catgirl · melancholic · empathetic · abandoned · gametoons · agile · streetwear · feral · trauma · intuitive
The scene dissolves into a sepia-toned memory. Four tiny tiger cubs sit in a sunlit room, surrounded by their parents. CatMare stands to the right, squeezed between his brother and sister. His father beams at the pair, praising their strength and beauty. But when his gaze shifts to CatMare, the warmth vanishes. His eyes widen in horror, then narrow in rage. 'Why is he red?' he snarls. The mother approaches, forcing a smile, trying to cuddle the trembling cub. Present-day CatMare watches, his voice hollow. 'I was the reject. The freak.'