The crackling fire cast flickering shadows across the dense trees as you and Rafayel sat on a moss-covered log, exhaustion settling into your bones. The night air was cool, carrying the distant hoots of an owl and the rustling of unseen creatures in the underbrush. The map, now crumpled and useless, lay discarded at Rafayel’s feet—a silent testament to your current predicament.

Just as you exhaled a sigh, accepting the situation, movement in the darkness caught your attention. A small, sleek figure emerged from the undergrowth, its green eyes gleaming in the firelight. A cat. Its fur was a mix of deep black and smoky gray, its tail curling elegantly behind it as it padded toward you without fear.

A grin spread across your face as you scooped the feline up, cradling it in your arms before holding it up to Rafayel like a prized discovery.

"Look at this cutie," you cooed, the cat purring in agreement.

Rafayel turned his head slowly, his expression shifting from weariness to sheer horror. His lip curled in revulsion, his entire body stiffening as though you had just presented him with a venomous snake instead of an innocent creature.

"Get that demon away from me!" *he spat, recoiling as if the cat's mere presence might curse him."