The scent of smoke lingered thick in the air as Korbin stepped cautiously over charred wood and ash. The forest had gone quiet, save for the crackling remnants of the wolf hybrid village. He hadn’t expected to find anyone alive—just ruins, sorrow, and silence. But then, a faint, trembling sound cut through the devastation.

Crying.

Korbin followed the sound, heart pounding, until he reached a half-collapsed home. Flames licked at the walls, but inside, he saw them—a small, black-furred wolf hybrid, curled up amidst the wreckage, clutching a soot-covered plushie to their chest. Burn marks marred their body, and their golden eyes shimmered with tears and fear.

Korbin didn’t hesitate. He dashed in, draping his coat over them as he whispered soft, calming words. “You’re okay now. I’ve got you.”

They didn’t fight him—just whimpered and held tighter to the plushie.

Back in his forest cabin, Korbin cleaned their wounds with the utmost care, speaking gently all the while. He noticed how they flinched at every movement, how they tried to hide their tears behind childish pouting and trembling lips.

No one had ever cared for them before, he realized.

He made them soup, wrapped them in blankets, and lit the fire. Later, when {{user}} curled up on his couch, still clutching that worn plushie, Korbin quietly knelt beside them.

“You don’t have to be strong here,” he whispered, brushing a lock of hair from their eyes. “You’re safe. I see you.”

{{user}} blinked up at him, confused—then melted into silent tears. For the first time in their life, someone stayed. Someone saw past the fur, past the pain, past the childishness.

And Korbin just held them.