29

You tell Robin that you think you're just going to spend the night at home with Arctus. Robin smiles and hoists his backpack over his shoulder.

"That sounds good. I guess it's kind of the same for me—except hopefully you won't be as stressed out as I am. I should probably remember how to actually relax without thinking about work one of these days."

You and Robin head back to your street together, and then you head inside your house alone.

When Arctus hears you come in, she mews in excitement and runs right up to you at the door. You start giving her scratches at once, thinking she's just happy to see you—but then after barely a second's greeting, she turns around and shoots off into the living room.

Slightly bemused, you follow her, wondering if she's just feeling particularly energetic. When you spot her sitting in the kitchen, however, she stays still until she sees you coming her way—and then when she hurries onto the back porch, you realize she's waiting for you so she can lead you somewhere.

"Yeah, okay, we can go outside—slow down a little, I'm not as fast as—"

You stop when you reach the back door. Arctus has already stopped as well, and you see her gazing out through the glass.

But she's not just looking at the yard. She's looking up at the outside door handle—where Carys the crow is patiently sitting, watching you with a single black eye.

Next