My life was always miserable.
Belonging to a race considered worth as much as livestock or in many cases less, of course there was alway ever one way, it could've ended.
I felt my face warm and it was comfortable.
The sun shined through my eyelids. I felt someone touching my face and quickly went on the defense.
I fully expected Amir the owner of La Bella to be there with, his tobacco breathe and disgusting smile.
I was surprised to see a kind looking lady smiling gently and slowly take her hand back.
" Welcome back." - her eyes were kind, and full of pity. " I see your injuries are all better."
Injuries?
..oh no. I remember.
Those two monsters buying me and then...how did I end up in here?
" Please don't be alarmed. " - she saw my panic and held her hands up signifying her intention. "You been saved by someone in the service of Lord Iban Oltin. " - she put her hand back on her knees, once I looked calm enough." Your safe now, and been sleeping for 3 days. You been brought to me in a very grave condition."
I see...
Hearing someone calling what happened to me 'saved' crushed my heart.
I can't believe..they discarded me like trash. Sold the second time. Abused, than thrown away. I felt tears trailing down my face. I didn't make the effort to hid it.
The human lady was nice enough to let me cry without interruption.
She offered me some water once I calmed down and stopped my tears. I allowed a quick scan of my surroundings.
I was in simple room with many beds. Mine was the only one in use. I was hungry and my body still ached. But I had to know..
" Lady.."
She smiled gently and extended her hand for a greeting.
" Nifa pleased to meet you." - she done something unexpected, so it took me a second to reciprocate.
" Nice to meet you too Lady Nifa. " - I shook her hand lightly and give her the only thing that's mine.
" My name is Lux."
She was very nice and it made me nervous. Humans have a tendency to change their demeanor fast and without warning.
" Lady Nifa..If I may know, who saved me?"
She looked happy and proud. Her smile was infectious. It lessend my anxiety and fear.
" We all call the young boy Midnight." - she said the strange name signifies the limbo between the past and the future.
Midnight? Like the time? It was odd..one name? He can't be a slave or demi human. Lady Nifa looks well dressed and feed too. Where have I ended up?
" Master Midnight saved you and dispatched those who harmed you. - I felt the crippling fear in my chest dissolve. They dead. " He is...not like most his age." - I barely heard the end. I was saved, and those monsters can never touch me again.
Master...I see he is some noble Lord's child.
" How old is..this Midnight." - She did emphasized his age.
" We do not know unfortunately. Nor his real name. - she squirmed around a little and changed into a more comfortable position. " He appeared about a year ago wishing to join Lord Iban's cause."
There was a lot to unpack there.
So he is not Lord son? Joined what cause?
Lady Nifa saw my confusion. She smiled apologetically.
" I'm afraid I can't explain all just yet. " - she offered her hand and got up. " What, I can offer is some food. You must be hungry."
I left all my questions behind and nodded slightly.
She asked if I can stand,which after some struggle a was able to and followed her to a large kitchen with several women working.
They mostly looked younger than me. I just turned 21 this month. Some older ladies were sitting outside the yard working on washing a mountain of cloaks.
Some nodded towards me, others ignored my presence. But there were no eyes filled hate or disgust when looking at my ears or tail.
She sat me down outside in a beautifully kept garden with dozens of different flowers and trees growing fruits like cherry and peach.
It was like a scene from heaven. It all made better by Nifa soon bringing all kinds of food, I could only watch others eat before.
Eggs and cheese, bread, fruits and vegetables cut into pieces. Tea and fresh milk.
I ate like I never before. I tried to eat a little of everything. They were all delicious and refreshing.
In the brothels demi humans lucky to get feed bread and water. La bella was no different. Not only the food was meager, others working there took the food from the weak willed girls and those can't defend themselves, like me.
Soon enough, I felt fuller than ever before.
I looked at Nifa a little embarrassed. I must've looked like and animal to her just now. Even if she did feel like that, her face were nothing but gentle smiles. I noticed other girls looking at me with slight hostility. Must've been my shameful act.
" Sorry about that Lady Nifa.. I'm not accustomed to such luxury. I see my actions upset the others."
" They just jealous sweetheart. That's all. "
Eating food like that must've been a rarity even for them. Now at least I could understand their feelings. I needed to tread carefully.. I don't know these people. I could be out in the streets by tonight or sold as a slave again. Let stay calm for now and accept their kindness.
I saw others doing all sort of familiar chores. They all looked healthy and had beautiful hair and skin. Whoever that Lord Iban is, he must be a kind man if cares so much for his servants. I wanted stay here if I could. Let me be one those smiling girls.
Soon man, in white cloaks like those the elders washed came in and took seat waiting for lunch. Some made eyes at my demi features, but said nothing and followed their comrades.
I overheard some talking.
" Is that the demi girl Midnight brought in?" - man with the same eyes the customers gave me, pointed at my direction openly.
" Obviously, and keep your God damn voice down, before he hears you." - a young man with red hair grabbed his hand and pushed it down.
" What!? " - the other angrily took his hand from a stong grip." He wouldn't kill his own comrades, for such a small slight. Besides he is not back yet from his mission."
" I saw him not long ago so for heaven's sake Aoji just up..."
They seemed to be afraid of my saviour. It was odd because, I remembered, Lady Nifa mentioned he is young.
Or at least looked like one. More man arrived and took their places talking and laughing out loud. Their number were close to hundred at the end. All grown man but no boy among them.
" I think it's time."
I directed my gaze back to Lady Nifa.
" Let's see if master Midnight finished with training. Would you like to meet him.?" - she smiled with the same kindness she did, since I awakened.
I was nervous and a little afraid. But I also wanted to thank him for taking pity on me.
I nodded and followed Lady Nifa.
She lead me further outside. This house and the estate must be incredibly big. To house so many warriors and servants. Not mention the Lord and his family. To born so privileged and live in such luxury. It was hard even to imagine it.
We arrived at a large rectangular training ground with hundreds of badly damaged training dummies craved crudely from wood. The area was empty except one.
A black cloaked young boy with even darker hair and a beautiful sword in hand.
We were a bit far off but I could tell my young saviour was unearthly handsome. He stepped back in a half circle crouched down and just disappeared and the dummies in front him were all cut in half.
I never saw anyone so fast or believed humans capable of such a feat. He sheathed his sword and turned towards us.
" Let us greet him properly." - she saw my astonishment and supported me since I had trouble standing.
" Hmm.."
I felt my leg shaking as I walked in front my saviour.