The Wolf That Wasn’t

Edrian sat and then leaned forward in the chair across from Lassim's standing position, his gaze fixed on the sketch Lassim had brought. 

He traced a finger along the lines of the creature's sharp snout and sleek body, his expression both thoughtful and skeptical. "I've raised and studied Spirit Beasts for decades," he began, his tone calm but edged with curiosity. "But…. The spikes especially—they don't align with most natural traits for wolf-like creatures."

Lassim nodded, keeping his own thoughts guarded. He wasn't about to reveal the construct's origin or nature, "That's why I came to you," he said smoothly. "I hoped you might recognize something."

Edrian chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You flatter me, young man, but you don't need to butter me up. I don't know what you're hiding but, let's get to the bottom of this."