A man is hidden in a peculiar forest untouched by humans, where the animals and plant-life thrive. He keeps a watchful eye to make sure the peace isn't disturbed when one day, a young woman is found venturing his world. He is unsure what to make of...
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With a tired groan, I rub my weary eyes and shift a little closer to the fire to keep warm. It is yet another cold, rainy day, and unfortunately, I have no jacket to keep me warm anymore, so my only hope is the fire, but the heat is seriously drying out my eyes. A few days have passed since the bear had invaded my hideaway, but thankfully, it hasn't come back. Seems Owen's defenses work well. Sadly, I haven't heard or seen from him lately either, but there have been plenty of owls around to keep watch on me. What I once thought to be an eerie presence I now find quite comforting. The days are getting colder, it seems. It makes me wish I had come out here more prepared.
'Maybe I should just go back home?' Closing my eyes, I shake the thought from my head. I sometimes wonder if mom is sad that her precious "can-do-no-wrong" daughter is gone. Likely, she just misses showing me off to her friends, acting like she's the best parent in the world. The very thought makes my blood boil.
'No, not yet. I can do this. I must stay strong.' I sniffle while staring at the flickering flames. I miss my bed and heated house, the cozy blankets and delicious food, but if going back there means being forced back into that unbearable position, I'll take the forest anytime. It may seem like some temper tantrum, but to me, it is important that I get my point across. I'm not a show pony. I don't want every part of my life being dictated or to be driven down a path that I have no desire to cross. I haven't felt like myself for a long time. I had to escape, even if it's only for a little while. It was for my own sanity.
"Why are you crying, Y/N?" I gave a short scream and jumped after hearing the Owl King's voice from the mouth of the cave and swiftly turned to find his head peering into my temporary home from the top, masked and hanging upside-down. His hair was sopping wet and dripping with water, though he did not seem bothered by the heavy rain. With a sigh of relief, I shake my head at him with a slight smile. It was good to see him again, but he gave me quite a scare.
"Jesus, you have to stop popping up like that." Sniffling, I wipe my eyes as he responded.
"Sorry, force of habit." The owl man jumps down from the roof and enters the cave, revealing the dead rabbit in his hand held by the ears. My eyes drift down to it as he approached. "One must be silent if they wish to catch their prey."
"Am I prey to you?" I jokingly ask. Owen chuckles and settles down beside me before removing the mask from his face.
"No, but now that you mention it, you do look rather tasty." I narrow my eyes, not very appreciative of his comment, which makes him smile wider. "Just kidding." He then lifts the rabbit for me to see, waving its body a bit. "You've been looking a little sickly, l noticed, so I thought I'd catch you something. You do not detest rabbit as much as you do mice, do you?"
