After hearing Drake's story Mara needed a moment to process the information and make more coffee. The possibility that there could be a murderer in her apartment briefly flitted across her mind but was quickly dismissed. If he was trying to hide his crime he wouldn’t have told her about it. Furthermore she believed the pain in his eyes as he spoke of his friend's death.

With all the information reviewed and considered, Mara could see only one course of action to take. Walking back into the lounge room Mara discovered that Drake had fallen asleep in a ball of adorable fluff. Unable to resist, she leaned to pet him. With only a light scratch behind the ears Drake started purring loudly.

Losing himself in the moment Drake started nuzzling his head into Mara's hand as he purred ever louder. Suddenly realising what he was doing, Drake jerked away and tried to regain some sense of dignity but a residual purr erupted from his throat.

Mara couldn't help but giggle at Drake's reaction but decided to change the topic to save him any further embarrassment.

"I have thought about your story and your current predicament and while I understand your reasons, it is never wise to run away from your problems. You have to return and explain your side and clear your name." Drake just stared at her dumbfounded. Did she really think he could just proclaim his innocence and that would solve everything?

"It's not that easy Mara. Someone is framing me for the murder. They planted incriminating evidence, created false witnesses and bribed the Defence of Justice. If I show my face I will be executed before I see another sunrise." Drake said with a tone of defeat bleeding through with every word. "Someone out there killed my friend, and not only are they going to get away with it, but they have as good as murdered me too." But before Drake could sink into despair he was swept up in Mara’s arms and held in a warm embrace. The rhythmic beat of Mara's heart helped to sooth his distress and soon purrs began to roll from his throat unbidden.

"Surely your parents must believe you are innocent and will do everything they can to clear your name."

"My parents passed away in an accident when I was sixteen." Drake replied and there was still a hint of sadness that clouded his eyes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." silence hung between them a moment. Mara felt awkward probing further into his personal life having just put her foot in it, but she pushed down her doubt. "What about extended family? Any aunts, uncles, cousins that would be able to help?"

Drake softly shook his head.

"If that is the case we will just have to find undeniable proof of your innocence, and if you can't show your face, then I will help you." Shocked, Drake looked up in disbelief but saw the determination in her eyes.

Mara had read enough adventure books in her youth to know the signs. This was the way these kinds of stories always go and Mara was not going to pass up the chance to live an adventure rather than just read of them.

"It could be, no, it will be, dangerous. Whoever is behind this has gone to a lot of effort to frame me and has already killed at least one person." Drake warned.

"I understand, but I will not let fear stop me from doing what's right. Open one of your magic doors and let's clear your name."