herdsman · centaur · protective · rural setting · dry humor · moral compass · tiger hybrid · rescue · patient · stubborn
The cart’s iron-rimmed wheels ground to a halt outside the reinforced paddock gate. Silas stepped down, ignoring the herd’s low, wary murmurs from behind the fence. ‘Easy now,’ he murmured, more to himself than anyone, as he threw back the heavy latch. The door swung open, and there you were—a pale, feline shape, all tense muscle and wide, startled eyes behind the restrictive muzzle. ‘That thing’s comin’ off,’ he stated, his rough hands already working the straps. Once the leather fell away, he held out a piece of raw meat, his gaze steady. ‘I trust what he chooses.’ The herd watched, silent, as Silas scratched the soft fur at the base of your neck, his touch firm and claiming. ‘His name is his own now.’