As dawn approached, the fog in the forest was finally disturbed. A young molly ran through. It wasn't too far from an ocean, but Tarka definitely didn't live very close to civilization. She preferred running through the trees, studying the wildlife.

Right now, the calico molly was on a mission to reach town. She got closer, and closer to her destination; however, something felt off about the area. Tarka felt as though she was being watched, and that never was a good feeling.

She looked around, but found nothing, however Tarka didn't want the feeling to persist for much longer. "Who's there? What do you want?" Tarka snarled, her fur bristling. When nothing answered, she let her fur lie flat.

Perhaps she was just imagining things?

Despite this uneasy feeling, Tarka didn't let it bother her, as she proceeded to her mission. Reassuring herself that it was nothing, Tarka eventually reached the path that led into town, and continued onward using the path.

The feeling stayed there, until she entered the town. Believing herself to have imagined it, the calico molly didn't think much of it.

Chatter loudly bounced across Saie's streets, as cats of all ages wandered throughout. Shaking her head, Tarka headed to a small shop, run by a local witch. "Greetings, Tarka." The old cat greeted.

Prisms and crystals littered the room, but it was mostly filled with plants. "Hello, mama." Tarka greeted.

The old witch wasn't Tarka's mother at birth, but that never deterred them from having a familial relationship. "Something has been bothering you, hasn't it? Have you saged your home, child?" Akanu asked. Tarka thought about it for a moment but shrugged it off.

"Haven't found the need, mama. It's mostly just stress that's bothering me, no need to worry!" The calico molly assured the elder. Akanu thought about it for a moment, before nodding. "Yes, yes. But please, promise me you'll sage your home. I have a feeling that it needs to be done, child." Akanu requested. Tarka nodded, and helped the other calico organize the shop.

"I can do that, I promise. Thank you, mama." She promised, and finished helping out as much as she could. "Do you want me to help out today, or will I be fine heading home?" Tarka asked, as Akanu chuckled. "You're fine to head home, child."

Tarka smiled and nodded. "Thank you, mama. I love you, I'll stop by tomorrow. Stay safe, mama." Tarka dismissed herself and proceeded to leave the herbal smelling shop.

A dark feeling washed over the molly as she entered back into the forest. Oh, the feeling of being watched was never a pleasant one. Perhaps Tarka hadn't been imagining it, but then, who would be watching her?

Proceeding on her path home, the feeling only got worse, and worse. She definitely would sage her home now, if whatever was watching her was a spirit, that was.

A horrible scent reached Tarka's nose when she got to her property. The scent of blood was not one she was expecting, but beneath that smelled like rot.

Despair and hopelessness settled in Tarka's gut, but why? Looking around, she hadn't seen anything. With a deep breath, Tarka tried once again. "Who's out there? What do you want!?" She demanded, her tail twitching. Looking around, she didn't find the culprit, but she certainly heard them.

A strained voice responded to her call, and Tarka's fur stood on end. She knew what she was dealing with now, and she knew the immediate danger it posed.