Prologue

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

Such was the mantra pounding through his head. He didn't have time to truly allow the horror of his situation to sink in, just snatch a few things and run. He could hear shouting, and then a bestial howl that made his blood run cold.

Time was up.

He was hardly even aware of the cold rain pelting his face as he leapt from one rooftop to the next. He had to find a place to hide. Or at least, a place to hide it. With the Huntress coming after him, that was probably the safer option.

But where? Or with whom?

Half a dozen options flew through his mind, but most seemed either too obvious or too risky. Then, through the mist of the rainy afternoon, he caught sight of a building with a familiar contour.

Of course. I should have thought of her right away.

One more leap and he'd reached the rooftop. Her skylight was unlocked for him, as had become their custom, so it was a simple matter to slip inside. Instantly, the warmth of her room and her scent flooded his senses, filling him with the same sense of peace and security as it always did. He didn't have time to relax though. He couldn't see her; where was she?

Another howl split the air.

No time to wait for her.

A ripple of green light filled the room as he pulled off the ring, and a small black cat materialized in midair.

"Kid-"

"No time to argue, Plagg. You'll be safe here."

"But kid-"

"Just sit tight and wait for her to find you. Ask her to help you get to Ladybug."

"But Adrien, what about you?!"

"He won't hurt me. And if I don't have you, then I won't be able to help him hurt anyone else. I don't know Ladybug's identity anyway, so I won't be of any use to him."

"Adrien-"

"Bye, Plagg. I'm glad I got the chance to meet you."

"Adrien, don't-!"

Click.

He gazed sadly at the little black box in his hand before snatching up the sketchbook lying on the quilt and scribbling a quick message on a blank page, then shoving a few things under her pillow.

Not the most creative hiding spot in the world, but it would have to do.

When he climbed onto the roof once again, the howlings were much closer. Gritting his teeth, the boy vaulted the wall onto the next rooftop and kept running, determined to put as much distance between himself and his friends as he could.