CAT FOUND HERSELF QUIETLY drifting away from the group, needing time alone to sit and think. She was happy to be surrounded by so many good friends, but at the same time she felt slightly claustrophobic. It was still new to her, not being a loner. She felt as if it had been forever since she'd had a chance to sit by herself and just read a book for fun, or even go outside for a run. The previous year had been a blur of working on her burgeoning magic, controlling the phoenix within, and taking care of those around her, both friends and family, as well as strangers.
She hadn't had any time to be alone and stop to think. She couldn't remember the last time she'd gone running, and suddenly, she felt the need to get out and run away. She went to her room for her shoes and changed into running
