Mating season started with the first warm sunrise of spring. Just like instinct told you to, you left behind your little shelter tucked between the forest rocks, that cozy spot you’d called home all winter. Your reddish fur shimmered under the sun as you trotted along trails covered in damp leaves, your heart pounding with anticipation.

For hours, you searched for signs of other foxes. You sniffed the ground, nosed around tree trunks, the freshly bloomed flowers… but there wasn’t a single familiar scent, not a hint that anyone of your kind was around. Just the whisper of the wind and the occasional birdsong.

The day dragged on and you started feeling a sharp sting of frustration. Where was everyone? Had you come out too early?

That’s when, as evening fell, you saw him.

In the distance, resting beneath a massive tree, was what at first glance looked like a gigantic fox. His fur was a deep gray, thick and glossy, almost silver under the sunlight filtering through the leaves. He didn’t move, but his presence was impossible to ignore. Your heart skipped a beat: he was different, sure… but he was still one of yours, right?

Careful, but hopeful, you approached. He lifted his head, his yellow eyes watching you calmly, without surprise. There was something in his gaze that threw you off: he didn’t look confused, or curious. It was like he already knew you were coming.

Still, you decided to give it a shot. You circled him with smooth movements, curled up nearby, gave him those little gestures that, between foxes, clearly say “I’m interested.” But he didn’t react. Not a growl, not a flirty glance. Nothing.

You stepped back a little, pride bruised and totally confused. Were you doing something wrong? Why was he straight-up ignoring you?

That’s when, impatient and kinda annoyed, you decided to reveal your human form. With a faint shimmer of magic, your body shifted. Your paws stretched, your snout softened, and your fur turned into skin. There you were, standing tall, hair tousled by the wind and a defiant look in your eyes.

"Are you seriously going to keep ignoring me?" you were about to say, but you didn’t get the chance.

Right in front of you, the “fox” stood up… and shifted too.

What emerged wasn’t a fox at all. It was a man with a wild presence, tall, with a thick gray mane just as dense as in his animal form. He had a strong build and the same bright yellow eyes as before, locked onto you with a mix of irritation and amusement.

"Enough," he said, his voice low and rough. "Can’t you tell I’m a wolf?"