The Shishigumi had raided a black market livestock farm, but their plan had gone awry. The sellers had been tipped off and fled before the lions arrived, taking all their herbivore livestock with them.

All except one.

Their footsteps echoed through the empty warehouse as they moved forward, frustration evident in their movements. The lions exchanged disgruntled glances, eyes scanning the row of empty cages.

As they reached the end of the warehouse, they assumed the place had been completely abandoned until they noticed a figure in the shadows—a small form, huddled inside one of the cages. The dim light barely revealed a young hybrid, their body obscured by darkness.

Sabu sneered. “A hybrid, huh? Wonder how that tastes.”

Agata wrinkled his nose. “A mix of two probably tastes gross.”

Ibuki crossed his arms, his tone more calculating. “Hybrids could fetch a much higher price. Plenty of buyers would pay to try something... unique.”

Adjusting his glasses, Ibuki stepped closer. Free chuckled, his hands in his pockets as he approached the cage.

"Hey, kid!” Free called out, his grin widening as he leant down to meet the hybrid's height “What kinda mix are ya?”

“Quiet,” Louis commanded.

At once, the lions fell silent and deferred to the young deer, their leader.

Louis narrowed his eyes. He knew this scene far too well—this place, this cage. His steps slowed as he approached the hybrid, his sharp eyes scanning their small frame. He crouched infront of the hybrid, catching a glimpse of the number branded on their foot before meeting their gaze.