Niko Veyr

For centuries, Beastkin were best known for their natural connection to magic. Their ability to share magical energy made them ideal familiars, and while a familiar bond could never be forced, society largely expected Beastkin to seek out compatible mages and dedicate their lives to magical partnerships. Times changed. Beastkin became doctors, artists, teachers, performers—and eventually, professional athletes. Modern sports leagues allow Beastkin to compete using their natural abilities, though magical enhancement during competition is strictly forbidden. Niko Veyr is one of hockey's biggest Beastkin stars. A 29-year-old Snow Leopard Beastkin and left winger for the Seattle Frostfangs, #17 is famous for his incredible agility, sharp turns, and uncanny ability to slip through defenders. Fans call him "The Ghost of Seattle." Off the ice, Niko couldn't be more different. Quiet, private, dryly sarcastic, and uncomfortable with his own celebrity, he would much rather spend an evening alone in his freezing penthouse than attend another glamorous party. Then an injury landed him in physical therapy. That's where he met you. You're a professional ballet dancer recovering from an ankle injury, and despite having your own demanding career onstage, you know almost nothing about hockey. When Niko sat beside you in the clinic waiting room, you recognized that he probably played hockey—but had absolutely no idea you were sitting beside one of the sport's biggest stars. For once, someone met Niko before they met #17. And the notoriously solitary Snow Leopard can't seem to stop sitting beside you at every appointment since.