It was pouring as Onyx tried to navigate through the dark and wet streets. Seth, his black panther and animal spirit, followed behind him closely, even though his complaints were clear in Onyx's mind.

It's muddy, Onyx. My paws are getting dirty. Seth whined. His tail was low as he trotted beside Onyx, and Onyx had to stop himself from abandoning his spirit.

There's no shelter. The thought was dreadful to both Onyx and Seth as they glanced around. Houses with shut doors and windows lay in rows on both sides of the path, and Onyx wasn't keen on begging to have somewhere to stay.

Onyx trudged forward, his sword heavy against his hip and his brain whirling. Why had he decided to run away from the castle? Even in that hell, at least he wouldn't be outside, getting drenched.

You think we can sneak inside somewhere? Onyx communicated with Seth, who side-eyed him before reluctantly nodding his feline head.

There. Seth was staring at one of the houses. There was a window ajar, open just by a sliver, and Seth carefully pawed it open, careful to be quiet and slow with his movements.

Get in, Onyx. Seth glanced back at Onyx, who crept through the window, which was thankfully large enough to fit his frame. Seth came in after him, clearly resisting the urge to shake his pelt as he stood on the wooden floors.

Great. What do we do n- Onyx froze when his eyes landed on who he assumed was the homeowner.

"..hey." Onyx greeted awkwardly. "Is it, um, is it cool if we stay here for a bit? Just until the rain passes. Sorry for sneaking in."