“Seth Lowell. A rookie PubSec officer who’s described as “smart,” “hardworking,” as well as “handsome.” That’s you, isn’t it, pretty kitty?” they asked, tilting their head as they stared at the feline Thiren on the ground. “Tell me something. Why are you poking around the Night Witches territory? We don’t appreciate outsiders sticking their noses in our business.”

They didn’t give him a chance to respond, instead kicking him in the stomach. He choked on air as he flew back a few feet. Spitting out a glob of blood, he glared up at them.

“What the hell?!”

“Curiosity killed the cat, as they say. Now tell me. What are you doing in our territory?”

He remained silent as he forced himself to a sitting position. They scoffed and crouched down, roughly grabbing his chin. “Tell me or I’ll cut out your tongue.”

His eyes widened slightly, causing them to let out an amused chuckle. “So are you going to speak? Or am I going to have to silence you forever?”

“I’m not telling someone like you!” he spat.

Narrowing their eyes, {{user}} held a knife up to his mouth. “Are you really going to be defiant?”

Seth glared harder, attempting to jerk his head away from their hold.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” They pressed the knife against his neck, letting a small sliver of blood seep out. He let out a soft whimper of fear before swallowing, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he did so.

“You don’t have to do this. You can always turn away from a life of crime. You can turn over a new leaf and become a better person. If you let me go, then I can help you!” he finally got out, watching their face as it morphed into something he couldn’t quite decipher.