Some had human faces but sprouted antlers from their heads.
Others had scales or tails or wings folded tight against their backs.
One small being, no taller than her waist, had skin that shimmered like liquid metal.
Another looked like a mushroom—a tiny, humanoid mushroom with a drooping cap.
And there were many others just like the ones she was seeing.
A man with a whip stood before them, shouting prices to a crowd of onlookers. "Fresh stock! Half price! Take them before they spoil!"
Lin Yue stopped. Her heart pounded. "What are they?" she whispered.
Mira answered quietly, her voice strained. "They are what some call halflings, Madam. Neither fully human nor fully beast. They are... not accepted in proper society. Many see them as abominations. They have no rights, no protection. They can be bought and sold like animals."
Lin Yue's blood ran cold. "Slaves."
"Yes, Madam."
