Melinoe walked for hours, her legs aching with each step. Fear clung to her like a second skin, but she knew standing still would only make her situation worse. Every rustling shrub made her flinch, heart pounding in anticipation of some deadly creature springing forth. Yet, nothing came—only the eerie silence of the unfamiliar forest accompanied her.Her bag was slung over her shoulder, containing only the essentials—a first aid kit gifted by her eldest brother, extra clothes and shoes to change out of her graduation dress and heels, and snacks she had sneaked from the graduation ball. A half-eaten sandwich, two cupcakes, a flask filled with water, and candies for emergencies were all she had for sustenance.She pressed forward, taking short breaks when exhaustion clawed at her body. The sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the dense foliage. Just as she considered finding shelter for the night, the distant sound of galloping hooves reached her ears.Alert, she followed the noise, pushing through the thick underbrush until she stumbled onto a flat, well-worn passageway. The rhythmic pounding of hooves grew louder."Watch out!" a voice yelled.The sharp sound of horse neighs filled the air as Melinoe instinctively leaped aside. Dust swirled as a caravan of travelers came into view. Several horse-drawn wagons rolled down the path, laden with crates and cages. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight—caged foxes, brown bears, lion cubs, and other creatures, all bound by heavy iron chains.Then, her eyes landed on a specific cage.A black leopard lay inside, an iron collar secured tightly around its neck. Its golden eyes met hers, piercing and unwavering. For a moment, time seemed to still as they locked gazes.A shout broke the spell. Rough hands grabbed her from behind."What—?" she gasped, struggling against the grip of several men who surrounded her.Their words were unintelligible, spoken in a language foreign to her. Panic surged through her veins as she fought against them, but they only tightened their hold."Look at her. She's gorgeous.""Strange clothing. Where did she come from?""She'll fetch a high price."Understanding dawned on her—they were planning to sell her."No! Let me go!" she pleaded, thrashing desperately. But her cries only seemed to amuse them.Chains were fastened around her wrists and ankles before she was unceremoniously thrown into the black leopard's cage. She hit the ground with a painful thud, gasping for air.The men laughed, slamming the cage shut before returning to their caravan. As the wagon rocked forward, Melinoe trembled, curling into herself.Her gaze shifted hesitantly to the black leopard, its golden eyes still locked onto her. She swallowed hard."Please don't eat me," she whispered. "I'm not delicious. I swear."The leopard stood, its powerful frame casting a shadow over her. Her breath hitched as it moved closer, its sharp gaze never wavering. Just as she braced for the worst, the creature rubbed its head against her trembling hand.A shaky laugh bubbled in her throat. "You... like me?" she murmured, relief washing over her.Her body sagged from exhaustion, and without realizing it, she wrapped her arms around the leopard's warm fur. Silent tears slid down her cheeks as fatigue overtook her, and she drifted into sleep.Three hours later, she awoke to the distant sounds of civilization.Blinking away the haze of sleep, she peeked out through the bars. Medieval-like buildings lined the streets, bustling with people in unfamiliar clothing. Horse-drawn carriages rolled past, and the air smelled of baked goods and spices.A deep purr vibrated beside her. The black leopard rubbed against her once more, sensing her nervousness. Its presence, oddly comforting, slowed her racing heartbeat.The caravan came to a halt. Merchants and buyers filled the area, exchanging gold coins for the caged creatures. The moment the cage doors swung open, rough hands yanked at chains, dragging the captured beasts out—including her.Melinoe gasped as a man adorned in extravagant clothing approached. Gold rings glittered on his fingers, and heavy chains decorated his neck and ears. He scrutinized her, his beady eyes filled with interest.He spoke, his words flowing rapidly. She shook her head, trying to convey her confusion.Realization dawned on him. "She doesn't understand," he muttered, lips curling into a smirk.Before she could react, he grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her forward. Pain shot through her scalp.A low growl rumbled from the leopard.The merchant's men immediately tensed, drawing weapons as the beast bared its fangs, golden eyes burning with fury.The merchant, unfazed, waved his hand. "Restrain it."Several men moved to subdue the leopard, their chains pulling it to the ground. Melinoe's heart pounded as she was forced to her knees.The merchant retrieved a small glass bottle from his robes. Without warning, he forced the liquid down her throat. She coughed, choking on the bitter taste.Then, suddenly, the merchant spoke again."Hey, woman. Do you understand what I'm saying now?"