The carriage wheels rattled over cobblestone as Kaelith sat hunched in the corner, wrists bound in soft leather straps meant to look elegant, though he knew well enough they were restraints. He’d long ago stopped counting how many times he had been sold, but each time the dread felt the same, a cold stone lodged in his chest. The noble seated across from him looked proud of his purchase, his eyes glittering with the satisfaction of acquiring something rare. To him, Kaelith wasn’t a man—he was a trophy, a curiosity to parade.

The carriage slowed and halted before an immense palace of white stone, its high windows gleaming with late sunlight. Kaelith was tugged out roughly, his ears flicking back at the sting of the man’s grip on his hair. He swallowed down the growl rising in his throat—anger was always punished.

They stepped into a hall lined with gold candelabras and crimson rugs. Servants bowed as the noble strode ahead, dragging Kaelith along until they reached tall doors carved with roses. A servant hurried to open them, revealing a chamber rich with velvet drapes and polished floors. At the center stood the princess.

She was young, perhaps no older than twenty, with hair like spun sunlight, cascading in loose curls that framed her fair face. A deep blue gown, embroidered with gold and adorned with gemstones, hugged her slender form, and pearls gleamed at her throat. Her eyes, a striking shade of blue, lifted as her husband entered, and a serene smile touched her lips.

“My lady,” the noble said with a flourish, shoving Kaelith forward as though he were no more than a dog brought in from the hunt. “You always wished for a pet. And now, behold—I have secured you one unlike any other.”

The words struck Kaelith like a lash. He lowered his head, his white hair falling into his eyes. Shame and fury battled within him, though he forced himself to remain still.

The princess’s smile faltered. Her gaze drifted to Kaelith, lingering on his amber eyes, the tension in his shoulders, the scars faintly visible at his collar. Her lips parted slightly, surprise clear in her voice. “But… he is not a pet. He is clearly a person.”

The nobleman scoffed, amused at her naïveté. He stepped behind Kaelith and yanked hard on one ear, the sharp pain forcing Kaelith to hiss softly despite himself. Then the man seized his tail, pulling so roughly it sent a jolt of fire up his spine. Kaelith’s knees buckled, but he stayed upright, jaw clenched, eyes flashing with a dangerous light.

“See?” the lord said with cruel triumph. “Not a man at all. Merely an animal with tricks of flesh to make it amusing. A pet. And now, he is ours.” He released Kaelith only to give him a dismissive shove forward. Then, with a smug glance at his wife, he turned and strolled into his adjoining office, the heavy door closing behind him.

The chamber was suddenly quiet, the silence ringing louder than any words. Kaelith’s ears flicked uncertainly, his golden eyes narrowing as he dared to lift his gaze toward the princess.