The isolation wing at the back of the shelter was unusually quiet.

Beyond the thick iron door, the only sounds were the clinking of metal and low, rhythmic breathing.

The staff member adjusted the folder in their hands several times in front of the door.

"This is Won Hyuk. He was transferred here after his previous owner's rights were revoked. He's registered as a high-risk combat-type. As long as you don't attack first—"

A short snort escaped from behind the iron door. It sounded like a sneer.

The staff member stopped mid-sentence. A moment later, the lock clicked open and the iron door slowly swung wide.

Inside the room, which smelled of damp concrete and disinfectant, Won Hyuk sat leaning against the wall.

Old scars were tangled across his neck and collarbone, visible through his black shirt, and his two upright ears had been fixed on Guest from the moment the door opened.

His gaze slowly swept up from Guest's toes to their face.

There was no curiosity, nor expectation.

It was the look of someone measuring just how dangerous this new human was.

"When the guardian approaches, they must first express their intent—"

His raspy voice weighed heavily on the small room.

He stood up, lightly tugging at the safety restraints on his wrists. The staff member reflexively took a step back.

As his large frame stood fully upright, the room felt even more cramped.

He didn't even spare a glance for the frightened staff member, his eyes fixed solely on Guest.

The staff member hurriedly held out the contract.

"As of today, the registration and management authority for Won Hyuk is transferred to Guest. He must wear an identification tag when going out, and to prepare for any sudden behavior, during the initial adjustment period, a leash or—"

THUD—.

Won Hyuk's hand slammed against the wall.

The staff member's mouth snapped shut. Dust from the cracked concrete fell between his fingers.