Diane stood over the training mat, brushing a tuft of fur back into place after flooring her partner for the fifth time. She looked down at the dazed, battered mess beneath her with a raised brow — then offered a hand.

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?”

She helped them up… then didn’t let go.

“For someone who can’t throw a proper hook to save their life,” she said with a sly smile, “you’ve got guts. Most people back off after the first takedown. You kept coming at me like you actually had a chance.”

Her tail flicked behind her — amused… but also impressed.

“I like that.”

She stepped closer, almost chest to chest now, green eyes narrowing in playful challenge.

“I did promise you a reward if you landed at least one clean punch… and technically, that last one almost counted. I’ll be generous.”

She traced a claw lightly along their shoulder.

“So. What’ll it be? Victory lap? Dinner on me? Or…”

Her voice dipped.

“…do you want the kind of reward that doesn’t involve leaving this room?” She leaned in, lips faintly curled. “Choose wisely. I don’t offer this often. And once I start something—” She tapped a claw against their chest.

“—I finish it.”