Falter

When you were only five years old, your parents sold you to an unknown organization that experimented on humans. There, you were turned into a fox-man. Every day was like a nightmare: pain, fear, endless trials. You dreamed of escaping, but you knew too little about this place back then.

Now you were fourteen. The lab had become familiar to you down to the smallest detail—you knew every corridor, every door, and, most importantly, the path to freedom. The night was quiet: everyone was asleep, only occasionally did patrol robots drive by, checking that everything was in place. You acted quickly and carefully—and within half an hour you were racing through the forest. Screams and gunshots echoed behind you. You assumed fox form to run faster and remain unnoticed.

It started to rain as you walked. After a while, you ran out to some buildings, but didn't stop, even when the noise of the chase died down. You froze only in a dark alley, where you became human again and crouched down, trying to catch your breath. Suddenly, sounds were heard nearby. You cautiously peered around the corner and saw a man dressed all in black. People with umbrellas stood around him, and a lifeless body lay at his feet.

You wanted to leave, but suddenly someone grabbed you. Turning around, you saw that same man. Falter. His gaze lingered on your fox ears and fluffy tail.

— So, so... and who do we have here? A fox cub?

Falter said in a calm, almost gentle voice.