The next morning, Two was sold.

Astrid watched her being led out of the showroom by an older man, well-dressed and wealthy looking. The girl gave her one last glance as she was pulled away, out of the showroom arch, never to be seen again.

It was a strange feeling that pooled in Astrid's stomach as she watched her newfound friend leave. There was the obvious sadness, along with an intrusive fear at what the young girl would be experiencing next. But, there was also a sense of numbness, like this was nothing more than the business transaction that the buyers themselves saw it as. She hated the thought, even the mere suggestion of it, but if Two was being truthful the night before, this was something that she'd been preparing herself for. Perhaps Astrid should do the same…

These thoughts mixed in her brain until they received their short break near midday, even as they marched through the obscene orgy to get back to their quarters, her mind was elsewhere.

Astrid sat alone on the dirty blankets, chewing on the stale bread and missing the comfort of Two. The only person who'd shown her genuine compassion since arriving at this hellhole. The sharp voice that cut through her thoughts didn't help the matter.

"Stop sulking over that girl."

Astrid turned, seeing the dark haired, snobbish number Three glaring at her.

She continued, "It's annoying, better to just accept it."

The girls surrounding her appeared interested in the exchange, but kept their mouths shut.

Astrid scowled, "Get over it? I just watched a child get sold like property for…" She couldn't vocalize it.

"Sex!" Three chuckled. "She was sold for sex, like the rest of us will be. No shame in admitting it, we'll all be sucking some wealthy pervert's cock eventually." Her eyes ghosted Astrid's exposed body. "Well, if you're lucky, you will. How old are you anyways?"

Astrid hesitated, caught between her real age and the one Milos had deemed her as. She saw no point in lying, "Nineteen."

The group of girls fell into a fit of snickers, Three suppressed a laugh.

"What?" Astrid growled.

Three shook her head, still stifling laughter. "Nothing! Just… never met a maiden so old before. What's wrong with you? Does your pussy have teeth or something?"

Another fit of laughter from the girls, Astrid flushed with anger. Less to do with Three's insults, more to do with her lack of empathy for Two. Or any of them for that matter.

Astrid huffed, "You speak like you and I aren't in the same situation."

Three leaned back against the cold wall, "Lighten up! You're gonna realize that we have it better than any of the girls stuck in this dump. At least we aren't like those filthy sluts in the mainroom, we're actually worth something." She smiled. "We'll be sent home with rich men and worry about nothing but swallowing a load or two every night, enjoy it!"

Astrid rolled her eyes, opting to ignore Three altogether. Before much longer, they were ushered back to the showroom for another viewing session. Astrid winced as she walked, her feet aching from the hours of standing upright. Even as she approached her table, she had the urge to simply lie back and ignore the world completely. Or at least move around, it drove her absolutely insane to just stand there…

The rest of the afternoon was busier than what she'd previously seen, though, there were still no purchases a few hours in. It was often the same formula among buyers. A man would enter, stare at every inch of the girls in the room, fondle the areas of them that they could, and perhaps ask to view the maidenhead. Astrid didn't know exactly how much they were being sold for, but it must've been a hefty amount for how few people were actually buying.

Until, after more time passed than Astrid could keep track of, a strange man entered the room. Astrid herself was focused on not biting her tongue off as another man was weighing and squeezing her breasts, but over his shoulder, she couldn't help but notice.

The man that entered the room looked far different than the others, while he was dressed considerably, he appeared dirty. As if he'd been working in a mine all day, and decided to put on his only formal attire for the occasion. He was also… jittery. His hands balled in and out of fists as they trembled, his face sweaty and etched in some sort of nervous concentration. He looked absolutely, undeniably out of place.

"Welcome!" Harry was quick to address him, shuffling over and reaching out a hand to shake. The man held still, only acknowledging the old salesman by a swift nod of the head.

Clearly biting back a look of resentment, Harry maintained his smile. "We have a wonderful selection, please take your pick. No touching below the waist, maidenhood is verified upon request."

By then, the man fondling Astrid had moved on, giving her a better view of the strange individual who was now cautiously stalking down the row of girls, looking each one over carefully, delicately even.

His erratic eyes raked her frame for a moment, sending a shiver down Astrid's spine. She didn't hide her glare, and though it was fair to say that every man who thought it appropriate to buy a young girl for sex was disturbing, this man in particular gave her a strange feeling.

Thankfully, he moved on, gaze falling on number Three, who perked up when she saw she was being observed. The man approached her slowly, eyeing her just as cautiously as he'd been with the rest of them, a little smile tweaking at the corner of his mouth.

"I'd like to verify this one." He said, not taking his eyes off Three.

Harry rushed over, swatting Three's shoulder. "Of course, lay back you-"

Three casually did as she was told, laying on the table behind her and enthusiastically spreading her legs. The men leaned down, Harry's fingers digging into the girl's slit and spreading her.

Then, one of the other buyers in the room caught Harry's attention.

"Think I'm interested in this one!" He called, fondling one of the other girls.

All the while, Astrid watched on.

"Are you?" Harry enthused, dismissing number Three and the man observing her at the notion of a potential sale. "Excellent!" Harry abandoned the two, scuffling over to the buyer who drew his focus.

Everything happened so fast…

Astrid watched the man standing over Three slip his hand into his pants, pulling out his large, fully-erect penis.

"HEY!" Astrid screamed, drawing a fierce glare from Harry, who was still clueless.

Before the girls even knew what was happening, Three's screams echoed off the walls of the room as she was suddenly penetrated. The man groaned, smiling devilishly and evading her frantic punches to deter him.

Harry had finally realized what was going on, rushing over and shouting at the man to stop, only to receive a hard punch to the temple, sending him to the ground all dazed and disoriented. The man grasped Three's hips in a vice grip as he thrusted himself deeper. All the while, Three screamed in pain, and the other girls and onlookers in the room were left frozen in astonishment.

Astrid hardly noticed as the heavy footsteps of Vincent suddenly approached, but nonetheless gasped as the mountainous man caught the attacker's shoulders, pulling him away with ease.

Three continued to scream in what could only be agony, as the man's cock was ripped from her, streaks of blood followed from her torn hole. The girl was quick to grasp at her abused genitals, curling into herself on the table as tears streamed down her face.

To make matters even more disturbing, Astrid watched with wide eyes as the attacker was being dragged away, his feet skidding limply across the floor as he gave a sudden moan. His still very erect cock bobbed a few times as he was being pulled, before shooting spurt after spurt of white fluid onto the ground as he was taken from the room. A look of morbid satisfaction written all over his face.

As they vanished beyond the threshold of the entryway, Madame Trescott came rushing in, looking as feverish and hostile as ever, if not more so given the commotion.

"What is the meaning of this?!" She demanded to know, rushing over to her husband, who had pulled himself off the ground, holding the side of his head in pain.

"That man…" Harry managed, still dazed from the attack.

All the while, Three sobbed in agony, curling in on herself even tighter, drawing the old woman's attention.

"Odin's beard," She cursed, a look of pure anger crossing her wrinkled features. "He didn't… What happened?!"

"Mangy prick took her! What does it look like?!"

"Who let him in-?!" She nearly screamed.

"It doesn't matter…" Harry breathed, flipping Three on her back as the girl continued to sob, forcing her legs open to catch sight of the blood smeared across her inner-thighs. "She's ruined."

Madame Trescott's veiny hands balled into fists, "I'll have him gutted! Do you have any idea how much this puts us out?!"

The two continued to argue, as the occupants of the room watched in grim fascination. Astrid felt nauseated, having witnessed the brutal assault of a young girl, one that would likely follow her for the remainder of her life… And these people were bickering over her worth?

"Then what do you suppose we do, huh?!" Harry questioned irritably.

The woman hesitated, glancing at the crying girl with disgust. "We can still make use of her, Thor-be-damned if I don't make a profit from this one."

Three shrieked as the old lady caught a handful of her dark hair, forcing her upright and onto her feet, pulling her out of the room as all eyes watched in terror…

Then, the hours continued to pass without further sales, and as the girls were rounded up and taken back to their quarters, they were led through the noisy, smelly mainroom as usual. Though, there was one anomaly, a line of men at one table in particular. Astrid peeked through her blonde hair to keep her head downcast, but her blood curled at the sight before her as they passed.

Three, laid out on the surface, eyes unreadable as she was being taken yet again…

The following day had been a slow one, nearing midday when Astrid noticed the faint sound of raindrops hitting the ceiling above them. As they sat in the chambers for their break, the rest of the girls had remained mostly silent with Three missing, their situations dawning on them for what appeared to be the first time since any of their arrivals. Astrid's stubborn nature didn't stop to feel sympathy for them at first, of course their situations were dire. They'd sure been quick to make light of everything when Two had been sold. Apparently watching someone they cared about being violated the way Three had been opened their eyes a little.

But… she did feel sympathy. After all, who's to say that all of them wouldn't meet a similar fate? Hell, it was damn-near guaranteed at this point.

She'd become quite accustomed to zoning out by then, passing the slow hours by thinking about home. About what she'd be doing on Dragon's Edge at that very moment, about what silly training exercise Hiccup would be putting on them…

The thoughts never ceased to make her emotional, making her eyes misty more times that she cared to count. Or cared to admit, wishing above all else to remain strong through the troubles she faced. But no training, no preparation she'd ever received as a warrior made her feel ready to face the reality she now lived in. She was in the dark. The cold, merciless dark.

Then, things began to seem odd. Though she'd only been there for a few days, there appeared to be a very strict schedule. Everything and everyone had a place. So when their midday break ran on for longer than usual, Astrid couldn't help but notice the discrepancy.

Something felt entirely off.

The typically noisy mainroom fell quiet from their place in the chambers, but scuffles of what sounded like people shuffling around could be heard. Then, very heated footsteps entered the room where they waited, the married couple, bickering as usual.

Astrid listened carefully to their hushed words.

"Why is this such short notice?!" The woman angrily whispered.

"It doesn't matter, this is a good thing!"

"Good? Everything has to be perfect! You've heard what he does to people-"

"Yes! I know, the entire bloody coast knows! But this could be good for business-"

Astrid drew her knees to her chest as she listened, studying the dirty floor she sat on. What were they talking about..?

"We don't even know that it's him! He could be sending someone-"

"Whatever the case," Harry hushed her. "We'll be ready. Maidens! Let's go!"

Swiftly enough, the girls were lined up and rushed out of the chambers, and upon entering the large mainroom, Astrid's suspicions had been confirmed. The room was nearly barren, with only a few women sitting idly on the couches or chairs. There were certainly no men, a feat that Astrid found difficult to believe, it was almost eerily quiet as they finally got to the maiden's showroom.

Upon taking their positions, Harry surprised them by going up to every girl, wiping away any dirt from their skin and adjusting things like their hair and posture. Astrid cringed as he made it to her, the disgust she felt still prominent, even after days of being in his presence.

"No funny business, you hear me?" Harry whispered, though it was a command, there was a clear shakiness to his voice. Almost as if he was nervous.

"Harry!" Madame Trescott stood in the entryway of the room, her eyes wild as she called to her husband. "The entrance! Now!"

"Already?!"

"NOW!"

The two rushed quickly from the room, the silence that fell afterwards reigned heavy on the remaining girls, who all looked to each other in confusion. But, even given the circumstances, they remained silent. The others, clearly still traumatized by the events of yesterday, and opting to do what they were told. Astrid, however, couldn't help but scowl at the doorway, mind running in circles trying to figure out what all the fuss was about. In her days since arriving, she hadn't witnessed anything of this sort.

Slowly, a voice began echoing through the mainroom, reverberating in the constricted, polished space that they stood. It was Harry.

"I assure you, your boss will not be disappointed. We have the finest selection this side of the canals!"

Astrid watched as a tall, lanky figure entered the room. He wore a dark grey suit of leather, similar to armor, but more sophisticated and complex. It certainly wasn't something to fight in. His skin was pale, masked with a deep-red scar that trailed up one of his bony hands, disappearing beneath the dark sleeves. His face was stoic, cleanly shaven and neatly trimmed dirty-blonde hair. He wore a patch over his left eye, but the one Astrid could see trailed around the room judgmentally.

He couldn't have been much older than herself, mid-20s at eldest.

Harry was quick to rush in behind him, putting on even more of a show that she'd become used to. "Please, let me know if you need verification. We're happy to help!"

There wasn't a moment of hesitation on the mysterious man's end, his eye hardly graced the other girls, landing solely on Astrid.

His heavy boots thumped slowly across the marble floor, until he was standing directly before her. He was far taller, looking down at her with a stone-like expression, his eye trailing over her body, the color reminiscent of Death Song amber.

"Ah, that's one of our newest additions!" Harry interjected. "Of course, the other's are-"

"I want to see this one." The man finally spoke, his voice firm for being so scrawny, it took Astrid off guard.

"Of course!" Harry shot a swift glare in Astrid's direction, her cue to lay back.

She fought from rolling her eyes, doing as she was commanded and settling down on the table. The men knelt before her, going about the typical invasive act of verifying her maidenhood, before it was over entirely.

"Stand." Harry commanded, swatting Astrid's leg.

She glared at him, getting back to her feet and avoiding the gaze of the man standing above her at all costs.

That is, until his scarred hand hastily caught her jaw. She gasped as she was forced to stare into his face, her eyes trailing over his features, which were now alight with demented amusement.

A smile quirked at his thin lips, "Cheeky."

That was it.

Far beyond fed up with the humiliation, Astrid's features twisted in hatred, before she spat directly into his smug face.

As the man recoiled, gasps echoed throughout the room, the other girls in shock at what they'd just witnessed. Then, a palm caught the side of her face, slapping as the pain trailed across her skin. It was Harry.

"Repulsive bitch." He breathed, turning to aid the buyer. "I'm terribly sorry, our stock never acts out like this! Please, allow me to-"

"Sold." The man said, wiping his face.

"S-Sorry?" Harry stuttered, certain he'd misheard.

The man looked back at Astrid, a hint of something evil in his gaze. "She's the one, we'll take her."

Astrid tensed as metal cuffs were suddenly fastened over her wrists, the cold material chilling her. Upon making it to the entrance of the Sellhouse, she'd been given a ragged, thin robe to cover herself. A godsend, given her state of undress the previous few days.

As the tall man cuffed her, he took a moment to look into her eyes. There was an instant of silent detestment as they looked at one another, and a million thoughts raced through Astrid's mind.

Was he the one to take her? What about the earlier statements, something about a boss? What in Thor's name was happening?

"As you're aware, payment is expected upon purchase." Harry said politely as he took his place behind the counter, his wife standing idly behind him. For the first time since Astrid's arrival, she appeared to have nothing to say.

"Whatever the cost," The tall man spoke. "It shall be carted in by our departure tonight."

Astrid watched as the old woman swatted at her husband's shoulder, clearly too insecure to speak up.

Harry's voice shook a little, "Well, you see… That's against our policies."

He stopped fidgeting with Astrid's cuffs, glancing over to the desk. "What was that?"

Harry's trembling hands clasped behind his back, "I-If we don't receive payment, I'm afraid… I'm afraid we can't allow the maiden to-"

"Ah!" The man interrupted, feigning joy. "I understand entirely!"

The couple was silent.

The man continued, "Of course, this does put quite the hold on our timeline. You see, our organization is very by the numbers…"

Harry stuttered again, "S-Sir-"

The man paid him no mind, "Tell you what, we'll run back to our ship, and have General Wolfbane come pay you a visit himself. Does that sound optimal?"

Astrid blinked, watching the old man behind the counter turn white as a sheet. But, that name… Wolfbane...

It sounded familiar.

Where had she heard that name..?

"We understand your predicament, Sir!" Madame Trescott finally spoke. "Please, take her! No charge!"

The tall man eyed Harry carefully.

Harry gulped, trembling like a leaf at this point. "Y-Yes, please. It's our pleasure!"

The man couldn't help but grin, before turning on his heel, catching Astrid's arm and leading her to the exit.

For a moment, Astrid turned and gave a final glance at the couple, who looked far too relieved for just losing a valuable product. If anything, they looked as if they'd just dodged an arrow...

Astrid's senses were alight, processing all that had just taken place, but something still reigned heavy on her mind.

That name…

Where in Valhalla had she heard it?!

"Quickly." The man's grip tightened on her arm, causing her to wince as he dragged her along. Opening the broad doors and pulling her into the cold, rainy outdoors.

Astrid blinked, eyes momentarily adjusting to the sudden light. Finally realizing how dark the Sellhouse had been in her stay, the sight of the outside world should have been a welcome one…

Until, she caught sight of what was before them.

It was a carriage. Not like the ones you'd see the rich or extravagant military officials travel on, no, it was clearly modified. The black wood appeared worn, and there were bars on each of the minimal windows that led to a confined space therein. It was, without a doubt, intended for transporting prisoners.

But what truly caught her attention, was the crest on the door.

In a bloody crimson, the symbol stood out against the dark exterior. A wolf. The deadliest interpretation one could imagine, complete with razor sharp fangs, and black, demonic eyes.

Astrid stopped in her tracks, ignoring the frustrated pull of the man beckoning her. The treacherous realization of exactly who that symbol belonged to hit her like a boulder.

"No…" She breathed, blood turning as cold as the stones beneath her feet.

The man tugged on her arm again, a frustrated scowl crossing his face, but she held strong, like a child throwing a tantrum.

"NO!" Pulling away with all the energy she could muster since her capture, she grit her teeth, not bothering to hide the look of terror on her face. "LET ME GO!"

"Guards!" The tall man yelled, as two similarly dressed men rounded the carriage. Only, they were far more intimidating, holding spears in their deathly grips.

One of them opened the door of the carriage, while the other forcibly grabbed her middle, yanking her towards the confinement as she continued screaming.

"HE'S A MYTH!" Astrid cried, throat straining as she yelled. Striking the large man with her bound hands as they approached the door, she caught the wood as they forced her inside. "NO! NOOOOO!"

Her prying nails scraped the wood as the guard gave her one final push, her screams breaking as she collided with the hard floor of the carriage, the door slamming behind her.