— James —

I don’t know how long I was out, but the first thing I remember was warmth in the darkness. Held within a cocoon, I felt warm and safe. The next thing that returned was the soft smell of flowers, a hint just barely there. Then the memories returned and so did the pain. My muscles were stiff and sore, it hurt but not as bad as it should. I felt like I had had a hard workout, not a brutal beating. Did someone fix me? After remembering the night before, one more thing occurred to me. Where am I? To gather the information I tried to open my eyes but found them heavy. I had to will them open, only to see a woman I’ve never seen before.

“Good morning.” She said in a cheerful tone. The woman sat tall with long white hair, sharp-angled eyes, and sharp features. Everything about her felt sharp, only slightly softened by her voice. It struck me as odd the way her voice didn’t seem to match everything else about her. She was sitting there in light leather armor and a steel breastplate with two short swords resting by the door.

I took all this in within a few seconds as my brain was trying to figure out what was going on. “Who are you? Where am I?” My questions flew out as panic set in. Was this person with those shadow cat people? Is she going to beat me too? My heart was beating out of my chest as I took in my surroundings looking for a way out. I was laying in a medium-sized room, with well-maintained stone, a scant few pieces of furniture, on the bed stand next to the bed where the whitest stalk of flowers I had ever seen. They almost seemed to glow, as it looked as though they were stalks of glowing lights. It was seeing the glowing flowers that brought my panic down. No, this is something else. I felt my panic settle.

I was staring at the flowers when the woman laughed. “First why don’t you tell me why we found you naked in front of our guild this morning?”

“Naked?” They really did strip me completely. Anger bubbled up as I remembered Peter’s sneering face and the others taunting. “Shadow Cats.”

The woman’s smile turned into a sneer of disgust. “Of course it was those filthy creatures. And I bet you’re a trainee too?”

“Yes. How’d you know?” It was unsettling how many knew this detail at this point. If she had said my name, I don’t think I would have been surprised.

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The woman seemed almost resigned; letting out a sigh as she spoke. “It’s that time of year and there have been plenty of incidents lately. We would like to stop them but...”

Gears turned in my head, as I remembered their words last night. ‘I even pay taxes.’ “Unless they are caught in the act, you can’t do anything.”

Her eyes narrowed and her voice took on a dangerous tone. “You catch on quick.”

The air became heavy as I spoke. “They bragged about it.” I blurted afraid she thought I was one of them.

The woman sneered, exerting a tangible pressure through the room. “Yes. Well just be thankful you are not a woman. That did not end well for the last girl.”

I was horrified at what she was saying. “How could the people allow for such despicable acts?”

“Money, greed, and all that. Yes, I know disgusting, but we here at the Masked Owl guild are always here to help against those filthy creatures.” I could hear a level of pride fill her voice.

At the mention of the guild, I burst into almost hysterical laughter. I couldn’t believe they had brought me to the guild I was searching for. I guess they kept their word after all. Men of their word.

The woman was angrily starring at me now, her gaze giving off physical pressure. She looked ready to end me not just throw me out, “What? Do you think it's funny we don’t put up with thieves and torturers?” The pressure in the room changed from heaviness to something sharp aimed at my throat.

I forcefully stopped myself. I carefully picked my next words, knowing I might not just get thrown out. “No, it’s not that.” Trying to put my thoughts into words. “I’ve been looking for your guild. They told me they were from this guild and would help me find it.”

“Ah.” The pressure vanished, as her smile returned. “Well then, that’s a different story. If you really are interested in joining you should know, we are not an easy guild. You will have to stick to our strict code. Do you think you can do it?”

“Really! Just like that?” I couldn’t believe it was that simple.

“We are the Masked Owl guild. We do not take just anyone, there will be a test to see if you meet our standards. Do you agree?”

I felt that was fair. I still needed to prove myself, and I could make up for my bad first impression. I was excited, “Yes! I will take any test I need to!”

After my outburst of an answer. The woman calmly almost offhandedly added. “There will also be a fee that we can’t wave, but due to your circumstances.” She gestured at me laying in bed. Naked. “That can be paid back later.” I felt a blush creep over my face. Thank the keepers they are so understanding. I didn’t think I would be able to pay the fee.

After a moment of embarrassed silence, the woman asked. “Are you ready to begin?”

I might be naked but this was what I was searching, and took a beating for. “Yes!”

That day was my first day as a masked owl. I felt reborn. Fitting that I was naked for it. Bay will get a kick out of this.