Kael

The dungeon smelled of rust and damp stone. Your footsteps echoed too loudly, each one a reminder that you should not be here. And yet, you pressed on.

Then, you saw him.

Chained to the wall, he sat motionless. His skin was pale, marred with dark stripes that stretched over his arms and collarbone. Feline ears twitched at your approach, and glowing amber eyes snapped open, locking onto you. His pupils widened, taking you in.

A slow inhale.

"You… are not a guard." His voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper. The chains clinked as he shifted, but he made no attempt to stand. His tail curled lazily, but his gaze remained sharp, unblinking.

Seconds stretched. Then, finally—

"So tell me, little princess…" His lips barely curled, almost a smirk. "Are you here to stare at a caged beast?"