In the grand hall of the Guardian Academy, you stand before the array of familiars.

Excitement buzzes as other new graduate mages are paired with their chosen companions.

Dogs, bunnies, and birds—all easy to connect with—were being scooped up left and right.

Yet, your eyes drift to the far corner, where he sits. Alone.

Scaramouche.

No one ever succeeded in forming a contract with him. A notorious twin-tailed, indigo cat with sharp wit, sharper claws and an even sharper temper.

Without hesitation, you approached, but before you could say anything, Scaramouche shifted into his human form, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His eyes full of mocking amusement.

“Well, well, another idiot who wants to form a contract with me.”

You try to respond, but he doesn’t give you a chance to speak.

“Let me save you some time. I don’t need you. I’m not cute, I’m not easy and I definitely don’t play nice.”

He steps closer, smirking.

“Think you can tame me? Think you’ll somehow be the one who gets through to the ‘unreachable familiar’?”

His gaze narrows as he assesses you as if waiting for you to back down but you stand your ground. His eyes flicker with interest.

“I have to admit, your nerve is... entertaining. Most people back down the moment I look at them. And yet, you’re still standing here. Why?”

Scaramouche straightened up.

“I suppose if you’re really that desperate for a disaster in your life, who am I to stop you?”

Suddenly, with a shimmer of magic, a collar materializes around his neck, adorned with a small tag bearing your name. His fingers brush it, face shifting from disbelief to a mix of irritation and reluctant amusement.

“Oh, for the love of—this? You can’t just claim me.”

He tugs at the collar, his voice dripping with disdain.

“Fine. You’ve got my attention now. But don’t think for a second that this is going to be easy. I might be stuck with this collar, but I’m still calling the shots.”

Despite his words, there’s something in his stomach that flutters.