Kataryna fidgeted. She knew she had to do something but what? The easiest thing would be to go and talk with Arron. But would he believe her? He had asked for her help after all. She should go now too, even though it was the wee small hours of the morning. After all, it could be tomorrow that he was destined to die.
With a sigh she got off her bed, pulling on her trousers and tying on her shirt. It was rather awkward to dress oneself when one had wings - she had slashed the t-shirt apart, tying it together behind her. She wrapped the cloak about her shoulders and wings. Outside the night was cool and clear and crisp. Already insomniac birds were starting to sing their praise of the new day.
The walk to the party venue seemed to take so much longer when she was by herself. Every shadow threatened danger. Even her neighbours, who were normally awake late until the night, were quiet. It was four am - the dead zone. The wind rustled its way through the alley of trees, sending a cold chill down her spine. She was not afraid of shadows. She was NOT!
Okay, well maybe just a little.
As she approached Evergreen Apartments, it became clear that four am really was the dead zone. The fire still burned, glowing embers casting even grater shadows, but no longer was there any dancing or merriment. The bouncy music had been replaced by slow, dreamy strains and the few people gathered about the fire were either curled up in each other's warm embrace or talking quietly, seated in tight circles. She felt alien, out of place, as she picked her way about the fireplace, searching the shadows for Arron. She could not find him.
She did however find Titus, who had returned to the party after walking her home. He was purring, eyes closed, as the "jackalope" gave him a massage. Kat felt bad interrupting them, but the urgency in her mind inspired her to.
"Titus," she hissed, his eyes flicked open.
"Kat, babe? I thought you were all wrapped up snuggly in bed!"
"I came back," she said, "I need to talk to Arron."
Titus's brow creased. "You do move fast,' he said. The Jackalope Hare sniggered.
"No!" She snapped, a little TOO fast, "of course not!"
"What other reason would you have for paying him a visit at this early hour?"
"I saw something in the mirror," she replied.
The change in Titus was spectacular. He jumped to his feet, bowing hastily to his friend. "Sorry, I'll be back. You better come with me." He grabbed Kat by the arm and dragged her over into the shadows. "You asked the mirror about Arron?"
She nodded. "Yes, I found one of his hairs on my clothing and decided to try out the mirror."
"And it's bad?"
She nodded again. "Very bad."
"Then you should talk to him straight away then, shouldn't you?" He dragged her through the trees and towards the base of a spiral staircase, entwining around the tree. "Up there." He glanced back, "do you need my help kitty-Kat?"
"No," she gulped, "you go back to your friend - I'll be fine."
He squeezed her hand. "Take care my dear." He watched as she ascended the stairs, turning back halfway up to flash a smile his way.
What was she going to say? How could she explain? Well, she would have to try. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.
After a long moment Arron answered, clad in nothing but black boxer shorts. He blushed somewhat noticeably as he realised whom was visiting at this late hour.
"Sorry to disturb you," Kat muttered, keeping her eyes on his bespectacled face. "I remember what you said, and I kinda did some investigation. I found out something rather bad, that I feel you should know about as soon as possible."
"What are you?" There was no anger, just curiosity and a little despair.
Kataryna shrugged, "I do not know." She chuckled, "maybe I'm an angel, I certainly have the wings. But anyway, you don't have to believe any of that, you just have to believe what I'm about to tell you."
He stepped aside, beckoning her in, "I guess you'd better come in then." He took the chance to wrap a long coat about his shoulders, for which Kataryna was much relieved. She was nervous about talking to him as was, without talking to him half-naked. He escorted her into a lounge room that was rather more sparse then her own, and contained only a couple of threadbare armchairs and a bookcase. Arron might own Evergreen Apartments, but he didn't look rich. He motioned for her to take a seat, but she didn't feel comfortable enough to do so.
"Anyhow, you want to know what I saw?" She asked. "Well, it looked pretty bad." She gulped, "you and Aranaya were walking towards an apartment - it wasn't this one, so maybe it was hers? Anyhow, it was plain someone had broken in, she darted off to call the police or something, and you went in. And something attacked you."
Arron narrowed his eyes, his pink pupils gleamed in the dilute light. "And this is the truth? What happened after that? Did anything happen to Aranaya?"
Kat shook her head. "I, I don't know, what I saw was terribly violent - I couldn't watch it." She paced a few steps, and turned. "Arron, you must promise me that you will not enter the apartment! I don't know what happened to you - but I think it killed you."
"When?"
"I, I don't know. I'm new to this and I'm not even sure I used the mirror properly. Is there anyone that is..." she paused, "that might want to hurt you?"
"Me?" he shook his head, smiling wryly, "apart from a couple of rival authors maybe, but no. It's Aranaya I'm frightened for." He said nothing further and Kataryna was not willing to ask. But if upon hearing of his own prophecised death he still expressed concern for the Aye-aye girl, his feelings for her must truly run deep.
"Aren't you worried yourself?"
"No, I'm not. I don't believe in a predetermined destiny. Our actions shape our destiny. What you saw is something that may happen. But then again, a lot of things might happen. I shall take care and I am sure no harm may come to me. Can you describe the attacker?"
She frowned. "I only saw the quickest glimpse of him. He was black of fur and red of eye with sharp, flashing teeth."
"Was he a Lemur?" Arron pressed.
"I don't know, maybe... his muzzle had that shape."
"Dario," Arron whispered. "Oh Ary, what is he going to do to you?"