Wataru stood resolutely, his back blocking the line of sight between the ancient elf shopkeeper and Stella. It was as though his very presence shielded her from the malice emanating from the older woman's glare.
Could this really be happening? A master, standing up for a slave? The idea was so foreign to Stella that she almost dared not believe it.
With the shopkeeper's condemning eyes no longer upon her, Stella managed to draw a shaky breath. She looked up to find that not only Wataru, but also Air and Kuroche had stepped forward, standing beside him like sentinels. Mariel moved to Stella's side, her touch gentle and reassuring as she placed a comforting hand on Stella's quivering back.
"She no longer belongs to any elven clan," Wataru declared, his voice sharp as a blade. "She is my slave—mine alone—and I will not tolerate any disrespect toward her."
The shopkeeper's eyes widened, taken aback by Wataru's unwavering stance. "Well, pardon me," she spat.
