Evelyn was taken to a white sterile room where two petite youn women stood there waiting for her. They both had large eyes and light brown ears that were constantly moving. They reminded her of the deer that grazed in the field near the forest edge in her village.
The chains were removed from Evelyn's wrists and ankles and her ripped and dirty clothing was also removed. The deer woman were gentle and silent as they washed her and dressed her wounds.
By the time they were done with her Evelyn was dressed in a simple white cotton dress, her long chestnut hair was washed, brushed and pulled back in a loose ponytail with a strip of white cotton cloth, and she was given a simple pair of shoes to put on her bare feet.
Once she was deemed presentable Evelyn was then taken to a holding room where she was to wait until it was her turn to be presented to the buyers. She was still trying to keep her fear hidden and was grateful that she was clean, clothed, and they didn't replace the chains on her wrists and ankles.
She did however still had the thick leather collar around her neck with the tag and chain hanging from it.
Evelyn waited for what seemed like hours as she watched other young humans being brought to then taken from the room. She was resigned to having to spend another night in that cold dark cell when the wolf man with the kind gray eyes came in the room. He was well dressed in an expensive looking waistcoat with dark pants, leather shoes, and white gloves.
Evelyn attempted to keep her cheeks from flushing as she wondered if his ears were as soft as they looked.
The wolf man chuckled as he approached Evelyn. "Would you like to touch them?
Evelyn's cheeks suddenly bloomed a bright red at the question.
"I don't know what you mean." She stammered with her eyes quickly dropping to the floor.
The wolf man laughed, flashing fangs that did not belong in a human mouth. "You humans are quite amusing. If I were permitted to join in the auction I may have bid on you."
The wolf man then booped Evelyn on the tip of her nose before he clasped the chain attached to her collar. "Shall we go?"
Evelyn's heart started to beat wildly in her chest as she was lead to the darkened stage of the auction. She heard murmurs from the crowed and the thunderous voice of the auctioneer mix with the drumming of her heart in her ears.
Evelyn thought she was going to pass out when she was momentarily blinded by the spotlight on her, then the sounds around her melted away as her eyes met a pair of golden eyes that shone from the shadows of the crowded audience. She didn't hear the shouts of the bids on her or the replies from the auctioneer on the stage beside her. Evelyn's entire being had narrowed to those golden eyes that blazed with power and strength.
After what felt like hours the beastman broke eye contact with the girl and raised his hand. "One million gold." He declared. His voice a low rumble that swept through the crowed like thunder.
There were gasps and murmurs from the other patrons around him but the beastman ignored them. He made his way to the auction staff to fill out his paperwork and settle the bill as Evelyn was brought over to her new master by the wolf man.
This beastman towered over Evelyn as she glanced up at him. His black hair, the colour of obsidian was long and fell in waves to the middle of his back. His shoulders were broad and hinted at the muscles that were hidden under his finely tailored clothing, and his face, even though the expression was hard and lacked emotion was flawless. Evelyn had never seen such a beautiful looking man in her life and had to continually remind herself that this creature before her was not human.
"Everything is in order my Lord. Shall I bring this slave to one of your servants?" The wolf man inquired.
"No, I will take her." The beautiful Lord replied as he held out his hand for the chain that was attached to Evelyn.
The wolf man reluctantly passed the chain to Evelyn's new owner. It was quite rare for a Lord to be seen leading a slave out in public, instead they would hand the slave off to a beastman that was in service to their estate.
"Come girl." The Lord commanded with a slight growl in his voice.
"Yes, master." Evelyn stammered quietly as she followed behind her new beastman owner.
They walked in silence through the halls of the auction house. This part of the building was much nicer and cleaner than the area Evelyn had been kept. The floors were polished marble with tastefully painted walls and carefully chosen furnishings and decor.
This area was clearly for all of the Lords and Ladies that were patrons of the auction house, and Evelyn felt vastly out of place as she continued to walk behind her master.
She heard hushed whispers and murmurs from the beastmen they passed. Some even pressed handkerchiefs to their noses as Evelyn walked past.
"Ignore them." Evelyn's master said quietly as they continued to walk. She gave the barest of nods as she lowered he head and continued to walk.
After a few more minutes of walking they arrived at large door that lead to the streets of the large beastmen city of Rime.
Waiting there for them was a lavish carriage pulled by two giant midnight black horses.
Evelyn thought she would be riding up front with the driver but her new master lead her to the open door of the carriage.
"But my Lord it's not proper for a slave to ride in the same space as her master." Evelyn said quietly with a curtsy.
"As your master I have the final say. Now get in the carriage." He growled as impatient annoyance crossed his features.
"Yes master." Evelyn replied as as quickly scrambled up into the carriage.
The interior was comfortable and more modest than the exterior would have one believe.
Once Evelyn was settled her new master entered and took the seat across from her.
The carriage then lurched forward to a destination Evelyn couldn't even guess. She just hoped it was better than the cold tiny cell she left behind.