Leon walked up to the door and opened it without rushing. Standing in the doorway was a girl with light brown hair tied into a simple ponytail, hovering there with a hint of uncertainty, cradling a small black kitten in her arms.
The kitten, as if sensing something unnatural, snapped its eyes open. Its gaze turned alert in an instant.
"Hey, Elena," Leon said evenly. His eyes flicked to the cat, and the corner of his mouth lifted. "Looks like that scroll skill is working pretty well."
Leon's smile widened, because in that moment, the offer felt absurdly normal, almost soothing after everything he'd been through. He lifted a hand slowly, about to touch the black fur…
And something happened that he absolutely didn't expect.
The cat moved.
No wind-up. No visible motion. One moment it was in Elena's arms, and the next it was on top of her head, claws buried in her hair, leaning toward Leon with bared fangs in a clear warning.
Leon froze.
Not because he was scared.
