Tenth Year of the Longshuo Era.
Yunlu Temple, atop Yunlu Mountain, was shrouded in thick mist, with the cries of cranes echoing in the clear sky.
A purple incense burner emitted curling smoke, and on a bamboo couch in front of the temple's main hall lay a delicate young lady, pale and unconscious. Kneeling on the ground beside her was a maid, holding a letter with a nervous expression.
On a meditation mat sat a monk, eyes closed in quiet meditation.
For a moment, the only sounds were the rhythmic tapping of a wooden fish in the outer hall and the clear chanting of disciples.
After a long time, the monk slowly opened his eyes, gazing at the young lady. Finally, he sighed softly, "It is fate... I foresaw that this calamity would come."
This monk, dressed in grey robes, was the elusive and renowned Master Shangxiao.
The maid, Bai Jiu, raised her head to look at him, clutching the corner of the letter tightly, her voice trembling: "Master, can you save my lady?"
"My lady has been frail since childhood. If it weren't for the fear that she might lose her life this time, we wouldn't have come to trouble you, Master..."
Shangxiao closed his eyes, fingering his prayer beads, and finally nodded, "I understand."
"An old promise must be fulfilled today."
When he opened his eyes again, his grey pupils were as calm as a still well. Shangxiao slowly continued, "In three years, you may send servants to the mountain to bring your lady home. During this time, I will stay here to heal her, but someone will need to look after her."
"No relatives or acquaintances from the secular world may visit her within these three years."
Bai Jiu, kneeling on the steps, was already in tears, repeatedly bowing in gratitude: "Thank you, Master! Thank you! Bai Jiu is eternally grateful on behalf of my lady!"
"Soon, I will have other monks come to arrange for your lady's care." After speaking, Shangxiao rose and left.
Bai Jiu felt immense relief in her heart. Wiping away her tears, she glanced at her lady lying on the couch.
The young lady on the bamboo couch had delicate eyelashes, and her brows were graceful. Her exquisitely beautiful face seemed like a flower on the verge of wilting.
She was so pale that she had lost all color and vitality.
She lay there silently, like a fragile, snow-white porcelain doll that would shatter at the slightest touch.
The sight of the unconscious young lady stirred deep pity in Bai Jiu's heart once again.
The young lady was named Ming Luomeng, the eldest legitimate daughter of Ming Hongqian, the magistrate of Yangzhou. She was only in her early teens. Frail and sickly since childhood, she had always relied on expensive medicine to maintain her health.
Unfortunately, the lady's body was so weak, and she lost her mother at a young age, allowing a woman of humble birth, Madam Bo, to enter the household.
Madam Bo not only brought with her a son, older than Ming Luomeng, who is now the legitimate eldest son of the Ming family, Ming Sian, but later also gave birth to the second daughter, Ming Ying'er.
From that point on, Master Ming's affections became increasingly biased, treating the young lady coldly and with indifference.
Three days ago, at a flower banquet at the Zuo residence, Ming Luomeng unexpectedly fell into the water.
At the time, Bai Jiu was serving outside the banquet and did not know what had happened. However, it seemed that the fall into the water was not accidental. Master Ming showed no concern whatsoever about his legitimate daughter's misfortune.
Ming Luomeng developed a high fever that wouldn't subside, leaving her life hanging by a thread.
The late mistress had once shown Bai Jiu great kindness, and as the loyal maid who had grown up with Ming Luomeng, Bai Jiu was no ordinary servant. Desperate, she sought out every doctor in Yangzhou, but all said that the fall had aggravated an old illness, and now her fate was in the hands of the heavens.
She suddenly recalled that before the late mistress passed away, she had left behind a token, saying that if her daughter faced any calamity, she could take this token to Yunlu Mountain to seek help from an old friend.
Clinging to this slim hope, Bai Jiu, along with other servants, brought Ming Luomeng up the mountain overnight.
Master Shangxiao had Ming Luomeng take a life-saving pill, which fortunately saved her life.
However, the young lady still did not wake up and needed to stay there to recover.
Thinking of this, Bai Jiu couldn't help but sigh again. How pitiful it was for the young lady, who had lost her mother at a young age, to now sleep away three years on this cold and lonely Yunlu Mountain...
The young lady had been plagued by misfortune since childhood. Bai Jiu could only hope that after this calamity, her lady would be blessed with a long life free of worries.
With sorrow in her eyes, Bai Jiu tucked the blanket around Ming Luomeng before calling the monks into the hall. The monks quietly followed the abbot's instructions, carefully carrying the precious guest to the ice chamber in the rear hall.
At this moment, Master Shangxiao stood at the peak of Yunlu Mountain. His gaze stretched out to the distant green hills, carrying a trace of complexity and compassion as he rubbed a jade token.
The daughter of an old friend...
Fated to have a troubled life, yet her destiny was also extraordinary.
Inside the ice chamber, the girl lay asleep on the ice bed. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, her face like a peach blossom, and her bones noble yet frail, embodying the image of a beautiful but sickly maiden, evoking pity. Yet no one knew that beneath her pale body, her spirit had left her form and was wandering in the heavens.
This deep sleep would last for three years.
In the same year, in July, outside Jinling City.
In the depths of a desolate forest, traces of blood could be seen, trickling from a horse drinking by the stream and winding toward a patch of green vines.
A small, snow-white cat was carrying a bundle of herbs, trotting toward the depths of the forest. The cat was exquisitely small and adorably white, with a pink nose that twitched slightly, and amber-colored eyes that blinked.
The cat, agile and swift, quickly slipped into the dense grass and stopped beside a young man lying on the ground.
The young man had been shot in the right shoulder. Though the arrow had been removed, the wound continued to bleed profusely, and he was unconscious. His lips were dark purple, but even in this state, his face was strikingly handsome, with a serene and refined air, like a piece of jade on a lofty mountain.
The cat glanced at him, then began to chew on the herbs.
As the juice seeped out, the bitterness touched her tongue, and the little cat couldn't help but frown. She thought to herself that if it weren't for his handsome appearance, she wouldn't have bothered to fetch the herbs and chew them until the juice came out...
It was exhausting work for a little cat.
Wait, why was she a cat? Something seemed wrong. The cat shook her head, but her mind was foggy, like seeing flowers in a mist, and she couldn't remember anything.
Oh well, maybe she was just an amnesiac cat.
After a moment, Ming-Little Cat-Luomeng, who couldn't remember her identity, unhesitatingly placed her tiny plum blossom paw on the young man's shoulder-
"Meow!" she cried out as she smeared the chewed-up herb onto his wound.
So bitter. The cat's whiskers furrowed as she rubbed her small sharp teeth, then picked up the remaining herbs and continued chewing. The more she chewed, the more tired she became, and the slower she went...
As the warm sun slanted, shining through the sparse trees, it illuminated the grass where the man and the cat lay.
Dust floated in the light, and on the handsome young man's neck, a few months-old kitten was sleeping soundly.
The scene was peaceful and soft, but no one witnessed it.
When Pei Shenyu awoke from a long slumber, the first thing he felt was not the pain of his wound but a warm weight pressing on his right shoulder.
His mind was still hazy, and he furrowed his brow, struggling to sit up.
Fortunately, there were no sounds of battle around him, which meant that his desperate effort to break through had succeeded, and he was now safe. However, he didn't know where he was.
As soon as he sat up, something fell from his shoulder onto his lap with a "plop."
Pei Shenyu looked down and saw that it was a cat.
A completely snow-white kitten.
The kitten lay on its back, its soft belly exposed, and its round, watery eyes were still dazed from the fall. It looked incredibly cute.
"Meow?"
Pei Shenyu's fingers twitched slightly, and he raised an eyebrow.
The cat's originally snow-white fur was now dirty from the journey to find herbs, turning it into a gray mess. Even its pink paw pads were filthy.
The kitten's cheeks also seemed to be stained with green herb juice, looking quite pitiful.
Pei Shenyu and the cat stared at each other in silence.
After a few seconds, he remained quiet.
It seemed like... a little wildcat?
In the palace, there were concubines who loved to keep pets, surrounded by countless maids and eunuchs who groomed their fur until it was spotless. But he had never kept any pets, as his mother had disliked them when he was young.
He had never been this close to a small animal before.
Perhaps it was because he had just survived a harrowing ordeal, escaping death. In this quiet corner of the forest, with the gentle breeze blowing, Pei Shenyu felt an unusual lightness in his heart.
He slid his long fingers through the kitten's front paws and gently lifted her up, weighing her.
"She's really a little wildcat, so light."
"Meow! Meow meow!"
The kitten-Ming Luomeng-cried out in shock.
If it weren't for her fur, her face would have been bright red with embarrassment. How could this rude person suddenly pick her up? She could even feel the warmth and strength of his fingers against her belly.
She was no longer a clean kitten...
And he had the nerve to call her a wildcat?
The kitten's eyes widened, and her hind legs kicked in protest.
"So cute," Pei Shenyu murmured softly.
He thought to himself that this kitten was so small, only about the size of his palm, like a lost little creature. He wondered how she would survive in this harsh forest.
If her fur hadn't been dirtied, she would probably be completely snow-white, just like the pampered pets in the inner palace.
Looking into those eyes, as clear as glass beads, one couldn't help but feel a sense of pity.
However, seeing the little cat struggle, he gently cupped her in his palm, using his other hand to softly stroke her back fur.
Ming Luomeng, soothed by his gentle words, gradually relaxed from her bristled state, settling into his palm.
Unable to resist her instincts as a cat, she indulged in the warmth and pressure of his palm, unconsciously letting out a soft purring sound and narrowing her almond-shaped eyes.
"Meow, mii~"
After being petted a few more times, Ming Luomeng suddenly snapped back to awareness.
Wait, who was she? Where was she? What was she doing?
Dissatisfied with being petted, she shook her ears, putting on a fierce expression, and then lightly leaped out of Pei Shenyu's palm.
Pei Shenyu wasn't offended. He stood up, stretched his muscles, and began to inspect his injured shoulder.
Strangely enough, his wound seemed to have been treated; the bleeding had stopped.
Three days ago, after a great victory in battle, he led his troops back to Jinling from Lishui County. Along the way, some rebels disguised as ordinary civilians greeted them with food and drink. The soldiers let their guard down, and suddenly a hidden arrow was fired, throwing the ranks into chaos. He, too, was struck by a poisoned arrow in the shoulder.
Looking back, the military advisor who led them had been overly enthusiastic, something had felt off.
The rebels had been closely pursuing him, separating him from his troops, and he had ridden to this point.
The poison on the arrow wasn't very strong, but it had a paralyzing effect and made the wound difficult to clot. If not for the madder herb covering his shoulder, the jolting ride and blood loss might have left him unconscious still, with the rebel forces potentially finding him at any moment, endangering his life.
Pei Shenyu looked at the fragments of herbs on his wound with a slight sense of puzzlement. This herb typically grew on steep cliffs, which did not match the terrain here.
He wondered who had...
Suddenly, he felt a soft, furry sensation against his leg. Looking down, he saw the little cat rubbing against him, her tail brushing his leg.
"What's the matter?" Pei Shenyu squatted down, gently stroking the cat's small head.
The little cat's eyes showed some hesitation, but in the end, she rubbed against his palm. Her almond-shaped eyes gazed at him, meowing softly, as if pleading.
Don't leave me behind, take this cat with you.
Just now, while surveying the unfamiliar forest, Ming Luomeng belatedly realized that as a cat, she didn't seem to know how to fish or have any survival skills. She couldn't even remember where she came from or why she was here.
Now, with no memory, she vaguely understood that she was supposed to be a kitten.
A small, pitiful, helpless kitten.
When she looked at someone with her glassy cat eyes, who could bear to abandon such a little kitten?
As the man and cat were attempting to communicate, a rustling sound came from the shaded woods. A graceful figure in smoky purple seemed to be approaching.
"Ching-" The cold flash of a blade unsheathed as Pei Shenyu suddenly drew his sword.
The little cat curiously looked in that direction.
From under the tree's shade, a woman slowly emerged. She had a pair of extremely alluring phoenix eyes, with delicate and refined features, a perfect blend of purity and seductiveness. She was dressed in a purple silk dress, with her hair styled into a simple bun held by a single sandalwood hairpin.
Pei Shenyu's sharp gaze swept over her, his sword unwavering, but the little cat at his feet froze in place.
Qin Hua hesitated when she saw Pei Shenyu holding his sword.
Her eyes briefly glanced at the wound on his shoulder and the remnants of plants on the ground.
Her gaze softened, and with a voice as melodious as a songbird, she smiled at Pei Shenyu and asked, "I was the one who saved you earlier. How are you feeling now?"
Pei Shenyu seemed slightly moved.
At that moment, no one noticed the little cat on the ground suddenly widening her almond-shaped eyes, filled with confusion and disbelief.
Upon hearing this, Pei Shenyu slightly raised his head, his emotions unreadable: "Was it you, Madam, who saved me?"
"Meow!" Absolutely not!
Ming Luomeng ground her tiny sharp teeth, her beautiful cat eyes filled with anger.
It was clearly she who had gone through great difficulty, traveled a long way, endured the filth and the bitterness of the herbal juice, and finally chewed the herbs bit by bit to apply them, barely managing to save his life.
If she could transform into a human at this moment, she would have loved to shout playfully in Pei Shenyu's ear: Fool, this cat is your true savior!
The cat's gaze fell on Qin Hua, revealing a hint of vigilance and confusion, not understanding why the other woman was taking credit for her deed.
However, to Pei Shenyu and Qin Hua, it merely seemed like the little cat was displeased at being ignored, letting out a series of weak, annoyed "meow" sounds.
"It was indeed me," Qin Hua said, her words soft as she discreetly slipped the porcelain bottle in her hand back into her sleeve and smiled lightly. "I was passing by and saw you wounded and unconscious. I couldn't bear to leave you, so I picked some herbs from nearby."
As she spoke, she pulled out a dark green vine from her sleeve and looked up at Pei Shenyu:
"Do you still need this, my lord?"
"This is a medicinal vine I found not far from here. Its juice has hemostatic properties. If my lord doesn't mind, you can apply it to your wound."
She lifted her beautiful eyes, casting a glance at the man in front of her.
Though his face was pale, it couldn't conceal his regal bearing and the cold, sharp light in his brow-just like his sword that could be drawn at any moment. Even when faced with a seemingly delicate woman, his sword's edge never wavered.
Is this the legendary Zhaowu Crown Prince, who has never lost a battle and is known for his deep wisdom?
"Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but there are more urgent matters at hand. I can still manage," Pei Shenyu politely declined, his arm slowly lowering as he sheathed his sword.
He then bent down, scooping up the little creature that was still whining in dissatisfaction and cradled it in his arms.
The little cat froze, its meows stopping abruptly.
Qin Hua's smile faltered slightly, her eyes clouding like overcast skies as she withdrew the vine and gazed at the cat: "Seeing how much my lord cares for this cat, I'm reminded of the mountain cat I used to keep at home..."
Her eyes darkened as she sighed softly, "But I don't know where it is now, ever since I released it into the wild five days ago."
Pei Shenyu looked up and said, "I don't know where you hail from or what has happened."
"I am a native of Lishui. Due to the frequent battles around Jiangling, my family and I fled north with my uncle to escape the turmoil," Qin Hua explained slowly.
"However, when the Crown Prince's troops returned, we stopped to greet them, but we didn't expect rebels to be hiding among the civilians... They suddenly attacked. Amid the chaos, I was separated from my uncle."
"You were in the crowd then?" Pei Shenyu's eyes changed slightly.
"Yes, that's how I saw you dressed in the red scarf and silver armor of our soldiers, so I stepped in to help," Qin Hua said with a shy smile.
Five months ago, the King of Jiangling rebelled, and the nearby counties were also affected. The fighting continued for months, and it was common for civilians to flee in terror.
Pei Shenyu frowned, "It is the army's failure that caused you to be separated from your family."
"And since you saved my life, it's only right and proper that I ensure your safety until you find your uncle." His gaze sharpened as he looked at Qin Hua, "Please allow me to escort you back to our camp."
"This..." Qin Hua looked slightly surprised but said, "The Silver Feather Army has fought hard for a long time. I only did a small favor, not worth your lordship's concern. But as a woman alone, finding my uncle will be difficult... So I'll have to trouble you, my lord."
"My name is Qin Hua. I thank you for your kindness, my lord," Qin Hua bowed her head and curtsied slightly.
"There's no need for such formality, Miss Qin. I'm merely repaying your kindness." Pei Shenyu looked up, gazing at the mountain forest and the setting sun, "It's about noon now. This place is westward. If we travel east for three hours, we should be able to reunite with my troops before sunset."
"Could my lord not light a signal fire to let the other soldiers find us?" Qin Hua asked softly.
"That wouldn't be wise." Pei Shenyu's expression didn't change as he decisively replied, "If the enemy is nearby, they could also follow the smoke here."
"I was being too naive. My lord is more thoughtful than I," Qin Hua apologized with a gentle smile, then added, "But what about this mountain cat? Is my lord planning to take it back to the camp?"
She knew well that this cat was likely the true savior of the man in front of her.
A cat that could fetch herbs to save someone was almost unnaturally intelligent.
She instinctively felt a bit of aversion towards the cat. Her long eyelashes lowered, concealing the disgust in her eyes. Yet, she leaned in closer, extending a slender finger towards the cat's tiny head as if delighted and wanting to pet it.
"I've had experience caring for mountain cats. Why don't I take care of this one for you on the way?"
"Meow--" However, before her fingertip could touch it, the cat in Pei Shenyu's arms suddenly bared its claws, showing its sharp little teeth, and looked fiercely at her.
Startled, Qin Hua quickly withdrew her hand, her expression briefly showing a pitiful look.
Seeing this unexpected reaction, Pei Shenyu was also a bit surprised by the usually docile cat's sudden change. He quickly apologized, "This cat is still young and somewhat fearful of strangers. I'm sorry if it startled you."
The cat glanced at Pei Shenyu, wagging its tail with a mix of dissatisfaction and pride.
Qin Hua's hand retreated into her sleeve, her nails digging into her palm, but she only smiled, "It's nothing, just a small mistake on my part."
After all, it's just a little animal.
Pei Shenyu, holding the cat with one arm, used his fingers to whistle, calling his horse that had been drinking water by the stream.
Ming Luomeng was gazing at the snow-white steed when suddenly someone grabbed the scruff of her neck, and in the next moment, Pei Shenyu had wrapped her in his cloak, forming a cat bundle.
The cloak was tied around the horse's neck, and she was securely placed on the horse's back.
The young man's refined face came close, his eyes deep like a tranquil pool, exuding a calming presence. His voice was gentle: "Stay here and don't move around. Falling off isn't a pleasant experience."
The cat's amber eyes flashed with complex emotions but remained obediently curled up in the cloak without moving.
She looked quite docile now.
Pei Shenyu smiled slightly. With one hand holding the sword and the other leading the horse, he turned to Qin Hua and said, "Miss Qin, let's go."
Qin Hua responded softly and followed, her sleeve fluttering in the breeze.
The figures of the two and the horse gradually receded, leaving only scattered white powder on the fallen leaves on the forest floor.
"His Highness!"
"His Highness has returned!!" "It's a relief that His Highness is safe..."
As soon as Pei Shenyu's figure was spotted, there was an uproar within the camp.
As the drawbridge was lowered and they reached the camp gate, a group of soldiers immediately surrounded them. Everyone was visibly excited and anxious, crowding around Pei Shenyu and chattering non-stop: "Lord Bai Zang is still out searching for people. It's good that His Highness is back safely." "Is His Highness injured?"
Though he was a prince, Pei Shenyu was very approachable, often sharing meals and battles with the soldiers, earning their respect.
"I'm fine. We'll discuss other matters later." Pei Shenyu waved his hand calmly in response to the enthusiastic soldiers.
Seeing this scene, Qin Hua looked surprised and bowed, "I did not recognize His Highness at first. It's an honor to see you today."
Pei Shenyu maintained a calm expression and said, "Miss Qin need not be so formal."
At this moment, a man in dark robes to Pei Shenyu's left suddenly spoke, "Your Highness, may I ask who this lady is?"
"Xuan Ying, this is Miss Qin Hua, who rescued me while I was wounded. Due to the chaos caused by the rebels, Miss Qin was separated from her uncle. Please make arrangements for her and ensure that she is reunited with her family as soon as possible."
The dark-robed man's eyes flickered, and he bowed with clasped hands. "Yes, I will take care of it."
This explanation caused the crowd to murmur in realization and quiet speculation.
However, upon hearing this, the little cat in Pei Shenyu's arm scratched and was quite displeased. Ming Luomeng felt a pang of grievance as Pei Shenyu mistakenly took Qin Hua as the true savior.
If only she could speak...
Ming Luomeng looked at the arm around her and couldn't help but bite down angrily.
The cat's movement drew the attention of both Pei Shenyu and Qin Hua.
Pei Shenyu wasn't hurt; the kitten's milk teeth were too soft to cause any real pain. He only felt a slight itch.
Qin Hua looked on with concern and spoke gently, "This cat seems a bit wild and untamed. Your Highness truly intends to keep it?"
Xuan Ying, the deputy, also showed hesitation: "Your Highness... You intend to keep the cat?"
Pei Shenyu looked down at the irate kitten. It was just a young cat. Its teeth hadn't fully grown, and it was already trying to bite.
"It's appealing to me, so it's fine. Besides, its claws are still tender and can't hurt me."
Qin Hua still seemed worried, "I know a bit about cat behavior. Though it is young, it is still an animal that doesn't understand human ways. Your Highness, you should be careful. I've heard of mountain cats injuring people, and their bites can be poisonous and untreatable. I am concerned for your safety."
To Ming Luomeng, the term "animal" was particularly grating.
Seeing the cat grow increasingly restless, Pei Shenyu furrowed his brows slightly and gently reassured it, "Thank you for the reminder, Miss Qin. I understand. However, it's getting late, so I'll have someone take you to rest first."
He then called for his attendant Yuan Hao.
As Pei Shenyu's attention was focused on the cat, Qin Hua made a slight gesture with her fingers: "Thank you, Your Highness."
An alert attendant in green came forward and warmly said, "Miss Qin, please follow me. You've saved His Highness, which is like saving the entire Da Qian and everyone in the army! His Highness is known for his kindness and will treat you well. If you need anything, just let me know..."
Hearing the attendant's chatter, Qin Hua merely smiled absentmindedly.
Her gaze, however, was fixed on the back of the dignified man, and her expression gradually darkened.
The woman's pale fingers gently stroked the edge of her sleeve.
Pei Shenyu entered the room and placed the kitten gently on the table, saying, "You are now my cat, and you have an owner."
As the Crown Prince, Pei Shenyu had seen many ugly things in the world and many people worse than animals. He found the kitten in his arms to be purer and cleaner.
Looking at the kitten's confused amber eyes, Pei Shenyu paused and continued:
"From now on, you will stay here, and I will take good care of you. But you need to learn how to be a well-mannered and obedient cat."
Well-mannered? Obedient?
Ming Luomeng blinked, letting the words pass by as if she hadn't heard them. After all, she was just a cat.
She was, however, quite curious and began to explore her new surroundings. The room had no luxurious items but was clean and simple. On the wall, there was a piece of calligraphy with the words "The highest good is like water," written in a clear and strong script.
Pei Shenyu watched the cat's eyes blinking and its fluffy ears twitching as it familiarized itself with the new environment, and he couldn't help but smile.
He turned to Xuan Ying, who was waiting outside, and instructed, "Have Bai Zang come to the council hall when he returns and inform General Sun and the others."
"Also, find someone to make a cat bed."
Xuan Ying, who had been waiting attentively, was taken aback by the last instruction, unsure if he had heard correctly, and asked again, "Your Highness, did you say a cat bed?"
"You heard it right." Pei Shenyu glanced at him indifferently.
Shocked by this look, Xuanying quickly lowered his head: "Yes! I understand."
He couldn't help but grumble inwardly. Whose wild cat is this? Isn't it just a makeshift bed, like a pile of straw? Xuanying didn't dare to voice his thoughts, especially since this was the first cat the Crown Prince had ever kept.
Then he heard the leader say: "Make the bedding as soft as possible, and have the kitchen prepare an extra dish of meat, which will be deducted from my military pay."
It seemed that this meat dish was most likely for the cat.
Xuanying did his best to keep his expression neutral: "...Yes, Your Highness."
Pei Shenyu finished his instructions and returned to the room. He saw a ball of fur on the chair, stepping on the coat he had just changed. The cat's claws were tangled in a thread of silk, but it had an innocent look on its face.
Pei Shenyu was silent for a moment.
Looking at the new dirty paw prints on the clothes, he slowly walked over and stopped in front of the cat. His gaze fell coldly on the gray fur, and he said in a stern voice: "It's time to wash it."
As the man approached, a light, pleasant scent reminiscent of grass and trees wafted over.
Ming Luomeng was enveloped in the other person's tall shadow and had a foreboding feeling: "Meow?"