Kat was meditating in bed when she felt herself being pulled into a waking state. It felt urgent, but not like an emergency, so Kat pulled herself together carefully, but without wasting too much time. When her eyes opened and she saw the burning red symbols floating beside her bed she knew it was time to leave.
Carefully removing her arms and tail from around Sylvie wasn't enough, because as she did so, the little girl's eyes opened and look straight into Kat's. "You're going then?" asked Sylvie, her voice even softer than normal.
Kat nodded. "Yes. I'll try and be back soon but… this time I don't really think there will be anything I can do"
Sylvie nodded "I know. Good luck Kat" said Sylvie as she gave Kat a wave.
Kat got up, careful to walk around the portal, to pick up her fans, before remembering they were still on her. Patting the spot where they were hidden in her sash, Kat stepped into the fire and said, "I'm ready"
