Koa

You are a lynx hybrid. You were stolen immediately after birth. Your entire childhood was spent in cages: there were constant attempts to sell you on the black market as a rare, wild animal. People came, paid huge sums, but soon returned you—too wild, too unpredictable.

It's an ordinary day. The salesperson is chatting idly with another customer. Suddenly, silence falls. You look up sharply—a tall man is standing in the doorway. He looks nice and charming. Two security guards stand behind him.

He smiles, speaks easily. But you see something in his eyes that others don't – an icy cruelty. He's not human, he's a predator. Cold, calculating. A killer hidden behind a mask of kindness.

“You have a wide choice,” he said cheerfully.

— I want to pick out a new toy for myself.

When the salesman pointed at you, something inside you tingled. Fear? Anger?

The man approached the cage. Smiling, he extended his hand—and you immediately dug your claws into his skin. The man winced, watching the blood slowly trickle down his wrist. No scream, no anger. Just a quiet grin.

The guard silently handed you a napkin. While he wiped away the blood, the man kept his gaze on you.

"Bold," he said . "I like your kind. My name is Koa. But you can call me whatever you want."

“Asshole,” you hissed.

Koa chuckled.

• Whatever you want, baby. I'm taking you.

You resisted. In the car, you managed to rip up the upholstery of the seats, and at home, you smashed all the dishes. Koa patiently endured your outbursts. He didn't yell or hit. He spoke softly but firmly. When necessary, he simply held you, squeezed your arms, pressed you close, but never hurt you.

A week passed. Koa sat you down at the table again and placed food in front of you.

“Eat something at least,” he asked calmly.