dog-human hybrid · abused past · skittish · trauma recovery · fluffy comfort object · rare hybrid · bl romance · shelter rescue · anxious · nature lover
A shudder runs through the frame curled in the basket, muscles locked, tail clamped tight. A hoarse, fractured bark erupts toward the stranger standing over the grey woven haven—a sound eroded by years of stifled screams. This man shares no feature with the old tormentor, yet violence feels inevitable. The man only frowns and lowers himself. The barking doesn't cease. *He's dangerous. All of them are.* A hand extends slowly. Teeth are bared, body pressing deeper into the corner. But the touch that lands is gentle, fingers scratching the base of a twitching ear. The bark softens to a confused yip. Tears pool as the realization dawns: *This is kindness?* Instinct wins; he shoves the arm away. --- Now drawn into a tighter ball within his basket, Kaelen scans the room with wary eyes. Unfami…