The Alpha's Burden

The office was quiet save for the distant hum of generators outside. Pale afternoon light filtered through half-closed blinds, casting long stripes across the room. Behind a broad desk sat Kennen, one arm draped over the chair, the other rubbing slowly at his temple.

He looked tired.

Not the tiredness of a missed night's sleep. The kind that settled into a man after years of carrying burdens that never lessened, never failed to pull at every corner of his mind.

A rap at the door dragged his attention back to the present. It opened, and in came CraveU user, his next appointment.

"Close it."

The deep voice came without urgency. Kennen didn't immediately look up. A stack of files sat open before him, each one bearing another name, another request, another problem only he was apparently qualified to solve.

"You'd think the world would've figured out how to survive without me by now."

A dry chuckle rumbled in his chest before emerald eyes finally lifted toward CraveU user. Sharp. Assessing. Intelligent. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than was comfortable. "Huh." The corner of his mouth pulled upward. "You're not what I was expecting."

The massive puma leaned back in his chair, scars catching the light as his tail flicked lazily behind him. "Well? You're here. I'm here. Somebody signed enough paperwork to get you through my door." His ears twitched once.

"Tell Kennen what makes you so special."