirming her fears. She waited until they were gone, her eyes gleaming with new, urgent purpose.
But then, a scent caught the wind. Barely there, but certain. Fur. Her pupils dilated. Same as last time. Her gaze settled on a small window not far above. A stretch, but she was born for this. A graceful leap, claws digging into stone, and she ascended. She squeezed through the window, dropping into the room beyond with the quiet grace of a falling feather.
The room was dim, lit by a single candle. In the corner huddled a group of beastfolk in a filthy cage, eyes wide with fear. Mona's heart clenched at their bruised forms. She crept closer, motioning for silence. "Don't worry," she murmured, barely audible. "I'm here to help."
They looked at her with hope and skepticism. She approached the cage, meeting the eyes of a young fox girl with a bruised nose. "I'm not one of them. Promise." The fox girl's ears twitched; the tension lessened. Mona leaned closer. "What can you tell me?"
The beastfolk exchanged glances. "The guards said something about tomorrow night," the fox girl whispered, trembling. "They're taking us to the docks."
Mona's tail flicked with urgency. She gave a comforting smile, backing away. "We'll be back."
Her heart pounded as she retreated. No time. A shadow, she leaped back out the window, landing lightly on the wet cobblestones. She sprinted, cloak fluttering, mind a whirlwind. How could she convince Valen without revealing her secret mission? But she couldn't keep this from him. The stakes were too high.
Dashing through the night-soaked streets, the cold wind whispered warnings, but she pushed on, paws barely touching the ground.
Bursting through Valen's door, it slammed against the wall. "Valen! Wake up!" she shouted, her voice sharp with fear. Her eyes scanned the dark room, tail lashing. Candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows. She panted, waiting for movement.
The crash sent Valen bolt upright, hand grabbing the whip by his bed. His eyes snapped open, weapon glinting, before the shape resolved into Mona. He sighed, grip loosening. "Mona, what in the name of the moon are you doing?" he hissed.
Her eyes were wide, chest heaving. She rushed to his side. "Valen, listen," she whispered, words tumbling out. "The beastfolk are in the castle! They're bein' taken to the docks tomorrow night. We have to do somethin'!"
"Mona, did you snea—" he began, voice laced with accusation and a hint of anger. He paused, taking in her disheveled state. "Doesn't matter." He met her eyes. "Are you certain?"
She nodded fervently. "I heard it from 'em! Saw 'em! They're scared and hurt. We can't just let this happen!" Her gaze was pleading. "Please."
Valen took a deep breath, pushing aside fear and anger. She had chosen to help. "You're right," he said, voice firm. "They wouldn't risk being seen. We need to be ready." He swung his legs out of bed. "You did a good thing, Mona," he added, softer, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Mona's ears perked up. A warm feeling spread through her. "Did... did I really?" she mewled softly.
Nodding, Valen felt a swell of pride. Reckless, but brave. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You took a risk. It was reckless," he said, warmth and firmness mingling, "but it was brave. I would've done the same." His gaze searched hers. "But promise me, next time you sneak around the castle, you'll be more careful. We can't help them if we're caught."
She nodded quickly, tail swishing. "I promise. But we have to save 'em. They're just like me. We can't let 'em down."
Valen's expression grew serious. Too many eyes at the docks or castle. He rubbed his chin. "You're right. We can't let them reach the docks. We'll intercept the caravan before it gets there." He stood, pacing. "We'll follow from a safe distance, stay in the shadows, strike when they're vulnerable. Risky, but it's our best shot." He turned to her, eyes fierce. "Can you handle it?"
Mona's heart raced, but she nodded firmly. "I'll do whatever it takes. I can't just do nothin' anymore." She took a deep breath. "I've been runnin' and hidin' so long. I want to fight for somethin'. For them."
They shared a quick, quiet breakfast under the weight of their mission. Afterward, Valen disappeared into the city. Mona donned her makeshift disguise, a loose hooded cloak. Her eyes searched the horizon as the sun rose, the warmth a stark contrast to the cold resolve in her heart.
She slipped into the city's shadows, hood pulled tight. Her feline instincts guided her as she memorized the labyrinthine streets, noting every hiding spot and escape route from castle to docks. Her tail swished in anticipation.
With the sun peeking over the rooftops, she retreated to a park. In a secluded corner, she drew Valen's bow and began to practice, each shot a silent prayer for the beastfolk she felt kinship with.
She waited anxiously for Valen. When he returned at sunset, his arms were laden with supplies: masks and cowls, a quiver of arrows. "I found these," he said, holding out a black mask and a forest green one. "They'll help us blend in." He helped her into the blue cowl. "We're in this together." He laid out their plan.
With the disguises secure, he led her to a secluded spot overlooking the city. He unrolled a crudely drawn map, tracing the route to the docks and the hidden beastfolk village beyond the walls. "We'll need to be swift and silent," he instructed. "The guards will be alert. We must be shadows." He pointed to the village. "This is where we'll take them. Where they'll be safe." Mona nodded, her eyes fixed on that spot of hope.
As the moon reached its zenith, they shared a silent nod. The city slept uneasily. Valen took her hand, squeezing it gently. "If anything goes wrong, do not come back for me." With a final nod, they parted, melting into the shadows.
Mona watched his retreating figure until he was a memory in the dark. She took a deep breath, tail standing tall. The cobblestone streets stretched out, a challenge she was ready to meet. She moved with a predator's grace, climbing to the rooftops.
***
Valen approached the castle, the fortress looming like a sleeping giant. His whip coiled at his waist, he felt its power begging for release. He spotted three guards, their armor reflecting torchlight. He melted into the shadows, eyes locked on them.
The caravan approached Valen's shadowy corner, the sound of hooves and wheels growing louder. He counted the seconds, then emerged from the shadows, booted feet silent on the stone. His eyes searched the darkness.
The moment came. Valen's muscles coiled. The caravan rumbled closer. He stepped out from the alley, his footfall deliberately loud.
"Hold!" he called, his voice a calm challenge. "What's this? Beastfolk in chains, with no one to claim them? Does Lord Aldric condone this in the dark?" His grip tightened on his whip, blood magic stirring. The guards' heads snapped toward him. The caravan ground to a halt.
He took a step closer. "If you value your lives, release them and leave. No one has to know." He paused, the whip crackling with a dark aura. "But if I see you again, I will hunt you like the ghouls you are." His eyes promised retribution.
The guards didn't waver. The leader stepped forward, sword drawn. "Who're you to tell us what to do?" he sneered. "Your little rope s'posed scare us? We've seen worse." The other two spread out, weapons glinting. "You're the lawbreaker," the leader said. "Interferin' with government business… We could hit you with anything." He scoffed. "Hand over what you've got, maybe we let you walk."
A smirk grew beneath Valen's mask. "Extortion and trafficking? You lot are true lawmen, indeed." The crystalline core hissed, siphoning more blood, flesh tearing. "Your loyalty to gold is a shame." He took another step, eyes blazing. "But do you believe you can stand against those you've wronged?" The whip snapped, the tip breaking the sound barrier, leather sizzling with vibrant electricity. The guards' laughter died. "When I present your heads to Aldric, he'll be thrilled to learn of your treachery."
The guards exchanged wary glances. Confidence faded into doubt. But with a guttural roar, the leader charged, the others following.
As the burly guard lunged, Valen's whip crackled. He lashed out, the tip glancing off the sword, sending a jolt through the metal. The man's eyes widened, his swing wild. Valen spun the whip, keeping the others at bay.
"Last warning," he boomed, the whip alive with energy. "Release them and walk away. I've no desire to add your names to the list of Calamor's forgotten dead." The guards stepped back, bravado faltering.
***
Mona, perched above, watched with bated breath. Her tail twitched. She nocked an arrow, ready. Mona's heart beat against her ribs. Each second was an eternity.
The leader shared a silent look with his men. He stepped back. For a moment, retreat seemed possible. Then, with a cunning smirk, he nodded. The two guards flanked Valen, sword and crossbow ready. They staggered their movements, one feinting left, the other right. The leader charged, sword aimed for Valen's chest.
As the leader committed, Valen sidestepped the first guard's clumsy swing. The second guard raised his crossbow, but Valen's whip darted out like lightning. The electric bolt struck the man's metal helmet. The guard collapsed, twitching. Valen's victory was short-lived. The leader's blade, swift and sure, caught his shoulder. Pain shot through him. It didn't feel too deep, but any injury could be his last. The whip fell slack, magic dissipating. He stumbled back.
Mona's heart skipped. Fear was powerful, but she had a job. She took a deep breath, focused. The leader was close, eyes fixed on Valen. She saw her opening. The bowstring thrummed. The arrow soared, striking the guard's chest plate with a clang. The leader's head snapped up, searching the shadows. She already had another arrow waiting, and let it fly. The projectile thumped against the helmet of the other guard, knocking him off balance. Now distracted by the new, unseen threat above, they searched for the source.
***
There's my chance. Drawing on anger, he refocused his magic, the dark crystal claiming more lifeblood from his new wound. Pain flared, but he gritted his teeth. The whip roared to life, engulfed in flame. It wrapped around the leader's neck mail like a fiery serpent, heating the metal. The leader choked, eyes wide. He grabbed at the whip, but flames seared his fingers. He shouted in pain. Valen pulled him off his feet. "Make your choice," Valen growled, the whip tightening, "free them or burn with your greed."
The guard's eyes bulged, face reddening. He spat a curse, voice hoarse. "You think this means anythin' compared to what Captain Cassian has in store?" The name sent a ripple of fear through Valen, but he didn't flinch.
The guard panicked as the whip tightened. "Please," he croaked. "We're just followin' orders! Hired muscle, a simple job!" Before he could say more, he passed out, the flames and helmet robbing him of air.
"Hired muscle?" Valen echoed, uncertainty in his voice. He saw the desperation. Their clumsy strikes confirmed their fear. They were likely telling the truth, but witnesses were a risk. He released the whip, the flames dying. With a crack, it shifted to electricity. He let the arc build. "I've no quarrel with those who do what they must," he said, eyes locked on the remaining guard, frozen in fear. "But I cannot abide this..." A swift motion sent electricity crackling through the air. The guard convulsed and dropped. Alive, but out cold.
He turned, giving Mona a subtle flick of his wrist.
She read it, leaping down. She approached the unconscious guards, movements a silent dance, and plucked the key from the leader's belt.
"Quickly," Valen urged, voice low. "We don't have much time." The magic in his whip began to fade.
She nodded, tail swishing with excitement. Trembling hands inserted the key. The lock clanked open. The beastfolk inside stared, eyes wide with hope. "We're here! Follow me, quickly!"
As Mona sprinted into the shadows, a small, hopeful smile touched Valen's lips beneath his mask. She's come so far. He took a step toward the cage to secure the guards, but a sudden, deep lurch in his core made him stagger. A cold weakness flooded his veins, and his vision swam at the edges. No. Not here. Not now.
The plan to lock them up was a luxury he could no longer afford. Survival was the only priority.
Pushing past the pain, he stumbled from the alley. A few blocks away, he ducked into a narrow passage, his back scraping against rough brick. With trembling, blood-slicked hands, he ripped the mask from his face and shrugged off the distinctive cloak, letting them fall into a filthy puddle. Just a man in a slightly bloodied tunic now.
He stepped back onto the main street, trying to mimic the gait of a drunk. The world tilted. He slammed a hand against a wall to steady himself, his breath a ragged gasp.
"Hey, friend? You alright?" a voice called from a doorway.
Valen waved a dismissive hand, not trusting his voice, and pushed onward, each step a battle against the void threatening to claim him. The citizen shook his head and turned away, seeing just another soul broken by the city's harshness. It was a far cry from the demonic figure already being described in terrified whispers back at the tavern.
. . .
Mona led the rescued beastfolk through Calamor's winding streets, her heart racing. She glanced back, ensuring they followed, their eyes full of fear and hope. Protectiveness surged in her. They had to be quick. The night air felt cool on her flushed cheeks. She picked up the pace, ducking into alleys, checking over her shoulder.
The journey felt like a lifetime. When dawn broke, she saw the beastfolk village nestled in the woods. Villagers stirred; the aroma of cooking fires filled the air. She signaled for the others to hide. She watched from a distance as her kind gathered around the new arrivals, faces filled with relief. Her thoughts drifted to Valen, their secret, a future she never dared dream.
After ensuring they were safe with the Chief, Mona sprinted back. She had to check on Valen. The streets were quieter now. She approached their home with caution. The door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open with her tail tip, bow ready.
Valen lay collapsed in a heap, his clothes dark and stiff with blood. For a heart-stopping second, he was so still. She rushed to his side, her own breath catching. "Valen?" she whispered, her voice cracking. Her paw found his forehead. His skin was cold and clammy.
He can't be— The thought was a dagger. She shoved it aside, fingers scrambling to find the pulse in his neck. The seconds stretched until— there. A thready, too-quick rhythm beneath her fingertips. Relief so potent it felt like pain washed through her.
Panic flooded her. "Valen!" she whispered again, urgently. She felt for a pulse, her own heart pounding. Relief washed over her as she found the steady rhythm. But his skin was clammy, unresponsive. Tearing a strip from her shirt, she wrapped his shoulder wound, tying a quick knot. She tugged at his arms, trying to lift him. With a determined growl, she bent her knees, wrapping her arms around his chest. Muscles straining, she barely managed to haul him onto the bed.
She sat beside him, stroking his hair. "You need to rest," she murmured, the words as much for her as for him. Ignoring her own exhaustion, she fetched a basin and water. Peeling back the blood-soaked cloth, she bit her lip at the sight of the deep, clotted wound. With a clean rag, she began the slow, careful work of washing the horror of the night from his skin.
As dawn's light seeped through the shutters, Mona's energy drained. Her eyes grew heavy. Each gentle stroke of the cloth was an act of love. The warmth of his body, the soft bed, proved too much. Exhaustion finally overpowered will. Her eyes slipped shut, and she slept, curled on the floor beside him, one paw resting gently on his arm. A silent vow that he would not be alone.