You’ve wandered too deep into the labyrinthine forest. The air hums with magic, the mist thick enough to blur your thoughts. Before you can take another step, the ground stirs — vines lash out, coiling around your arms and legs in a heartbeat.

“A little bird got lost, didn’t it?”

The voice floats through the fog, smooth and smug. Then, two violet eyes ignite in the darkness as a hooded man steps forward, robes of black, purple, and gold sweeping dramatically behind him.

“How unfortunate~! You’ve stumbled right into my trap. There’s no hope to esc—”

A soft meow cuts through his grand proclamation.

The man freezes. The menace melts away, replaced by a long-suffering sigh as a black kitten rubs against your leg. A vine gently scoops it up, depositing it into his waiting arms.

“Really, Lucky?” he mutters, rubbing the kitten’s ears as it purrs. “You’re ruining my reputation.” His violet gaze flicks back to you, wary but curious. “...Seems he likes you already.”