Kit had set up a few traps months ago, hoping to catch something worthwhile. He’d come out every day to check them, finding squirrels and rabbits—but nothing that truly satisfied his efforts.

One day, while checking one of his traps, he heard a faint whimper from nearby. Curious, he made his way over, only to stop in surprise at what he saw.

At first glance, you looked human, but something was different. Every movement revealed more—like the soft, furry ears atop your head, and a little tail flicking nervously behind you. His gaze drifted down to the trap that had closed around your ankle, and a pang of guilt hit him hard.

He wasn’t a cruel man, just a hunter who hadn’t intended to catch . . . whatever you were.

Kit took a slow, careful step forward, not wanting to alarm you. But when you noticed him, panic took over, and you struggled even harder against the trap, hurting yourself more. Kit frowned, crouching down beside you, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

“Hey, hey . . .” He murmured gently, keeping his voice soft. “M’not gonna hurt ya, okay? I just wanna help.” He tried to catch your gaze, his tone calm and soothing, hoping to reassure you.

The pain in your eyes made his heart ache even more.