- 9 minutes ago
👉 Follow us and don’t miss the next intense and dramatic episode!
👉 Follow my back up account @Lunar.Vision
👉 Follow my back up account @Lunar.Vision
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The S-rank white leopard companion I had didn't like me.
00:03He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:06So the night I bought home a Black Panther war slave instead,
00:09I was drunk, sitting outside the bar and smoking to sober up.
00:15A street vendor crept over, timidly, lowering his voice.
00:20Miss, you look totally stressed out. Need to let it all out?
00:24I've got a stress relief war beast. Panther type. Good for unwinding.
00:32What?
00:33The dealer glanced around nervously, then waved toward the shadows.
00:38A Black Panther beastman stepped into the light.
00:41Tall, broad-shouldered, lean at the waist.
00:44He stepped forward and his shadow fell across my face.
00:48The vendor yanked the rough suppression collar and dragged him to one knee.
00:52He unclipped a rusted inhibitor muzzle,
00:54then grabbed the panther's hair and pulled his head back,
00:58exposing his face.
01:00Thrawn skin, smooth beneath the bruises.
01:02A sharp,
01:04straight nose,
01:05thin lips pressed tight.
01:07Black beast marks curled along his throat.
01:10Half hidden beneath the collar.
01:12The vendor slapped his face hard.
01:15Look at that face, miss.
01:17Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
01:20I swallowed.
01:23He was exactly my type, and my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
01:28I genuinely needed an outlet, but I already had a white leopard at home.
01:34Ash would mind.
01:35The vendor kicked the panther.
01:36Get up.
01:38Show her your build.
01:39The panther stood slowly.
01:41Chains coiled around him.
01:42He could only use one hand to peel off his shirt.
01:45Clean, solid muscle.
01:47I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
01:50High stamina.
01:51Heals fast.
01:52Two thousand for two hours of release.
01:54You can do whatever you want.
01:56Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
01:59I stared at him.
02:01People's tastes had gotten that dark.
02:04Slit his throat?
02:05Forget it.
02:06My white leopard at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
02:09But this one was cheap.
02:11Obedient sounded fine.
02:12I stood up.
02:13A little unsteady from the alcohol.
02:15How much to buy him outright?
02:17Not cheap.
02:18He's our best.
02:19He attended many big wars.
02:21Name your price.
02:23I'll give you a discount.
02:25Just fifty-eight thousand eight hundred.
02:26I paused.
02:27My parents spent millions on Ash.
02:30My premium S.
02:32Class white leopard gift.
02:33This one was practically free by comparison.
02:36Seeing I didn't bid, the vendor stepped forward.
02:39Too much?
02:43Fine.
02:44Round it down.
02:46Fifty grand.
02:48I bought him for five thousand in the end.
02:50I wasn't ready to go home yet.
02:52So I took him to a hotel.
02:56The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out.
02:59Don't remove the inhibitor muzzle until he's fully tamed.
03:03Keep the chains on.
03:04Both of them.
03:08Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down, waiting for whatever came next.
03:15Go shower.
03:16I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe, still not daring to take off his restraints yet.
03:22He looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and walked into the bathroom.
03:27Water started running.
03:29After a few minutes, I knocked.
03:31I left my phone in there.
03:33He hadn't locked the door.
03:35So I pushed it open.
03:37Eli froze his back to me.
03:39His tall, imposing figure was completely bare.
03:43Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains,
03:46washing away rust and dried blood.
03:49His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
03:52My brain went offline.
03:56I crossed the room and hugged him from behind.
03:58Pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
04:02What are you doing?
04:04Take it easy.
04:05His hands clenched at his sides.
04:09It's not.
04:10What is that?
04:16That's not how stress relief works.
04:18I've never done this before.
04:20Bear with me.
04:21I pushed him onto the bed.
04:26I kissed every bruise.
04:28One by one.
04:30He lay still and let me.
04:32His body tensed the whole time.
04:37Are you sure?
04:40I'm just a low-class panther.
04:53My answer was to stop waiting.
04:55He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
04:59Long lashes trembling.
05:02Ash was my parents' apology.
05:04Premium.
05:05S-class companion, white leopard.
05:07A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
05:10I was five when I disappeared.
05:1323 when they finally found out.
05:15When I came home,
05:16I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl.
05:20Emma.
05:20She'd been with them since she was a baby.
05:22She was 17 now.
05:24When I appeared, Emma fell apart.
05:26She screamed and sobbed.
05:27Get out!
05:28I'm their real daughter!
05:30Why are you here taking my parents?
05:32This is my home!
05:34Get out!
05:35Don't cry.
05:36You'll always be our daughter.
05:38Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
05:41Emma's been spoiled.
05:43You're six years older.
05:44Just try to be patient with her.
05:45I should have been devastated.
05:46But I was 23.
05:48I survived those lonely years craving my parents.
05:51I worked every job I could find.
05:53Dishwasher.
05:54Night shift cashier.
05:56Warehouse packer.
05:57I learned to smile at customers who touched my waist.
06:00Learned to sleep with my bag after a landlord threw me out.
06:03Because I was two days late on rent.
06:06Now, I had stopped craving love first.
06:08I needed money.
06:09Money meant a locked door.
06:10A warm room.
06:11A place no one could kick me out of.
06:13I knew this time I should learn how to survive here.
06:15I let my eyes well up.
06:16Looked down.
06:19I understand, dad.
06:21Playing vulnerable work.
06:23The monthly allowance.
06:24They wired me.
06:25Mom.
06:26Kept going up.
06:29Morning.
06:30I had my cheek pressed against Ellie's arm.
06:32My best friend Lily texted me.
06:34Where are you?
06:34Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
06:37No.
06:37I bought a new stress relief war beast last night.
06:40Being busy.
06:40Zoe.
06:41What is wrong with you?
06:42I know you are upset that your white leopard at home ignores you.
06:45But you can't just go buy a punching bag.
06:47You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive ones.
06:49So you went out and bought a cheap one to beat up?
06:51I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
06:54I am appalled.
06:56I stared at my screen.
06:57I didn't hit him.
06:58Why would I hit a beast man?
07:00Lily went quiet for a moment.
07:02And how did you unwind?
07:03The way you are thinking.
07:05On bed.
07:05We both stopped typing.
07:07Then she sent me a long message explaining everything.
07:10Stress relief war beasts were illegal.
07:12Traffickers stole young beast men or bought low.
07:15Class 1's cheap.
07:16Then they tortured and filtered them.
07:18Keeping only those with strong bodies and fast healing.
07:20Some became living buffers for paying clients to break.
07:23Others ended up in underground war beast domains.
07:26Death matches.
07:27Even after rescue.
07:28These war beasts were considered feral and untamed.
07:30Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
07:32The ones no one took.
07:34Euthanized.
07:38I know where he lives.
07:39If you regret it.
07:40I startled.
07:41Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
07:47He runs with a crew.
07:49They probably won't give you the money back.
07:51But if I catch him alone, I might be able to.
07:55I don't regret it.
07:56As long as you behave, only listen to me.
08:00Nobody else.
08:01Okay.
08:02There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
08:05I couldn't help it.
08:06I reached out to touch them.
08:07His ears snapped back instantly.
08:09He flinched away.
08:10This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
08:13Sorry.
08:14Force of habit.
08:17You can touch them now.
08:20If you still want to.
08:22I didn't hesitate.
08:23I swung up and sat across his waist.
08:25Braced my hands on his chest.
08:27And squeezed his ears between my fingers.
08:29Ellie's breathing deepened.
08:31He tipped his head back.
08:33Eyes half-lidded.
08:34Watching me.
08:37Can we do it again?
08:40We didn't go straight home.
08:41I took Ellie to a Warbeast clinic first.
08:43The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
08:46The bruising wasn't a concern.
08:47But severe malnutrition.
08:49He needed long-term supplementation.
08:51The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
08:54I don't need it.
08:56I can eat anything.
08:58Don't spend the money.
08:59I won't die.
09:00This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
09:04It's fine.
09:06Do you like these?
09:07Slim metal collar.
09:09Custom black inhibitor muzzle to match.
09:10I hadn't wanted him to keep wearing restraints.
09:13But the doctor was firm.
09:15Don't let a feral panther's looks fool you.
09:17He could take out your throat in one bite.
09:19So I'd picked the most comfortable version I could find.
09:22When the doctor removed the old inhibitor muzzle, he held it up to the light.
09:25Warbeast arena or stress relief.
09:27Before this, I mean.
09:29Both.
09:31Figured.
09:31The doctor turned it over.
09:32Look at these bite marks.
09:33He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
09:36Those are from last night.
09:38I went very still.
09:39In the arena?
09:41No.
09:42He looked at my back.
09:43From when I was being used.
09:45We got home past midnight.
09:46Mom and dad were already asleep.
09:48Ash was probably in Emma's room.
09:50As usual.
09:51Come in.
09:51I kicked off my heels and turned to look at Eli.
09:54He hadn't moved.
09:55He was staring at something on the floor.
09:58I bent down and picked it up.
10:00This is Ash's.
10:03On my first birthday in this house, mom and dad had given me Ash.
10:08Zoe's too quiet.
10:10We thought having a companion might open her up.
10:13Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
10:16Just a small white leopard cub.
10:19Why does she get one and I don't?
10:22You said you wouldn't pick favorites.
10:27He's mine!
10:28She snatched the cub and ran out.
10:30Didn't come back.
10:32My birthday dinner was ruined.
10:34My birthday present was gone.
10:37Mom and dad were a mess for days.
10:40I cried too.
10:43I'm so sorry.
10:44I made her leave.
10:45It's my fault.
10:46One girl and one scruffy leopard cub appeared at the front door.
10:50Mom, dad, I'm so hungry.
10:53I was wrong.
10:54I'm never running again.
10:56Mom and dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
11:01When they finally looked up, mom's face went guilty the instant she saw me standing there.
11:07Mom, you hit me?
11:10Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
11:14I just got back and you're hitting me?
11:16If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me mom.
11:22After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
11:25She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
11:27Not long after that, he shifted.
11:34He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted words.
11:38Emma?
11:40I'm Emma!
11:42You remember me!
11:44You remember me!
11:46Of course.
11:47He caught her easily.
11:49A low purr rolled from his chest.
11:51I remember everything about Emma.
11:54Mom and dad sighed and put an arm around me.
11:56It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
12:01But he refused to purr for me.
12:03Refused to let me touch his ears.
12:06Never waited by the door for me.
12:08He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
12:11He only waited for her.
12:13I watched them every time.
12:15I told myself I didn't really care.
12:17Because Ash's monthly expenses came out of the account in my name.
12:21And mom and dad's quiet guilt kept filling that same account.
12:24But lately, I'd been breaking out.
12:27Stress hormones, the doctor said.
12:30Ash wouldn't touch me.
12:32Alai had shown up at exactly the right moment.
12:34I had no reason to say no.
12:39Sleep with me tonight?
12:40I'll take you shopping for clothes tomorrow.
12:44Will he mind?
12:46Alai asked.
12:47Who?
12:48He glanced over at me.
12:50Ash.
12:51Panthers are territorial.
12:54He doesn't like sleeping with me.
12:56It's fine.
12:59Ellie thought of something.
13:00His grip on my hand got a little tighter.
13:03Do you need it again tonight?
13:05Need what?
13:07His ears went pink.
13:10Stress relief.
13:12I do.
13:13But my legs are killing me.
13:16I have good stamina.
13:18You can just lie there.
13:22That's very considerate movie.
13:27It's nothing.
13:32Zoe.
13:33In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
13:38Why were you talking in your sleep last night?
13:40All those little sounds.
13:42It was loud.
13:43I wasn't annoyed.
13:46Sorry.
13:47I'll keep it down.
13:48His tone softened a little.
13:50Awkward.
13:52Were you having a nightmare?
13:53I thought I heard you crying.
13:55I was having the time of my life.
14:04If you ever have a nightmare, you can...
14:06Ash!
14:07I can't find my slippers!
14:11Don't walk around bared foot.
14:14He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
14:17Came back out carrying her.
14:19How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room?
14:22Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
14:25He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
14:29Perfect companion beast.
14:31Just not mine.
14:32Zoe.
14:33My laundry's in the hamper.
14:35Take it to the dry cleaner.
14:38He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck.
14:41What's that smell?
14:42What?
14:42Then inhaled.
14:43The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
14:47Zoe.
14:48Why do you carry another beast's imprint?
14:51I said nothing.
14:52I looked past his shoulder.
14:55Eli had just opened the door and walked out.
14:58He was half a head taller than Ash.
15:00His shoulders almost filled the door frame.
15:02His eyes landed on Ash.
15:04That's my imprint, he said.
15:08Ash spun around.
15:10His body snapped into a defensive stance instantly.
15:13A low growl rose in his throat.
15:16Eli didn't move, stood, and held his gaze.
15:19Zoe.
15:20Who is that?
15:22His name is Eli.
15:23He's my new beast.
15:26What?
15:28You got another panther?
15:32What about me?
15:34Oh, wow!
15:35Mom, Dad, come look!
15:36Zoe got a new beast!
15:38Mom and Dad came out.
15:40I stepped forward and introduced him.
15:42This is Eli.
15:44Our newest family member.
15:47Sir.
15:47Ma'am.
15:49He's even more handsome than Ash.
15:52Competition grade, I assume.
15:55Zoe gets so much allowance.
15:57S-class?
15:58He's wearing an inhibitor muzzle.
16:00His fur is splitting.
16:02His shirt is falling apart.
16:04He's shedding everywhere.
16:05He's feral bottom class.
16:07The kind shelters can't even even, can't even give away.
16:11Zoe.
16:12You only brought him home to mess with me, didn't you?
16:16If he goes feral and hurts you, don't come crying to me.
16:19Mom and Dad exchanged a glance.
16:22Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
16:24We just want you safe.
16:25We can't lose you again.
16:27I won't hurt her.
16:29If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
16:33I can sleep in a crate at night.
16:36A crate?
16:38Only arena war beasts sleep in crates.
16:42That's lower than a stress relief slave.
16:45I've already decided he's staying.
16:48Ash's expenses come from Mom and Dad.
16:51Eli's are on me.
16:55Zoe!
16:56Zoe!
16:59Relax.
17:00Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class war beasts.
17:04It's basically her aesthetic.
17:06Mom, Dad.
17:08Since Zoe has a new beast, can I have Ash?
17:10He likes me more anyway.
17:11I'm just taking what's left over.
17:14That word, left over, drained the color from Ash's face.
17:18He turned and glared at me, eyes wet.
17:22No, I said immediately.
17:24Ash was a gift from Mom and Dad.
17:26He's mine.
17:28I decide what happens to him.
17:31My certainty knocked something loose in him.
17:33For the first time, Ash purred for me.
17:36Just barely.
17:38Small, uncontrolled flicks.
17:41His face looked like he hated it.
17:43He caught himself.
17:44Went stiff.
17:47Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
17:50I had no intention of giving him away.
17:52Not because I was attached.
17:55First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
17:59I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
18:01Second, Ash was worth a lot.
18:04If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
18:08Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
18:11Mom and Dad agreed.
18:13She's right.
18:13He was given to Zoe.
18:14If you want him, talk to your sister.
18:21Emma wasn't stupid enough to actually come negotiate with me.
18:25Ash was still angry.
18:27At dinner, he used to sit beside me, even if he acted like he hated it.
18:33This time, he sat directly beside Emma.
18:37Like she couldn't feed herself.
18:39He picked up food for her bite by bite.
18:42I carefully removed Ali's inhibitor muzzle.
18:45His sharp, cold face was finally fully exposed.
18:48Not just Emma.
18:50Even Mom and Dad stared for a second too long.
18:54Eli said.
18:55He hesitated for a moment, then copied Ash and placed food into my bowl.
19:01Ash let out a cold laugh.
19:02Copycat?
19:06Zoe doesn't eat broccoli.
19:08I raised an eyebrow.
19:10When he used to sit beside me, he never once served me food.
19:14But somehow, he had remembered what I didn't like.
19:18I'll remember next time.
19:27His fingers tightened around the fork.
19:30Then snap.
19:31The fork broke clean in half.
19:33The entire table went silent.
19:36Eli's strength really was terrifying.
19:38That was why every time he touched me, he was always careful.
19:42So careful, it almost hurt to watch.
19:45So far.
19:46The only marks he'd left on me were a few fingerprints at my waist.
19:50From the first night.
19:51When he'd held me still and stopped me from sinking down too fast.
19:56Use these.
19:56I handed him a new fork.
19:58Dad looked at me.
19:59Let Eli stay in the room on the top floor.
20:02Our house had three floors.
20:03The room Dad meant was basically a storage room.
20:07A narrow bed.
20:08Bare walls.
20:09And most importantly, an iron door that locked from the outside.
20:13Ash looked pleased immediately.
20:15Good.
20:16That's where a beast like him belongs.
20:19In a cage.
20:22Not yet.
20:23He's sleeping with me for now.
20:26Mom and Dad both friends.
20:27The doctor said my stress hormones are unstable.
20:31So for now, I need him.
20:34Dad coughed awkwardly.
20:37Then, couldn't you use Ash instead?
20:40He's better trained.
20:41Safer.
20:43He refused.
20:45Who said I refused?
20:46You never even came to me.
20:48How would you know I wouldn't?
20:50To her true if you're blaspheming.
20:56Really?
20:58But last time, didn't you promise Emma you would wait until she turned 18?
21:06A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
21:12Seven days.
21:13On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
21:17Emma called me sis every five minutes.
21:20I called her sis back.
21:22Mom and Dad were so happy.
21:24When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
21:29The campfire had gone out.
21:31One small lantern flickered inside.
21:33Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
21:35Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
21:40Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
21:43I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear.
21:46And kissed her back.
21:52Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
21:55Ash hesitated.
21:57But...
21:58Wait until I'm 18.
22:00It's only a few months.
22:02In this world, a companion beast who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal, regardless of consent.
22:10You know I have standards.
22:12I don't like her touching you.
22:15Can't we just keep this clean between us?
22:17Ash said yes.
22:18Yes.
22:21The video ended.
22:23Mom looked the worst.
22:24Emma, is this how I raised you?
22:27Using yourself to manipulate a panther just to spite your sister?
22:31Ash had gone the color of chalk.
22:34Zoe, I was drunk that night.
22:36I thought it was you coming in.
22:38Nobody asked you.
22:39I paid for you.
22:40You're here to serve my daughter.
22:41Not audition replacements.
22:43I'm calling your cellar today.
22:45Emma's tears came fast.
22:47Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
22:48Can't you see how calculating she is?
22:51She recorded it.
22:53I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
22:55Ever since she came back, you love me less.
22:58Are you really going to let her run my life?
23:01Emma, you did this.
23:03If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
23:05Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe.
23:07And you're both grounded for three days.
23:11A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
23:14Mom and Dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
23:18I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
23:20This was no different.
23:25Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around,
23:28I took Ellie shopping.
23:30Everywhere.
23:31He was a specimen.
23:32Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
23:36Everything looked good on him.
23:38So I wanted to buy him everything.
23:41But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
23:47I went slightly feral and bought twelve custom tailored ones.
23:53Then I was too tired to walk.
23:56Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
23:59I had my arm hooked around his neck,
24:02tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
24:06Eli, you look like this.
24:08Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
24:10They tried.
24:13He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
24:16Took off my heels.
24:18Swapped them out for slippers.
24:20He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
24:22He hadn't fully adjusted to human-scale gentleness yet.
24:26He kept catching himself,
24:29recalibrating his grip.
24:30But he'd memorized every step.
24:34And?
24:35He went a little pink.
24:38I didn't.
24:38I hurt the client and ran.
24:43I didn't.
24:44I hurt the client and ran.
24:45They caught me.
24:46I stopped eating to fight back.
24:48They got scared I'd die and cost them money,
24:50so they threw me in the Warbeast arena.
24:53I hadn't eaten in three days.
24:55I don't know how I did it.
24:56I bit through the other panther's throat.
25:00After that, I stayed in the arena.
25:02They kept my food limited so I'd be too weak to resist.
25:05The last fight, I got badly injured.
25:07They figured I was done,
25:08so they put me on stress relief work.
25:10I survived that too.
25:13This week, they were debating,
25:14sending me back to the arena.
25:16Then you bought me.
25:18Hell, I was still kneeling.
25:19Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
25:22Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
25:24I'm not hiding anything from you.
25:26I'm a low-class Black Panther war slave.
25:29Violent.
25:30Arena-bred.
25:31Unfit for a proper bond.
25:33I've hurt humans.
25:35I've hurt my own kind.
25:36I grew up without learning to be around people.
25:39I don't know how to take care of someone.
25:41I barely know how to use a fork.
25:43I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
25:47Last night when you cried,
25:49I panicked.
25:52I remembered.
25:53The second time was so much better than the first.
25:56I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
25:59I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
26:00I misjudged.
26:01It's my fault.
26:02You can punish me,
26:03hit me,
26:04starve me,
26:05whatever you want.
26:07Just don't cry, please.
26:09I remembered the apology going on for a while,
26:12but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
26:14No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
26:17He'd been stewing in it all night.
26:20I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
26:23You didn't hurt me.
26:25I cried because it was good.
26:28He pressed his nose against my neck.
26:30His black ears,
26:32edged with faint silver,
26:34brushed my face.
26:35I grabbed them.
26:36Ellie's breathing hitched.
26:37He reached up,
26:38fingers calloused,
26:39deliberate,
26:40and slowly traced the side of my neck.
26:43The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
26:47Methodical.
26:47Inch by inch.
26:50Are you trying to cover his imprint?
26:52He realized what he was doing.
26:54Pulled his hand back.
26:55It's fine.
26:55I don't mind.
26:58I just don't understand.
27:01You went three days without food to avoid being sold,
27:04but you never fought back against me.
27:06Not once.
27:08You gave up?
27:11Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
27:14That's an airtight reason.
27:15His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
27:17They landed on my mouth.
27:18Maybe because you said you had no experience.
27:22Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
27:25He looked up properly now.
27:26I just want you to know I am violent and feral,
27:29but I will never hurt you.
27:31Never.
27:32Not ever.
27:33I believe you.
27:35As a reward,
27:36I pushed him back onto the bed.
27:39Let me kiss you again.
27:45Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
27:47I finally understood why people spent fortunes on war beasts.
27:51With Ash,
27:51everything had been a production.
27:53Premium companion beasts
27:55had standards.
27:56I'd had to train with him daily,
27:58manage his nutrition,
27:59force,
28:00feed him supplements,
28:01and run a full grooming routine
28:03just to keep him in condition
28:05so he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
28:08Ali was different.
28:10I followed the doctor's supplement plan,
28:13and he just glowed.
28:14I felt a little guilty about the contrast,
28:17so I sat him down
28:18and did a proper grooming session on him.
28:21Ash walked in
28:22while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam covered ears.
28:26Zoe!
28:27That's my special foam soap!
28:29I bought this one for Eli.
28:31Out of your room already?
28:32Yes.
28:32You must be so pleased with yourself.
28:34Not really.
28:35You got off easy.
28:36But I'll try harder next time.
28:38Zoe.
28:38Send him out.
28:40Ash was still glaring at Eli.
28:42I can explain the video,
28:43but I am not sharing this house
28:45with a bottom-class panther.
28:47You're not sharing anything.
28:49You sleep in Emma's room.
28:51You always have.
28:53Panther Beastman had sharp senses.
28:55Ash had been the only one in the house
28:56who knew about my smoking habit.
28:58He'd always complained my room smelled,
29:00and used it as an excuse
29:02to sleep in Emma's room instead.
29:05It's fine, Ash.
29:07You always said she smelled anyway.
29:09Come stay with me.
29:09Sliding her fingers through his,
29:11he hesitated exactly one second,
29:13then laced his fingers through hers.
29:16Zoe.
29:16Zoe.
29:17You're going to regret this.
29:19I smiled.
29:20Take good care of him,
29:21won't you, Emma?
29:23The house settled into a strange cold war.
29:26Ash and Emma spent a while
29:27putting on a show in front of me.
29:29They were all warmth and sweetness,
29:31trying to get a reaction out of me.
29:33I had none.
29:34As long as they weren't doing it in my face,
29:36I could handle it.
29:37He watched every move Ash made with Emma,
29:39the grip,
29:40the order of things,
29:41and translated it all
29:43into how he took care of me.
29:44Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
29:46Emma kept flushing
29:47every time she caught him looking,
29:49then pretending she hadn't noticed.
29:51He was studying.
29:51Ash, meanwhile,
29:53looked like a ghost.
29:54He kept catching himself
29:55staring at me
29:56with something half-formed
29:57in his expression.
29:58I knew why.
29:58A few days earlier,
30:00Emma!
30:01You haven't groomed me in forever!
30:03You have hands.
30:05Do it yourself,
30:06Emma said flatly.
30:07Am I your pet,
30:07or are you mine?
30:09My products are running out too.
30:11Then ask Zoe.
30:12It's her account,
30:13not mine.
30:14Emma, why are you like this?
30:15You used to actually like
30:16spending time with me.
30:18If you hadn't kissed me that night,
30:20Zoe wouldn't have...
30:22Zoe always groomed you every day.
30:24She never complained
30:24about how much work it was.
30:26Blame me?
30:27You didn't exactly stop me!
30:29And now you think she's better?
30:31Then go to her!
30:32Go on!
30:33See if she even wants you!
30:34Did Emma love Ash?
30:35Emma just loved being the center.
30:37Ash fawning over her fit that.
30:39Me existing complicated it.
30:41After that fight,
30:42Ash deteriorated fast.
30:44He kept starting sentences near me
30:46and never finishing them.
30:47Too proud to ask.
30:49I ignored it.
30:50Until one night,
30:50I was out on the second floor balcony
30:52in my slip dress,
30:54smoking a post-session cigarette.
30:56Ash came up behind me
30:57and wrapped his arms around me
30:59without a word.
31:01Warm tears dropped onto my neck,
31:03one at a time.
31:04You're not complaining about the smell?
31:09He said.
31:10I'm sorry.
31:11He pressed his face into my neck.
31:13Can you forgive me?
31:14I smiled,
31:15said nothing.
31:19I was drunk that night.
31:22I swear I thought it was you.
31:26I wanted it to be you.
31:29I believe you.
31:30I said.
31:32If you'd known it was Emma,
31:34you wouldn't have stopped her either.
31:39That's not true.
31:41Before I shifted,
31:43Emma and I were on the streets together.
31:47A group of guys tried to grab me.
31:49She ran at them,
31:50screaming and crying,
31:52until they gave up and fled.
31:54You're my owner.
31:55But she saved my life.
31:57I couldn't refuse her.
31:59In the tent that night,
32:00I was half as asleep.
32:02When I opened my eyes and saw her,
32:04I felt sick.
32:05I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
32:07I'd wanted you all along.
32:09But she saved my life.
32:10How could I turn her down?
32:14Then keep being grateful to her.
32:16I was never in the way.
32:18Zoe.
32:20Please don't.
32:21I sighed,
32:23turned to face him.
32:25Ash.
32:26Do you know why I smoke?
32:29Because I grew up with a crew of street girls.
32:32When I got caught stealing,
32:34they took the hits with me.
32:36When a man tried to assault me,
32:38they scratched his face apart.
32:39When I had a fever and passed out,
32:42they pooled whatever they had,
32:46and dragged me to a back alley clinic.
32:51So,
32:52I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
32:55And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
32:58Never said yes just because someone asked.
33:02Ash,
33:03you're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
33:05Someone gives you a little warmth,
33:07and off you go.
33:08They say premium companion beasts have the highest human-like cognitionness.
33:12I believe it.
33:13You've even evolved past a companion beast's most basic trait.
33:17Loyalty.
33:19I don't know.
33:20His eyes were red.
33:22I'm sorry,
33:23I'm sorry, Zoe.
33:25You never talked about before.
33:28I didn't know what you went through.
33:30If I'd known,
33:33I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
33:37I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
33:39His tear,
33:40wet face pressed into my collar.
33:42I only ever heard Emma's side.
33:44She made it sound like you were the one one taking things from her.
33:50Like Ash,
33:51and everything that came with him should have been hers.
33:54And past his shoulder,
33:56two figures in the dark.
33:58The closer one,
33:59tall and still was Eli.
34:01The farther one was Mom.
34:03I met her eyes.
34:04My cigarette hand barely paused.
34:06I didn't hide it.
34:08Fine.
34:09She saw.
34:10When I came home,
34:11I'd glossed over the first years.
34:13They'd worked so hard on Emma.
34:16Piano.
34:17Ballet.
34:18Flower.
34:19Arranging.
34:20Everything polished.
34:22Me.
34:24Good at stealing.
34:25Lock picking with a hairpin.
34:27Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
34:30I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
34:33And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
34:35So I'd shown them the clean resume.
34:38Like interviewing.
34:40For the role of daughter.
34:45Go to sleep.
34:47Mom said.
34:47Then she went back to her room.
34:49The hall was dark again except for Eli's outline.
34:52He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder.
34:55And make small unhappy sounds.
34:58Eli said quietly.
34:59It's cold out here.
35:00Ash noticed him for the first time.
35:02He stepped in front of me.
35:04Sent a low warning growl at Eli again.
35:06Ellie didn't react.
35:07He stepped closer.
35:09Ash shifted back without meaning to.
35:12Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
35:14Looked at Ash.
35:15You can keep going.
35:16I'm just here for the coat.
35:18Ash didn't take him up on it.
35:20Stay with me tonight.
35:22He said instead to me.
35:24I know what to do.
35:25I was trained.
35:26I'd be better than him.
35:27Is that right?
35:29His tail went into overdrive.
35:30I mean it.
35:31Please.
35:32Let me fix this.
35:34Eli's expression didn't change.
35:36But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
35:39I don't think so.
35:40You kissed Emma.
35:41The thought of it ruins it for me.
35:43Good night, Ash.
35:49Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
35:50I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
35:53Jealous?
35:54No.
35:57You're exceptional.
35:59You'll have a boyfriend someday.
36:02A husband.
36:04I know my place.
36:07Should I run a bath?
36:09Why?
36:10You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
36:13And his imprint.
36:15I went to the bathroom.
36:17Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
36:23Hey.
36:24He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
36:27I reached down and touched his ears.
36:29What is it?
36:31I can't get it clean.
36:34What?
36:36Can I take this off?
36:38Licking might work better.
36:40I thought for a moment.
36:41Then unclipped it.
36:48He kissed upward.
36:50Inch.
36:50All the way to my chin.
36:52That spot doesn't have his imprint on it.
36:58May I?
37:00Yes.
37:01His kiss was careful.
37:03Unpracticed.
37:04I cracked one eye open to look at him.
37:06Steam and fog all around him.
37:09Eyes shut tight.
37:11Long lashes trembling.
37:14I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
37:23I stopped making Eli wear the inhibitor muzzle.
37:26Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful.
37:29But they didn't push.
37:30I worked at the family company.
37:33Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
37:35One afternoon I did.
37:38Just wanted to nap.
37:40Voices drifted up from the living room.
37:42Eli and Ash.
37:43I leaned on the second.
37:45Floor railing and watched.
37:47Eli was sitting on the couch.
37:49Watching television.
37:51Ash planted himself in front of him.
37:53Tail bristling.
37:54You think Zoe actually likes you?
37:56She's using you to get at me.
37:57Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
38:00So what?
38:01Zoe said you're dirty.
38:02At least I'm clean.
38:03Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
38:06Unlike you.
38:07Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
38:09Interesting.
38:10In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
38:15This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
38:22Clean?
38:23You've killed war beasts in an arena?
38:25Do you even know how many?
38:26I know.
38:29Useful information.
38:30He stood up slowly.
38:33Honestly, you bother me.
38:36Me?
38:36You're the outsider here.
38:38Zoe paid millions for me.
38:40I was here first.
38:43Millions?
38:44You don't look worth that.
38:47Do you know which part of the throat to bite?
38:51So the other person and flash will camp Pingu Puchat make a sound?
38:56How to make a panther disappear quietly.
38:58I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
39:00Ash backed up.
39:03What are you doing?
39:07What would I do?
39:11I'm just a low-class panther.
39:14Then he lunged.
39:16Ash panicked and shifted into full leopard form and instinct.
39:20The white leopard tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
39:25Eli crashed into the coffee table.
39:27The porcelain cracked.
39:29When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground.
39:33Arm bleeding badly.
39:35Sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
39:41I'm sorry, ma'am.
39:43I've been too close to Zoe lately.
39:46Ash was unhappy.
39:49I should have been more careful.
39:50I came downstairs.
39:52Ely, what happened?
39:53It's nothing.
39:54Nothing like what I dealt with in the arena.
39:56I was biting down hard on a laugh.
39:59Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
40:02And he'd already planned this.
40:04It's not true!
40:04He went at me first!
40:06He's setting me up!
40:08Setting you up?
40:10If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
40:13Zoe, I'm serious!
40:15Mom was already on her phone.
40:18I'm calling the seller.
40:21This panther is going back.
40:24No need.
40:25Wrapping Ellie's arm.
40:26The return window closed a while ago.
40:29I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium panther.
40:33Mom paused.
40:35That works.
40:36He's yours to decide.
40:42Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
40:44You said you liked me!
40:45I know you did!
40:46You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares!
40:50You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
40:52That at least you had me even if I didn't like you.
40:54You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
40:57You asked me once, when you were drunk, why I never liked you.
41:00Why even I was always on Emma's side.
41:03Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
41:05He was right.
41:06I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
41:09Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
41:14Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
41:17Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine.
41:21That had still burned.
41:23When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a panther,
41:26I had been genuinely excited.
41:29I had put hope in Ash.
41:31He'd ground it down slowly.
41:33Over months.
41:35I imagined too much.
41:37I met his eyes.
41:39To me, you're just a disloyal companion beast.
41:46Not worth mourning.
41:51I moved fast.
41:53Ash was gone the next day.
41:54I handed him to a contact who dealt in Resale.
41:57I didn't ask where he ended up.
42:00Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
42:02Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
42:05Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
42:08Financial conversion complete.
42:11Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
42:16He'd been worse than this the first night I met him,
42:19and still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
42:22But now...
42:25He said weakly.
42:27He's really gone?
42:29Yes.
42:30Eli stared into his bowl.
42:33That's a shame.
42:34I really did want to get along with him.
42:36Want me to bring him back?
42:38You two can be best friends.
42:40Eli's finger twitched.
42:41The buyer already has him.
42:43They probably won't return him.
42:45I could offer them a little extra.
42:47Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
42:55That'd be ideal.
42:57I'll go now, then.
42:59But...
43:02What?
43:03If he bites me again, what do I do?
43:07I said nothing.
43:08Just watched him.
43:09His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
43:12Zoe, you already knew?
43:14I don't know what you're talking about.
43:19Can you tell me which part of the throat
43:21stopped someone from making a sound?
43:25I'm sorry.
43:26I...
43:26He kept coming at me.
43:28Please don't send me away.
43:29I was bluffing.
43:30I would never actually hurt him.
43:32I'll be good.
43:34It's fine.
43:35Honestly,
43:36I kind of like you with an edge.
43:40In a way,
43:41Emma and Ash were the same type.
43:44Both spoiled by affection.
43:46Both certain they were the main character.
43:49Eli and I were the same type.
43:51If I'd been in his position,
43:53I'd have done the same thing.
43:58Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
44:01Emma stopped crying in hallways.
44:03Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
44:06Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
44:08She was waiting.
44:11People like Emma didn't give up.
44:13They just changed costumes.
44:15Then her 18th birthday arrived.
44:18Mom and Dad gave her an apartment.
44:20Downtown.
44:21Good location.
44:22Good building.
44:23Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
44:26I held it in place anyway.
44:28Inside,
44:29I was on fire.
44:31I wished I could physically lift the building and scream.
44:34It is mine.
44:36A colleague at work had once said,
44:38It all comes to you eventually anyway.
44:40Why do you fight so hard over small things?
44:44That was exactly why.
44:46I didn't trust eventually.
44:48What was in my hand was mine.
44:56Emma swept over with Mom and Dad on her arm,
44:58bright-eyed and glowing.
45:00Zoe,
45:01did you get me a birthday present?
45:03I set down my champagne.
45:06My parents are already yours.
45:09What more do you want?
45:11The room went quiet.
45:12Emma blinked.
45:13Everything you eat, wear, and use,
45:15did any of it belong to you first?
45:18And you're asking me for a gift?
45:22Do you want my blood too?
45:24Would that satisfy you?
45:26Emma's face twisted.
45:27Mom, Dad, do you see this?
45:28Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
45:30I always said she was faking it.
45:31You never believed me.
45:33Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
45:35Not hers, mine.
45:37We know.
45:40Emma froze.
45:42Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
45:45Zoe is right.
45:47Emma's mouth opened.
45:49Nothing came out.
45:50Dad looked at me.
45:52Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
45:55We didn't want to reopen wounds.
45:58But we should have.
46:02You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
46:04That's on us.
46:05I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
46:11Emma did not scream at first.
46:13That was how I knew it was bad.
46:15She just stood there.
46:17Still.
46:18Pretty.
46:19Ruined.
46:20Then she laughed.
46:21So that's it?
46:22You found your real daughter!
46:24And now I become Charity?
46:26Mom flinched.
46:27Dad's jaw tightened.
46:28We gave you a home.
46:30Education.
46:31Love.
46:32Security.
46:33We are not abandoning you.
46:34You gave her everything!
46:36No.
46:38You borrowed everything.
46:40Emma turned to me slowly.
46:42There it was.
46:43The real thing under the tears.
46:45Hatred.
46:46Not grief.
46:47Hatred.
46:50You think you won because you bought a filthy panther and sold the pretty one?
46:56Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
46:59Don't look at me like that.
47:01Everyone knows what you are.
47:03A stress relief slave.
47:07An arena beast.
47:08A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
47:11Mom's face changed.
47:15Emma.
47:16But Emma wasn't looking at her.
47:20She was looking at me.
47:26You act so proud, Zoe.
47:28But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
47:32Cheap.
47:33Dirty.
47:34Raised wrong.
47:35The glass in Ellie's hand cracked.
47:37Eli.
47:38Sorry.
47:39The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpened.
47:42He listens well.
47:44I walked across the room.
47:46Everyone watched me.
47:48Emma lifted her chin like she expected to slap.
47:51I didn't give her one.
47:53I leaned close and said softly,
47:56Careful.
47:58Low-class warbeasts bite.
48:00Her face paled.
48:03Enough.
48:03Emma, the apartment remains yours.
48:05We will support you through school.
48:07But tomorrow, 20% of the company shares transfer to Zoe.
48:10Emma stopped breathing.
48:12The rest will be placed in an irrefurbable will.
48:15Everything else goes to you.
48:19Emma's face collapsed.
48:21This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
48:27Emma left for university across the country.
48:30The house breathed for the first time.
48:33Breakfast became quiet.
48:35Mom started asking me what I like to eat.
48:38Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound like a favor.
48:43It was strange, almost peaceful.
48:47I didn't adapt to it.
48:50Peace was usually the moment before someone falling through the window.
48:53Then, I saw the apartment listing online.
48:56Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
48:58I stared at the screen.
49:00That was not my business.
49:02I closed the tab.
49:04Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
49:07He was holding my coat.
49:08You forgot this.
49:09I was going to the office.
49:11I know.
49:13He didn't move.
49:14I looked at him.
49:16What?
49:16His ears were flat.
49:18There's a beast imprint by the east gate.
49:22Ash?
49:23No.
49:24Gaze flicked toward the driveway.
49:25Not only Ash.
49:28A black sous vide rolled through the gate.
49:31Emma stepped out first.
49:33Hair perfect.
49:34Eyes red.
49:35Smile too bright.
49:37Then Ash climbed out behind her.
49:39Thinner than before.
49:40Collar different.
49:42Expression worse.
49:46He looked at me first.
49:48His tail moved once.
49:50Then stopped.
49:51Emma saw it.
49:53Surprise!
49:54I bought him back.
49:55I looked at Ash.
49:59With the apartment money?
50:01Emma's eyes flashed.
50:05Yeah, I can afford it.
50:07He's mine now.
50:08Ash's face went pale.
50:10No.
50:11I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
50:13I told her not to.
50:15Shut up.
50:16Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
50:18Quiet.
50:19No.
50:20Calm.
50:21Too long.
50:22Ash stared at me.
50:22I told her not to.
50:23For one second.
50:24Neither of them looked human.
50:27You sold him like trash.
50:30So I picked him up.
50:33Funny, isn't it?
50:36I looked at Ash's new collar.
50:38No.
50:39It's predictable.
50:41Mine.
50:44Bye-bye.
50:44Bye-bye.
Comments