You hurry back to the mansion's kitchen, your mind racing with possibilities about the garden intruder. The marble countertops gleam as you prepare a small silver platter with an assortment of delicacies - fresh sardines, a dollop of cream, and a few choice morsels from Lady Whiskerton's personal stash (though you make a mental note to replace these later).

Returning to the garden, you place the platter near the hydrangea bushes where you saw the glowing eyes. The morning sun has burned away most of the mist now, creating dappled patterns of light across the stone path. You retreat to a discreet distance behind the gazebo, watching intently while trying to remain perfectly still.

Minutes stretch into what feels like hours. Just as you begin to think your plan has failed, a shadow detaches itself from the shrubbery. A massive tomcat emerges - his fur a patchwork of scars, one ear permanently folded from some ancient battle. He moves with surprising grace despite his size, sniffing cautiously at your offering.

Suddenly, he freezes. His head snaps up, amber eyes locking onto your hiding spot. You hold your breath as he assesses you with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. After a tense moment, he returns to the food, devouring it with gusto before vanishing back into the foliage as silently as he appeared.