---
Lys woke to the scent of antiseptic and something vaguely citrusy.
His vision swam for a moment — white ceiling, soft couch, gauze wrapped over his stomach. The last thing he remembered was the alley, the burning in his lungs, and then… light.
He sat up too fast.
"Whoa, careful!" a voice said.
Lys froze.
Standing near the kitchenette was a tall man in sweats, holding a bowl of soup. He looked nothing like a soldier or assassin. In fact, he was barefoot, had a pineapple print on his shirt, and his hair was a messy post-shower fluff.
"Don't strain yourself," Kai said, walking over. "Your side's pretty banged up. I used my med kit, but if it hurts too much, I'll take you to a hybrid-friendly clinic tomorrow."
Lys narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
Kai grinned. "I'm Kai. You were passed out in the middle of the street. Looked like a poor stray, so I took you in."
Stray?
Lys bristled. His pride was instantly offended, but he didn't have the strength to argue. He glanced at his bandages. "Why would you help a stranger?"
Kai blinked. "You looked like you were dying?"
"…Tch. That's not a reason."
Kai chuckled and placed the soup beside him. "I dunno. I like cats. And you reminded me of one."
Lys glared. "I'm not a cat."
Kai tilted his head. "You sure? With those ears and attitude? Total grumpy stray energy."
Lys realized then — Kai hadn't recognized him.
He didn't know who he was. Not the royal bloodline. Not the secrets. Not the power games. Just… a stranger with injuries and hybrid ears.
Lys could use this.
"If I stay here," he said coolly, "you won't ask questions?"
Kai raised a brow. "Only if you don't claw my furniture."
"…Hmph. Deal."
Kai gave him a blanket. "Guest room's all yours. There's a spare toothbrush and some towels if you feel up for a shower. You'll feel better after eating."
He left without pushing further.
Lys watched him go, suspicious, but oddly unsettled by the man's kindness. It wasn't pitying. It wasn't political. It was… casual.
Almost stupidly warm.
He sipped the soup.
And it was good.
Too good.
He hated it.
---
Meanwhile…
Back at San's apartment, things weren't exactly peaceful.
Hyme had been oddly quiet since the fight.
Curled on the couch, tail twitching.
San kept glancing at him while cleaning the wreckage off his boots. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," Hyme said too quickly. "Don't worry about me. Worry about that cloaked freak who wants to kill me."
San walked over and dropped beside him. "I am worrying about you. That's the problem."
"…Why?" Hyme asked, almost too soft.
"Because you're my cat," San said, ruffling his hair. "Even if you nearly exploded the room today."
Hyme puffed up. "I didn't mean to!"
"I know. Just letting you know… I'm not scared of you."
Hyme's tail stilled. "Not even a little?"
"Nope."
Hyme leaned closer.
"Not even if I pounce you right now?"
"…Try it and I'll drop you in a cold bath."
"Tch. Mean," Hyme muttered, crawling closer anyway and resting his head on San's shoulder.
San smiled faintly.
But deep in his gut, something stirred.
The danger wasn't over yet.
And they had no idea where Lys had vanished.
---