(I really started this story before introducing my characters but it was rampant in my mind and so I typed this first, hence the "B" of Chapter 1. Perhaps later, I will finish Chapter 1-A but for now, I think it is a delightful mystery for you readers to just enjoy... which I hope you do.)
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Her steps were shuffled, as if she purposely kept them quieted. There was a pause every few seconds, in which you could just imagine her head tilted, ears straining to hear any sound. Her outline was barely visible, night's thick dark cloak wrapped securely around her. There was a louder noise then, her muffled yip letting known her unintended collide into one of the smooth marbled pillars, its cool surface unforgiving.
A grin spread across his deformed face, the sinister expression exaggerating the curled lip. He squatted near enough to her, her scent almost overpowering his other senses. She was afraid, glancing about rapidly while trying desperately to find whatever horror lay beyond the dark's shielding rays. She knew he had followed her, knew he may be lurking just beyond her next step, but she also knew she had no choice, no where else to go.
He shifted his weight, the floor creaking faintly but enough so that she spun, tripping over her own dress and falling painfully to the ground. He remained still as she stifled her cries, cradling her injured arm and peering around with glistened eyes. Her resolve was beginning to crumble, her bravado thinned. He moved closer then, slowly, steadily, his over-sized paws as stealthy as they were soundless. She startled, somehow knowing to turn around and there she stood, mouth parted as her hand flew to her mouth, a shriek upon her lips.
He sprang at her before she could scream, shoving a furred hand over the bottom half of her face and pushing her backwards. She lost the little balance she had managed to maintain and toppled over, gathering her skirts around her as best she could. He snarled, the growl reverberating deep within his throat and gurgling outwards as he pinned her arms, lifting her a few inches off the floor. His lids narrowed, his manner fierce. She was terrified, her fear turning to pleads as she fought for breath, her hands now clutching at him, pulling the hair that covered his own body. He laughed, amused she would struggle so and threw her over his back, leaping madly from the room's confines.