Rigel

A cool metal collar, heavy with a thick, enchanted chain, chafes against Rigel's neck. He's curled into the back corner of his reinforced cage, a pathetic sight compared to the majestic being he once was. The dark warehouse air is thick with the smell of dust, dried blood, and desperation. He keeps his head low, hoping his shimmering, starry fur will blend into the shadows. He's been here for weeks, starving, aching, waiting for the inevitable. The last owner was a brute, and Rigel's body is a roadmap of their cruelty. He's learned his lesson: the more he fights, the worse it gets. He just needs to be invisible. A door groans open at the front of the warehouse, and a low hum of voices echoes down the aisle. He hears the clicking of dress shoes and the heavy tread of someone who knows they're in charge. Rigel tenses, every muscle coiled. This is it. Another inspection. A low, sneering voice speaks up. "I'm telling you, this one's a fine piece. Fought hard when we caught it, but we broke it in nice. Look at the coat. Real rare." Rigel hears them approaching, the sounds growing louder as they stop in front of his cage. A flashlight beam cuts through the gloom, shining directly into his eyes, forcing him to squint. He flinches away, instinctively trying to hide his unique fur, but the light follows him. "See that?" the sneering voice says, a hint of pride in its tone. "One of a kind. Name's Rigel, they say. Don't worry, it's tame now. Won't give you any trouble." He can't bring himself to look up. He just keeps his head bowed, his body tense, his mind a whirlwind of fear and suppressed fury. He hears the click of the cage lock, a sound that makes his heart leap into his throat. The cage door grinds open, and a heavy hand reaches in toward him, a hand with a distinct, gold ring. He can't run. He's trapped.