In the middle of a dense forest, a large metallic carriage travels along the dirt path. It travels at a steadily fast pace, with only the light from the moons and stars to guide it. A middle-aged man sits at the helm, steering a robotic dragon.
"For the last time kitty, tell me your name!"
The harsh voice of an angry woman echoed through the carriage, transmitting sound waves of fear to the ears of the children. She continues to bare her teeth at the girl sitting in front of her, subdued with binds to prohibit her movement. Despite the onslaught of demands, the girl wouldn't even budge her head to look at the enraged woman.
"..."
"I see, another day of silence huh. So, another day without food for you, sweetie!"
"Minda, are you talking to that one again? You've been doing this routine for the past week. She's probably terrified to speak to you anymore; you've freaked her out."
The voice of the man traveled into the carriage from the outside, reaching the ears of the woman and girl.
"Pai, shut up and let me do my job! Your job is to steer the motor dragon to the next capital city, and my job is to handle these filthy demi-human children. Don't forget that!"
"I'm only trying to help, sis. I don't think your curse will work on her as it did with the others."
"Nonsense! I can control the minds of any demi-human child without fail, as long as I know their name. Weren't you supposed to get all of their names beforehand?"
"I can only attract demi-human kids, not download an encyclopedia on them. The cat girl was an unexpected last-minute addition. Just be careful sis; we don't want her to mess things up but also don't want to devalue her with your subpar methods. I suspect that she's worth the highest value among the children."
"Blah blah blah, shut up and drive!"
SLAM
Minda walks to the front of the interior of the carriage and slams the door to the driver's box. The force of the slam created a sound akin to thunder, causing the children to wince. She walks back to the demi-human girl, wearing a toothy grin.
"I imagine that you've picked up on my little trick at some point, huh. You really are a smart kitty, aren't 'cha?"
"?!"
Minda draws closer and closer to the girl, taking her gloves off in the process. Once within reach, she caresses the girl with her bare hands.
"Your fur is a lovely shade of mint–so nice and soft…"
SNIFF
"?!!"
"Ah, the scent of flowers. A little filthy, but lovely nevertheless."
Minda continues her exploration of the girl's body, treating her no different than a stuffed animal. The girl rapidly becomes more and more uncomfortable. With her body being powerless to stop the assault, her eyes can only watch in anxiety.
"Fortunately for you, I am really fond of kitty cats. Otherwise, I would have left ya to die. All you had to do was tell me your name, and we would not have had to go this far. Why can't you be like the other children? They may be virtually worthless, but they are obedient to me. But on second thought, maybe it's actually a good thing that you are so different."
The girl's lips tremble: a voice as faint as a breeze attempts to emerge. Minda is too intoxicated to even notice.
"...I…"
"If it were up to me, I would buy you myself and make you mine. For the sake of our business contracts, I can't, but I can enjoy a little trial of the product, right?"
"I…I…"
"After auction day, you will come to realize that I treated you better than any noble family ever would. Maybe if you just cooperate with me for a bit longer, I could make sure that you are taken care of. Here, I'll even give you this lovely snack."
Minda takes a small, sweet snack out of her pocket. It resembles soft candy.
"Say ahh!"
The girl reluctantly opens her mouth as Minda brings her hand closer.
CHOMP
"?!!"
Using all of her might, the girl sinks her sharp fangs into Minda's hand. Her teeth were tinted in red.
"I HATE YOU!!!"
After uttering those words, she panted as if she used up the remaining breath in her lungs.
SMACK!
Minda slaps the girl across the face with her bloody hand.
"So, you can speak after all, you little kitty brat. Looks like I didn't break you enough! It took a week to finally hear your voice, and unfortunately, we only have another day before we arrive at the capital."
Minda's expression becomes even more deranged, paying no mind to the blood dripping from her hand. She closes in on the girl's face.
"If this is what it takes to hear your voice and feel your teeth; then by all means, hate me more!"
Minda finds the now solid snack on the floor, covered in drops of blood and dust. She picks it up and forces the girl's mouth open. Her eyes are glowing with intent.
"Now, let's continue where we left off, shall we kitty?"
The girl's eyes, full of violet, flooded with tears–powerless to do anything but watch.