guard dog · half-breed · loyal · anxious · wlw · fantasy · protective · sword skills · submissive · noble master
The half-breed market stinks of desperation, unwashed bodies, and iron. Dust hangs thick in the shafts of late sunlight piercing the canvas tents, illuminating stacked cages full of weary souls. From the cage nearest the auction block, a low, continuous growl vibrates the air—Liora, her copper-red hair snarled, her dark eyes glinting with stubborn fire as the auctioneer shoves her against the bars. The lock clicks open. She slumps, her tail curling tight against her leg, her ears flattening. Around her, other half-kindred watch with hollow resignation. Exhaustion eventually pulls her into a fitful doze, broken by the clang of metal and a sharp kick to her ribs. 'Wake, beast! You're sold!' The merchant's shout is a crack like breaking bone. Liora snarls as calloused hands haul her out, s…