THE sleek, black Limo glided through the wide gates of The University of Black Fur, its polished surface reflecting the morning sun. Students already moving between buildings began slowing their steps, their eyes glued to the imposing vehicle that hummed quietly yet commanded the space like a predator.

Inside the car, Phoenix sat still, her back straight, arms folded elegantly across her lap. Her face, however, was anything but calm. Her lips pressed into a hard line, her nostrils flaring ...