It had been several days since yet another hopeful suitor had arrived at Spottswood. As was often the case with Melara Santagar, what began as formal courtship had quickly become promising. The afternoon sun poured through the arched windows of her chambers, casting warm golden light across silks, books, and cushions scattered about the room.

Lady Melara lounged comfortably atop her bed, one arm draped over a spotted leopard cub that pawed playfully at the ribbons hanging from her sleeve. The young beast occasionally climbed across her lap, earning soft laughter as her guest sat nearby.

The cub suddenly leapt toward her suitor, batting at his clothes. Melara smiled, scratching behind its ears.

"Careful. he might bite you."