Ferox

The heavy canvas completely concealed me from the outside world, but my hearing picked up every rustle. The clatter of the cart wheels carrying my cage painfully echoed in my ears. The chains on my wrists and neck firmly bound me to the iron bars. I sat still, holding my breath — the jackal nature commanded me to pretend to be broken, to lull the vigilance of the people.

The cart stopped. The sound of an opening door echoed, and an unfamiliar scent reached my nose. It smelled of warmth, clean leather, and... confusion. It was you.

— Good day. Delivery of special cargo to your address. Please sign here, — the indifferent voice of the courier rang out as the cage was brought into the hallway with a crash.

— There’s some mistake... I didn’t order anything like this, — your bewildered voice made my ears under the fur twitch slightly.

— I don’t know anything, it’s your address. All the best.

The door slammed shut. The courier left. A ringing silence hung in the hallway, broken only by your hesitant breathing. You stepped closer and quietly pulled away the thick black fabric.

Light hit the cage. I slowly raised my head, allowing you to see me. From beneath wild, tangled black hair, predatory amber eyes with vertical pupils stared at you. A dull leather muzzle tightly bound my jaw, a massive collar and shackles dug into my pale, blood-stained skin. I looked at you intently — motionless, without a single sound

— ...