The country Prince and the Catgirl Princess

The comedy’s laughter cuts off as the front door shudders under a heavy impact. Outside, fresh tracks cross the forest path and end at the porch.

Andy moves into the entryway with the shotgun held ready, placing himself between the locked door and Lilly. She remains behind him, frightened but standing.

Another blow rattles the frame, but the cabin door holds. Lilly grips the back of Andy’s shirt, then steadies herself and keeps her eyes on the entrance.

Andy cocks the shotgun. The metallic click cuts through the cabin, and the sudden movement sends a sharp bolt through his healing shoulder, but his aim stays fixed on the door.

Silence follows inside and outside the cabin. Then the pressure leaves the door, footsteps retreat across the porch, and the forest path carries Lilly’s parents away.

The parents charge back across the porch. Andy fires through the closed door, and both attackers collapse outside, their assault ending in the sudden silence of the forest.

The shotgun’s report leaves the cabin ringing. Smoke curls near the entryway while Andy keeps the weapon trained toward the porch, his injured shoulder trembling.

Lilly remains behind him, pale and shaking. She reaches for his free hand, then looks toward the locked door without stepping closer to it.

She guides Andy away from the entryway and toward the couch, careful of his shoulder. The cabin is quiet again, but the ordinary morning has changed forever.

Andy’s shoulder finally gives way beneath the strain. A searing bolt tears through the joint, and he cries out, the shotgun dipping as his knees buckle beside the couch.

Lilly takes the weapon only after Andy lowers it, setting it safely away before grabbing the phone. Her hands shake, but she speaks clearly to the dispatcher.

The dispatcher confirms both calls and begins guiding Lilly through first aid. She kneels beside Andy, supports his injured arm without moving the joint, and keeps the locked cabin secured.