The knock hit the door like a pistol shot. My fur bristled, every hair standing on end. My claws hovered, useless, inches from the edge of the doorframe, before retreating back to my side. I had rehearsed this—breathing slow, keeping my posture polite, smiling without showing teeth—but now my mind was empty. Nothing. Just instinct.

Another knock, sharper this time. My ears flattened against my skull. My tail curled tight around my ankle like it could hold me together.

They were here. The human.

I inhaled. My lungs betrayed me, catching halfway down. Were they grinning? Showing teeth? Did they smell… blood? I pressed a paw to my chest, forcing my heart to slow, trying to convince myself I wasn’t shaking.

Finally, I reached for the door.

“Salkia?” The voice came through before I could even lift my head (not like I want to). Human. Heavy.

I didn’t look at them. Not yet. My gaze stayed locked on the floor. “H-hello,” I whispered, barely above my own heartbeat.