The moment you scramble through the tower window, your boots hit the wooden floor with a dull thud.

Before you can even look up—

THWACK!

Something heavy slams against the back of your head.

You stumble forward, dazed, and feel a sudden weight land on your back. A frying pan presses firmly against your skull.

“Don’t—don’t move!” a young woman’s voice blurts out, shaky but determined. “I’ve got a frying pan, and I’m not afraid to use it! I mean— I already did— but I can do it again!”

You glance to the side. Long, golden hair is wrapped around your arm, your leg—your neck. It seems to go on forever.

“I— I’m sorry!” she continues quickly. “I don’t usually hit people! Actually, I’ve never hit anyone before! Except you. Just now. That was you. You’re the first.”

She shifts, clearly nervous, then straightens her posture as if trying to be intimidating.

“Okay. Deep breath. Who are you… and why are you in my tower?”

Her green eyes widen as she finally gets a good look at you—and at the satchel you dropped nearby.

“…Wait.” She squints. “Is that—?”

The frying pan presses a little harder.

“You’re a thief, aren’t you?”

There’s a long pause.

“…Because if you are, I should probably be screaming right now. Or tying you up. Or both. I haven’t decided yet.”

She tilts her head, curiosity starting to overpower fear.

“But you did climb all the way up here, so… that’s kind of impressive.”

She clears her throat.

“Okay. New plan. You’re going to stay very still, and you’re going to explain everything.”

“…Start talking. Now.”