Wildcat ✓

MysteryThrillerIN: The Burglar

Prompt by: @MysteryThrillerIN: From the comfort of your bed, you check your video doorbell to see if a disputed delivery was left yesterday and who took it. Instead, you see a stranger letting themselves into your house. You do not see them leave.

Word limit: 500-1000 words

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I've never been the anxious kind of girl. Growing up learning how to fight with everything I had, being good with weapons, and on top of that, being able to shift into any feline did give me this confidence.

That (over-)confidence was completely shattered when I checked my video doorbell from yesterday evening and found that I had an unwelcome visitor that since entering my house yesterday had not left.

This person, by assumption, must still be inside... and I didn't even suspect anything. I was looking for a delivery that hadn't turned up and ended up with more than I bargained for.

By instinct, one hand wandered to my pocket where my pocket knive was secured. I always had it on me. I knew I had four bobby pins in my hair that I could use to attack if necessary. My heart beat calmed down. I was not defenseless.

My head kicked into gear collecting and linking the facts: a person, most probably male due to height and shape, even though the black hoodie hid his face. His movements have been smooth, skilled, and trained. The burglar was definitely no beginner. He had picked the door in mere minutes, thus opening two locks.

He had definitely been informed about the layout of my home because he expectedly went into the direction of my weaponry stash. Then he was out of view from all the security cameras I had.

Where was he now? Why hadn't he attacked so far? What was his goal?

All these thoughts raced through my head, and I parked them at the back of my mind. I sniffed the air to look for any indication about the burglar. Nothing.

And that told me the most important and missing puzzle piece. He knew how to hide his scent. He must be a shapeshifter or at least know about them to come so well prepared.

This meant it would be a tough fight. My thoughts raced. What was the most priced posession I had? Then it made "click": the map!

I raced to the living room... and as feared my safe was open, the window as well and the burglar was gone. But not long gone.

I jumped out of my window, transformed in the air, and landed as a cat on my feet. I had a good look at the ground and could make out traces that smelled and looked unfamiliar to me.

I followed them, and they led me further into the gardens. I stopped.

This was a diversionary tactic. Because the burglar was missing the key. And if he was so well informed, he definitely knew about the key. I shifted and raced back to the house, entered through the front door - and there I saw him.

Definitely a male person. Well-trained, as his stance suggested, and facing me with steely determination.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way," he said. "I'm not here to cause physical damage. Give me the key and I'll be gone quicker than you can guess ny name."

I looked at him, stunned, then collected myself. Did he really think I would give him my priced possessions and let him leave just like that?

"That is definitely not an option. Who are you and why are you here?" I inquired as nicely as the situation allowed.

He shook his head. "That is a poor decision. You might want to reconsider. Last chance," he literally growled, patience running thin.

"You are definitely a shifter. Is there any chance I can convince you to give up on your mission and let us find a solution together?" I said as non-threatening, sweet, and charming as possible.

"I did my homework, Wildcat. I'm not falling into your trap," he said and started to run towards me at full speed.

Ok, so no chance of a peaceful, non-violent way out of it. At least I had tried.

At the last moment, I dodged the attack and attacked myself. As the saying goes: attacking is the best form of defense.

He didn't seem surprised at all. He blocked my blow to the neck and to his groin. He then created distance between us.

"How did you manage to stay hidden for the entire night? And who provided you with all the information about me?" I asked vehemently, seeking answers that his appearance did not betray.

Aside his black hoodie, he wore comfortable sports shoes and I detected at least two knives. He was prepared for the fight, but if he wanted to kill me quickly, he could've brought a gun. He probably did not want to be discovered, which would explain his choice of noiseless weapons.

He did not reply to my question and attacked again, this time with one of his knives. I ducked and elbowed him in the face, aiming for the eyes. With the other hand, I tried to knock the knife out of his hand.

The elbow hit him, even though he nearly managed to dodge it in time. Blood dripped down next to his eyes, infringing his vision.

At this moment, a loud voice sounded through the corridor: "That's enough!"

We both stopped in our tracks, and I automatically took a defensive stance. Then I recognized the familiar face, and all tension left my body.

"You passed!"

I nodded. I couldn't even be angry at it. I had forgotten that my company put us every year through a test to make sure we remained fit, integer, and loyal.

"Steel, get something to treat the wound." The man nodded and left by shooting another look at me.

Then my boss turned to me: "Well done. Next time, try to be more aware and suspicions of your surroundings. You could have detected him hours earlier."

With that, he left. They left the key and map behind.

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Word count: 982

🏅 Received an "honorable mention"