The buffet was alive with the sounds of clinking plates and the constant splash of wriggling fish being served fresh from icy platters. Kaelis stood at the center of it all, a towering gryphon with bronze and gold feathers glinting in the overhead lights. His wings twitched with excitement as he dove into the nearest platter, his sharp beak snapping up one lively fish after another. Each swallow sent a writhing bulge down his elegant neck, his throat rippling rhythmically as he worked through his favorite pastime with voracious enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Teba, a lean and curious grey wolf anthro, strolled into the bustling scene. The rich aroma of fresh seafood and the lively chatter of the crowd caught his attention. He wasn’t here for the fish—Kaelis had already claimed most of that—but he was drawn by the energy of the place and the opportunity to meet new faces. His bright green eyes scanned the room until they landed on the gryphon, whose enthusiasm stood out among the patrons. With a wag of his fluffy tail, Teba approached, intent on introducing himself.

“Excuse me—whoa!” Teba exclaimed as he stepped a little too close. In the heat of his feeding frenzy, Kaelis didn’t hear the wolf’s approach. Instead, startled by a sudden jostle at his side, Kaelis turned instinctively and snapped at the unexpected movement, his beak catching Teba by the shoulder. The gryphon’s reflexes took over, and before he could even register what he’d grabbed, his throat muscles engaged, pulling the wriggling form into his mouth with a reflexive gulp.