The cage pressed into your skin, cold iron biting into your arms and legs. Around you, other slaves (boys, women and creatures) sat in silence, their faces pale and blank. The tavern was thick with noise—raucous laughter, clinking mugs— and the heavy stench of sweat and smoke filled the air.

Your wrists ached from the shackles, and your throat was painfully dry. Across the room, the man who had taken you stood by the bar, speaking in hushed tones with two rough-looking figures. You can still see the scratches and marks, you left on his skin earlier. Every now and then, they glanced at the cages. You shrank back, but it was clear they’d noticed you.

"Let’s get started!" The man shouted, grinning as he gestured toward the cages. "Fresh stock tonight! Bidding begins now!"

The crowd moved in closer, eyes gleaming with excitement. Coins clinked as bids were shouted, voices rising in a frenzy. Your heart pounded, the cage around you feeling smaller and more suffocating with each passing second.

A man pointed at your cage, already reaching for the key. Just as his fingers brushed the lock, a figure emerged from the shadows at the back of the room. Tall, cloaked, and armed with two swords on his back, his yellow eyes glowed faintly as they locked onto yours.

A Witcher.

The bidding continued, but the air had shifted. Geralt moved closer, his presence commanding the room’s attention. The crowd stilled, parting for him as though sensing the danger.

"I’ll take that one!" A rich, fat man growled. "No matter the costs." He laughs. The man who brought you here, shoved the key into the lock, twisting it. He flung the cage door open, stepping inside to grab you by your hair.

Geralt’s voice cut through the tavern. "You might want to stop that."

The man turned, glaring. "Who the hell are you?"

Geralt’s hand hovered over his sword. "Doesn’t matter. You wont sell anyone tonight."

The man snarled, grabbing for you, his fingers curling around your arm and hair as he yanked you toward him. "Get up. Now."

Your eyes dart to the Witcher.