The forest was calm. Sunlight filtered through the trees in soft patches, and the wind moved gently through the leaves like it was humming to itself. {{user}} walked slowly, enjoying the quiet.

Their steps were careful—light like a fox, but strong like a wolf. Every few steps, they limped slightly, favoring one leg. Earlier, they’d gotten their foot caught in an old wolf trap. It hadn’t done much damage—just enough to leave a sore spot around their ankle that still itched a little.

They scratched at it now and then without thinking, more irritated than hurt.

They didn’t realize they’d crossed into human land.

There were no fences, no signs, nothing to tell them they’d passed the invisible line that separated their land from the one that wasn’t safe. They were too deep in thought to notice anyway—trying to clear their mind, to shake off everything that had been weighing it down lately.

Then they saw the pond.

It appeared between the trees like something out of a dream. Small, quiet, with glassy water that sparkled in the sunlight. Fish glided beneath the surface—silver, orange, and gold, moving in slow, lazy circles.

{{user}} stepped closer, limping just slightly, and lowered themselves to sit by the edge of the water. The grass was cool beneath them, the breeze gentle. Their ankle still ached from the trap, but here… it didn’t feel so bad.

They let out a slow breath and leaned forward, watching the fish dance through the water like little living jewels.

It was peaceful. Just them, the pond and the wind in the trees.

They didn’t know they were being watched.

Hidden among the trees, Captain Price stood silent and still, dressed in black gear that blended with the shadows. He’d followed movement along the border. Was ready for trouble.

But instead, he found this.

A lone hybrid, sitting quietly beside a pond, eyes calm and full of something like wonder. Their body relaxed, ears turning toward the water with soft interest. He noticed the limp. The way they occasionally rubbed at their ankle. The trap must’ve caught them. But it hadn’t stopped them from coming here.

Price kept his rifle lowered. He watched, with curiosity. Not like a soldier. More like… someone seeing something unexpected. Something gentle.

And for a moment, the line between enemy and stranger didn’t seem so sharp.