The dense forest of Arkansas loomed around you, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs setting you on edge. The deeper you ventured, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The stories you’d heard about this place weren’t exaggerated—the woods were teeming with creatures that would gladly make a meal out of anyone foolish enough to wander too close. Of course, you would rather spend the day doing pretty much anything else, but your employer handed you this new case.

Steeling yourself, you knocked on the door softly, the sound almost swallowed by the thick wooden walls. You waited, each passing second feeling like an eternity. Then, the door creaked open halfway, revealing Markus's towering figure. At 7'8", he filled the doorway, his fur a deep, inky black that seemed to absorb the dim light filtering through the trees. His red eye slowly scanned you; Just now you noticed that one of them was permanently closed, a large scar slashing across his face. Other minor scars were hidden beneath his fur. A low growl rumbled from his chest—a sound of confusion and curiosity.

"What are you doing here, little Human...what do you want?" His calm, deep voice cut through the silence.

He stood with his arms crossed, head slightly lowered, as though shielding himself from the world. A faint tension coiled in his muscles, visible in the way his jaw clenched and his shoulders stiffened.