“Well well. The sleeping beauty awakens.”
She looked around for the voice, but could only see a few feet in front of her. She pulled her legs to her chest. She was freezing and could hear a strong wind blowing.
“Who......who are you?” she asked in a tiny voice.
“Don't be scared little kitten. Please. I mean you no harm.”
“What's your name?”
“My name? That is an interesting question. But you might want to see me before you ask any more questions. Are you decent?”
She felt along her body, finding her clothes still on.
“Yes.”
“Alright. Just a minute.”
She heard footsteps, then saw a spark. Seconds later, a fire burst alive. The same boy who had taken her kneeled at the base, holding something in his hands. She couldn't see his face, but his head was covered in silky black hair that hung in his eyes and went to the nape of his neck. He looked up at her, the fire playing shadows on his face and dancing in his green eyes that seemed electrified. His lips were pulled into a kind smile. So familiar....
“Please sit little kitten. I have some food if you're hungry.”
Despite herself, her stomach growled. She sat down by the fire. It warmed her from the frost and she purred absently. The boy smiled and bowed his head before she saw it. He tossed her a bag, careful to keep his distance. Cat opened it and the aroma filled her senses.
“Chocolate chip cookies!”
She took one and bit into it. It was still warm, the chocolate melted and the center soft, just the way she liked it.
“These are my favorite!”
“I know.”
She blinked and looked at the boy.
“How?”
“I know many things about you Cat,” he stated simply.
She cautiously looked at the cookie. He laughed and her attention was brought back to him.
“My apologies for startling you. But I am a friend.”
“Why should I believe that?”
“You shouldn't. My name, as you requested, is Ciret.”
“That's a funny name.”
“Yes. But it is mine so I cherish it.”
“What do you want with me?”
“Your safety. I want you safe, nothing more. Unless I could persuade you to train with me.”
“Wait. Why are you concerned about me?”
He looked into her eyes, his expression honest and sincere.
“You are no normal person Caitlin Kyle. You have a pure heart. You are not corrupt to the ways of mortals or man. You are both animal and human. And you have a duty that you have succeeded before you knew it was there. While you have your trials, you are pure love and serenity. You follow your heart. And these things have made you beautiful, to stand out above others.”
Cat blinked and looked behind her, then back to him.
“What are you doing?”
“Looking for the camera.”
“This is no joke, kitten. I meant what I said.”
He moved closer to her, sitting only an arm's reach away.
“W-why me?”
“Fate is in need of you. You were chosen. This is the first step to the new you, discovering answers to your questions, and finding the truth.”