- 44 minutes ago
Mon Esclave de Guerre
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 warslave 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 warbeast. 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.
01:00Brown skin, smooth beneath the bruises.
01:03A 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.
01:17Look 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.
01:30But I already had a white leopard at home.
01:33Ash would mind.
01:35The vendor kicked the panther.
01:37Get up.
01:38Show her your build.
01:39The panther stood slowly, chains 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.
01:522,000 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 $58,800.
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.
02:4650 grand.
02:48I bought him for 5,000 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.
03:10Eyes down.
03:12Waiting for whatever came next.
03:15Go shower.
03:16I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe.
03:19Still not daring to take off his restraints yet.
03:22He looked at me for a few seconds.
03:24Then 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.
03:50Trembling slightly.
03:52My brain went offline.
03:56I crossed the room and hugged him from behind.
03:59Pressed 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.
05:05Premium.
05:05S-class companion, White Lipper.
05:08A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
05:11I was five when I disappeared.
05:1323 when they finally found out.
05:15When I came home,
05:17I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl.
05:20Emma.
05:20She'd been with them since she was a baby.
05:23She 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.
05:47But 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.
06:17Looked down.
06:19I understand, dad.
06:21Playing vulnerable work.
06:23A monthly allowance.
06:25They wired me.
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?
06:35Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
06:37No.
06:38I bought a new stress relief war beast last night.
06:40Being busy.
06:41Zoe, what 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, so you went out and bought a cheap one
06:50to beat up?
06:51I would report you if you weren't my best friend.
06:54I am appalled.
06:56I stared at my screen.
06:58I 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 beastmen 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.
07:21Some became living buffers for paying clients to break.
07:23Others ended up in underground war beast governance.
07:26Death matches.
07:27Even after rescue, these war beasts were considered feral and untamed.
07:30Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
07:33The ones no one took euthanized.
07:38I know where he lives.
07:39If you regret it.
07:41I startled.
07:42Quickly 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.
08:08His 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 deeply.
08:31He tipped his head back.
08:33Eyes half-lidded.
08:35Watching me.
08:37Can we do it again?
08:40We didn't go straight home.
08:41I took Ellie to a Warbeast clinic first.
08:44The doctor said his healing ability was excellent.
08:46The bruising wasn't a concern.
08:48But severe malnutrition.
08:49He needed long-term supplementation.
08:51The total for all the supplements cost more than I'd paid for him.
08:55I don't need it.
08:56I can eat anything.
08:58Don't spend the money.
08:59I won't die.
09:01This amount was what Ashburn threw on snacks every month.
09:04It's fine.
09:06Do you like these?
09:08Slim metal collar.
09:09Custom black inhibitor muzzle to match.
09:11I 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.
09:24He held it up to the light.
09:25Warbeast arena or stress relief.
09:27Before this.
09:28I mean.
09:29Both.
09:31Figured.
09:31The doctor turned it over.
09:33Look at these bite marks.
09:34He did this to himself when the pain got too bad.
09:37Those 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.
09:47Mom and dad were already asleep.
09:48Ash was probably in Emma's room.
09:50As usual.
09:51Come in.
09:52I kicked off my heels and turned to look at Eli.
09:54He hadn't moved.
09:56He 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.
10:06Mom and dad had given me Ash.
10:08Zoe's too quiet.
10:11We thought having a companion might open her up.
10:13Back then.
10:14Ash 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.
10:31Didn'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.
10:51Dad.
10:51I'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.
11:09You hit me?
11:10Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
11:14I just got back and you're hitting me?
11:17If 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.
11:28Not long after that, he shifted.
11:35He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted words.
11:39Emma?
11:40I'm Emma.
11:43You remember me.
11:44You remember me.
11:46Of course.
11:48He caught her easily.
11:49A low purr rolled from his chest.
11:52I remember everything about Emma.
11:54Mom and dad sighed and put an arm around me.
11:57It took weeks of trying before Ash reluctantly accepted that I was his owner.
12:01But he refused to purr for me.
12:04Refused 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?
12:41I'll take you shopping for clothes tomorrow.
12:44Will he mind?
12:46Alai asked.
12:47Who?
12:48He glanced over at me.
12:50Ash.
12:52Panthers are territorial.
12:54He doesn't like sleeping with me.
12:57It's fine.
12:59Ellie thought of something.
13:01His grip on my hand got a little tighter.
13:03Do you need it again tonight?
13:06Need what?
13:08His 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 for you.
13:28It'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?
13:41All 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.
13:56I was having the time of my life.
14:05If you ever have a nightmare, you can-
14:06Ash!
14:08I can't find my slippers!
14:12Don't walk around Baredfoot.
14:14He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
14:17Came back out carrying me.
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.
14:26He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
14:30Perfect companion beast.
14:31Just not mine.
14:33Zoe.
14:33My laundry's in the hamper.
14:36Take it to the dry cleaner.
14:38He stepped close, pressed his nose to my neck.
14:41What's that smell?
14:42What?
14:43Then inhaled.
14:44The 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.
14:53I looked past his shoulder.
14:56Eli had just opened the door and looked.
14:58He was half a head taller than Ash.
15:00His shoulders almost filled the door frame.
15:03His eyes landed on Ash.
15:04That's my imprint.
15:06Eli said.
15:09Ash spun around.
15:10His body snapped into a defensive stance instantly.
15:14A low growl rose in his throat.
15:17Eli didn't move, stood, and held his gaze.
15:19Zoe.
15:20Who is that?
15:22His name is Eli.
15:24He's my new beast.
15:27What?
15:28You got another panther?
15:33What about me?
15:34Oh, wow!
15:35Mom, Dad, come look!
15:37Zoe got a new beast!
15:38Mom and Dad came out.
15:40I stepped forward and introduced him.
15:43This is Eli.
15:44Our newest family member.
15:47Sir.
15:48Ma'am.
15:49He's even more handsome than Ash!
15:52Competition grade, I assume.
15:55Zoe gets so much allowance.
15:58S-class?
15:59He's wearing an inhibitor muzzle.
16:01His fur is splitting.
16:03His shirt is falling apart.
16:04He's shedding everywhere.
16:05He's feral bottom class.
16:07The kind shelters can't even have and 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.
16:20Mom and Dad exchanged a glance.
16:22Zoe, we're not against you keeping him.
16:24We just want you safe.
16:26We can't lose you again.
16:28I 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?
16:39Only 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!
16:57Zoe!
16:59Relax.
17:00Given how Zoe grew up, it makes sense she has a thing for low-class war beasts.
17:05It's basically her aesthetic.
17:07Mom, Dad.
17:08Since Zoe has a new beast, can I have Ash?
17:10He likes me more anyway.
17:12I'm just taking what's left over.
17:14That word, left over, drained the color from Ash's face.
17:19He turned and glared at me, eyes wet.
17:23No, 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.
17:34For the first time, Ash purred for me.
17:37Just barely.
17:39Small, uncontrolled flicks.
17:41His face looked like he hated it.
17:43He caught himself.
17:45Went stiff.
17:48Even if you say that, I'm not forgiving you.
17:50I had no intention of giving him away.
17:53Not because I was attached.
17:55First, the budget they gave me for his upkeep was generous.
17:59I pocketed a healthy margin every month.
18:02Second, Ash was worth a lot.
18:04If I ever decided I was done, I could sell him for seven figures.
18:09Why would I hand that to Emma for free?
18:11Mom and Dad agreed.
18:13She's right.
18:14He was given to Zoe.
18:15If you want him, talk to your sister.
18:22Emma wasn't stupid enough to actually come negotiate with me.
18:26Ash was still angry.
18:27At dinner.
18:28He used to sit beside me.
18:30Even 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.
18:49Not just Emma.
18:50Even Mom and Dad stared for a second too long.
18:54Thank you.
18:55Eli said.
18:56He hesitated for a moment.
18:58Then copied Ash and placed food into my bowl.
19:01Ash let out a cold laugh.
19:03Copycat?
19:06Zoe doesn't eat broccoli.
19:09I raised an eyebrow.
19:11When he used to sit beside me, he never once served me food.
19:15But somehow, he had remembered what I didn't like.
19:18I'll remember next time.
19:28His fingers tightened around the fork.
19:30Then snap.
19:32The fork broke clean in half.
19:34The 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.
19:52When he'd held me still and stopped me from sinking down too fast.
19:56Use these.
19:57I handed him a new fork.
19:58Dad looked at me.
19:59Let Eli stay in the room on the top floor.
20:03Our house had three floors.
20:05The room Dad meant was basically a storage room.
20:07A narrow bed.
20:09Bare walls.
20:10And most importantly, an iron door that locked from the outside.
20:14Ash 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.
20:28The 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.
20:42Safer.
20:43He refused.
20:45Who said I refused?
20:47You never even came to me.
20:49How would you know I wouldn't?
20:51To her true if you're blaspheming.
20:57Really?
20:58But last time, didn't you promised Emma you would wait until she turned 18?
21:07A few months earlier, Mom and Dad had planned a family camping trip to get us all bonding.
21:13Seven days.
21:13On the night we set up tents, everyone drank a little too much.
21:18Emma called me sis every five minutes.
21:20I called her sis back.
21:23Mom and Dad were so happy.
21:25When 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.
21:34Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
21:36Emma was slowly crawling on top of him, leaning toward his mouth.
21:41Their shadows overlapped against the canvas.
21:44I watched Ash reach up and tuck her hair behind her ear, and kissed her back.
21:51Ash.
21:53Promise me you won't touch her.
21:56Ash hesitated.
21:58But...
21:59Wait until I'm 18.
22:01It'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.
22:11You know I have standards.
22:12I don't like her touching you.
22:15Can't we just keep this clean between us?
22:18Ash said yes.
22:19Yes.
22:22The video ended.
22:23Mom looked the worst.
22:25Emma, 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.
22:40I paid for you.
22:41You're here to serve my daughter, not audition replacements.
22:44I'm calling your cellar today.
22:46Emma's tears came fast.
22:47Mom, why aren't you yelling at her?
22:49Can't you see how calculating she is?
22:52She recorded it.
22:53I made one stupid mistake and she plays it like this.
22:56Ever since she came back, you love me less.
22:59Are you really gonna let her run my life?
23:02Emma, 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 and you're both grounded for three days.
23:12A large sum landed in my account that afternoon.
23:15Mom and Dad's invisible scale tipped a little more in my direction.
23:18I'd been fighting for things my whole life.
23:21This was no different.
23:26Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around, I took Ellie shopping.
23:30Everywhere.
23:31He was a specimen.
23:33Built like every suit had been cut for him specifically.
23:37Everything looked good on him.
23:39So I wanted to buy him everything.
23:41But the best part was watching him in a dress suit.
23:48I went slightly feral and bought twelve custom-tailored ones.
23:54Then I was too tired to walk.
23:57Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
24:00I had my arm hooked around his neck, tracing 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.
24:17Took off my heels.
24:18Swapped them out for slippers.
24:20He'd watched Ash do it for Emma a hundred times.
24:23He hadn't fully adjusted to human-scale gentleness yet.
24:27He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip.
24:31But he'd memorized every step.
24:35And?
24:36He went a little pink.
24:38I didn't.
24:39I hurt the client and ran.
24:43I didn't.
24:44I hurt the client and ran.
24:46They caught me.
24:47I stopped eating to fight back.
24:49They got scared I'd die and cost them money, so they threw me in the Warbeast arena.
24:54I hadn't eaten in three days.
24:55I don't know how I did it.
24:56I bit through the other panther's throat.
25:01After that, I stayed in the arena.
25:02They kept my food limited, so I'd be too weak to resist.
25:06The last fight, I got badly injured.
25:08They figured I was done, so they put me on stress relief work.
25:11I survived that too.
25:14This week, they were debating, sending me back to the arena.
25:17Then you bought me.
25:19Eli was still kneeling.
25:20Wearing the new suit I'd just bought him.
25:22Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
25:25I'm not hiding anything from you.
25:27I'm a low-class Black Panther war slave.
25:30Violent.
25:31Arena-bred.
25:32Unfit for a proper bond.
25:34I've hurt humans.
25:35I've hurt my own kind.
25:37I 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.
25:44I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
25:48Last night when you cried, I panicked.
25:53I remembered.
25:54The second time was so much better than the first.
25:57I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
26:00I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
26:01I misjudged.
26:02It's my fault.
26:03You can punish me.
26:04Hit me.
26:05Starve me.
26:06Whatever you want.
26:08Just don't cry.
26:09Please.
26:10I remembered the apology going on for a while, but I'd passed out mid-sentence.
26:14No wonder the atmosphere that morning had been so heavy.
26:18He'd been stewing in it all night.
26:21I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
26:24You didn't hurt me.
26:26I cried because it was good.
26:28He pressed his nose against my neck.
26:31His black ears, edged with faint silver, brushed my face.
26:35I grabbed them.
26:36Ellie's breathing hitched.
26:38He reached up, fingers calloused, deliberate, and slowly traced the side of my neck.
26:43The same spot Ash had pressed his nose against that morning.
26:47Methodical.
26:48Inch by inch.
26:51Are you trying to cover his imprint?
26:53He realized what he was doing.
26:54Pulled his hand back.
26:55It's fine.
26:56I don't mind.
26:59I just don't understand.
27:01You went three days without food to avoid being sold.
27:05But you never fought back against me.
27:07Not once.
27:08You gave up?
27:12Maybe because you were young and beautiful.
27:14That's an airtight reason.
27:16His eyes didn't quite meet mine.
27:17They landed on my mouth.
27:19Maybe because you said you had no experience.
27:23Also because that was the first time I'd ever been kissed.
27:26He looked up properly now.
27:27I just want you to know I am violent and feral.
27:30But I will never hurt you.
27:32Never.
27:33Not ever.
27:34I believe you.
27:36As a reward.
27:37I pushed him back onto the bed.
27:40Let 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, everything had been a production.
27:54Premium companion beasts had standards.
27:57I'd had to train with him daily.
27:59Manage his nutrition.
28:00Force.
28:01Feed him supplements.
28:02And run a full grooming routine just to keep him in condition.
28:05So he could use that condition to take care of Emma.
28:09Ali was different.
28:11I followed the doctor's supplement plan.
28:13And he just glowed.
28:15I felt a little guilty about the contrast.
28:17So I sat him down and did a proper grooming session on him.
28:22Ash walked in while I had both hands buried in Eli's foam covered ears.
28:26Zoe!
28:27That's my special foam soap!
28:30I bought this one for Eli.
28:31Out of your room already?
28:32Yes.
28:33You must be so pleased with yourself.
28:35Not really.
28:35You got off easy.
28:36But I'll try harder next time.
28:39Zoe.
28:39Send him out.
28:41Ash was still glaring at Eli.
28:42I can explain the video.
28:44But I am not sharing this house with a bottom class panther.
28:48You're not sharing anything.
28:50You sleep in Emma's room.
28:51You always have.
28:53Panther Beastmen had sharp senses.
28:56Ash had been the only one in the house who knew about my smoking habit.
28:59He'd always complained my room smelled.
29:01And used it as an excuse to sleep in Emma's room instead.
29:06It's fine, Ash.
29:07You always said she smelled anyway.
29:09Come stay with me.
29:10Sliding her fingers through his.
29:12He hesitated exactly one second.
29:14Then laced his fingers through hers.
29:17Zoe.
29:18You're going to regret this.
29:20I smiled.
29:21Take good care of him, won't you, Emma?
29:24The house settled into a strange cold war.
29:27Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
29:30They were all warmth and sweetness, trying to get a reaction out of me.
29:34I had none.
29:35As long as they weren't doing it in my face, I could handle it.
29:38He watched every move Ash made with Emma.
29:40The grip.
29:41The order of things.
29:42And translated it all into how he took care of me.
29:45Eli spent a lot of time watching them.
29:47Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
29:50Then pretending she hadn't noticed.
29:51He was studying.
29:52Ash, meanwhile, looked like a ghost.
29:54He kept catching himself staring at me with something half-formed in his expression.
29:58I knew why.
29:59A few days earlier.
30:01Emma!
30:02You haven't groomed me in forever!
30:04You have hands.
30:05Do it yourself, Emma said flatly.
30:07Am I your pet or are you mine?
30:10My products are running out too.
30:12Then ask Zoe.
30:13It's her account, not mine.
30:15Emma, why are you like this?
30:16You used to actually like spending time with me.
30:19If you hadn't kissed me that night, Zoe wouldn't have...
30:22Zoe always groomed you every day.
30:24She never complained about how much work it was.
30:27Blame me?
30:27You didn't exactly stop me!
30:30And now you think she's better?
30:32Then go to her!
30:33Go on!
30:33See if she even wants you!
30:35Did Emma love Ash?
30:36Emma just loved being the center.
30:38Ash fawning over her fit that.
30:40Me existing complicated it.
30:42After that fight, Ash deteriorated fast.
30:44He kept starting sentences near me and never finishing them.
30:48Too proud to ask.
30:49I ignored it.
30:50Until one night, I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress,
30:55smoking a post-session cigarette.
30:57Ash came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me without a word.
31:02Warm tears dropped onto my neck, one at a time.
31:06You're not complaining about the smell?
31:10He said.
31:11I'm sorry.
31:12He pressed his face into my neck.
31:13Can you forgive me?
31:15I smiled.
31:16Said nothing.
31:20I was drunk that night.
31:22I swear I thought it was you.
31:27I wanted it to be you.
31:29I believe you.
31:30I said.
31:33If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
31:40That's not true.
31:42Before I shifted, Emma and I were on the streets together.
31:48A group of guys tried to grab me.
31:50She ran at them, screaming and crying, until they gave up and fled.
31:55You're my owner.
31:56But she saved my life.
31:58I couldn't refuse her.
32:00In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
32:03When I opened my eyes and saw her, I felt sick.
32:05I realized I'd wanted it to be you.
32:08I'd wanted you all along.
32:10But she saved my life.
32:11How could I turn her down?
32:15Then keep being grateful to her.
32:17I was never in the way.
32:19Zoe.
32:21Please don't.
32:22I sighed.
32:23Turned to face him.
32:26Ash.
32:27Do you know why I smoke?
32:30Because I grew up with a crew of street girls.
32:33When I got caught stealing, they took the hits with me.
32:36When a man tried to assault me, they scratched his face apart.
32:40When I had a fever and passed out,
32:43they pooled whatever they had
32:47and dragged me to a back alley clinic.
32:52So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
32:56And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
32:59Never said yes just because someone asked.
33:03Ash.
33:04You're wired to follow whoever pays you the most attention.
33:06Someone gives you a little warmth, and off you go.
33:09They say premium companion beasts have the highest human-like cognitionness.
33:13I believe it.
33:14You've even evolved past a companion beast's most basic trait.
33:18Loyalty.
33:20I don't know.
33:21His eyes were red.
33:23I'm sorry, Zoe.
33:25You never talked about before.
33:28I didn't know what you went through.
33:31If I'd known,
33:33I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
33:37I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
33:40His tear, wet face pressed into my collar.
33:43I only ever heard Emma's side.
33:45She made it sound like you were the one one taking things from her.
33:51Like Ash, and everything that came with him should have been hers.
33:55And past his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
33:59The closer one, tall and still was Eli.
34:02The farther one was Mom.
34:04I met her eyes.
34:05My cigarette hand barely paused.
34:07I didn't hide it.
34:09Fine.
34:10She saw.
34:11When I came home,
34:12I'd glossed over the first years.
34:14They'd worked so hard on Emma.
34:17Piano.
34:18Ballet.
34:19Flower.
34:20Arranging.
34:21Everything polished.
34:23Me.
34:25Good at stealing.
34:26Lock picking with a hairpin.
34:28Chain smoking before I was old enough to buy them.
34:31I hadn't thought parents who'd replaced me in a year would love me very much.
34:34And Emma would run a reason to attack me.
34:36So I'd shown them the clean resume.
34:38Like interviewing.
34:40For the role of daughter.
34:46Go to sleep.
34:48Mom said.
34:48Then she went back to her room.
34:50The hall was dark again except for Eli's outline.
34:53He stood watching Ash press his face into my shoulder.
34:56And make small unhappy sounds.
34:59Eli said quietly.
35:00It's cold out here.
35:01Ash noticed him for the first time.
35:03He stepped in front of me.
35:05And sent the low warning growl at Eli.
35:07Eli didn't react.
35:09He stepped closer.
35:10Ash shifted back without meaning to.
35:13Eli draped a jacket over my shoulders.
35:15Looked at Ash.
35:16You can keep going.
35:17I'm just here for the coat.
35:19Ash didn't take him up on it.
35:21Stay with me tonight.
35:23He said instead to me.
35:25I know what to do.
35:26I was trained.
35:27I'd be better than him.
35:28Is that right?
35:29His tail went into overdrive.
35:31I mean it.
35:32Please.
35:33Let me fix this.
35:35Eli's expression didn't change.
35:37But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
35:40I don't think so.
35:41You kissed Emma.
35:42The thought of it ruins it for me.
35:44Good night, Ash.
35:50Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
35:51I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
35:54Jealous?
35:56Jealous?
35:56No.
35:58You're exceptional.
36:00You'll have a boyfriend someday.
36:03A husband.
36:05I know my place.
36:08Should I run a bath?
36:10Why?
36:11You have Ash's tears and saliva on you.
36:14And his imprint.
36:16I went to the bathroom.
36:18Eli followed and washed every inch of skin with focused, careful attention.
36:24Hey.
36:25He was kneeling on the wet bathroom tile looking up at me.
36:28I reached down and touched his ears.
36:30What is it?
36:32I can't get it clean.
36:35What?
36:37Can I take this off?
36:39Licking might work better.
36:41I thought for a moment, then unclipped it.
36:48Hmm.
36:49He kissed upward.
36:51Inch.
36:51All the way to my chin.
36:53That spot doesn't have his imprint on it.
36:59May I?
37:01Yes.
37:02His kiss was careful.
37:04Unpracticed.
37:05I cracked one eye open to look at him.
37:08Steam and fog all around him.
37:10Eyes shut tight.
37:12Long lashes trembling.
37:14I thought this might have been our first real kiss.
37:24I stopped making Eli wear the inhibitor muzzle.
37:27Mom and dad kept reminding me to be careful.
37:30But they didn't push.
37:31I worked at the family company.
37:34Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
37:36One afternoon I did.
37:38Just wanted to nap.
37:41Voices drifted up from the living room.
37:44Eli and Ash.
37:45I leaned on the second.
37:46Floor railing and watched.
37:48Eli was sitting on the couch.
37:50Watching television.
37:52Ash planted himself in front of him.
37:54Tail bristling.
37:54You think Zoe actually likes you?
37:57She's using you to get at me.
37:58Once she's over it, she'll throw you out like trash.
38:01So what?
38:02Zoe said you're dirty.
38:03At least I'm clean.
38:04Anyone who tries to touch me, I bite their throat out.
38:07Unlike you.
38:08Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
38:10Interesting.
38:11In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
38:16This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
38:23Clean?
38:24You've killed war beasts in an arena.
38:26Do you even know how many?
38:27I know.
38:30Useful information.
38:31He stood up slowly.
38:35Honestly, you bother me.
38:37Me?
38:38You're the outsider here.
38:39Zoe paid millions for me.
38:41I was here first.
38:44Millions?
38:45You don't look worth that.
38:48Do you know which part of the throat to bite?
38:52So the other person and flash will camp Pingu Puchat make a sound?
38:57How to make a panther disappear quietly.
38:59I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
39:01Ash backed up.
39:04What are you doing?
39:08What would I do?
39:12I'm just a low-class panther.
39:15Then he lunged.
39:17Ash panicked and shifted into full leopard form and instinct.
39:21The white leopard tackled Eli, teeth sinking into his forearm.
39:26Eli crashed into the coffee table.
39:29Horseland cracked.
39:30When mom came running at the noise.
39:33She found Eli on the ground, arm bleeding badly, sitting up pale and pressing the wound.
39:42I'm sorry, ma'am.
39:44I've been too close to Zoe lately.
39:47Ash was unhappy.
39:50I should have been more careful.
39:51I came downstairs.
39:53Ely, what happened?
39:54It's nothing.
39:55Nothing like what I dealt with in the arena.
39:58I was biting down hard on a laugh.
40:00Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever.
40:03And he'd already planned this.
40:05It's not true!
40:05He went at me first!
40:07He's setting me up!
40:09Setting you up?
40:11If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
40:14Zoe, I'm serious!
40:16Mom was already on her phone.
40:20I'm calling the seller.
40:22This panther is going back.
40:25No need.
40:26Wrapping Eli's arm.
40:27The return window closed a while ago.
40:30I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium panther.
40:35Mom paused.
40:37That works.
40:38He's yours to decide.
40:42Zoe?
40:43You'd sell me for him?
40:45You said you liked me!
40:47I know you did!
40:48You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares!
40:51You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
40:53That at least you had me even if I didn't like you.
40:55You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
40:58You asked me once, when you were drunk, why I never liked you.
41:01Why even I was always on Emma's side.
41:03Zoe.
41:04You can't feel nothing for me.
41:06He was right.
41:07I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
41:10Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
41:15Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
41:19Thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine.
41:22That had still burned.
41:24When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a panther,
41:27I had been genuinely excited.
41:30I had put hope in Ash.
41:32He'd ground it down slowly.
41:34Over months.
41:36I imagined too much.
41:38I met his eyes.
41:40To me, you're just a disloyal companion beast.
41:47Not worth mourning.
41:52I moved fast.
41:54Ash was gone the next day.
41:55I handed him to a contact who dealt in resale.
41:58I didn't ask where he ended up.
42:01Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
42:03Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
42:06Either way, he had served his purpose in my life.
42:09Financial conversion complete.
42:12Eli, meanwhile, was draped across my bed looking tragically injured.
42:17He'd been worse than this the first night I met him and still propped himself up with one arm to
42:22do things.
42:24But now...
42:25Thank you.
42:27He said weakly.
42:28He's really gone?
42:30Yes.
42:32Eli stared into his bowl.
42:34That's a shame.
42:35I really did want to get along with him.
42:38Want me to bring him back?
42:39You two can be best friends.
42:41Eli's finger twitched.
42:42The buyer already has him.
42:44They probably won't return him.
42:46I could offer them a little extra.
42:48Eli put tremendous effort into not snapping the porcelain bowl in his hand.
42:56That'd be ideal.
42:58I'll go now, then.
43:00But...
43:03What?
43:05If he bites me again, what do I do?
43:08I said nothing.
43:09Just watched him.
43:11His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
43:13Zoe, you already knew?
43:16I don't know what you're talking about.
43:20Can you tell me which part of the throat stopped someone from making a sound?
43:26I'm sorry.
43:27I...
43:27He kept coming at me.
43:29Please don't send me away.
43:30I was bluffing.
43:32I would never actually hurt him.
43:33I'll be good.
43:35It's fine.
43:37Honestly, I kind of like you with an edge.
43:41In a way, Emma and Ash were the same type.
43:44Both spoiled by affection.
43:47Both certain they were the main character.
43:50Allai and I were the same type.
43:52If I'd been in his position, I'd have done the same thing.
43:59Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
44:01Emma stopped crying in hallways.
44:04Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
44:07Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
44:10She was waiting.
44:12People like Emma didn't give up.
44:14They just changed costumes.
44:16When her 18th birthday arrived, mom and dad gave her an apartment, downtown.
44:22Good location.
44:23Good building.
44:24Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
44:27I held it in place anyway.
44:30Inside, I was on fire.
44:33I wished I could physically lift the building and scream.
44:36It is mine.
44:37A colleague at work had once said,
44:39It all comes to you eventually anyway.
44:41Why do you fight so hard over small things?
44:46That was exactly why.
44:48I didn't trust eventually.
44:50What was in my hand was mine.
44:57Emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm, bright-eyed and glowing.
45:01Zoe, did you get me a birthday present?
45:04I set down my champagne.
45:08My parents are already yours.
45:10What more do you want?
45:12The room went quiet.
45:13Emma blinked.
45:14Everything you eat, wear and use,
45:16did any of it belong to you first?
45:19And you're asking me for a gift?
45:23Do you want my blood too?
45:25Would that satisfy you?
45:27Emma's face twisted.
45:28Mom, dad, do you see this?
45:29Today is my birthday and she's attacking me.
45:31I always said she was faking it.
45:33You never believed me.
45:34Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
45:36Not hers, but mine.
45:39We know.
45:42Emma froze.
45:43Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
45:46Zoe is right.
45:48Emma's mouth opened.
45:50Nothing came out.
45:52Dad looked at me.
45:54Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
45:57We didn't want to reopen wounds.
45:59But we should have.
46:03You didn't feel safe enough to be yourself here.
46:05That's on us.
46:06I hated how badly I still wanted to hear it.
46:12Emma did not scream at first.
46:14That was how I knew it was bad.
46:17She just stood there.
46:19Still.
46:19Pretty.
46:20Ruined.
46:21Then she laughed.
46:22So that's it?
46:24You found your real daughter!
46:26And now I become Charity?
46:28Mom flinched.
46:29Dad's jaw tightened.
46:30We gave you a home.
46:31Education.
46:32Love.
46:33Security.
46:34We are not abandoning you.
46:36You gave her everything!
46:38No.
46:39You borrowed everything.
46:41Emma turned to me slowly.
46:43There it was.
46:44The real thing under the tears.
46:46Hatred.
46:47Not grief.
46:49Hatred.
46:51You think you won because you bought a filthy panther?
46:55And sold the pretty one?
46:57Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
47:01Don't look at me like that.
47:02Everyone knows what you are.
47:05A stress relief slave.
47:08An arena beast.
47:09A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
47:13Mom's face changed.
47:17Emma.
47:18But Emma wasn't looking at her.
47:21She was looking at me.
47:27You act so proud, Zoe.
47:29But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
47:33Cheap.
47:34Dirty.
47:36Raised wrong.
47:37The glass in Ellie's hand cracked.
47:38Eli.
47:40Sorry.
47:41The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpened.
47:44He listens well.
47:45I walked across the room.
47:47Everyone watched me.
47:49Emma lifted her chin like she expected to slap.
47:52I didn't give her one.
47:54I leaned close and said softly,
47:58Careful.
48:00Low-class war beasts bite.
48:02Her face paled.
48:04Enough.
48:05Emma, the apartment remains yours.
48:07We will support you through school.
48:08But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
48:12Emma stopped breathing.
48:14The rest will be placed in an irreversible will.
48:17Everything else goes to you.
48:21Emma's face collapsed.
48:23This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
48:29Emma left for university across the country.
48:32The house breathed for the first time.
48:34Breakfast became quiet.
48:37Mom started asking me what I like to eat.
48:39Dad started bringing company documents home
48:42and explaining things without making it sound like a favor.
48:45It was strange.
48:47Almost peaceful.
48:49I didn't adapt to it.
48:51Peace was usually the moment before someone falling through the window.
48:55Then, I saw the apartment listing online.
48:57Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
49:00I stared at the screen.
49:02That was not my business.
49:03I closed the tab.
49:05Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
49:08He was holding my coat.
49:09You forgot this.
49:11I was going to the office.
49:13I know.
49:14He didn't move.
49:15I looked at him.
49:17What?
49:18His ears were flat.
49:19There's a beast imprint by the east gate.
49:23Ash?
49:24No.
49:25Gaze flicked toward the driveway.
49:28Not only Ash.
49:29A black sous vide rolled through the gate.
49:32Emma stepped out first.
49:34Hair perfect.
49:35Eyes red.
49:37Smile too bright.
49:38Then Ash climbed out behind her.
49:40Thinner than before.
49:42Collar different.
49:43Expression worse.
49:47He looked at me first.
49:49His tail moved once.
49:51Then stopped.
49:53Emma saw it.
49:55Surprise!
49:56I bought him back.
49:57I looked at Ash.
50:00With the apartment money?
50:02Emma's eyes flashed.
50:07Yeah, I can afford it.
50:08He's mine now.
50:10Ash's face went pale.
50:11No.
50:12I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
50:14I told her not to.
50:16Shut up.
50:18Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
50:20Quiet.
50:21No.
50:21Calm.
50:22Too long.
50:22I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
50:24Ash stared at me.
50:24I told her not to.
50:25For one second.
50:26Neither of them looked human.
50:29You sold him like trash.
50:32So I picked him up.
50:34Funny, isn't it?
50:37I looked at Ash's new collar.
50:40No.
50:41It's predictable.
50:45I'm not sure what you're selling.
50:46I'm not sure what you're selling.
50:46I'm not sure what you're selling.
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