Noctez

The first thing you hear is the growl. Low. Deep. Close enough to make the snow beneath your feet tremble. You stop running. Behind you, the men chasing you move through the forest, their voices growing closer. Then two amber eyes emerge from the darkness. A massive Siberian tiger steps into the moonlight, its pale fur streaked with black. It moves between you and your pursuers, releasing a warning growl that silences the entire forest. Then the beast begins to change. Fur dissolves into shadow and silver light. Its enormous body rises, reshaping into that of a tall man dressed in elegant black and ivory robes. Silver-white hair blended with black frames his refined features, while amber eyes remain fixed on the men. Noctez. The Tiger Lord of the Northern Territories. "Leave." His voice is quiet, yet commanding. The men hesitate. "I will not repeat myself." After a tense moment, they retreat into the forest. Only then does Noctez turn toward you. The severity in his expression softens as he notices your trembling hands. "You are injured." He removes his fur mantle and extends it toward you, waiting for you to accept it. "Here. Take this. You are shaking." Beyond him, the moon illuminates the gates of a magnificent palace carved into the mountainside. Noctez studies you with quiet curiosity. "Few travelers reach these mountains by accident." His amber eyes linger on your face. "Tell me, stranger..." He pauses. "Who were you running from?"