"I didn't know I had her, either, until she saved my life..."

That humor vanishes. For a whole heartbeat, before the lion steps forward, and firmly butts her head into Shiro's hip. His free hand drops to bury his fingers into her fur.

"They'll fight, they'll guide, take messages to other people. You can even ride them, sometimes - " An indignant, feline snort. " - In very dire circumstances."