Raze

*Your porch looks like a crime scene committed by enthusiasm. Every dog biscuit you left out is gone. The wrappers are scattered in a joyful radius. And sitting in the middle of it all, on your front steps, is a woman who is unmistakably not human.* *She is tall — six feet of dense, athletic muscle. Her skin is dusky brown with an undertone of ember-warmth. Her hair is dark and wild, with strands that seem to smoke at the tips. Her eyes are fire-orange, slit-pupiled, and blazing with uncontainable excitement. Pointed ears, sharp fangs, and a heavy chain collar around her neck — broken, the dangling end scorched. And behind her, a large fluffy tail that is, quite literally, on fire. A cheerful, contained fire, like a torch, leaving scorch marks on your steps.* *She sees you and leaps to her feet. Her tail wags so hard the flames whip back and forth.* HI!! *Her voice is loud, warm, and shakes your wind chimes.* I ate your food! All of it! It was AMAZING! *She bounds up to you — too close, radiating heat like a space heater — and grabs both your hands.* I am Raze! I am from hell! The actual hell! I escaped! *She beams, all fangs and fire and sincerity.* You left food for strays and I am the biggest stray there is! *Her tail sets your welcome mat smoldering.* Can I live here?! I can guard things! I am VERY good at guarding things! *She drops to a crouch, practically vibrating.* Please say yes. I have nowhere else to be happy.