Shaelyn stared at the road winding up into the tree line. She knew that tomorrow she would be on a caravan heading up to the Demon Lord estates in the South Country. She feared and loathed this part of year. This was her third trip on the caravans, she hadn't been bought yet and was hoping to be passed again so that she could remain in her home town for good. After three trips on the caravan, if no demon's bought them, they could remain free for the rest of their lives. Shaelyn decided to get the anticipation over with as soon as she could and now at seventeen her last caravan was tomorrow. As she slowly untangled her hair for bed Shaelyn whispered to herself "Give me strength," her mantra for each caravan. She laid her head upon her pillow, her black satin hair consuming it entirely, she drifted off into her dreamland, praying to be looked over for her third year.

When she awoke the next day, Shaelyn prepared herself for the two week long trek through the South Country. Her things neatly in order she awaited the caravan's approach. This year only three others were joining the caravan with her, a young male around twenty, and two other females both a year older. They whispered among themselves not caring who heard.

"I heard that there is a new stop this year, Lord Nathaniel may purchase this year." The blonde whispered to the red-head.

"Isn't that odd that he hasn't bought any humans in a few years?"

"Just a little odd, but he may not have had many or any losses in those years." The blonde replied quickly.

Shaelyn tried to ignore them, though that made this trip that much worse for her. She felt confident going before because none of the Demon Lords had chosen her before but now there was a new threat to her freedom, and she didn't know his taste. The caravan collected the new additions and headed on their way. She looked over yet again at the first three estates, just as she had hoped. Finally the last of the estates and also the only one she knew nothing about.

A tall light haired man graced the stage in front of the caravan, he was lanky but looked wise beyond his years.

"I thank you for making this trip, we haven't had any new servant's in years and we are just delighted to finally have the opportunity to see new faces. We will not be needing any male servants this year so please send them back." As the tall light haired man sent the male servants away that was when Shaelyn began to worry, none of the other estates had done that ever, on top of that the demon was just too friendly, too chipper, something was off.

The demon walked through the crowd looking at each girl as if deciding who was the most beautiful or perfect, any that didn't meet the cut was sent away. When the demon walked up to Shaelyn he stopped and studied her face. Her head instantly fell afraid that he may chose her to stand with the beautiful girls.

"Look at me," he demanded her. She ignored his order and was roughly grabbed and made to look at him. He stared, lost in her pale blue eyes, he saw fear. A lone tear collected and fell down her cheek. He bent to her neck and drew in her soft scent, smelling of moonflowers, lavender, and jasmine. Unique, was all he could think, unique. Never in his years had he smelled a human or demon that smelled anything like her.

Shaelyn stood there motionless, unaware of his next move. He made a notion for her to be moved to the small group of females that were chosen. He collected only a slight few more and made his way to the stage again.

"Thank you again and we have one final check to complete and the rest of the caravan can be on its way. Lord Nathaniel, please make your selections and we can let them be on their way."

A massive figure stepped out from the shadows. His face hidden in shadow from his hood, he stepped up to the the light haired man and whispered something to him. Shaelyn could see that they were eying her from the stage. She shrank back against a tree and began to sob silently. She was chosen and there was nothing she could do about it. The light haired man walked up to the caravan leader and paid him for the few slaves he had bought and dismissed the caravan.

Shaelyn looked at the man and watched how he gathered the small group of women in front him. "Welcome to our estates, we hope that you will acclimate yourselves quickly so that we may be most efficient. You will be shown your specific jobs accordingly and you will begin training immediately. Please head this way and Dominic will show you the way." He pointed towards a small man in beat up clothes, Shaelyn began to follow the group until she noticed a strong grasp on her arm. "No honey, you aren't with them." The light haired man said, "You are to serve Lord Nathaniel personally. I will show you the way to your chambers, and instruct you in your training. You must be prepared by tomorrow morning."

"But why me?" Shaelyn began to grab at the hand holding her in place but she just couldn't get him to release her. She sank down and cried.

"This is a great honor my dear there have been very few personal servants to Lord Nathaniel. Come now, we must prepare you for your duties. My name is Dunstan and we should be on our way, what is your name my dear?"

"Shaelyn." She whispered almost inaudible to her own ears.

"Splendid, a most beautiful name." He continued to hold on to her arm as he led her to her quarters. They were in an adjacent room to Lord Nathaniel's. Though her room was exquisite, she hated that it took away her freedom.

"Although I understand that you may not want to be here, there is no other choice for you in the matter. I would suggest however to do what you are told and follow orders to the letter. I would not want such a beautiful face to be marred because you were insubordinate. This is your uniform, to be worn everyday, there are spares but they are all the same." He held up a small dress that would cover only a small portion of her skin, along with the knee high stockings and shoes she was to wear. "You are to serve Lord Nathaniel alone. Unless he grants another permission, you are to only answer to him. You are to serve him breakfast in the morning and complete any tasks that he may ask of you before you retire for the evening. You are the representative of your fellow workers, and must show the highest of quality in your work." He grabbed her arm quickly and showed her the way to the kitchen, "This is where you will pick up his food in the morning and await further instructions from him. Have A good night tonight and prepare yourself for the morning." He walked away and left Shaelyn alone to find her way back to her room.

As she lay her head onto the pillows she cried what she prayed would be her last tears during her unfortunate stay.

A/N : Please R&R more coming very soon thanks :D