Prologue

Her mum always used to entertain her stories of the Galaxy Express Railway. A phantom train that travels the milky way once every year. No one knows where it goes. Only those who boarded the train were permitted to witness.

Matilda, her beloved Persian cat, was missing again last night. Her mum claims that cats have their very own world. And that every once in a while, they gather all over the world to have a get-together meeting.

Fascinating, isn't it? Recalling her mum's words.

It was more than fascinating. Winter loves fantasy stories. Especially those urban stories that her mum always tells. Even if Ms. Darbus says it's completely rubbish and unrealistic, she doesn't care. There's just something so utterly special about it that she couldn't fathom what.

She always wonders how Lady Matilda McMuffin and the council of cats resume their evening gatherings. Probably plotting the very end of the human race, she presumes.

It was an urban legend that never fails to amuse her.

"The meeting was held by the King of cats — Cait Sìth. A well-known celebrity among men and women back in the old days."

Winter had wondered and questioned the age of the so-called celebrity, only to be scolded by her mum not to go running around the neighborhood asking people's ages just to satisfy her curiosity.

"It was said that Cait Sìth was a casanova who had wooed every woman and man in England. It's just a rumor, though, but we'll never know."

Which she then ended up saying how much of a man-whore Cait Sìth was for the lack of decency. But having a smart mouth is something that her mum doesn't want to commend. Especially if one uses some derogatory words for the lack of a better term.

"There's also another rumor circling around, saying that he's immortal and that he'd been living on this planet for hundreds of years now. He abducted humans to live in his world — once you have been chosen — you can never go back."

Those were the very words her mum said before she tucked her into bed. Not acknowledging any of her side commentaries.

Changes can be very dreadful. Dreadful in a way that it could get someone killed. Much to her dismay, danger seems to fancy her all the time.

There are instances when the responsible choices you make can lead to outcomes that you're unable to even imagine — or even end up regretting.

"You came," He utters, voice so velvety, "You know there's no turning back now."

Right at this moment, she was having second thoughts. Did she make the right decision? Clearly, she came all the way here just because she couldn't contain her insufferable curiosity for knowledge. It would be an understatement to say she didn't have any regrets.

Curiosity kills the cat. As every dead philosopher has said. And that curiosity would probably lead to her demise, much to her dismay. Maybe that was the reason why those philosophers were considered dead from the very beginning. Hoping that not another idiot would wander along their path.

She didn't have much time to think what sort of funeral she would be having when his words sank deep yet again.

"You put that much faith in me, huh." He utters in a slight scoff, sneering in disbelief.

What he said was not a question. Rather, it was a statement. If she may say so herself, it was a little bit unsettling to hear.

I'd beg to differ. She wanted to retort. But recalled that being a smart-mouth right now wouldn't help her arse.

Winter didn't anticipate anything like this to occur. She was under the impression that this was supposed to be a joke! Her thoughts were filled with profanity. Mostly cursing how'd she become such a moronic idiot.

Bonkers. Such bonkers.

She was forced to show up due to her insatiable desire for truth. And now that she has. She was even furious at herself for realizing such a thing.

She managed to utter, "I didn't expect this to happen," but it came out sounding more like a cry. "I thought this was a joke," she pauses.

She directed her gaze towards the large number of cats that were scattered around the area. She got the creeps from the way they peered at her. It was hard to fathom, but there was something so unsettling about those stares. Unsettling to the point where she unconsciously mutters a prayer to her long-forgotten ancestors.

"Oh, you seemed to be doubtful. I must inform you that fickleness is not an option. Even if you don't want to, you must come." He rebukes in a manner that was somewhat domineering.

That took her by surprise. Certainly, not in a good way. As much as she fancied meeting a handsome lad, to be kidnapped was something that wasn't listed on top of her bucket list.

It appears that the possibility of saying "no" as an answer was never an option. In fact, it opened her eyes to the reality that there was no way for her to get out of this predicament — that talking her way out to this person would be futile.

"W-Where are you taking me?" Winter finally finds the courage to talk again, despite the fact that she is still sensitive to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that surrounds them. Her head was drenched in cold sweat, which caused the muscles throughout her body to stiffen up.

"Stay. And you'll find the answer to your question." He removed his mask — gave an oh-so-charming smile, blue eyes glistening with mischief.

Winter realizes that she ought to be screaming and crying for help right now. Nevertheless, there is something within this person, or rather this being, that has entranced her in so many ways. Causing her to be anxious, frightened, and completely mystified at the same time.