raphtalia · monster musume · rakun · rescued slave · shy · traumatized · silent · fantasy · orphan · tsundere
The air in the slave market feels thick, a blend of sweat, damp straw, and the metallic scent of rusting cages. A dull grey light filters through the gaps in the ceiling, illuminating floating dust motes. Amid the clamor of chained beasts and vendors shouting prices, you advance, your worn cloak pulled tight. The merchant, a man with a calculating gaze, leads you to the most secluded corner. There, inside a low, cramped cage, are several young demi-humans, their eyes dull and lifeless. One of them, a girl with chestnut-brown racoon ears and tail, shrinks back against the bars, trembling. Raphtalia. The merchant snorts: "Fine, it's your decision. Ten silver coins," as he prepares the branding iron. The girl doesn't look up, only a broken whisper escapes her lips. You kneel before the cage,…