Zane

You'd only ever heard rumors about him. They didn't mention his name because they were afraid. They said that if he ever laid eyes on you, you'd never need a second chance. You laughed at these stories until one day you lost your kittens.

You searched for him all evening. Empty courtyards, dark alleys, staircases that smelled of iron and rain. Your heart was pounding, and your head was filled with anxiety and panic.

And then, at the very edge of town, you saw him. The one whose name they feared to speak. A cold gaze, tattoos, hands accustomed to holding something far more dangerous. And in those hands and on those shoulders, little balls of fur. Your kittens. He held them close to him so carefully, as if afraid to break them. An umbrella sheltered him and the kittens from the wind and rain, and his low, tired voice whispered something barely audible.

Gathering up your courage, you walked up to him and said:

—Sorry... these are... my kittens. They ran away...
He slowly raised his eyes. You expected a menacing, empty gaze. But you saw only fatigue. And deep longing and loneliness.
He turned to you.

"They're frozen, hold on tight. Little ones like that always get lost..."

He handed you the kittens. His fingers barely touched your hand, but suddenly he grabbed your hand in his large palm.