Chapter 14

3 years ago

Shadows had become mundane. Day was always hidden in one, in some way or another. Tonight was no different. Day slid into the darkness and disappeared, as always. No one noticed.

A large estate sat in Day's periphery, glowing lights illuminating the otherwise darkened night. An ongoing banquet could be heard from outside, the muffled sounds of chatter and drinks clinking coming from the main house. Day was meant to be inside, finding and luring a target into an unused room. 

Day, however, had a better idea. He would locate the target before he ever reached the banquet, and kill him then. No need to wear stuffy formalwear or fake pleasantries with rich people. It was a much simpler plan. After all, his target preferred to avoid crowds by entering through the back. He would have a driver and bodyguard, but those obstacles were simple enough to eliminate.

Day arrived early, content to nestle himself high in a tree and wait. He flipped the golden knife in his hands back and forth, mindlessly tracing the name carved in its side with his fingertips. It wasn't long before a sleek black car arrived and a gruff-looking bodyguard exited, followed by a tall well-dressed man. Day sucked in a breath. He had known his target was attractive, but pictures didn't do him justice. It was such a pity to kill someone this pretty.

The man waved the driver away, making his way towards the entrance. It was a bit of a walk, past several rows of perfectly manicured trees and a small set of stairs. He was only feet from where Day hid when he suddenly stopped.

"Go inside first," he directed at his bodyguard, "I'll meet you in the foyer."

The guard opened his mouth to argue, but a single withering stare had him snapping his jaw shut and gritting out a quick "yes sir," before walking ahead.

The target, Wen Ro, watched patiently until the guard was out of sight, before turning to glance at the bushes to his side. Day's heart rate quickened. The bodyguard leaving made things simpler, but it was unexpected. What exactly was this guy doing?

"Hello, there," Wen spoke gently.

Day clenched the knife in his hand. There was no one else around; clearly his target was onto him. He needed to act now. He slowed his breathing and readied himself to strike as soon as Wen took another step.

But instead of walking forward, Wen crouched down, slowly placing his hands in front of him.

"Don't be afraid, I will not hurt you," he continued moving his hands carefully towards the bushes as he spoke, "you will be safe with me, it is alright," he finally stood up, holding something tight against his chest. Day squinted, and made out the shape of two very small kitten ears.

"Hm, a collar with a number," Wen mused as he inspected the purring kitten, "that was very wise of you. I will make sure we find your owner."

Day's jaw dropped.

"You did very well, hiding in the bushes for safety," Wen slowly moved forward, "I will take you inside and call for your owner. Do not worry, I will make sure you are fed while you wait."

Wen continued his one-sided conversation, passing Day's hiding spot.

"What food do you like? I enjoy sweet food. I'm sorry, that is not allowed for you. Don't be upset, we will find you something you like better. Yes, I promise. You are a good cat."

Day listened to Wen's soft voice until he was too far away to be heard. He continued watching until Wen disappeared from view, still holding tight to the small kitten. Day strained forward, hoping to catch one last glimpse, when he leaned too far and tumbled out of the tree, landing painfully on the ground.

- - -

Weeks later, Day found himself crouched in a convenience store bathroom, shaking hands covered in blood and chunks of hair. 

The world was spinning. There was nowhere they would not find him. There was nowhere for someone like him. 

Just as he felt a wave of panic begin to engulf him, he heard a firm but soft voice echo in his head, "You will be safe with me." The world steadied, and the voice continued, "You will be safe with me, it is alright."