Carmen hummed a tune as she walked to her old little car. The path to her station wagon was dimly lit by the streetlamps. The darkness always made her nervous, Austin, Texas had its fair share of crime. She cautiously looked into her purse for her keys when the patter of swift paw steps startled her.

  Carmen glanced over her shoulder, only to see nothing. She returned her attention to finding her keys. Her hands trembled as she dug for them in the depths of her purse. She found them, her gaze lifted to her car. Her heart almost jolted out of her chest. The adrenaline left as quick as it came. A frown and furrowed brows made her expression now.

  “Azriel, what are you doing here?”

  Perched on top of her car, a black cat dressed in robes of white and gold. A distinct broach pinned above his heart, a white sword with blue and gold accents. Electric blue eyes peered down at her. His tail whipped from side to side. It slowed and stopped. Azriel held an intelligent and calculated gaze, set on Carmen.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “The child is no longer safe in your custody.”

  Carmen’s eyes widened, “What, why?”

  Azriel’s tail swayed once more. “Our spies informed us that they plan to be at the archery contest. She can’t stay with you. I am here to take her back.”

  Carmen growled, “You will not be so bold Azriel. I have an idea. If this fails, then you can have it your way.”

  Azriel nodded, “Oh? And what is that?”

  Carmen smirked, “Thokath.”

  Azriel’s eyes widened. He fell silent for a moment. “You... hmmm… this could work. But understand if this goes awry, and the child ends up dying.”

  Azriel narrowed his eyes. He commanded small blades from his cloaked pocket to levitate around him. They pointed toward Carmen, “It won't be just the child who will die that day, am I clear?”

  “Crystal.”