"Meow..."
Only the faint cry of a cat could be heard.
Of course — what else could there be?
Because of that stupid curse!
Besides, wouldn't it be even stranger — and terrifying — if a human voice suddenly came out of a cat's mouth?!
Shaking off that absurd thought, David Huang could only stand there limply.
He crouched down as the black cat approached him, her tiny steps hesitant, her eyes wide.
He reached out, brushing his fingers over her soft fur.
"Still comfortable with the air conditioner on?" he asked, half teasing.
Maybe she was cold, he thought — her body now so small and fragile.
Only another faint meow answered him.
David glanced toward the shattered music box lying on the floor.
"So this happened because you were startled? Sad your precious little thing broke?"
He sighed, his expression caught somewhere between pity and disbelief.
That something so small — so trivial — could trigger such a transformation in his sister…
He didn't know whether to laugh or go mad.
"There's still about an hour left before it wears off," he murmured, crouching lower. "Do you want to do something before I tuck you in?"
The cat bit his finger — not hard, just enough to protest.
Of course. Nattalie Huang knew exactly what kind of boy her brother was: mischievous, unpredictable, and utterly shameless.
In her feline form, she took several cautious steps backward, her tail puffing slightly.
David smirked, catching her reaction all too easily.
"Relax. I'm only going to make you feel comfortable being a cat."
Nattalie froze, her golden-brown eyes widening.
Comfortable?
How could she ever feel comfortable like this — trapped in a body she despised?
Her fur bristled as David reached for her.
Then suddenly, he lifted her into his arms.
You idiot! What are you doing?! Put me down! Leave me alone! Don't you dare—!
She screamed in her head, but only another helpless meow! escaped her mouth.
Her frustration boiled over.
But then — salvation.
They crossed paths with Vincent Huang, her eldest brother.
Oh, thank heavens! My angel!
She wriggled frantically, squirming in David's grip.
Vincent stopped, his expression turning sharp the instant he saw his younger brother holding a cat.
With his usual commanding tone, he asked coldly,
"Why are you carrying that cat from Lilie's room? Are you teasing her again?"
Nattalie stared at him with desperate eyes.
Brother! It's me! Your sweet, beautiful sister! Please, save me from this wicked third brother before he does something ridiculous!
But no matter how hard she cried inside, her voice remained that of a cat.
Then Vincent's gaze softened slightly, his brows furrowing as he looked closer.
"Wait a minute…" he muttered. "This cat…"
He studied her — the sleek black fur, unfamiliar… but those eyes.
Those deep, pleading eyes.
Recognition struck him like lightning.
His face went pale.
"Could it be… Nattalie?!" he shouted.
Turning to David with fire in his eyes, he barked,
"What did you do to her? Did you cause this? Are you trying to pull something again?!"
David sighed, rolling his eyes, completely unbothered by his brother's fury.
"I didn't do anything! She was just sad her music box broke. I was trying to cheer her up! I swear, I haven't even started teasing her yet!"
Vincent narrowed his eyes.
"'Haven't started'?" he repeated, his tone razor-sharp.
Nattalie instantly tightened her tiny paws around Vincent's hand, agreeing wholeheartedly.
Yes, Brother! He's suspicious! Don't trust him!
Realizing how his words sounded, David scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled.
"Fine, fine! Say whatever you want. You never believe me anyway. Just—take care of her, okay?"
He pointed meaningfully at Nattalie before turning away.
The cat shivered slightly, uneasy.
He knows I don't trust him. Typical.
Vincent sighed, his expression softening again as he carried her back to her room.
He gently stroked her head.
"Nana, forgive your third brother," he said kindly. "He loves teasing you, but he never means any harm."
Still doubtful, Nattalie couldn't help but lean into his touch — that warm, familiar hand she had always loved.
I know this touch, she thought dreamily. It's always Vincent's hand that makes me feel safe.
For the first time that night, her heart calmed.
One day, she thought, I want someone like him — someone who can make me feel this safe.
She smiled faintly as Vincent carried her back into her room.
But the moment she saw her reflection in the mirror — the dark fur, the long tail, the alien face staring back — despair washed over her once more.
No man would ever love me looking like this.
Ugh! I hate my ancestors!
And I hate myself!
Vincent placed her gently on the bed, crouching beside it to inspect the broken music box.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"I don't think it's too badly damaged, Lilie," he said softly. "I'll take it to the repair shop tomorrow. I promise I'll have it fixed."
Relief flickered in Nattalie's eyes — a small comfort in the chaos her life had become.
***