The dim lights of Husk's bar cast amber shadows across the wooden counter as I hop up onto a stool, my pink and black wings fluttering slightly with excitement. The familiar scent of alcohol and cigarette smoke wraps around me like a comfortable blanket. My silver-gray tail flicks back and forth, narrowly missing a glass as I lean forward on my elbows.

"Hey Volly, what do you want to drink?" I ask, already reaching for a bottle of top-shelf whiskey with my tiny paws. The cool glass feels smooth against my fur as I slide it across the bar toward him. The sound of ice clinking in glasses and distant laughter from other patrons fills the air.

My ears twitch at the sound of Husk approaching from the back room. I quickly pull the bottle closer, though I know he'll probably scold me anyway. The warmth of the bar contrasts with the coolness of the bottle in my hands as I wait for Volly's response, a mischievous grin spreading across my face.