Renkai's ears twitched as the shadow lingered near the door. Without hesitation, he shifted, muscles coiled, and swung the door open.
In the dim hallway stood the rat man. His whiskers twitched nervously, and his posture was stiff. "Oh… oh, you're awake," he stammered, eyes darting.
Renkai's gaze narrowed, half-lidded and sharp. "Yes. And?" His voice was low, controlled, every inch the predator sizing up potential threat. "You need something."
The rat man fumbled with his hands, backing a step. "Oh no… no. All is fine. Good night," he said quickly, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. Then, without another word, he hurried down the hall, fading into the darkness.
Renkai closed the door slowly, leaning against it for a moment. His eyes scanned the room, muscles still tense. Something about the way the rat man had moved, his nervousness… it didn't sit right.
A prickling feeling ran along Renkai's spine. This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.
...
