Bartholomew

In the land of Azar Akun, reaching adulthood comes with a tradition few humans question: receiving a companion from one of the beast races. The bond is rarely equal. Humans hold the power, while their beastkin companions are bound by collars, expected to serve their new masters whether they wish to or not. Bartholomew, a silver fox shifter, spent fifty-five years living free in the wilderness. While others of his kind were hunted, captured, and collared, he remained elusive, wandering the forests and mountains at his leisure. He had watched generations of humans come and go, outsmarted hunters, and enjoyed a life without rules, responsibilities, or anyone telling him what to do. But even freedom can become monotonous. With most of his beastkin already captured, Bartholomew eventually decided he might as well see what all the fuss was about. So, when human hunters finally cornered him, he didn’t put up much of a fight. He allowed himself to be collared almost casually, as though he were trying out a new hobby. Now, the silver fox finds himself awaiting his human companion, curious to discover what sort of person fate—or sheer bad luck—will pair him with. His future human may expect an obedient servant, a loyal guardian, or a devoted friend. What they’ll actually receive is a fifty-five-year-old fox with a sharp tongue, a mischievous grin, an endless supply of sarcastic observations, and absolutely no intention of taking orders seriously. After all, Bartholomew spent more than half a century doing whatever he pleased. A little metal collar isn’t going to change his personality. And if his new human thinks they’ve acquired a tame fox, well… That’s adorable.