Evelyn kept her eyes locked on the floor of the carriage and her mouth shut as they rode to their destination. Only sparing a glance at the one who purchased her when she thought he wasn't looking.
She was trying to figure out what type of beastman he was since the only thing that didn't look entirely human were his glowing golden eyes.
Every other beastman she had seen had ears, tails, and patterns on their skin. Some even had brightly coloured hair that looked more like fur or feathers.
"Is the floor so interesting that you plan on looking at it our entire trip."
Evelyn looked up as the low rumble of his words wrapped around her, causing her cheeks to blaze red.
He chuckled at her reaction. "What is your name girl?"
"Evelyn." She managed to reply in a voice that was no more than a whisper.
"Evelyn." He tested the name then smiled, showing the barest hint of fang. "It suits you. I shall allow you to keep it."
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. She had heard that most human slaves were not able to keep their names and were instead renamed things like "mud" or "trash". Names that were demeaning and eventually broke a person's spirit.
"I thank you master." Evelyn bowed her head in respect.
"There is no need to call me master." Evelyn heard him say. "My name is Sorin Black and all those in my service address me as Lord Sorin."
Evelyn was startled and a little confused at the fact that Sorin implied that she was in service to his house not enslaved by it.
"But mas-" Sorin gave her a stern look. "I mean my Lord Sorin, I am merely a slave to your house. I have no right to say your name."
Sorin sighed as he looked out the carriage window at the buildings as they rode through the city. "I am not in the habit of purchasing humans to be mere slaves. If I had things my way the human slave trade would be abolished. So in my small act of defiance I buy those I can and set them up as paid servants in my home."
He then leaned back and closed his eyes. "I know I can't save everyone and to be honest I had no intention of bringing home another human."
Sorin then looked over at Evelyn, his golden eyes assessing ever inch of her. Evelyn felt exposed, as if her entire being was being laid bare for him to see. She fidgeted in her seat as her cheeks started to burn.
"Then why?" She whispered.
Sorin couldn't tell her that the moment he had seen her walk across that stage he felt something stir inside him. A pull that he had never experienced before. This feeling that had washed over him, the need to protect this fragile looking human girl.
"You fascinate me." He replied simply before he closed his eyes again. "Rest now. We have a long way to go."
Evelyn blinked in confusion at Sorin but did not say anything else. Instead she peeked out the window to take in the scenery as they passed through the city gates and headed for the countryside beyond.
The farms and cottages reminded her of her own home that was now nothing but ruins. A single tear slid down her cheek as she thought about all of those lost lives. She should have been more angry, more defiant, but the fear of her situation had swallowed her entire being that the only thing she had fought for was her own self preservation.
Now that she was in the presence of Lord Sorin she felt safer then she had in days, which surprised her.
As the carriage continued down the road it's sway and the rhythmic sound of the horses hooves lulled Evelyn into a much needed sleep.
Both occupants of the carriage slept peacefully until Sorin stirred when they came to a stop.
"We are at the manor house My Lord." His footman announced as he opened the door for Sorin.
"Good. Have both mine and a guest room prepared for the night, and prepare a meal for myself and Evelyn." Sorin ordered.
The footman and his personal servant both looked at him in surprise.
"You want us to prepare a guest room for the human slave?"
Sorin's golden eyes flashed in anger.
"She is no slave." He snapped. "She will be treated as a guest until I find a suitable place for her among the staff. Is that clear?"
"Of course my Lord Sorin." The servant bowed then left to preform his duties.
"Are we at your home my Lord?" Evelyn inquired sleepily.
Sorin turned with a smile that barely touched his cold eyes. "Merely a pit stop. We will spend the night at my family's manor house before setting out again in the morning."
Sorin helped Evelyn down from the carriage and frowned at the collar that was still fastened around her neck. He didn't dare remove it while they were still in the capitol city. Even now he was reluctant to remove it as he didn't want any harm to come to her.
Humans that were to reside inside beastman territory had to remained tagged and collared to show they belonged to a beastman family. Any rogue human was usually imprisoned or killed, and Sorin would not let that happen to Evelyn.
"My apologies Evelyn, but you will have to wear that unsightly thing." He motioned to the collar. "Until we get to my domain. It is far enough away that the capitol will not find out that I plan to remove it."
Evelyn's eyes widened. "You do not have to show me such kindness my Lord."
Sorin merely looked at the girl then turned and walked to the manor house. He gave no orders to Evelyn, she could come, stay outside, or even run if she chose. He smiled however as he heard her soft footsteps follow behind him.