Part 4

A young teen finds herself with difficult decisions to make when thrust into a new chapter within the slave trade.

“You are so scarred...” His silky voice interrupted her thoughts, and dragged her gaze to meet his. He reached out a hand-like paw, and in turn she flinched so badly that should the planet flinch like that it would cause a devastating earthquake, and she pressed herself into the back of the seat as his hand extended to her. As earlier, he tenderly stroked the soft fur that framed her face. “You flinch at someone else's touch because you have been hurt...” His hand slowly traced its way down her arm, and her heart fluttered like a caged bird. His massive paw gently closed around hers and raised it to his mouth. Blood roared in her ears as his black lips touched the pads of her fingertips so softly that she almost didn't feel it at all. Her breath came in a sharp gasp and through this whole interaction, they never once broke eye contact. He let go of her hand. She instantly snatched it back, and quickly looked away, her tail subconsciously wrapping itself around her in comfort. His waves of sadness from her strong reaction washed over her, which was a happy change from the pleasure her old master received from her fear.

What scared her wasn't the invasion of personal space. No, this was something the poor girl was all too used to. What scared her was how he went about it... and how much she liked it. Her old master didn't care in the least bit if he hurt her. Habib, meanwhile... She didn't know what to think. He had so much more power than her and her old master combined, and yet he made it obvious he was playing the long game. He was a true hunter. A stalker. He was patient, and he would get what he wanted.

Habib wanted to play games, this much was obvious. Her face, hidden from his view, hardened in determination. She would play the long game too. She would beat him. She would win.

Author's Note

This is a story set during the industrial revolution, in a parallel third world. Magic exists along with science, and sentient animals walk among man. I feel confident about this part, Act I, and I have a solid foundation for Act III, but I'm struggling with the bridge between the two: Act II. I would love some constructive criticism and some recommendations of how to continue the story and overcome writer's block.