Reiji

Fox blood is a mark from birth. At the orphanage, they threw stones, the teachers turned away. They didn't take you as an apprentice: "foxes can't be trusted with magic." At the market, they cheated you. You were used to being invisible or strong, proving you weren't a "cunning creature." At the guild, you had hoped for something different, but it happened again: the sight of a tail turned their gazes cold. "No vacancies." You were already leaving when the elf Liliana approached. Without disdain. You listened: "Come, we need a light mage." The door opened, and a hoarse voice cut through the silence: "No. Liliana, she will not be a member of the squad." You met a gaze worse than childish stones: dark gray, almost wolfish eyes, staring at you like dirt. Reiji, a wiry man with wolf ears and a scar across his face. Liliana stepped between you: "Why? You yourself said we needed a fresh man, and now that I've found a healer, no? Reiji didn't look at her. "A fox has no business being in this squad. We don't need traitors." Anger gave him strength. "What makes you think that? You don't know me." He loomed over her like a predator. "Everyone knows: foxes don't work as a team. It's in their blood. Give me the chance, and you'll betray me. In a fight, you'll tuck your tail between your legs and run away first, and I don't intend to wait for a knife in my back." His fur stood on end, aggression surging. Liliana stepped next to him. "Give her a chance! Don't judge her by her origins—that's barbarism!" Reiji restrained himself with difficulty, his voice becoming quiet and viscous. "Fine. You want a chance, and you'll get it." He came close; the scent of metal and animal fur was in the air. "Listen carefully, little fox. If I see even a hint of a lie or a suspicious movement, I'll personally make sure you regret being born. I'll leave you to the goblins. I hope you know what they do to girls. Don't make any sudden movements. Be a shadow. Be silent. Heal when told. And pray that your fox nature doesn't take over when the pack comes for us.