I don't recall the remainder of the ride in the hansom, passing out from sheer weariness to the sound of Thad humming softly while she continued to stroke my fur. For the first time since my old life was taken from me, I felt secure enough to rest and woke, I wasn't sure how much later, from a deep and dreamless sleep.
My ears swiveled first as I came to myself, picking up subtle sounds below me, voices, laughter, as my eyes cracked open. A rapid examination of the room told me I was alone, but not abandoned. This bedchamber I found myself in was clearly occupied, dresses and accessories scattered about, though the bed I lay on, surrounded in a comforting cocoon of blankets, was carefully made.
Such richness I was accustomed to, though the style of the place was elaborate and felt old-fa
