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rdin took his cape off, and wrapped it around Manatsu's shoulders.
"Thank you," Manatsu Hirose whispered, still a little dumbstruck by the
events of the past several minutes. Manatsu Hirose gladly leaned against him as
he led Manatsu's away from the crude, side-show atmosphere of the auction
block.
Once they reached the street, Shardin hailed a taxi, so the girl
could rest in privacy. He helped Manatsu's in and ordered the driver to go
to a clothing store in a better district. Then he addressed the now-
shaking young woman. "What is your name, dear?" he asked gently, as
he stroked Manatsu's hair.
"Caitlin," Manatsu Hirose said in a voice that barely held back the sound
of tears. "What are you going to do with me now that you own me?" she
asked with tears glistening in Manatsu's eyes.
Shardin held Manatsu's closely, comfortingly, as he replied. "I don't
own you, Caitlin. I just bought you to get you away from that damned
place. I am not your master. I'm only your friend. My name is Zarth
Shardin, and for now, at least, you can call me Zarth."
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