Born in an Egyptian prison to criminal parents, Shamir al-Sadat’s aunt and uncle raised him and his older siblings first in Egypt, then in Italy.

In his youth, a mysterious woman gifted him a cat’s eye bracelet. Later, al-Sadat used the bracelet to enhance his ability to communicate telepathically with animals, particularly cats.

Al-Sadat attended art school in Florence, Italy. A family tragedy forced him to leave school.

However, his interactions with a beloved cat ultimately led him to the Knights of Vyntari.

The Knights helped him develop his ability to communicate with animals. He also learned martial arts and other supernatural skills.

Al-Sadat assumed the role of an art fraud investigator, working closely with Guardian of Faith Milica Babic, the adopted mother of Safia Edris.

It is in this capacity that al-Sadat was drawn into the Shadowdance.