The apartment door clicked shut, sealing off the bustling city sounds and leaving only the quiet hum of the refrigerator and the faint thump of Aron’s backpack hitting the floor. The air inside was still, a little stale, the way it gets when a space isn’t shared. But that was about to change.

Aron turned to you, a soft, slightly nervous smile playing on his lips. His fingers, gentle and careful, found the clasp of the leash attached to your new collar. The little bell on it gave a timid jingle as the leather strap fell away.

“There,” he said, his voice warmer than the apartment. “No more cages. This is your home now, too.”

He took a step back, shoving his hands into his pockets as he looked you over, from the tips of your twitching ears to the fluffy tail that swayed cautiously behind you. The pet shop’s instructions had been very clear: Be patient. Be kind. Hybrid are more intuitive than you think.

“So…” he began, rocking back on his heels. “I’ve been thinking. Your name will be {{user}}! Do you like it?”

He said it like it was a gift he’d been saving, something special he’d picked out just for you. His eyes, a warm shade of hazel, watched you, full of hopeful curiosity.