Zephyrax, once the mightiest dragon in the world, now found himself trapped in a grim and crowded slave market. The market was a dismal place, filled with the stench of sweat and fear. Rusted cages lined the perimeter, each holding creatures of various shapes and sizes, their eyes reflecting a mix of despair and resignation. Zephyrax's cage was at the center, and he was unable to transform into his dragon form or use his magic, leaving him as vulnerable as any human.
Betrayed by a merchant who had underestimated his unique regenerative abilities, Zephyrax seethed with anger. The merchant, a sly figure with a smirk permanently etched on his face, taunted him as he prepared to leave. "If I had known about your regeneration, I could have sold you for much more. But it's too late now. You belong to the market, and you'll fetch a high price. Good luck—I hope we never cross paths again."
Zephyrax's fury flared as he cursed the merchant. "I swear, when I find you, I'll make you suffer a death more painful than you can imagine!" His voice trembled with rage, but the merchant merely waved dismissively before disappearing into the crowd.
The auction began, and one by one, slaves were paraded before the eager crowd. The air was thick with anticipation, punctuated by the murmur of bidding and the clinking of coins. When Zephyrax's turn arrived, the announcer's voice boomed over the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for a special treat! Presenting a unique specimen—handsome, with striking blue eyes and hair, and extraordinary regenerative abilities."
The crowd buzzed with excitement. Among them was a woman of undeniable wealth, her lavish attire hinting at her high status. She sat in an opulent, private section, her face obscured by a veil, though her piercing red eyes betrayed her keen interest. As Zephyrax was led onto the stage, her eyes sparkled with admiration, and a faint smile touched her lips. She seemed visibly attracted to his handsome features, her gaze lingering on him with almost palpable fascination. Her three guards stood rigidly by her side. She signaled to her assistant, who approached and received her whispered instructions before hurrying off.
The assistant soon returned, loudly demanding a live demonstration of Zephyrax's abilities. The announcer, eager to please, instructed the handlers to drag Zephyrax from his cage. Despite his resistance, he was overpowered by the handlers' strength. The crowd watched with bated breath as one of the handlers severed Zephyrax's leg with a sharp blade. Zephyrax's scream of pain echoed through the market, the sound mingling with gasps of shock. As the leg began to regrow, the crowd gasped in amazement. The bleeding ceased, and the limb reformed, showcasing his incredible regenerative power.
The market atmosphere was electric, with the scent of anticipation mingling with the odors of sweat and oil lamps. The murmurs grew louder as spectators discussed the spectacle, their excitement palpable. The woman's red eyes glowed with a mixture of fascination and determination.
After the initial demonstration, the woman waved again to her assistant. He approached her with a look of understanding, and she whispered new instructions in his ear. The assistant then demanded an additional demonstration. The announcer, though taken aback, complied, and the handlers prepared for the new request.
The crowd watched in tense silence as Zephyrax was restrained once more. The assistant instructed the handlers to crush Zephyrax's fingers with a heavy vice. Zephyrax's roar of agony filled the market as his fingers were mercilessly squeezed until they were shattered, they waited till they grew back. The assistant then commanded the handlers to cut off the fingers and watch as they were thrown aside. The audience's breath was held as Zephyrax's fingers began to regenerate, the bones and flesh reforming before their eyes. The crowd erupted in astonished murmurs as the fingers fully regrew, illustrating the full extent of his regenerative abilities.
The auction continued, with various bidders showing a mix of greed and desire. The woman with the red eyes, having observed the demonstration intently, outbid all challengers with a generous offer. The other bidders, visibly exasperated, exchanged glances of defeat as the woman's bids outpaced theirs. Her composure remained unshaken, her gaze fixed on Zephyrax with unwavering interest.
Finally, with a decisive bid that eclipsed all previous offers, the woman claimed victory. The rivals, their frustration palpable, slunk away as the final gavel fell. The crowd's murmurs of awe and disappointment faded into a tense silence.
As Zephyrax was led away by his new owner, uncertainty gripped him. The lavishly dressed woman's intentions remained shrouded in mystery. What drove her interest in him beyond his appearance and abilities?