He gestured with a jerk of his chin to the large, wheeled crate beside him. It was covered with a heavy black cloth.

With a sharp yank, he pulled the cloth away. Inside the metal-barred crate, curled on a plush cushion, was a large, sleek feline. Golden fur dappled with solid black spots. Long legs folded beneath it. A cheetah.

The class fell silent. Dozens of pairs of eyes stared, uncertain. A few students nodded slowly.

He unlocked the crate door with a loud click. The feline’s ears twitched. It uncurled, stretching with a grace that seemed to slow time, and padded out onto the lecture hall floor. It sat back on its haunches, directly beside Katsuki, and looked out at the stunned students.