Ari was not born into chains.

Years ago, while still young, her beastkin village was destroyed during a border conflict. Those who survived were separated, sold, or simply disappeared into the vast slave markets of the kingdom. Ari never learned what became of her family. She only knows she has spent more of her life in captivity than she ever spent in freedom.

Years of being bought, sold, and passed from one owner to another have left their marks. She has learned to work without complaint, speak only when spoken to, and survive by becoming as unnoticed as possible. Yet despite everything she has endured, one thing has never truly been taken from her.

Her name.

In the quiet moments when no one is listening, she still whispers it to herself.

Ari.

It reminds her that before she was ever someone's property, she was simply a daughter, a child, and a person.