“Good afternoon.” Amber, with the use of her magic, brought the journal and pen closer to her as she got settled, knowing this would all end in vain.

 The “participant” stood firm as they always did, unmoving, staring out the small basement window they were allowed. Their wings shifted restlessly. With a sigh, she continued, “Can you please recall the events of July first, two years in the past?” Then waited, well aware of her already worn patience running thin. The pen hovered ever so slightly over the paper, hungry for information to write down.

 …After a few minutes of nothing but the sound of the cabin settling, Amber pressed on, hoping her blatant ignorance of the “participants” attitude would cause something more than just the occasional shift in weight. “Can you please recall the events of August fifth, two years in the past?” She’s spoken these words many times before, her own voice even sounding more and more the same each time. Just as last time and countless times before that, the “participant” was uncooperative. Rolling her eyes Amber tried once more. “Can you please recall the events of-”

“Will you shut your daft trap?” They snarled, turning to face Amber. Just by a glare, the room seemed to turn cold despite the warm orange hue gifted by the falling sun. Amber backed from the bars, not wanting them to be able to reach her.

 “We both know good and well I’m not spilling anything, just as we know these bars aren’t the thing savin’ you right now.” Amber’s eyes flicked to the faint glow of magic surrounding their wrists, keeping their paws grounded. “I suppose you’ve learned a bit of the defensive arts, eh?” They struggled to scratch underneath their chin, though they took the time to ensure Amber witnessed the length of their claws.

  “It’s too bad, you’d be a decent apprentice…” They grumbled to themselves as they settled back near the window, turning their back to amber as they prepared for the night. “Turn that lamp off when you go.”
  Attempting to keep a level head, Amber brushed back her tangled fur and kept her voice even, very even. “I don’t want to do you harm, I’m just trying to do some research, and as soon as you tell me what you know…I’ll let you go!” She gave an attempt at a polite smile. “We both know your actions looked quite…questionable… but I’m sure there was a good reason for it!” The participant stayed unmoving, with nothing but an ear flick. 

  Amber inched forward, lowering to meet them at their level. “If we can compromise then–” She was cut off with a gasp as she lurched backward, the participant's fangs slipping between the bars just inches from where her face once was. They hung there for a few moments, glimmering in the lamp’s faint light. The gleam of dark eyes just behind them pierced Amber’s heart as she stood frozen. A grave chuckle soon followed as the fangs and eyes receded into the darkening shadows.
“Maybe that’ll shut you up, now get the light before I start telling spooky stories.” They mocked, baring their canines in a wolfish grin.

  Just as Amber was about to bark back a retort, the knock on the door nearly made Amber shriek, having to cover her own maw as she glanced up the stairs.

 “Amber? Amber, it’s me, Cherry!” Why is she here? Why now? Her next steps raced through her mind as the knocking continued. “Please come out…we haven’t seen you in practically two months! How have you been eating?” The voice was faint but she could hear it well…and Amber felt tempted to climb the stairs and open that door despite what her brain demanded her to do.
“Amber, please! We’re worried for you…Kip has been acting so strange lately…” She furrowed her brow, what has that boy gotten into? She could feel herself creating distance between her and Cherry’s voice, she couldn’t see her like this, she wouldn’t understand. There’s so much work to be done.

 “Amber!... Amber, don’t make me break down this door!” Any other time Amber would have smiled, now Cherry getting through felt to be her worst fear. Stay outside where it's safe! You’ll ruin everything!

 “Please! Just open the door, and we can talk! Girl to girl? Please? Is something wrong?” Her begging was persistent, she’d give Cherry that. Amber could feel a small pit form in her stomach but she was clearly being emotional, thinking with her heart instead of her reliable head. “K-Kip won’t say anything! Percy has been worried sick!” The knocking grew louder before fading out again, Amber swore she could hear the doorknob jiggle. “We don’t know how to help him…and you know him best!” 

He’s fine, I’m sure he is, it’s Kip! Amber was positive he was alright, he’s a go-getter, isn’t he? 

 It was silent for a few moments, Amber almost felt relief before she heard what sounded like a thump, she could almost imagine Cherry’s fluffy figure settling against the door.

 “Did something happen, Amber…? Are you okay? Was it something that Kip did…?” Another pause, as if a sigh. “...was it something I did?” Amber pinned her ears back, trying to ignore the emotion in Cherry’s voice. Please just go away! You’re taking up precious time!

 … “Well…if…if you need me…you know where I am!” A cheery voice was attempted before falling right back into a meek, uncharacteristic one. “Please come back Amber, we need you…. Kip needs you.” Finally, a shuffle and Cherry was gone, Amber couldn’t ignore the doubt in her mind. She had to think rationally, even if she did open that door she couldn’t explain the participant, she couldn’t explain what kept her for so long. What she was doing was correct. What Amber was doing was correct, it was the safest option for everybody.

  “Thank everyone above and below that nuisance is gone…now, get the lamp like I’ve told you before!”