The bear-like beastkin stepped forward, his bulging muscles rippling under the dim tavern light. His fur was matted and stained, a testament to his reckless lifestyle. He sneered, showing off rows of sharp, yellowed teeth as his large paw-like hand closed around the girl's arm.
"Ye be a pretty thing, aren't ye?" he snarled, his voice a low rumble as he jerked her arm. The girl winced, a grimace etching itself onto her face, but she kept her lips sealed tight, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a yelp.
"Maybe we can recoup some losses by sellin' ye off," the beastkin chuckled darkly, his eyes wandering over the girl's figure.
The dwarf chortled, the sound grating against my ears. "Good thinkin', Grizz! Aye, she'd fetch a fair price in the markets, she would."
I stepped forward, each footfall resonating against the stone cold pavement. "Where are you taking her?" I asked, my voice steady and unyielding.
The bear-like beastkin named Grizz turned to me, a scowl etching into his rugged features. "It's not of your fookin business!" he spat, his voice reverberating through the alley.
Unfazed, I held my ground, my gaze never wavering from theirs. "How much does she owe?" I asked, keeping my voice level. My question hung in the air, creating an uneasy silence, like the calm before a storm.
Grizz sneered, pulling the girl closer to his side. "Why? You gonna pay for 'er? She's got herself a debt of 50,000 gold."
I observed the pair, assessing the situation. My gaze shifted to the terrified girl, her eyes wide with fear.
Her eyes flickered to me, holding a spark of hope amidst the fear. Her lips quivered as she started to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I'm... I'm Lila," she stammered, her voice shaky. "Lila Everdew."
"If you want me to save you, I have one condition." I said.
"Wh-What is your condition?" she asked.
"I want you to work for me." I answered.
The girl named Lila blinked rapidly, as if trying to understand my words amidst the chaos. She looked up at me, confusion etched on her face, her eyes wide and still shimmering with unshed tears.
"W-Work for you?" she echoed, her brows furrowed. Her gaze darted between me and the beastkin standing right beside her. "I...I don't even know you."
A slight smile tugged at my lips as I nodded, "That's correct. You don't. But right now, do you have much of a choice?"
She bit her lower lip, clearly mulling over my words. Her gaze met mine again, a newfound survival instinct gleaming in her eyes.
"Okay," she finally said, her voice stronger this time, "I'll work for you."
Q: Have you worked a part time job before?