A hush fell over the auction hall as the Shadowfang Panther was revealed.
The beast was majestic yet deadly, its sleek black fur absorbing the light, making it appear as though it were part of the shadows themselves. Its violet eyes gleamed with intelligence, and even inside the reinforced iron cage, its movements were fluid, calculated.
It wasn't just strong. It was aware.
Leon leaned forward slightly, observing its demeanor.
Most beasts in these auctions were either broken or enraged—beaten into submission or furious from captivity.
But this panther?
It was neither.
It sat still, watching the crowd with the same sharp focus that Leon was using to watch it.
It knows.
The beast understood exactly what was happening.
And it was waiting.
---
A Battle of Wills
"The Shadowfang Panther is a rare and highly intelligent beast, known for its affinity with darkness and its unmatched speed!" The auctioneer's voice echoed through the hall. "Starting bid—5,000 gold!"
Murmurs spread through the crowd. The price was steep, but the rarity of the beast made it tempting.
Leon barely paid attention.
He wasn't here to bid.
He was here to claim.
As expected, the first bids came from wealthy merchants and lesser nobles, those who saw the panther as nothing more than a valuable prize.
"5,500!"
"6,000!"
"6,500!"
The numbers climbed steadily, but Leon wasn't concerned.
He had already noticed something important—the panther was unbonded.
It had rejected every tamer before this.
It wasn't just waiting for a buyer.
It was waiting for a challenge.
Leon stood, stepping forward.
"10,000," a deep voice rumbled from the side.
Leon's eyes flicked toward the bidder—a man in crimson armor, his posture radiating strength. A seasoned warrior, most likely.
The crowd stirred at the high bid.
But Leon?
He smirked.
Then—he stepped past the bidders and onto the platform.
The auctioneer hesitated. "Sir, this is—"
"I'll claim it directly," Leon said, his voice steady.
The hall fell silent.
The auctioneer's eyes widened. "You mean… you want to form a contract here?"
Leon nodded. "Right now."
A wave of whispers spread through the hall.
The crimson-armored man scoffed. "You think you can tame it just like that?"
Leon turned his gaze toward the panther.
It was staring at him now—truly staring.
A challenge.
Leon stepped closer, slowly, deliberately.
The moment he reached the cage, the panther moved.
A blur of motion—teeth bared, claws swiping.
The crowd gasped.
But Leon?
He didn't flinch.
In that instant, the world slowed.
The panther's violet eyes locked onto his.
And in them—understanding.
Leon lifted a single hand and stopped the attack with his palm.
Not physically.
With his will.
A pulse of unseen force rippled between them.
The crowd saw nothing but a dangerous gamble.
But the panther?
It saw a command.
For a long moment, nothing happened.
Then—the panther let out a low growl. Not of hostility.
Of acknowledgment.
It lowered its claws.
The auctioneer's voice trembled. "D-Do you wish to proceed with the bond?"
Leon didn't look away from the beast.
"Yes."
A flash of light.
A pulse of energy.
And then—
The Shadowfang Panther became his.
---
A Tamer's Triumph
The hall erupted into chaos.
The auction was immediately called off.
Leon ignored the stunned onlookers and turned, stepping off the stage with his new companion beside him.
The crimson-armored man scowled but said nothing.
He knew.
This wasn't a matter of money.
It was a matter of will.
And Leon had won.
As he left the auction hall, the panther followed closely, its violet eyes gleaming.
Leon smirked.
"Welcome to the team."
The panther let out a low huff.
Leon had the feeling this was going to be the start of something interesting.
---