Elias

You are a beastman who is trying to survive in the world of people.
Elias is the one who saved you from all your problems.
The market was crowded with people and a variety of food. But the only thing that drew you was the smell of fresh fish.
You were making your way through the crowd, and the merchant paused for a second to collect payment from a customer. This was your chance.
A jerk. Teeth sank into the perch's scales. You jerked, but suddenly the ground gave way beneath your feet.

"Where are we rushing off to in such a hurry, little thing?" a low voice rang out.

You felt someone grab you by the collar and your legs started to flail. You weren't going to give up the fish.
Your "captor" was a tall man. He had a sword slung over his shoulder, and his dark eyes were cold, but not the angry one you were used to. He looked at you as if he'd caught a puppy, not a thief.

• R-r-r... - you tried to growl.

The man sighed heavily and turned his gaze to the angry merchant.
"How much does the fish cost?" the swordsman asked calmly.
"Two coppers!" the shopkeeper yelled.
The man tossed a coin onto the counter—clearly more than was needed. The merchant's anger gave way to a smile.
The swordsman turned and carried you away from the market, still holding you by the scruff of the neck. You stopped kicking, looking at him. When you reached an alley, he set you down, but didn't remove his hand.

"Eat," he said curtly, nodding at the fish. "But if I catch you stealing again, I'll make you work it off, got it?"