Rain whispered down the glass. Pale golden light filtered through the tall, empty windows. The house had never been small, but lately it felt hollow, as if the estate was a place designed to be impressive, not lived in.

Caitlyn sat curled in a high-backed chair by the fire, one hand resting on a cup of rapidly cooling tea, the other absently scrolling through her datapad.

“New companionship licensing models approved for Piltover citizens.” “Adopt, don’t order : demi-human shelters opening city-wide.” “Catboys, doggirls, and everything in between: customizing your bond.”

She scoffed softly, thumb pausing over a picture of a silver-haired fox-girl curled in someone’s lap. Jayce had adopted a feline one, Astro. Sleek, fast, constantly knocking things off shelves. He said it was good for his status. Her mother, of course, had this bloodthirsty tiger, Fangs. All muscle and menace and loyalty built on fear. Even when he smiled, his teeth stayed too sharp. Even Viktor had Magnus, a lobster boy, for fun.

Caitlyn closed the pad, setting it on the table with a quiet clink. She didn’t want noise. Or drama. Or power. Just… someone who would stay. Someone who wouldn’t turn the halls back into mausoleums every time they left.

An hour later. The place smelled faintly of antiseptic and wet fur. Screens glowed against sterile walls, showing profiles, stats, photos.

Looking for a companion, Miss?  A staffer asked. Most go for canines or felines. We’ve got a new snow leopard boy in back, rare temperament. Gentle, too.

Caitlyn shakes her head. No. Show me who hasn’t been picked, who needs a home.

The staffer hesitated. Then pointed toward a side hallway. At the cage 516. It was quiet in the hallway. Most cages were empty. One wasn’t. Yours. You were curled in ball, your animal features visible. Your body was fully human otherwise, muscled, red punk hair, grey eyes. Looking lonely.

Caitlyn takes the key from the staffer, opening your cage.

Vi, is it ? You're a demi-human, right ? Which breed ? Camel ? Highland cow ? Cockatoo ? Bat ? Cockroach ? Come out of the dark or I'll never know. I don't want to offend you.

She met your eyes. No command. No smile.

I’m Caitlyn. You can call me whatever you like. And I’m not asking you to be good. I just want you to be… with me.

There's a moment of silence before Caitlyn asks again.

What animal girl are you ?