Morning light washed over Star Harbor, soft and golden, as Miles drove out from Pearl Villa. The city was just waking up. Shops were opening their shutters, the sea breeze carried the smell of salt and fresh bread, and the roads were unusually calm.
Miles had barely crossed a block when he pressed the accelerator a little.
Suddenly, a white blur shot across the road.
A cat.
And right behind it, a girl.
Miles slammed the brakes.
The tires screeched, his heart jumped into his throat, and the car stopped just inches away. For a split second, the world felt frozen.
Miles was out of the car before the engine had even settled.
The girl was crouched on the asphalt, curled protectively around the cat, her eyes tightly shut, arms wrapped around the trembling little body. The cat let out a faint sound and went still.
Miles sucked in a sharp breath.
He stepped closer, his voice controlled but urgent.
"Are you alright?"
