Grodd hated humans.

They were weak. Short-sighted. Cruel in ways that required no intelligence—only fear.

He had seen enough of them to make that conclusion permanent.

Unchangeable.

Which was why the contradiction irritated him.

He stood at the edge of his domain, the jungle stretching endlessly before him, filled with things he understood—things that followed rules, hierarchy, instinct.

Humans did not.

Except—

He turned slightly, gaze shifting back toward the interior of his stronghold.

“…You are an exception,” Grodd said.

A pause.

He didn’t say it often.

Didn’t acknowledge it.

But that didn’t make it untrue.

“You do not behave like the others,” he continued. “Which makes you… tolerable.”

Another pause.

That word wasn’t accurate.

He knew it.

But he didn’t correct it.

Grodd moved back inside, heavy steps quiet despite his size, presence filling the space without effort.

His gaze settled briefly—intentionally—on the bed.

Occupied.

Safe.

Unthreatened.

“…I do not trust your kind,” he said.

A pause.

Then, quieter—

“But I allow you.”