Darkness Awaken: Book 1 - A Hidden Kingdom

Prologue

It was late at night, and the stars shone brightly in the black sky. All of the animals were fast asleep. A white cat with a black narrow stripe along its back appeared. The cat was lost in concentration as he sat still while contacting his ancestors.

Suddenly, the bushes began to stir, and the white and black tomcat snapped back to reality, eyeing the movement. "Who's there?" snarled the white and black tomcat, unsheathing his claws and preparing to attack the intruder. It was an unsettling silence as the tomcat scanned the woods for an approach.

"I suppose it's nothing." When he was sidetracked, he turned away from the woods to focus, connecting his ancestors again.

A nearby twig was crushed by something sneaking up on the cat this time. The white and black cat's fur bristled, and he immediately rose to his paws, whirling around as a shadow neared. He unsheathed his claws and launched into the air, slamming his massive bulk into the uninvited intruder. He struck the animal's muzzle with his claws and then pinned it down.

"Hey hey, Crimson! It's just me!" A female voice shrieked from beneath his grip. Crimson peered down at a silver cat with blue eyes until he recognized the voice. 

"J... jade... you frightened me!" He enlarged his eyes when he noticed the lovely feline beneath him.

"It's all right, silly furball, now let me go." The she-cat responded as she battled to free herself from his clutches.

"Ah yeah, I'm sorry about that," he mumbled as he let go of her. The silver cat reached for her paws and shook her pelt, licking her wound. "So why did you sneak up on me and disturb me while I'm communicating with our ancestors?" Crimson asked after a little pause.

Jade lapped her pelt a few more times before turning her gaze to Crimson. "I was practicing my stalking abilities." She began. "Didn't I get you pretty good?" Jade giggled as she lifted her tail.

"Yes, but you'll find it easier next time if you climb a tree and leap on me from below." When he had someone to talk to, Crimson purred contentedly.

"That's an excellent idea. I'm sure I'll give it a shot!" Jade chuckled and pounced upon Crimson, softly prodding him.

Crimson collapsed onto his back, gripped by Jade. Crimson attempted to stand, but even a strong cat couldn't outrun a fast-moving cat like her. "Ok, you won!" he finally conceded. Crimson sighed, and Jade purred as she gazed into his eyes.

Jade then let go of Crimson. She lifted her tail proudly. Crimson stood up and walked back to his resting spot. Crimson sat there and looked up at the stars. A moment later, Jade was sitting beside him, also gazing at the stars. 

"Crimson," Jade said, "I had this strange dream." She quivered. Crimson shifted his gaze to the she-cat, his eyes wide with curiosity. "That's why I came here to tell you." Jade went on.

"Tell me everything about it," Crimson insisted, looking directly into her eyes. Jade withdrew her gaze from his and closed her eyes, lost in concentration. After a brief moment of silence, she opened her eyes and huddled in a comfortable position. 

"Well..." Jade began in hushed tones. "I was at a castle, sitting on a balcony with you along with me," Jade explained.

Crimson's ears perked forward as he listened to the she-cat, "Go on," Crimson spoke as he looked at her. 

"It was a wonderful moment for both of us since we were the leaders of the kingdom. Until everything flashed, the place became dark, and horror war cries could be heard. Jade began to pant heavily. "I was in the middle of a forest when I noticed you lying with your belly sliced." Crimson's fur bristled a little, but he calmed himself down. Crimson rested his tail on the she-cat's back and nodded at her. 

"Tell me more," Crimson said, his voice shaking. 

"There was a she-wolf, she had brown fur and emerald eyes until I saw her with a dark figure," Jade said, exchanging glances.

"Who is this wolf?" With a flip of his tail, Crimson wondered. 

Jade shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea what this wolf is up to." 

Crimson gave Jade permission to continue by nodding his head. Jade shuffled her paws uncomfortably on the grass, hinting that she is hesitant to do so. "Jade, you should get some rest," Crimson nuzzled her cheek, knowing she didn't want to go on

"D-don't you want to know about my dream?" While avoiding his eyes, Jade stammered.

With a shake of his head, Crimson said, "No, you should let me know when you're prepared. I don't like it when you're anxious."

Jade cautiously raised her head, her gaze falling on Crimson "Thank you, Crimson, for your patience... I'm delighted to have you." Jade sighed. 

"I'm happy to have you too, Jade." Crimson paused for a moment and purred. "Now get some rest," says Crimson.

"Good night brave soldier," Jade muttered drowsily as she stretched and sat down, her chin resting on her paws. 

"Good night, princess..." Crimson muttered to Jade as he cuddled up to her giving her warmth.