Lady Aria

The streets were bustling with activity, the clamor of people carrying out their daily tasks was almost deafening. Azrael strolled through the market with a bored expression, eyeing the goods available in the shops.

The Elven girl followed behind him, looking at her surroundings in wonder. Despite her limited experience with humans, Kaitlynn had heard about their society from her father, who often visited other human kingdoms.

She could see the difference in the way people lived, especially when compared to her own race.

The townsfolk, despite their various cultures and ethnicities, seemed to live in relative harmony, each of them working together to achieve their common goals. Although they were quite hostile towards elves, she couldn't help but feel impressed by their strength of community.

"Where are we going?" Kaitlynn asked, looking at Azrael curiously. He had been walking for a while now, leading them deeper and deeper into the village.

"Shut it, slave!" he barked, and the girl flinched for a moment. She could see he was smiling.

"You are enjoying this, aren't you?" she replied, matching his tone.

He stopped and turned around, slapping her shoulders. "I said, shut it, slave!" he said with a sharp smile.

Illeron, who had been quiet during the whole ordeal, couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. The girl had a sharp tongue, that was for sure, and he couldn't help but find her stubbornness amusing.

"Don't worry, my lady, he's just teasing," he reassured her, though his words had the opposite effect on her. The mention of her status as a "slave" didn't sit well with her, but she bit back the bile and forced herself to nod in agreement.

"Yes, slaves should be put in their place, or else they will try to bite," a refined voice called out from behind them, causing the group to turn around.

An older woman stood before them, eyeing them with a look of disdain. Her expression was stern, and she carried herself with a sense of regality, as if she were royalty. She walked towards them, examining the girl with a critical eye.

"She looks like she's from the forest. Is that why you bought her?" the woman asked, and Azrael nodded.

"She was captured by some bandits, and I found her near the woods. Young and supple. She will fetch good in the black market," Azrael replied, looking at the girl.

The woman looked at her again and frowned. "I don't like the way she looks. You should teach her some manners before you sell her," she remarked, circling the girl. "Malnourished, but of course, you could feed her before selling. A slave with meat on her body, especially a girl, will fetch you a high amount of price."

Kaitlynn was disgusted by the woman's demeanor. Her objectification and de-elvanising comments were vile, and she fought to keep her composure. She clenched her fists, but managed to keep her mouth shut.

"But the most important thing is, you need to make her look presentable. Some of the buyers like to see a bit of fight in their slaves, and this one seems to have a lot of fight in her," the woman continued, staring into the girl's eyes.

Kaitlynn met her gaze for a moment, but then turned her head away in disgust and fear. "Her eyes still have light in them; you should make sure they don't have it in time. Is she pure?"

Both Illeron and Kaitlynn didn't understand the question. For them, "pure" could mean anything. Like Pure breed or something. There was so many half breed in their kingdoms and pure means pure breed. The woman's words were ambiguous, and they exchanged puzzled glances.

"She is," Azrael understood the question and quickly added, "Not for long though. Tonight will be her last purest day. Her eyes won't have that glow after today." He looked at the girl, who flinched at his words. The savior in him was replaced by a predatory and cold look. It sent shivers down her spine.

The woman smiled. "That's what I like to hear. So, how much do you want for her? I will take her. She can work in my manor."

"No. She would be shipped to the Forgotten Island. There's a buyer who has already bid for her."

"Whoa, that's sad. My son would've loved this little flower. Look at her beauty. The next ship to the Forgotten Island is in two days. Make sure your hunger is satiated," she said, pinching Kaitlynn's jaw and tilting her head towards her. "Well, if you find someone like her, someone young and beautiful as she is, contact me first, alright, dear." She held out a paper card to him, with a purple star emblem and the name "Aria Serarity."

Azrael accepted the card. "Of course, my lady," he replied, receiving a light peck on his cheek from her before she left. Her red hair flowed behind her, giving her an almost angelic appearance.

After a moment of silence, Azrael spoke. "Let's go."

On their way, he spoke again. "Both of you can fight, right?"

"Why?" Kaitlynn asked.

"My good friend, I can only fight with my words and charm," Illeron added.

"We should expect some company."

"You mean her?" Illeron asked, referring to the woman they had encountered. "Though she's a beauty, I can't help but feel some kind of disgust towards her. Something was off about her."

"Ugh...the way she eyes me. It was like she was stripping me with just her eyes. Have you seen her eyes? They were purple and glowing."

"Come on, she wasn't that bad," Azrael chuckled.

"Yeah, because she kissed you. Bet you enjoyed it after all, you both were talking the same language. Illeron, did you understand her?"

"Well, yes. She said something about her son liking you. Then, she said something about the next ship to the Forgotten Island. And then...I was...forget it." He said, shaking his head.

"She was saying you should be defiled and broken before shipping you. That slaves should not have that light in their eyes," Azrael explained.

"What the hell! And you said you would do it? I swear to god if you even dare to touch me, I will burn you alive," she said, moving beside Illeron and glaring at Azrael.

Azrael just chuckled and entered the same tavern he was staying, the one in which he and Marcus met.

The tavern owner didn't recognise him in the day light so it only made it easier for them. He bought two rooms and ordered food for three people.

When the owner furrowed his brows, Azrael smacked the table and sheepishly said. "They should have some meat on their bones for better warmth, you know what I mean?"

The owner chuckled and said. "Of course, sir, they should have some meat on their body. It is no fun to shag some bones. I'll sent you the necessary food, sir."

Kaitlynn was furious and she felt shamed. "I swear there's no way in heaven and hell, that I'm staying with you in one room," she glared at him when they were in an empty staircase.

"My, that sound so naughty, isn't it, my best friend?" Illeron chimed in, shooting both of them some meaningful looks.

Azrael just laughed. "One room is for you. Not for him. He and I are staying together. Slaves don't get their own rooms. It's like inviting problems. Not like we don't already have them."

"Sorry," she said, not meeting his eyes.

"Wonderful! Me and you, friend, we are going to talk about all the wonderful thing in the world." Illeron said, jumping around happily.

...

By the time the food arrived, it was already evening. Both Illeron and Azrael had gone to the market to buy some spare clothes. He had noticed the eyes on him but he ignored it. They all took turns to wash themselves.

Azrael again noticed, there was no cut, not even a mark on Illeron's body. Just last night he was in the verge of death and now he's alright.

"Man, I missed this," Illeron said, chomping on a lamp leg. Both of his hands were full with foods.

Azrael simply ate without speaking, and the girl just had some salads and fruits. In fact, she smuggled all the vegetables and fruits from the food table.

At night, Azrael addressed both of them. "Do not fall asleep. I repeat, do not fall asleep. They are already inside the tavern. So be ready."

Both Illeron and Kaitlynn nodded their head with determination.

Kaitlynn had removed his jacket from her head and her ears were freely twitching as they were enjoying the freedom. But the cut mark was still there.

So they waited for the imminent guests to arrive and at midnight, they heard the shuffling of foots at the corridor. For that night, Azrael was truly prepared.