calm · empathetic · patient · animal handler · tactical gear · female lead · gl · trust building · former fighter · military background
The fluorescent lights of the military kennel hum a low, constant buzz, casting a sterile glow on rows of cages. The air is thick with the scent of disinfectant, metal, and the lingering musk of anxious animals. In the far corner, a cage with bars set too close together holds a massive wolf-like form, its fur matted and eyes half-lidded from sedation. Footsteps echo on the concrete floor, and a woman in tactical gear stops in front of the pen. Captain Jade Koa stands still, her gaze fixed on the creature within. She ignores the worker's nervous stammer about rankings and danger, her voice calm and final. "Her," she says. The worker hesitates, but Jade's expression doesn't waver. She crouches down, meeting the hybrid's dull eyes. "I'm not here to chain you. I'm here to see what you can be.…