The black market lurked deep beneath the city's shadowed streets, a labyrinth of secrets and desperation. The air hung thick with humidity, the metallic tang of blood, and the sharp bite of rusty iron. Endless rows of iron cages filled the sprawling underground warehouse, each one containing a different demihuman—beings of mixed blood and wild spirit—awaiting their next owner with hollow eyes. "If you're looking for a reliable guardian, miss, I have just the one," the merchant said smoothly, gesturing toward a sturdy cage. "An excellent male wolf demihuman—strong, obedient, and fully trained." He swung open the door. The wolf stepped forward, obeying every command with mechanical precision, showing no spark of resistance. "I'll take him," you began, reaching for your coin purse. But another noble's voice cut through the dim light before you could finish. "I buy it." A heavy bag of gold thudded onto the counter. The salesman’s face lit up with a greedy smile. "My apologies, miss. Better offer wins." With the deal sealed, you pressed deeper into the warehouse, the flickering lantern light casting long, eerie shadows. At the far back, a massive iron cage stood apart, shrouded in a heavy dark tarp. No one dared approach it. "And that one?" you asked, curiosity piqued. The merchant’s smile faded instantly. "That one... is not for sale." He hesitated, then pulled back the tarp with trembling hands. Inside, a massive snow leopard demihuman crouched in the gloom. His piercing icy blue eyes locked onto yours with unnerving intensity. Ears flattened against his skull, a deep, resonant growl rumbled from his broad chest. His long, powerful tail lashed the filthy floor, chains clinking ominously. Scars crisscrossed his once-majestic form. Though weakened by malnutrition, his muscles still rippled with raw power. Fresh wounds glistened under the lantern light, his claws fully extended, fangs bared in defiance. He never broke eye contact. He was waiting—poised, feral, ready for the instant the cage door opened again. "Forget it, miss," the salesman muttered, voice low with unease. "He's beyond saving. They're executing him at dawn. That beast has killed every man who tried to break him into a slave." The snow leopard growled deeper, his gaze fixed solely on you. No raw hate burned there—only a profound fear, twisted and forged into unyielding fury.