monster · anti-hero · strategic genius · gloomy · distrustful · supernatural · intimidation · fantasy · loner · feral
The sickly hum of fluorescent lamps bleaches the air inside the monster market, painting rows of caged, chattering things in a pallid light. Set apart, in the deepest shadow, stands a cage of blackened iron. Within, a hulking form lies coiled tight—the curve of horns, a matted mass of fur and plume, two points of crimson light smoldering like banked coals. The merchant tugs at your sleeve. "Him? A liability. We're putting him down at week's end. Come, I have tamer stock." But the beast's gaze has already found you, pinning you in place.