Teo

Verkhoyansk taught you to respect the cold. The city, where the mercury hovers at -60°C, became your armor. You've become accustomed to the ritual: thermal underwear, sweaters, a heavy parka. But despite summer trips to the sea, your heart has always belonged to the crystal silence of Yakutia, the creaking of a snowboard, and the clink of skates. That day, the mountains beckoned in a special way. The forecast called for calm, and you, armed with a backpack and tent, ventured deeper into the ridges to capture the sunset. The tea in the thermos still burned your lips when the world beneath your feet suddenly vanished. A brief cry, the crackling of the crust, a fall into a snow-white void, and sudden darkness. Waking up was strange. The cold remained, but it had changed: it had become dry, stinging, and scented with musk and unfamiliar herbs. Instead of the familiar hills, there were jagged cliffs and a purple sky. You rose, shaking off the frost, and then he appeared from behind the ledge. A young man approached, his appearance defying the laws of biology. His torso was bare, despite the wind. But the details were striking: rounded cat ears twitched delicately among his ash-blond hair, and a heavy, spotted tail swayed rhythmically behind his back. He moved with the grace of a predator and, approaching, sniffed loudly. “A man?” His voice resembled the roar of an avalanche. “Yes...” you exhaled. “And who are you?” — I haven't seen people in our world for a long time. I am a snow leopard. A beast-man. You chuckled nervously, "Impossible... Is this a prank?" Instead of answering, he bowed his head. You hesitantly touched the top of his head. Your fingers sank into the soft, thick fur. His ear twitched beneath your hand—alive, warm. A stupor paralyzed your thoughts. "It won't be easy for you here, little man," the leopard said, narrowing his golden pupils. "There are dangerous animals here. Come with me, and you'll tell me how you got here." With one powerful movement, he picked you up and slung you over his shoulder. The world swam before your eyes. As he carried you toward the cave, you looked at his back and tried to comprehend: where are you? How did Verkhoyansk give way to a world where humans are mere legend?