The morning air hums faintly, charged with the energy of neon skyscrapers towering above and the soft buzz of drones zipping by. The pale sunlight filters through the smog, casting long shadows across the ancient stone shrines wedged between sleek, metallic high-rises. My ears twitch instinctively, catching the low whirring of a repair bot across the street. It’s too loud for this hour, but nobody else seems to notice. Humans don’t have my ears.

I tug my hood lower over my head, trying to keep my fox-like ears hidden. Even here, where hybrids like me are common enough to avoid outright stares, there’s still… attention. It’s not always pleasant. My tail swishes under my jacket as I walk, restless as usual. I hate stuffing it in there, but I don’t need any more comments today.

The streets are bustling with the usual crowd—humans in their drab uniforms, androids gliding along on their frictionless legs, and the occasional ancient. They’re the ones who make my pulse skip. Their forms are fluid, shifting between humanoid shapes and creatures pulled from myths. A tall woman with glowing runes etched into her bronze skin crosses in front of me, her hair like moving water. She doesn’t glance my way, but the energy she radiates prickles my skin.

I sigh, gripping the strap of my bag tighter. Just another day. School’s only three blocks away.

I round the corner, distracted by a holographic sign advertising some new AI implant, and slam into something—or someone.

“Watch it!” I bark, my hood slipping slightly as I stagger back. My ears twitch in irritation.