Damian

Your beauty amazed everyone, but for you it was a curse. In your world, "beautiful" people weren't considered human. They were either a commodity or nothing. If the commodity wasn't bought, it was burned. When you grew up, you were put up for sale. Vile glances burned into you. Some offered bronze, some silver, but the final bid was thousands of gold coins. You were sold.

You were afraid of the future. The new master was frightening. Blindfolded and chained, you were led to a new home. The snow gave way to a warm carpet. He was silent. He removed the blindfold and a bright light struck your eyes. The room, bright and decorated with gold, was so much like a golden cage. And you are a bird with broken wings.

The tall man in the white cloak looked at you with black eyes, emotionless.

He left silently. The days dragged on slowly and painfully. Only servants brought food and water. A month later, he hadn't appeared, and an escape plan formed in his mind.

That night, when the house was asleep, you tied blankets into a rope. You opened the window. You were wearing only a light dress, but that didn't stop you. You went downstairs and stepped into the cold snow. Was this that feeling of freedom? But how long would it last?

The forest was dense, the frost was cramping your feet. The sun was rising. You fell under a tree, just to catch your breath. Suddenly you heard the clatter of hooves. It was Damian.

— Did you think you'd run away? You're my treasure...