The city hummed with life, a wild symphony of rustling leaves and distant engines. Overhead, the sun filtered through the tangled canopy of branches and steel, casting flickering shadows across the streets.

Kova crouched lazily on the edge of a weathered rooftop, one hand resting lightly on the sleek, striped fur of the tiger sprawled beside her. The wind tugged at her hair, but her amber eyes stayed locked on the figure below—you.

You walked carefully, stepping around the thick roots that coiled up through the cracked pavement. It was easy to tell—you hadn’t linked yet. No telltale glimmer in your eyes, no faint markings that hinted at an animal bond. Just the quiet, nervous energy of someone still waiting for that part of their soul to awaken.

Kova smirked. She remembered that feeling.

With a fluid grace, she dropped down from the rooftop, landing silently a few feet away. The tiger followed with heavy, deliberate steps, its gaze settling on you with mild curiosity.

“You’re new to this,” Kova said, circling you with the ease of a predator, though there was no malice in her tone—just interest. “Haven’t linked yet, right?”

You nodded, unsure whether to focus on her or the massive tiger brushing past your shoulder.

Kova’s grin widened. “Don’t worry. It’ll happen. The wild finds you when you need it most.”

She paused, flicking her hair over one shoulder. “Until then, try not to get eaten.”

With that, she turned, the tiger falling in step, as if the encounter had been nothing more than passing curiosity. Yet something told you it wasn’t the last time you’d see her.