Darkness swirled around me. I felt like I was falling, falling for hours, an eternity, and only with every ounce of effort did I eventually settle back into my body. I was prone, my back cradled by soft bedding. My bow arm throbbed, and my chest felt weighted down as though by a warm stone. 

My lashes parted and the world came into focus. Black - a dark room. And then, a pair of burning yellow eyes just inches from my own. A sense of calm enveloped me. It was only Oblegaimon, my cat, watching over me as usual.

It was then I heard a voice, a voice that seemed to peel itself from the very darkness of the room, that echoed in the depths of my mind.

Ah, you’re finally awake. You really bungled that one.

I sat bolt upright, brushing Oblegaimon to my side. My arm screamed in protest and I bit back the pain. 

“Who’s there?”

All I’ve done for you, this is the thanks I get?

I fumbled at the bedside for a candle, an oil lamp, finding nothing. I peered out into the darkness, but saw no one there. Only those yellow eyes and the lashing tail of Oblegaimon.

”Show yourself! What do you mean, all you’ve done for me?”

Suddenly the lashing tail stilled. 

Did you…did you hear me?

”Yes I heard you!” I roared.

Oblegaimon’s paw pressed into my thigh as he climbed back onto me, meeting my lavender irises with his flashing gold. 

Archer….it’s me!

In that moment my heart stilled. I stared, gaping at the cat, my beloved pet and nighttime protector for years. 

“Obie…what..? YOU CAN TALK?!”

You can UNDERSTAND me?!

I'm usually a reserved level headed girl. Preferring to remain silent and passive as those far more worth the attention take the spotlight. A small smooth pebble like me will always make a splash so small not even the most diminutive and delicate of fish would flinch.

Knowing this about myself. Imagine my surprise as my usual composure failed me. Staring blankly at my outstretched fist. Freshly seasoned with moisture from my dear feline friend's adorable nose.

Obie’s tiny body flew across the room and slammed against the dark opposing wall with a fleshy thud.

Erupting in snarls and hisses I managed to make out yet another outburst of that strange voice. 

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT

“I-I’m-” I stammered at first before closing my eyes and collecting myself. Was I wrong? Had I overreacted?

In an instant I parsed through every book I've ever read. Picturing every page of every volume. No. As I suspected. Not a single example in the history of man when under normal benevolent circumstances a cat is able to speak in human tongue. Everything about this situation spelled danger and certain doom if not handled correctly.

Now is not the time to be my normal diplomatic self. I mustered every ounce of strength I could and spoke directly from the heart, something I seldom do.

“I'm NOT sorry!”

I didn’t presume you would be. 

The voice rang out so clearly in my mind, I could scarcely believe it was coming from the familiar ratty ball of black fur that always seemed to find me when I’d venture into the woods. 

For the first time since I awoke, I took in the room around me. I seemed to be in a cabin of some sort. I was in a plush bed, and I realized quickly the white sheets were spotted with black cat hair, and also… human hair? Odd… and gross, I thought. 

I slowly raised myself from the bed, ignoring my throbbing arm, the cat watching me with his piercing yellow gaze. He looked strangely calm given I just yeeted him across a room. He reached a paw over his ear to give himself a quick groom, while never taking his eyes off me. 

 The rest of the room looked fairly normal, except it could use a sweep. There was cat hair everywhere! I got the urge to sneeze, but stifled it. There was a small hearth keeping the room warm, and on the opposing wall was an armoire slightly ajar,  however I was unable to see inside to it’s contents. There was a standing mirror in the corner, and  a washbasin with a clean cloth draped over the edge was sitting in front of it.

A door which presumably led to the rest of the cabin was behind the cat, still watching me, his shining amber eyes penetrating deep into my soul.

“Do you… live here?” I asked, confused why a cat would need all these comforts. I felt stupid asking the question. Which was a new sensation, I was never stupid. In fact I was a lot smarter than other girls. Being smart was the one feature I took pride in. Other girls were able to pride themselves on their looks and ability to woo men. Not me though, I was different from them and I knew it.  It’s not like I even wanted to be like them anyway. 

My internal rambling was cut short when I was interrupted by Oblegaimon’s rumbling voice.

I come and go. 

I remembered the few strands of human hair in the bed, black and silky. 

“Do you live here… with a person?” A jealous pang suddenly struck my chest. The cat that I trusted and considered a friend and ally might have someone else they cared for more. 

The black body of the cat shook slightly and I realized he was laughing. A cat was laughing? This demon was like no cat I’ve ever met before.

You’ve been through quite an ordeal, he purred. It’s not every day someone fails to light all the cauldrons. 

I gulped. He was right, I’m a failure. I felt my heart quicken as the panic of what I failed to accomplish set in. I set the shock and confusion of my current circumstances aside. I had to get out of here and light the last cauldron before it was too late. I swung my legs out from the bed, but quickly had to lay myself back down. I was so dizzy. The stupid witch’s spell still had a hold on me, not to mention my aching arm. I prayed to the gods it wasn’t broken, as if the gods have ever answered the prayers of the cursed ones.

You’ll feel better once you’ve washed and eaten. Obie stated matter of factly.  I’ll prepare you a meal.