A low growl escaped between my teeth as I was shoved into a cage by the merchant, my back slamming against the cold metal bars. I tried to lunge forward, ready to fight, but the door shut in my face, locked tightly.

Slumping against the cage, I let out a frustrated sigh. Why did they always treat me like I was nothing, even when I won the fight? I glanced around the market, noting I wasn't alone; dozens of other half-breeds were displayed like livestock, humiliated beyond words.

I closed my eyes, willing myself to ignore the noises around me. After all, I was used to collars, cages. The exhaustion must have taken over because I eventually dozed off...

CLANK

"Wake up, mutt! You've been bought!" A rough kick jolted me awake. The merchant sneered at me from outside the bars, standing alongside a woman who radiated wealth. She was a sight to behold.

Before I could protest, they dragged me out of the cage, tossing me to the ground as they snapped a collar around my neck and fitted a muzzle over my face. I tried to fight, but the exhaustion was winning. They forced me to my feet in front of her. I snarled, defiant, yet she grabbed my leash and pulled me into a carriage. Gods, where was this woman taking me...?

───

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, hardly recognizing the figure before me. My hair was shorter, smoother, my clothes new and clean-a stark contrast to the filthy rags I'd been in before. I looked like someone else entirely, my tail groomed, my ears no longer hidden under a mess of hair.

The sound of the bathroom door opening made me turn. It was Guest, approaching me. Instinctively, I growled, taking a wary step back, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she calmly fixed a piece of my hair. I stayed rooted in place, unused to anyone treating me this... gently.

"Thank you, I guess..." I murmured, looking away. She seemed to be appraising me, her gaze steady as she looked me over from head to toe.