- 24 minutes ago
- #fantasy
Awakening his supreme ancient mystical system power, a legendary hidden fighter returns to unleash absolute protection. #Fantasy
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00The S-rank white leopard companion I had didn't like me. He only wagged his tail for my adopted sister.
00:06So the night I bought home a Black Panther warslave instead, I was drunk, sitting outside the bar and smoking
00:13to sober up.
00:16A street vendor crept over, timidly, lowering his voice.
00:20Miss, you look totally stressed out. Need to let it all out?
00:25I've got a stress relief war beast. Panther type. Good for unwinding.
00:33What? The dealer glanced around nervously, then waved toward the shadows.
00:38A Black Panther beastman stepped into the light. Tall, 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.
00:51He unclipped a rusted inhibitor muzzle.
00:55Then grabbed the Panther's hair and pulled his head back.
00:58Exposing his face.
01:00Blonde skin.
01:01Smooth 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.
01:17Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
01:20I swallowed.
01:23He was exactly my type.
01:25And my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
01:28I genuinely needed an outlet.
01:31But I already had a white leopard at home.
01:34Ash would mind.
01:35The vendor kicked the Panther.
01:37Get up.
01:38Show her your build.
01:39The Panther stood slowly.
01:41Chains coiled around him.
01:43He could only use one hand to peel off his shirt.
01:46Clean, solid muscle.
01:47I saw the bruises layered over bruises.
01:50High stamina.
01:52Heals fast.
01:53Two thousand for two hours of release.
01:55You can do whatever you want.
01:56Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood.
01:59And he'll recover.
02:00I stared at him.
02:02People'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.
02:13I stood up.
02:13A little unsteady from the alcohol.
02:16How much to buy him outright?
02:18Not cheap.
02:19He's our best.
02:20He attended many big wars.
02:22Name your price.
02:24I'll give you a discount.
02:25Just 58,800.
02:27I paused.
02:28My parents spent millions on Ash.
02:31My premium S.
02:32Class white leopard gift.
02:34This one was practically free by comparison.
02:37Seeing I didn't bid,
02:38the vendor stepped forward.
02:40Too much?
02:44Fine.
02:45Round 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 diamonds on the way out.
03:00Don't remove the inhibitor muzzle
03:01until he's fully tamed.
03:03Keep the chains on.
03:04Both of them.
03:08Eli stood still in the entryway.
03:11Eyes down.
03:12Waiting for whatever came next.
03:15Go shower.
03:17I came out of the shower wrapped in a robe.
03:20Still 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,
03:30I knocked.
03:32I left my phone in there.
03:33He hadn't locked the door.
03:35So I pushed it open.
03:37The lie froze his back to me.
03:39His tall, imposing figure was completely bare.
03:43Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains.
03:47Washing 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.
03:59Pressed my lips to the bruising on his spine.
04:03What are you doing?
04:04Take it easy.
04:06His hands clenched at his sides.
04:10It's not.
04:11What is that?
04:16That's not how stress relief works.
04:19I've never done this before.
04:20Bear with me.
04:21I pushed him onto the bed.
04:26I kissed every bruise.
04:29One 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.
04:56He let out a muffled sound and closed his eyes.
04:59Long lashes trembling.
05:03Ash was my parents' apology.
05:05Premium.
05:06S-class companion, white lover.
05:08A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
05:11I was 5 when I disappeared.
05:1323 when they finally fell out.
05:15When I came home,
05:17I found out my parents had already adopted a little girl.
05:20Emma.
05:21She'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.
05:28Get out!
05:29I'm their real daughter!
05:30Why are you here taking my parents?
05:33This is my home!
05:34Get out!
05:36Don't cry.
05:37You'll always be our daughter.
05:39Zoe coming back doesn't change how much we love you.
05:42Emma's been spoiled.
05:43You're 6 years older.
05:44Just try to be patient with her.
05:46I 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.
05:58I learned to smile at customers who touched my waist.
06:00Learned to sleep with my bag after a landlord threw me out.
06:04Because I was 2 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.
06:16I let my eyes well up.
06:17Looked down.
06:19I understand, dad.
06:21Playing vulnerable work.
06:23The monthly allowance.
06:24They wired me and I.
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.
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.
06:58I didn't hit him.
06:59Why would I hit a beast man?
07:00Lily went quiet for a moment.
07:02Then how did you unwind?
07:04The way you are thinking.
07:05On bed.
07:06We 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.
07:24Others ended up in underground war beast aliens.
07:26Death matches.
07:27Even after rescue.
07:28These war beasts were considered feral and untamed.
07:31Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
07:33The ones no one took.
07:34Euthanized.
07:38I know where he lives.
07:40If you regret it.
07:41I startled.
07:41I quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
07:48He 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.
07:57As long as you behave.
07:58Only listen to me.
08:00Nobody else.
08:02Okay.
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.
08:10He flinched away.
08:11This one wouldn't let me touch his ears either.
08:13Sorry.
08:14Force of habit.
08:17You can touch them now.
08:21If you still want to.
08:22I didn't hesitate.
08:24I swung up and sat across his waist.
08:25Braced my hands on his chest.
08:27And squeezed his ears between my fingers.
08:30Ellie's breathing deeply.
08:31He tipped his head back.
08:33Eyes half-littered.
08:35Watching me.
08:37Can we do it again?
08:40We didn't go straight home.
08:42I 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 paid for him.
08:55I don't need it.
08:56I can eat anything.
08:58Don't spend the money.
09:00I won't die.
09:01This amount was what Ash burned through on snacks every month.
09:05It's fine.
09:07Do 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.
09:26Warbeast arena or stress relief.
09:28Before this, I mean.
09:30Both.
09:31Figured.
09:32The 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.
09:55He 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, mom and dad had given me Ash.
10:09Zoe's too quiet.
10:11We 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!
10:29She snatched the cub and ran out.
10:31Didn't come back.
10:33My birthday dinner was ruined.
10:35My birthday present was gone.
10:38Mom and dad were a mess for days.
10:40I cried too.
10:43I'm so sorry.
10:45I made her leave.
10:45It's my fault.
10:47One 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.
10:57Mom 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.
11:08Mom, you hit me?
11:10Do you know what the last 12 days were like?
11:14I just got back and you're hitting me?
11:17If you ever make Zoe feel unwelcome in this house again, don't call me mom.
11:22After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
11:26She 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.
11:45You remember me.
11:46Of course.
11:48He caught her easily.
11:50A 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.
12:04He refused 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.
12:32Eli had shown up at exactly the right moment.
12:35I had no reason to say no.
12:39Sleep with me tonight?
12:41I'll take you shopping for clothes tomorrow.
12:44Will he mind?
12:46Eli asked.
12:48Who?
12:48He glanced over at me.
12:50Ash.
12:52Panthers are territorial.
12:54He doesn't like sleeping with me.
12:57It's fine.
12:59Eli 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 won't pay me.
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 to leave you.
13:28It's nothing.
13:32Zoe.
13:34In the morning, I stepped out of my room at the exact same time as Ash.
13:39Why were you talking in your sleep last night?
13:41All those little sounds.
13:42It was loud.
13:44I 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?
13:54I thought I heard you crying.
13:56I was having the time of my life.
14:05If you ever have a nightmare, you can...
14:07Ash!
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 toward the door frame.
15:03His eyes landed on Ash.
15:05That'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, Evan.
16:10Can'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.
17:04It'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.
17:22You know, 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.
17:47Even 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.
18:55Eli 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.
19:10When 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.
19:32Fork 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.
19:51When 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.
20:02Our house had three floors.
20:04The 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.
20:48How would you know I wouldn't?
20:50To 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.
21:12Seven days.
21:14On 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.
21:22Mom 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.
21:33Ash was lying on my sleeping bag.
21:36Emma 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, and kissed her back.
21:51Ash.
21:53Promise me you won't touch her.
21:56Ash hesitated.
21:58But...
21:58Wait until I'm 18.
22:01It's only a few months.
22:03In 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.
22:19Yes.
22:21The video ended.
22:23Mom looked the worst.
22:24Emma!
22:25Is 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, not audition replacements.
22:44I'm calling your cellar today.
22:45Emma'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 going to let her run my life?
23:01Emma.
23:01You did this.
23:03If you hadn't, there'd be nothing to record.
23:05Both of you, this month's allowances go to Zoe.
23:08And 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.
23:21This was no different.
23:25Three days without Emma or Ash hovering around.
23:28I took Ellie shopping.
23:30Everywhere.
23:31He was a specimen.
23:33Built 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.
23:47I went slightly feral and bought twelve custom-tailored ones.
23:54Then I was too tired to walk.
23:56Eli 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, didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
24:10They tried.
24:13He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee, took off my heels, swapped 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.
24:26He kept catching himself, recalibrating his grip, but he'd memorized every step.
24:34And?
24:36He went a little pink.
24:38I didn't.
24:39I hurt the client and ran.
24:43They 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 War Beast arena.
24:53I hadn't eaten in three days, I 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 so they put me on stress relief work.
25:11I survived that too.
25:13This week they were debating sending me back to the arena.
25:16Then you bought me.
25:19While I was still kneeling, wearing 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.
25:30Violent, arena bred, unfit for a proper bond.
25:34I'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.
25:44I don't know how hard to hold you without hurting you.
25:47Last night when you cried, I panicked.
25:53I remembered.
25:54The second time was so much better than the first.
25:56I'd lost control and made a sound I hadn't expected.
26:00I'm sorry, did I hurt you?
26:01I misjudged.
26:01It's my fault.
26:02You can punish me.
26:04Hit me.
26:05Starve me.
26:06Whatever you want.
26:08Just don't cry.
26:09Please.
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.
26:26I 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.
26:37He 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.
26:50Are you trying to cover his imprint?
26:52He realized what he was doing.
26:54Hold 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.
27:04But you never fought back against me.
27:07Not 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.
27:23Also 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, but I will never hurt you.
27:31Never.
27:32Not ever.
27:33I believe you.
27:35I 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.
27:56I'd had to train with him daily.
27:58Manage his nutrition.
28:00Force.
28:00Feed 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.
28:10I 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 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!
28:29I bought this one for Eli.
28:31Out of your room already?
28:32Yes.
28:33You must be so pleased with yourself.
28:34Not really.
28:35You got off easy.
28:36But I'll try harder next time.
28:38Zoe.
28:39Send him out.
28:40Ash was still glaring at a lie.
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 Beastman had sharp senses.
28:55Ash 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.
29:05It's fine Ash.
29:07You always said she smelled anyway.
29:09Come stay with me.
29:10Sliding her fingers through his.
29:11He hesitated exactly one second.
29:13Then 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.
29:26Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
29:29They were all warmth and sweetness.
29:32Trying to get a reaction out of me.
29:33I had none.
29:35As long as they weren't doing it in my face.
29:37I 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.
29:45L.I. spent a lot of time watching them.
29:47Emma kept flushing every time she caught him looking.
29:49Then pretending she hadn't noticed.
29:51He was studying.
29:52Ash.
29:52Meanwhile.
29:53Looked like a ghost.
29:54Kept catching himself staring at me with something half formed in his expression.
29:58I knew why.
29:59A few days earlier.
30:00Emma.
30:01You haven't groomed me in forever.
30:04You have hands.
30:05Do it yourself.
30:06Emma said flatly.
30:07Am I your pet or are you mine?
30:09My products are running out too.
30:12Then ask Zoe.
30:13It's her account not mine.
30:14Emma 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.
30:26Blame me?
30:27You didn't exactly stop me.
30:30And now you think she's better?
30:31Then go to her.
30:32Go 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.
30:41After that fight.
30:42Ash 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.
30:51I was out on the second floor balcony in my slip dress.
30:54Smoking a post session cigarette.
30:56Ash came up behind me.
30:58And wrapped his arms around me.
30:59Without a word.
31:01Warm tears dropped onto my neck.
31:04One at a time.
31:06You're not complaining about the smell?
31:10He said.
31:11I'm sorry.
31:11He pressed his face into my neck.
31:13Can you forgive me?
31:15I smiled.
31:16Said 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.
31:33If you'd known it was Emma, you wouldn't have stopped her either.
31:40That'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.
31:50She ran at them.
31:51Screaming and crying.
31:53Until they gave up and fled.
31:54You're my owner.
31:56But she saved my life.
31:58I couldn't refuse her.
31:59In the tent that night, I was half as asleep.
32:02When 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.
32:09But she saved my life.
32:11How 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.
32:22I sighed.
32:23Turned to face him.
32:25Ash.
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 pulled whatever they had.
32:46And dragged me to a back alley clinic.
32:52So, I had more people doing things for me than you ever did.
32:55And I never crawled into anyone's bed over it.
32:59Never said yes just because someone asked.
33:02Ash.
33:03You'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.
33:12I believe it.
33:14You've even evolved past a companion beast's most basic trait.
33:18Loyalty.
33:19I 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, I wouldn't have complained about the smoking.
33:37I wouldn't have helped her make things harder for you.
33:40His tear.
33:41Wet face pressed into my collar.
33:42I only ever heard Emma's side.
33:44She made it sound like you were the one taking things from her.
33:50Like Ash and everything that came with him should have been hers.
33:55And past his shoulder, two figures in the dark.
33:58The closer one, tall and still was Eli.
34:01The farther one was Mom.
34:03I met her eyes.
34:04My cigarette hand barely paused.
34:07I didn't hide it.
34:08Fine.
34:09She saw.
34:10When I came home.
34:12I'd glossed over the first years.
34:14They'd worked so hard on Emma.
34:16Piano.
34:17Ballet.
34:18Flower.
34:19Arranging.
34:20Everything polished.
34:22Me.
34:24Good at stealing.
34:26Lock picking with a hairpin.
34:28Chain 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.
34:46Go to sleep.
34:47Mom 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.
34:58Eli 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.
35:07Ellie didn't react.
35:08He 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.
35:19Ash didn't take him up on it.
35:21Stay with me tonight.
35:22He said instead to me.
35:24I know what to do.
35:26I was trained.
35:27I'd be better than him.
35:28Is that right?
35:28His tail went into overdrive.
35:31I mean it.
35:32Please.
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.
35:44Good night Ash.
35:49Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
35:52I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
35:53Jealous?
35:55No.
35:58You're exceptional.
36:00You'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.
36:16I 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?
36:31I can't get it clean.
36:34What?
36:36Can I take this off?
36:39Licking might work better.
36:40I thought for a moment, then unclipped it.
36:48He kissed upward, inch, all the way to my chin.
36:53That spot doesn't have his imprint on it.
36:59May I?
37:00His kiss was careful, unpracticed.
37:04I cracked one eye open to look at him.
37:07Steam and fog all around him.
37:10Eyes shut tight.
37:11Long 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.
37:29But they didn't push.
37:31I worked at the family company.
37:33Most days I didn't come home for lunch.
37:36One afternoon I did.
37:38Just wanted to nap.
37:40Voices drifted up from the living room.
37:43Eli and Ash.
37:44I leaned on the second.
37:46Floor railing and watched.
37:48Eli was sitting on the couch, watching television.
37:51Ash planted himself in front of him, tail bristling.
37:54You think Zoe actually likes you?
37:56She's using you to get at me.
37:58Once 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, half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
38:10Interesting.
38:11In front of me, Eli was steady and careful and almost meek.
38:15This was the first time I'd seen his edges.
38:22Clean?
38:24You've killed war beasts in an arena?
38:25Do you even know how many?
38:27I know.
38:29Useful information.
38:31He stood up slowly.
38:34Honestly, you bother me.
38:36Me?!
38:37You're the outsider here!
38:39Zoe paid millions for me!
38:40I was here first!
38:43Millions?
38:45You don't look worth that.
38:47Do you know which part of the throat to bite?
38:52No..
38:52The other person in Flash will camp Pingu pu-shot make a sound?
38:56How to make a panther disappear quietly.
38:59I'm probably the only kind who knows that.
39:00Ash backed up.
39:04What are you doing?
39:08What would I do?
39:12i'm just a low-class panther then he lunged ash panicked and shifted into full leopard form and
39:19instinct the white leopard tackled ella teeth sinking into his forearm eli crashed into the
39:27coffee table porcelain cracked when mom came running at the noise she found eli on the ground
39:33arm bleeding badly sitting up pale and pressing the wound i'm sorry ma'am i've been too close to
39:45zoe lately ash was unhappy i should have been more careful i came downstairs eli what happened
39:53it's nothing nothing like what i dealt with in the arena i was biting down hard on a laugh
39:59yesterday he'd sworn up and down he had no jealousy whatsoever and he'd already planned it's not
40:04true he went at me first he's setting me up setting you up if he wanted to hurt you you'd
40:12still be on
40:13the floor zoe i'm serious mom was already on her phone i'm calling the cellar this panther is going
40:23back no need wrapping ellie's arm the return window closed a while ago i'll sell him to a friend who's
40:31been looking for a premium panther mom paused that works he's yours to decide
40:42zoe you'd sell me for him you said you liked me i know you did you used to grab my
40:48tail in your sleep
40:48so you wouldn't have nightmares you wrote in your journal that you were lonely here that at least
40:53you had me even if i didn't like you you'd sneak pets when i was asleep you asked me once
40:58when you
40:58were drunk why i never liked you why even i was always on emma's side zoe you can't feel nothing
41:05for
41:05me he was right i wasn't as detached as i like to think even at 23 arriving at a stranger's
41:12house had
41:13still scared me watching my parents tilt toward emma had still stung thinking about emma living the
41:19life that should have been mine that had still burned when i found out my birthday gift was going
41:26to be a panther i had been genuinely excited i had put hope in ash he'd ground it down slowly
41:33over
41:34months i imagined too much i met his eyes to me you're just a disloyal companion beast
41:46not worth mourning
41:51i moved fast ash was gone the next day i handed him to a contact who dealt in resale
41:57i didn't ask where he ended up maybe he'd be used for breeding
42:02maybe he'd find a kinder owner either way he had served his purpose in my life
42:09financial conversion complete eli meanwhile was draped across my bed looking tragically injured
42:16he'd been worse than this the first night i met him and still propped himself up with one arm to
42:21do
42:22things but now thank you he said weakly he's really gone yes ally stared into his bowl
42:33that's a shame i really did want to get along with him
42:37want me to bring him back you two can be best friends
42:40ali's finger twitched the buyer already has him they probably won't return him
42:45i could offer them a little extra
42:47ali 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
43:03what
43:04if he bites me again
43:05what do i do
43:07i said nothing
43:08just watched him
43:09his expression went from nervous to tense
43:12to lost
43:12you
43:13already knew
43:15i 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 i
43:26he kept coming at me
43:28please don't send me away
43:29i was bluffing
43:31i would never actually hurt him
43:32i'll be good
43:34it's fine
43:35honestly
43:37i kinda 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
43:49ally and i were the same type
43:52if 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
44:00emma stopped crying in hallways
44:03stopped leaving ash's old leash where i could see it
44:06stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast
44:09she was waiting
44:10people 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
44:20good location
44:22good building
44:23expensive enough to make my smile freeze
44:26i held it in place anyway
44:29inside
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
44:45that was exactly why
44:47i didn't trust eventually
44:49what was in my hand was mine
44:56emma swept over with mom and dad on her arm bright eyed and glowing
45:00zoe did you get me a birthday present
45:03i set down my champagne
45:07my parents are already yours
45:09what more do you want
45:11the room went quiet emma 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
45:29today is my birthday and she's attacking me
45:30i always said she was faking it
45:32you never believed me
45:33dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder
45:36not hers
45:37mine
45:37we know
45:41emma froze
45:42mom looked tired in a way i hadn't seen before
45:45zoe is right
45:47and this mouth opened
45:49nothing came out
45:50dad looked at me
45:53your 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
46:21that's it
46:23you found your real daughter
46:25and now i become charity
46:26mom flinched
46:28dad's jaw tightened
46:29we 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
46:41there it was
46:43the real thing under the tears
46:45hatred
46:46not grief
46:47hatred
46:50you think you won
46:52because you bought a filthy panther
46:54and sold the pretty one
46:56eli had been standing near the wall
46:58silent 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
47:10when they want something to hurt
47:12mom's face changed
47:16emma
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
47:39sorry
47:39the obedience in his voice made emma's skin
47:43he listens well
47:44i walked across the room
47:46everyone watched me
47:48emma lifted her chin like she expected to slap
47:52i didn't give her that
47:53i leaned close and said softly
47:57careful
47:59low-class warbeasts bite
48:01her face paled
48:03enough
48:03emma the apartment remains yours
48:05we will support you through school
48:07but tomorrow 20% of the company's shares transfer to zoe
48:11emma stopped breathing
48:12the rest will be placed in an irreversible will
48:16everything else goes to you
48:20emma's face collapsed
48:22this time when she screamed
48:23no one moved to comfort her
48:28emma left for university across the country
48:30the house breathed for the first time
48:32breakfast became quiet
48:35mom started asking me what i like to eat
48:38dad started bringing company documents home
48:41and explaining things without making it sound like a favor
48:44it was strange
48:45almost peaceful
48:48i didn't adapt to it
48:50peace was usually the moment before someone
48:52calling to the window
48:53then
48:54i saw the apartment listing online
48:56emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss
48:59i stared at the screen
49:00that was not my business
49:02i closed the tab
49:04three days later
49:05eli found me in the garage
49:07he was holding my coat
49:08you forgot this
49:10i was going to the office
49:11i know
49:13he didn't move
49:14i looked at him
49:16what
49:17his ears were flat
49:18there's a beast imprint by the east gate
49:23ash
49:23no
49:24gaze flicked toward the driveway
49:27not 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
49:54surprise
49:54i bought him back
49:56i looked at ash
50:00with 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
50:20i didn't know she was selling the apartment
50:22i told her not to
50:23for one second
50:24neither of them looked human
50:28you 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
50:40it's predictable
50:41you
50:42you
50:43you
50:43you
50:44You
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