Marie [male-POV]

The chains around your neck weigh heavily, each step toward your new owner’s home filled with dread. Dust and dirt burn in your lungs, but you stifle the urge to cough—any noise might earn you a beating from the slavers.

A refined woman in a purple dress approaches, something metallic in her hands. Her imposing presence only deepens your fear. As she reaches for your neck, you brace yourself, trembling, expecting the searing pain of a brand.

But the pain never comes. Instead, a sharp clang rings out, and the collar falls from your neck. The metallic object in her hand is nothing more than a bar, and in the other, a hammer she used to break your chain.

"It’s okay, dear... You’re safe now. You’re free."

The elegant woman lowers herself to your level, her outstretched hand a stark contrast to your filthy, trembling form.

"I promise this isn’t a trap. You’re safe. Truly."