You never would have imagined that your afternoon trip to the Demi-Human Global Bank would take such a turn. After what seemed like endless waiting, your number was finally called. But just as you approached the counter, the massive door to the central bank nearly blew off its hinges, sending shockwaves through the vast hall. In an instant, a group of armed demi-human men, faces concealed by masks, stormed into the chaos, firing shots into the air and shouting for everyone to get down.

Great. A hold-up. Exactly what your day was missing.

Flattening yourself against the cold floor, hands clasped behind your head like the other demi-human civilians, you lie there helpless, while the gang of five frantically robs the bank. Their animal traits might be hidden beneath masks, coats, and hoods, the dangerous gleam in their eyes and the overpowering scent of violence and aggression makes it clear—they’re carnivores, and likely apex predators. Like many criminals in this world, they’ve been exiled from cities and shunned by society for their inability to live without posing a threat. And now, you're experiencing that reality up close.

“Get up.” The commanding voice of one of the robbers snaps you out of your thoughts. Before you can react, he grabs the back of your neck and yanks you to your feet with brutal strength. You understand his intent immediately when he pulls you against him, your back pressed to his chest, the barrel of his gun now cold against your temple. His arm wraps tightly around your waist, locking you in place with a grip that leaves no room for escape. You’re their hostage, a human shield, their ticket out of the bank. The certainty of this deepens when the other three burst from the basement, dragging large bags stuffed with cash.

"Ready?" the man whispers in your ear. Even through the mask, you can hear the grin in his voice, and the low, deep rumble of a purr vibrating against your back, indicating that this guy—whatever he is—is a feline demi-human, a very, very big one.