[DRAFT] Freedom (Beyond Evolution, Bk. 1)

Prologue

I was led onto the stage, and my ankle band was bolted to a ring on the square platform. It was pulled down, digging painfully into my heel; I was due for a replacement, but since I was about to be sent out, it wasn't a priority.

"Next lot is Alpha-17528," said the auctioneer. I think his name was Marcus. "Age, 15 years. Species, Falco peregrinus. She's pretty tough for her age and species, thought a bit smaller than average. Bidding will start at one million dollars. Do I hear a million?"

Over the next twenty minutes, my foot slowly went numb as the bidding progressed. I kept a note of my price, although most of my attention was focused on a small scuff on the chain. I shifted my vision, bringing the scuff into perfect focus, and tried to conceal my surprise.

It was a crack.

"Two million going once, twice, three times -- sold to the gentleman in the third row!" said Marcus. Just as he finished, I threw myself off the stage, the chain snapping, and ran as fast as I could, crashing through the double doors.

People ran out after me, but I was faster than any of them. I ran up the hood of a Corvette, launching myself off the roof, and snapped out my wings, flying as fast as I could. Considering my feathers were cut, I couldn't get very high off the ground, but I was in the air, and my wings were faster than their feet. In seconds I was out of range of their weapons.

I was free...