Luke led the line of pets down the dim corridor toward their quarters, the iron shackles on their wrists jingling softly with each step. The air was heavy, thick with the metallic scent of blood and the quiet murmurs of the pets, who moved like ghosts in the flickering torchlight.
Their quarters were small but opulent compared to the slaves' cells. Velvet-lined beds, ornate mirrors, and faintly glowing chandeliers spoke to the vampires' desire to keep their prized possessions presentable. But the luxury was a farce—every corner of the room reeked of control.
The slaves lined up along the far wall as one of the guards barked orders. "Tend to them. Make it quick. No unnecessary contact."
Iron tablets were distributed first, handed out in small tin cups of water. Luke moved methodically, offering the bitter tablets to the pets who gulped them down without a word. Their hands trembled as they drank, some leaving faint smudges of blood on the rims. He didn't speak to them; the guards' eyes were everywhere, sharp and unyielding.
"Strip them," the guard growled.
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Luke hesitated, but the others didn't. With practiced efficiency, they began removing the pets' delicate clothing, revealing pale, bruised skin marred by fresh bite marks. Some pets stood numbly, their eyes glazed, while others flinched at every movement.
He worked quickly, untying the silken ribbons of one pet's dress and letting it fall to the floor. Her body was as thin as paper, her ribs stark against her skin. Luke's jaw tightened, but he didn't linger.
Guards stood at every corner of the room, their eyes like razors, watching for any movement that might hint at improper touch or empathy. One guard smirked, his hand resting on the hilt of his whip as if daring one of them to make a mistake.
Buckets of warm water were brought in next, along with rough cloths. Luke soaked one in the water, wringing it out before beginning to clean the pets. He avoided their eyes, focusing on the task at hand. He didn't speak, didn't linger, just wiped away the blood and grime as gently as he could without drawing attention.
The auburn-haired girl from earlier flinched when he touched her shoulder, her eyes flicking up to his for the briefest second. He gave the slightest shake of his head, a silent reassurance that he meant no harm. She said nothing, her lips pressed into a thin line, but her shoulders relaxed slightly.
When the task was done, the pets were led to their beds. Some collapsed immediately, curling into fetal positions as if trying to hide from the world. Others sat stiffly, their eyes unfocused, waiting for the next command.
Luke and the other slaves were dismissed shortly after, escorted back to their own quarters under the ever-watchful eyes of the guards.