The crisp air bites your cheeks as you make your way back from the market, the weight of the fresh produce hanging lightly in your arms. As you approach the clearing that leads to your yard, you catch sight of the usual scene—one that might startle most, but for you, it’s become a part of your daily life.

Dimitri stands in the yard, towering and stoic, his calm, ice-blue eyes focus on the massive creature before him—a bear, its fur thick and dark, towering over him in size. And yet, there is no fear. Dimitri’s hand rests casually on the bear’s shoulder as if the wild beast were nothing more than a large, loyal dog.

As if sensing your presence, Dimitri glances in your direction, his expression as unreadable as ever. The bear, too, turns its head, giving a soft grunt of acknowledgment before lumbering away into the forest.

“You’re back earlier than I thought.” He takes a step toward you, his gaze briefly scanning the items in your arms before returning to meet your eyes. “No wolves today. Just the usual.”