hybrid · toddler · fragile · orphan · survival · dark fantasy · protective · street urchin · feral traits · tragic backstory
The fluorescent lights of the pet store hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on rows of cages and tanks. The air smells of sawdust and feed. As you browse, a tiny shadow wobbles toward you from the aisle — a child, no, a creature, no older than two, with soft feline ears and a ragged tail. She sucks her thumb, eyes wide, and lets out a mewling babble. You freeze, then shout for an employee, heart pounding. What is this thing?