Anuki Simnin groaned softly, her leg burning like fire while her head throbbed from the impact with the floor. Her parents had warned her, insisting that seeking justice alone was too dangerous. They had pleaded with her to stay in Zweiqin, but she hadn’t listened. Despite understanding the dangers, she had never anticipated this grim outcome. ‘Mother, make it quick, please,’ she thought, hoping they would spare her Rakassars. After all, they were only involved because of her; they didn't deserve to share her fate.

The sound of claws slapping against stone made her crane her neck. Panic surged through her as she saw the crocodile approaching rapidly, its muzzle gaping to expose menacing fangs. Ignoring the agony in her leg, she pushed off the floor with her good leg, her paws scraping against the wall as she desperately tried to pull herself away. ‘Not like this, not like this!’ she thought, terror-stricken at the prospect of being devoured alive. But the crocodile was relentless, rapidly closing the distance.

She felt its scaly paws grasp the scruff of her neck. A yowl of pain escaped her as he yanked her upright, bringing her face within inches of his maw. His hot, fetid breath stirred her whiskers, and each shake sent fresh waves of pain coursing through her body.

“Leopard. Brother where, Azlea, is he where? Vanished week… ago. Looks like me. Talk or pain!” growled the crocodile. She felt his spittle splatter her face with every word.

“Zyra, don’t do anything stupid…” she heard the hyena say, "Rabbit, help me get them up and against the wall. It will simplify the interrogation." Hope surged within her at these words. They didn't intend to kill her yet, and the longer this lasted, the greater the chance of a rescue. Glancing over the crocodile's shoulder, she noticed the hyena and the rabbit tearing down nearby banners, cutting them into strips to bind their prisoners.

“Also, if they have any medical supplies on them, Summer will patch them up as best he can. Maybe it'll make them more cooperative. I’m not wasting my own,” the hyena added. Suddenly, Anuki's blue eyes locked with the expressionless black orbs of her captor. In that moment, she felt an indescribable sensation, a tingling that started at the base of her skull and cascaded down her spine like a wave of electricity. It was as if the air around her crackled with unseen energy, a manifestation of magic that she had only read about but never truly experienced. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, filling her with a newfound sense of power and vulnerability.

Caught in a spellbound, the crocodile halted abruptly, his entire body becoming rigid as if he too sensed the energy emanating from Anuki. The air seemed to thicken, charged with the terrible unknown.

“Well, bunny boy, that turned out better than expected,” said the hyena as he let off a high-pitched laugh. The sound snapped the crocodile out of his fugue.

“Answer feline! Where is he? I need to know this instant!” He snapped, his paws gripping her shoulders tightly as he violently shook her. Her cloak was ripped off her as she felt her body being whipped back and forth.

“If you… stop this. Maybe… I’ll talk,” she said. Zyra stopped abruptly, emitting a low, menacing growl as he fixed his intense gaze upon her.

“There, happy? Now tell me. Where is my brother?” Anuki took a deep breath, her vision swimming. Squinting, she studied the crocodile, her mind racing. She pondered if the male's elongated face reminded her of any reptile she had previously encountered. His features bore a resemblance to one she had seen in Lagadha, yet she couldn't be certain of its significance. As these thoughts swirled in her head, she absently fussed with her long, untamed mane, trying to untangle both her hair and her jumbled thoughts.

Hesitating, Anuki contemplated lying, feigning ignorance. What if her assumption about this crocodile being his brother was wrong? The risk of provoking his anger and endangering her life loomed large in her mind.

“What did he look like?” she asked slowly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The crocodile paused, taking a deep breath as if to steady his nerves. “Left eye, white mark, swirling smoke. Unmistakable.”

Recognition flickered in Anuki's eyes.

“All secured, Vincenn,” called out the rabbit known as Summer. She had thought his name was different.

Vincenn! The name triggered a memory. She recalled a hyena, an officer named Vincenn, embroiled in a scandal that had ruined his reputation. A hyena wanted by the Department of Purebreds, an entity not known for its leniency. Making an enemy out of any branch of the League was dangerous, but particularly so with them.

“Alpha-Lieutenant Vincenn?” She asked, willing her voice to remain tranquil, refusing to show any more fear than she already had. The hyena’s head snapped towards her, a surprised look on his face.

“You know me?” he demanded sharply.

“Brother where? Talk or shake more,” rumbled the crocodile. Reminding her she had best not push her look too far.

“Hmm,” she said, furrowing her brow as she delved into the depths of her memory. “I got lost during my recent travels and found myself in the Circle. Your ‘brother’ noticed my unease and gave me directions,” she then looked away.

“I’m still interested to hear how you know who I am,” Vincenn’s voice dripped with suspicion as he demanded. She met his gaze directly, her eyes locked with his, unyielding. ‘I won’t let him or anyone else intimidate me. Showing vulnerability will only complicate matters further.’

“One at a time,” she snapped at Vincenn, her voice filled with irritation, before refocusing on the crocodile. “As I walked away, I glimpsed a group of predators gathered around him, engaged in a lively discussion. I can’t recall their appearance or species, but I distinctly believed they were familiar with him.”

“He… told never me. How know him? I know not.” Zyra let go of her suddenly. She staggered and would have fallen if she had not managed to catch his scaly paw. He let out a low rumble directed at her, then paused to take a deep breath before continuing.

“Thank you for telling. I’ll remember it. Apologize for aggression. Needed information.” Anuki nodded quickly, unsure of what to say. Vincenn tapped his sword impatiently against the wall.

“That’s one topic down. Now, how do you know me?” As she spoke, Anuki made her way toward the gruff hyena, leaning heavily on the crocodile's arm for support, using it as a makeshift crutch while she limped.

“You've been a hot matter among certain carnivores I know. There are rumors about your transformation from a criminal to a high-ranking soldier. You’re seen as a symbol of redemption, a perfect poster child for the League’s war propaganda,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. Vincenn’s chest puffed up with pride at her words.

“But there’s more to it. There's fear and, particularly among the males, jealousy due to your... let's say, ‘colorful’ personal life.” She gestured with her paws to emphasize her point. Vincenn’s expression turned sour upon hearing this.

“Polygamy is merely a byproduct of circumstances. My duty is to my family. If it wasn’t part of my responsibilities, I wouldn't be here trying to mitigate a scandal,” he retorted.

Anuki raised her hand, signaling to the hyena that she wasn’t finished. “Furthermore, I’ve overheard whispers among the Purebreds. They seem unusually intent on pursuing you for reasons they haven’t made clear.”

“Sounds about right,” a soft chuckle escaped his lips, the sound filling the air. “Hmmm. You wouldn’t know anything about a jackal, would you?”

A look of slight perplexity crossed Anuki’s face, causing her to frown ever so slightly. “What jackal?”

“Before we arrived here, I was informed that my mammals were attacked. I suspect the jackal we apprehended might be working for the Purebreds,” Vincenn mentioned, watching Anuki intently, his gaze never wavering from her.

“Can you tell me exactly where this happened?” Anuki asked, her voice steady. She noted the hesitation in the hyena’s eyes, a flicker of uncertainty betraying his internal debate on whether to trust her.

After a moment, Vincenn replied, “South of here, just past the Black Gate, near the Quarter of Orchards.” Anuki shook her head. She did not know what jackal he was speaking about; she felt a shiver of fear as the hyena narrowed his eyes.

“Not that’ll concern you,” Vincenn started, his paw casually resting on the hilt of his sword, “after I’ve decided what to do with you.” Anuki instinctively retreated, her heart pounding as her back pressed against the wall, feeling the chilling touch of Vincenn's blade at her throat.

“You’ve made powerful enemies who are willing to pay a handsome price for your head,” he stated, stepping closer, the steel of his sword cold even against her fur. Anuki's fear was palpable, but she knew she couldn’t let it immobilize her. She had to find a solution. Gathering her courage, Anuki's voice quivered as she offered, “I can help you!”

Vincenn's smirk widened, his grip on his weapon's hilt tightening, “And you expect me to believe you can get the department off my ass?” he questioned skeptically. Anuki cast a desperate look towards Zyra, silently pleading for his intervention.

“No… hurt catkitty. Must keep word,” Zyra growled in response, his tone firm.

Vincenn snorted dismissively. “In case you haven’t noticed, lizard, they hired us to do a job. Failing to complete it means you won’t find your brother, the rabbit won’t be able to clear his name, and I’ll lose everything.” It was then that Summer approached, his presence marked by the fluttering of his cloak in the breeze.

“Zyra’s correct; we can't execute her without proof, Vincenn. As a ranger, my duty is to protect the innocent. To kill without cause goes against everything the code stands for,” Summer asserted firmly.

Vincenn responded with a snort of sarcasm. “So, it's against your principles, is it, snowball? But I can do it swiftly and painlessly, allowing you to keep your pristine paws unsullied,” Anuki flinched as the blade pressed slightly into her skin.

“Jiremar’s story has too many holes, Lieutenant. There’s something amiss with this contract. We don’t have solid evidence that he can fulfill his promises. His mere knowledge of our situation doesn’t guarantee his capability to resolve it!” the rabbit argued with fervor, igniting a flicker of hope in Anuki. ‘Come on, mother’s light, come on!’

“And you believe she has the answers? Listen, bunny, I’ll admit that he’s a shifty bastard, but the information he has on us must have a credible source. Crossing someone with that kind of pull could mark us all for death,” Vincenn retorted sharply, his glare directed at Summer. At this, Zyra emitted a low, warning growl.

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“Kill catkitty is wrong, I felt… something, will not… kill. Her refuse,” he said with finality. For the first time, Anuki found herself feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the power that lay within her.

"Consider this, Lieutenant," the rabbit implored Vincenn, "We need to delve deeper, gather more intelligence. Jiremar is determined to eliminate the leopardess, but if he gets his way, the truth might forever remain hidden. All I'm asking is for us to pause and assess the situation fully before acting," he urged, noting Vincenn's eyes narrowing and his grip on the weapon easing slightly.

Vincenn's voice was tinged with skepticism, "And how exactly do you propose we do that?"

Anuki inhaled deeply, her thoughts racing. "I have a contact who could be of help. He's well-connected, involved in nearly every significant event in Eirden." Noticing a subtle change in Vincenn's demeanor, a flicker of curiosity now evident, she pressed on.

“Prove it. Give me a name.”

With her heart pounding against her chest, Anuki knew this was her moment of truth. "I don't know his name," she confessed, bracing for the worst. Yet, for some reason, Vincenn refrained from acting on his threat. Encouraged, she continued, "He's elusive, always on the move. He's a fox. I know his whereabouts."

"And where might that be?" Vincenn pressed, his voice firm. Anuki took another deep breath, aware that revealing this information left her with no further cards to play.

"He frequents the Starfall Tavern here in the city," she divulged, hoping her gamble would pay off.

Vincenn's grip on his weapon loosened further as he mulled over her words. "That’s the second location the weasel mentioned…" he murmured, seemingly connecting the dots. Anuki held her breath, silently hoping her risky move would bear fruit.

After a tense moment, Vincenn finally responded, his tone wary yet decisive. “Fine, I’ll hold off for now. I'll figure out who's pulling the strings. If you're telling the truth, your life’s spared. But make no mistake kitty, if you're hoodwinking me, I won't hesitate to end you. Consequences be damned.” Anuki nodded earnestly, a wave of relief washing over her. She realized that this was merely the beginning of a perilous path, but she had managed to secure a vital opportunity for herself and her allies to navigate the dangers ahead.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a voice filled with contempt.

“The division will soon have your head, hyena,” growled the cougar, his eyes seething with animosity as he glared at Vincenn, who simply smirked in response.

“Let them bring two divisions. Then it might actually be a fair fight,” Vincenn taunted, a sly grin playing on his lips.

“I thought he had been dealt with,” Felrum murmured, his voice fading into a whisper as he vanished into the shadows. He moved to scout the entrances and exits, vigilant for any signs of approaching danger. Zyra’s gaze shifted between Felrum and the cougar, taking in the tense atmosphere.

“Not hit hard enough. Has thick skull. Tough… catkitty,” Zyra muttered, his tone tinged with apology. Anuki perceived his frustration even as she winced at his words. Her strategy to diplomatically navigate this situation with the trio was showing promise, though the hyena's guardedness in sharing information posed a challenge in understanding his true intentions. She recognized the need for more time to develop an escape plan. Her current strategy hinged on their apparent hesitation to harm her, banking on the hope that their leniency would continue as long as she cooperated.

“It’s okay, Lyne Hacar,” she reassured him calmly. “Let me handle this.”

“Forgive me, my lady,” Lyn responded, his voice heavy with disdain, “but I do not think it wise to squander your time on these... mongrels.”

“No use, he be knock unconscious. We shall?” Zyra inquired with a glare directed at the cougar.

Vincenn, with a menacing look, locked eyes with the cougar before shifting his gaze to Anuki. “Speaking of wanted individuals, why exactly is there a bounty on your head?” he queried.

Anuki flinched, feeling a wave of dread wash over her as she suspected who might be responsible. Yet, she chose to keep her suspicions private, uncertain of the trio's true intentions. Her current safety didn't assure their motives wouldn’t shift if she divulged too much.

“These 'useless males,' the tiger and the others, are elite bodyguards, the Rakassars. They are also Purebreds allied with me,” she explained to Zyra, whose expression remained unimpressed.

At that moment, Summer hurried toward the group, his cloak billowing behind him. “I hate to interrupt, but we need to conclude this or relocate. Someone’s approaching, and being caught here would not bode well for any of us.”

“Prisoners, what we do with?” Asked Zyra, still glaring at Lyne.

“Leave them behind,” Vincenn insisted, his tone firm. “Before we’re discovered, let’s continue this conversation in a different setting.” Anuki rocked her head, the thought of being separated from her bodyguards unsettling her deeply.

“They are coming for you! You’re all doomed, do you hear me? Doomed!” hissed Lyne. Vincenn glanced at Lyne and growled in response.

“Maybe, but not before you,” he retorted, quickly turning to his companions. “Quick! Where to now?”

“Outside?” Zyra, already moving toward the front, tilted his head thoughtfully. “I not good for fight…”

“Wait. Release these mammals, and I’ll answer your question and help you escape. They listen to me, as I've said before.I know how to get out of the barracks without being seen,” the leopardess stated firmly, locking eyes with Vincenn. It was a risk; her influence was uncertain, but surviving the next few hours was critical.

“You can't trust them, my lady,” Lyne interjected urgently. “They're here for your head.”

“Front gate is out unless we want to commit glorious suicide,” Vincenn muttered as he glanced out of a window before, walking back to the group. “Well, rabbit, what do you suggest?” Summer pondered for a moment, eyeing the leopardess.

“We’ll release you. Let’s say you invited us to the barracks for a good time. Our loud friend over there got overly excited and had to be restrained, causing some minor injuries. Does that sound plausible in case we're caught?” Summer proposed.

Anuki barely managed to suppress an eye roll. The cover story was flimsy at best.

“Perhaps. Time will tell,” she responded, then shifted her focus back to Lyne.

“It appears that this hyena has targeted me specifically because of the decisions made by your department. What exactly did he do?” Demanded Anuki, crossing her arms as she looked sternly at Lyne. Lyne’s tone was sulky as he replied, “I have no knowledge of any activities in the Departments, my lady, probably some degenerate filth,” Vincenn resisted the urge to spit at the cougar.

“Whatever we do, I suggest we get as far from here as possible to avoid arousing any more suspicion,” said Vincenn. The cougar glared spitefully at Vincenn.

“Your days are numbered, Yeen - there’s no escaping it!” Vincenn took a step towards the cougar, arm raised to strike.

“Oh, shut up already!” growled Vincenn.

“Agreed. We are not supposed to be here either,” She looked toward Lyne, scowling.

“And keep quiet, Lyne. Your opinion of them doesn’t matter right now. We are leaving together, and you are not to show hostility towards these males unless I command it. Am I clear?” the leopardess declared sharply, her voice resonating with authority.

Lyne grimaced, his expression akin to someone who had swallowed something bitter. With a reluctant nod, he dipped his muzzle in acquiescence, signaling his agreement, albeit begrudgingly.

"Fine," Vincenn finally conceded, walking over to begin untying the prisoners. As he reached the cougar, he pressed the blade subtly against his back and growled a warning, "But if you interfere, I won’t show mercy again." After releasing the cougar, he stood and surveyed the area, then turned to Summer. "Which target is furthest from our current location?"

“The fox near the tavern, I believe. We can make our escape through the garden. That’s how I came in undetected,” Summer replied, his demeanor remarkably composed, Anuki noted.

Feeling the urgency of the situation, Anuki voiced her concern, “Can someone help me with my two unconscious companions?”

“I got this,” Zyra responded promptly. He hoisted the tiger under its shoulder and draped it across his back, the tiger's limbs hanging limply as Zyra prepared to carry him.

“Catkitty heavy,” rumbled Zyra, his muscles bulging with effort.

“Thank you.” She glanced over her shoulder and caught sight of Lyne and the hyena; their expressions filled with hostility. “One of you gets Aric.” The cougar dutifully lifts the unconscious lynx from the floor, shouldering the responsibility of carrying his comrade.

“I still think this is a grave mistake,” Lyne protested, but Anuki dismissed his concern. The situation had evolved beyond the point of no return. Bending over, she grasped her guandao, a versatile long pole weapon, using it to steady herself as she walked.

“Who shot me?” Anuki asked.

“That was our sharpshooter,” Vincenn replied with a smirk. Anuki, leaning on her guandao for support, knelt down, wincing from the excruciating pain as she swiftly yanked the arrow from her leg in one fluid motion. Her paws trembling, she reached into a small pouch for herbs and salves, applying a quick treatment to the wound. Thankfully, the bleeding was manageable. She then tightly wrapped the wound with a strip of banner and cautiously tested her leg. It could bear her weight, but only a slow walk was possible; running was out of the question.

After inspecting the bloodied arrow, Anuki tossed it aside. “We should find an apothecary. Some of us are injured,” she suggested. The cougar glanced at her wound, assessing both her injury and Aric's.

“I agree. It might be wise to leave the unconscious guards there as well,” Vincenn remarked, glancing at the guards.

“The apothecary is close by. We can seek shelter and tend to our wounds there,” Anuki stated, and Vincenn scanned the group, his expression thoughtful.

“If we’re finished here, we’ll need a diversion,” he said, and with a swift motion, he hurled a torch at the window curtains. As flames began to engulf the fabric, the room filled with the smell of burning material. Muffled voices and footsteps were heard approaching, the sound of guards growing louder. A voice from the corridor heightened the tension.

“Thorin? Lyne? Is everything alright?” The cougar looked to Anuki, awaiting instructions.

“That should keep them busy,” Vincenn said, offering to help Anuki. She turned to Lyne, whispering her frustration, “You didn’t mention guards in the barracks who knew us.”

“We have connections here, my lady. That’s why we're here,” Lyne responded simply.

“Talk later we can? Guards on the way back, getting tired…” growled Zyra irritably. Vincenn glanced at the rapidly rising flames with a satisfied expression. Vincenn reached down and took hold of her arm.

"I appreciate it, Lieutenant," Anuki said as Vincenn grunted and helped her out the door. The heat from the growing fire and the thick smoke swirling around made her eyes water. The group hastened through the corridor, with distant voices shouting about the fire and smoke becoming more audible. Soon, they reached a more secluded wing of the barracks.

Vincenn paused and turned to the rabbit. "Which way to the garden?"

"We should head that way," Anuki suggested, pointing towards an exit that led to the courtyard. "There's a postern that leads directly to the garden."

"Smart. Let's move to the apothecary and quickly," Vincenn urged, steering the group towards the exit.

Stepping out into the rain, Anuki felt the cold droplets immediately soaking through her clothing. She led them across the courtyard, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The postern gate to the gardens, a discreet escape route, was just ahead. She reached for the door, giving it a firm shake, but it rattled, locked.

"It's locked!" she exclaimed in frustration.

"No problem," said the rabbit, moving forward. He took a lockpick from his pouch and began to work on the door. Anuki glanced aside and saw torchlight flickering, growing closer to the inner courtyard.

"We've got company," she whispered urgently, just as the gate rumbled open. In the downpour, Anuki saw a heavy wagon entering the courtyard, escorted by a dozen alert Rakassars. She scanned for another escape route, the shadows and rain concealing them for now.

"I'm almost there," the rabbit whispered. Suddenly, a primal howl cut through the night, causing Felrum to drop his lockpick in terror. Vincenn cursed, snatched the pick, and began working on the lock himself.

Then, a massive barghest burst into the courtyard and barreled into the open space. His enormous paws, each the size of a dinner plate, pounded against the cobblestones with a resonating thunder. It was muscular, with dark, shaggy fur that seemed to absorb the dim light around it. Its eyes, glowing with a predatory intensity, scanned the group with a chilling focus. As he exhaled, his hot breath mingled with the chilly night air, creating swirling wisps of steam that billowed around his sizable head.

"Go," Vincenn hissed, pushing the door open. Anuki acted swiftly, grabbing the rabbit and pulling him through the entrance. Lyne, burdened and struggling, followed close behind, along with the crocodile.

Vincenn gestured for silence and motioned them to follow. Anuki's heart pounded as they navigated through the garden, hoping their escape remained unnoticed. Felrum whimpered beside her.

"Who was that?" Vincenn demanded, his face tense.

"The Woemaker..." the rabbit said.