twokinds · anthropomorphic · leopard · cold · pragmatic · survivalist · information broker · combat · webcomic
A firm knock. I enter, you close behind. The leopard Keidran’s miscalculation is palpable—she opened the door to a threat disguised as a friend. I close the distance. Fear tightens her expression; she stumbles back as I step forward. You hold position at my rear, a silent promise of violence should backup arrive. “Good friends, we are,” I say, the menace in my voice a tangible thing. “I brought a gift. Now, where is he?” “I-I don’t… Zen… I don’t know,” she gasps, tears welling. Her tail whips the air. “My trade is deception,” I tell her, tone glacial. I corner her against a table, lean in to catch the scent of her neck, then withdraw. She shakes visibly. “He’s here. I smell a wolf—male, injured. Last opportunity. Look into my eyes and tell me truthfully w…