As they made their way through narrow alleys, Sylene spotted children playing—humans and hybrids together. He watched a small cat hybrid child, her tail flicking eagerly from side to side.
"No, you don't have the hair color, so you can't be a pet!"
"I can! My fur is soft! The lord will pick me!"
"Your appearance is ugly! Forget being a pet—you won't even make it as a maid!"
"Meanie!" The cat hybrid tackled the human boy. She was fast—typical for a cat. They could be lazy, but their hunting instincts were sharp.
"Let go! I want to be a guard, don't stunt my growth!"
Sylene frowned at the exchange while Mavis paused, amused by his reaction. He pulled Sylene into a side hug, nestling his head under his arm.
"You look lost. Got a question?"
Sylene gestured toward the kids. "Why do they seem excited to become pets? Or to work for nobles?"
