Chapter 1 — The Beast That Regretted Its Life Choices
Cedar Falls wasn't the kind of city people bragged about.
It had one mall, two movie theaters, a suspiciously enthusiastic farmer's market, and a BeastBond Center that looked exactly like an abandoned Walmart someone slapped a new sign on.
For Mira Lane, it was perfect.
Not glamorous, not miserable just okay.
Today was BeastBond Day. Every 16-year old got their partner beast, a lifelong companion who grew with them. Beasts weren't ranked at birth; all of them started at the same potential. What they became depended entirely on training, effort, discipline and whether the beast actually listened.
Which, judging from the creatures running around, seemed unlikely.
Inside the center, kids were bonding with adorable fluffy partners. Tiny bird-like sparklets chirped. Fire cubs wagged flaming tails. Someone even got a mini thunder-pup that sneezed lightning.
Mira watched with hope.
Her parents were middle-class comfortable enough to support her journey, but because they were not super rich. They just wanted her to get a partner that wouldn't eat the furniture.
Then Elder Rowan, the examiner, called out:
Mira Lane! Step forward!
Mira stepped up.
Rowan lifted a small crate onto the table.
A soft growl rumbled inside.
The crate opened.
Out waddled a small beast that looked confused about its own species.
Black fur, orange streaks, tail shaped like a lightning bolt, tiny horns like it borrowed them from a goat. Its eyes were bright electric gold and currently squinting at Mira like she owed it money.
For a moment, Mira thought, Wow it's adorable.
The beast's expression said, Absolutely not.
It turned around.
It literally tried to walk back into the crate.
Mira blinked. You're joking.
The beast kicked the crate as if cursing it and then sat down with its back to her.
Everyone nearby laughed.
Rowan sighed. Ah. A spirited one.
Mira crouched beside it. Hey we're supposed to be partners lifelong partners. You can't ignore me on the first day.
The beast didn't move.
Didn't blink.
It Didn't even acknowledge her existence.
It went still like a stubborn toddler pretending to be a statue.
A kid nearby whispered, Bro she got the introvert beast.
Another added, Nah, that's the 'I hate everyone' model.
Mira groaned. Can my beast come with a refund option?
Rowan coughed. No refunds. Bonds are permanent.
The beast flicked its tail accidentally sparking a tiny lightning pop that scorched a hole in the floor tile.
Rowan cleared his throat. okay Be careful. It seems to have a fire-lightning hybrid affinity. Rare, but not dangerous if properly trained.
The beast yawned, unimpressed with Rowan's optimism.
Mira gently reached out a hand.
The beast turned its head slightly then booped her finger with its nose.
Very lightly.
Like I acknowledge your existence, but only because you touched me first.
Mira grinned. Is that progress?
The beast immediately licked its paw and wiped her hand off its face.
Mira sighed dramatically. Great, I got the beast equivalent of a sarcastic middle school kid .
Her mom from the back shouted, Just like you at that age!
Mom! Not helping!
The beast snorted and Mira swore it was laughing at her.
Rowan handed her the official bonding ribbon.
Congratulations, Mira. Your journey begins.
Mira looked at her partner.
It looked back with the same energy as a cat forced into a family photo.
I'm Mira , she said.
The beast slowly tilted its head.
Judging.
Evaluating.
Then, with the tiniest, reluctant whuff, it seemed to say:
Fine. I guess we're stuck together.
Mira smiled despite everything.
Nice to meet you too you little menace.
The beast narrowed its golden eyes.
And wagged its jagged lightning-bolt tail exactly once.