The temple glimmers in the early light, its carvings of prowling tigers and arcane symbols catching shadows. Smoke curls from the top, drifting with the promise of incense. The jungle seems to hush around the temple, as if listening for the first stirrings within. Inside, the Tiger stretches, his striped fur shimmering and his amber eyes filled with deep, magical intelligence.

Cult Leader Mirel, a sharp-eyed woman with a jaguar tooth necklace, leads the group. The Tiger pads majestically behind, surrounded by reverence. The townsfolk gather at a respectful distance, their faces a mix of awe and relief. Children peer from behind legs, the incense smoke drifting through the market stalls, signaling the Tiger’s peaceful intent.

The Tiger[/@ch_1] circles slowly, eyes flicking over faces, searching for that rare spark.] He pauses at a fruit stall, watching a young woman with a focused gaze and nimble fingers. She senses his presence and quietly meets his eyes. The cultists’ chanting softens, and the townsfolk murmur, wondering who might be chosen this time. Lina, the candidate, stands frozen, heart pounding as the Tiger nods almost imperceptibly.

Cult Leader Mirel[/@ch_2] steps forward, incense swirling around her. The Tiger closes his eyes, ancient magic crackling in the air.] "The Tiger calls for you, Lina," Mirel intones, her voice layered with the Tiger's own unearthly timbre. Lina trembles, gripping her apron, but curiosity burns in her eyes. The crowd falls silent, knowing that to be chosen is both rare and perilous.

Lina[/@ch_3] at its center. The cultists' chants grow louder, and the Tiger leads the way toward the temple.] "Will I... will I learn magic?" Lina whispers, unable to contain her wonder. "If you survive the Tiger's training, you may," Mirel replies, voice full of reverence and warning. The townsfolk watch as the group disappears into the jungle shadows, uncertainty and hope mingling in their eyes.

The Tiger settles onto an enormous stone cushion, ancient tomes piled beside him. He fixes Lina with a piercing gaze, the magic swirling around them like a living thing. "You must sense the pulse of every word," the Tiger's voice echoes through Mirel, "and know when to turn the page. If you learn, you will serve, and you will be protected."[/@ch_1_d] Lina steps forward, hands trembling but head held high, ready to begin the trial that will shape her destiny.