- 13 minutes ago
Claimed By Three Beasts
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
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00:01:14I was matched with three beastmen from childhood.
00:01:18On my 21st birthday, I was supposed to choose one of them to bond with.
00:01:22The fox beastman, Reese, was really warm and charming.
00:01:32The tiger beastman, Finn, was proud and sharp-tongued.
00:01:37The snake beastman, Kalem, had double the fun.
00:01:40By the time Kalem had me too sore to straighten my back, I saw their group chat.
00:01:45Whoever she picks is seriously unlucky. I don't like her.
00:01:48What about you two? You mangly fox. You stinking tiger. I don't like her either.
00:01:54She's always yanking my fur in bed.
00:01:56I'm practically going bald. Her sister's so much gentler, don't you think?
00:02:00Right, you dead black snake? Don't like her.
00:02:04She's always biting my... tail tip.
00:02:07I let out a... cold laugh.
00:02:10Perfect.
00:02:10As a fake heiress, they saved me from agonizing over who to pick.
00:02:16That same night, I booked a flight overseas for school.
00:02:22Forget it. I don't want any of the three of you.
00:02:26The sound of rushing water came from the bathroom.
00:02:29But what they'd said came back to me.
00:02:58I held back my... tears.
00:03:01Fifteen years of waking up beside them, and it couldn't buy me one person's honest heart.
00:03:07They'd only met Sofia a handful of times, and they were already falling for her?
00:03:12I'd been sitting here counting down to my birthday next month, ready to give them an answer they'd be happy
00:03:17with.
00:03:18What a joke that looks like now.
00:03:20If I hadn't stumbled onto their real feelings today, I would have humiliated myself at next month's party.
00:03:26My identity was already shaky enough, being a fake heiress.
00:03:30And they were playing games with me on top of it.
00:03:33Tears welled up in my eyes.
00:03:35I was about to wipe it away, when arms folded around me from behind.
00:03:39Calum leaned in and carefully licked the tear from their cheek.
00:03:44I'm sorry sweetheart, but you warmed up?
00:03:46That's on me. We don't have to do both next time.
00:03:49I hadn't even noticed him come out of the bathroom.
00:03:52He'd just showered, still warm from the water, my scratches still marking his skin.
00:03:57I saw something in his eyes that looked real and not concerned.
00:04:01It made me angry.
00:04:03I shoved his hand off.
00:04:04He could say something that cruel and still act this well.
00:04:12I shot him a glare over my shoulder.
00:04:15Look at him.
00:04:16Was this my fault?
00:04:17He was the one always baiting me.
00:04:20The angrier I got, the more I wanted to do something about it.
00:04:24I opened my mouth and bit down on his tail tail.
00:04:27Heart.
00:04:28Calum let out a low grunt and pulled me closer instead.
00:04:34My tongue accidentally grazed the tail.
00:04:37I watched him tip his head back, jaw tight.
00:04:40I released his tail.
00:04:42I didn't look at the man behind me, breathing rough.
00:04:45The red at the corners of his eyes still not fading.
00:04:48I love this.
00:04:48Liar.
00:04:49I shoved the door open and walked out.
00:04:52Right into a burning, hot chest.
00:04:55Well, well.
00:04:57What happened, princess?
00:05:06Did that stupid snake leave you unsatisfied?
00:05:08Finn grinned down at me.
00:05:11Then he leaned to my ear and breathed.
00:05:13Wanna come to my room?
00:05:15Get away from me!
00:05:16I pushed him off and walked.
00:05:18Finn stared at my closed door, then turned a sharp look toward Calum.
00:05:23You upset her?
00:05:25I didn't.
00:05:26Calum looked just as lost.
00:05:28Did you say something to her?
00:05:29Calum frowned.
00:05:32What's all the noise?
00:05:34Reese leaned in the doorway.
00:05:36Talking's boring.
00:05:37Just fight it out, as if.
00:05:40Stop pretending to be reasonable.
00:05:41After the commotion died down, all three of them went back to their own rooms.
00:06:06I lay in bed and couldn't sleep, no matter which way I turned.
00:06:09I'd spent over 20 years as the heiress of this family.
00:06:13And now, I was being told it was all fake.
00:06:15The identity wasn't mine.
00:06:17My parents' love wasn't mine.
00:06:19Everything I had belonged to Sophia.
00:06:21I was the one who stole her brilliant life.
00:06:24So, I was the one who volunteered to live.
00:06:26That's how I ended up in this villa.
00:06:28I hadn't even planned on bringing the three of them.
00:06:30They showed up on their own room.
00:06:32The letter was short, little soon.
00:06:34My eyes went blurry.
00:06:36I bit into my pillow.
00:06:37Fake.
00:06:37All of it.
00:06:39Fake.
00:06:39The only real thing I had was my acceptance letter from the Eastmore Conservatory.
00:06:43I picked up my phone and dialed the number I had.
00:06:46Yes, that's right.
00:06:47Move the date up.
00:06:48Just one person.
00:06:50I hadn't had the chance to tell them yet.
00:06:52Right when I got the acceptance letter, the story broke that I wasn't the Morrison's real
00:06:56daughter.
00:06:57My parents held Sophia and cried.
00:06:59I quietly picked the mother away.
00:07:01They'd hired tutors for my piano since I was small.
00:07:04They'd given me the room with the best light upstairs for a practice room.
00:07:08Every bit of skill I had came from the foundation they built for me.
00:07:12Then one day, my parents took my hands on the nurse.
00:07:15Lina, go somewhere else for a while.
00:07:18In our hearts, you're still our child.
00:07:21My mouth opened but I couldn't bring myself to mention going away.
00:07:25In the dark, I bit my lip.
00:07:27Honestly, maybe this was the better way.
00:07:29I had no reason to stay.
00:07:31No one loved me.
00:07:32But I would love myself just fine.
00:07:35I'd meant to keep my temper in check.
00:07:37Spend one last quiet month with the three of them and leave without a scene.
00:07:41But some people never let you rest.
00:07:46Finn, get out.
00:07:48Princess, what did that stupid snake do to you?
00:07:50He acted like you hadn't heard me.
00:07:52Still upset?
00:07:53I didn't answer.
00:07:55I don't care.
00:07:57Tonight's my turn.
00:07:59I'll make it good for you.
00:08:00I pushed him back and said it again.
00:08:02I don't want to.
00:08:06Go back to your room.
00:08:07Finn finally registered that I meant it.
00:08:10His expression fell.
00:08:11What do you mean you don't want to?
00:08:14I've been waiting days!
00:08:17I slapped him across the face.
00:08:19Get out.
00:08:20Finn held his cheek, looking at me with eyes full of wounded disbelief.
00:08:24Then he slammed the door behind me.
00:08:27The noise brought Calum and Reese into the hallway.
00:08:29Lena, he ran out.
00:08:31Leave him.
00:08:32I said it slightly.
00:08:36Outside, thunder rolled.
00:08:37The rain came down hard.
00:08:46The rainiquer is on the door.
00:08:49The rain came down very low.
00:08:55The rain comes down with the front.
00:08:58The rain came down very low.
00:09:00The air openedもкам down the door wasn't heard.
00:09:06Who knows.
00:09:07His order stood down.
00:09:08The rain was married.乱QU's
00:09:09That whole night, every time I closed my eyes, I thought of him.
00:09:14He was the most stubborn of the three.
00:09:16I wasn't worried about him getting into real trouble.
00:09:19High-level beastmen were capable in every sense of the word.
00:09:22It was just that this feeling of being slipping out of control wasn't good,
00:09:26like being drowned slowly in a tide of memories you couldn't fight off.
00:09:30The next morning, I walked out of my room with dark circles under my eyes.
00:09:34Galen was standing by my door like a guard.
00:09:36I startled and stepped back.
00:09:38What are you doing outside my room?
00:09:39He didn't answer, just looked at me with those quiet, searching eyes.
00:09:43Then he reached over and tugged on the head of my clothes.
00:09:47Can I come to your room tonight?
00:09:48Faced with that desperate look, I tried very hard not to roll my eyes.
00:09:52No.
00:09:55I'll wear that butler outfit tonight, okay? I bought a crop.
00:09:59Did I hurt you last time? You can use it on me.
00:10:05I turned toward the stairs and walked down.
00:10:07I didn't look back at whatever he said next.
00:10:10Reese was at the bottom of the stairs, watching me with an unreadable expression.
00:10:14I stepped around him and sat down at the table.
00:10:17Reese paused, then came and stood behind my chair.
00:10:19Maybe.
00:10:20He said it.
00:10:21Aren't you forgetting something?
00:10:22Before, I used to give each of them a good morning kiss when I came down.
00:10:26Right now, I played dumb.
00:10:28Eat.
00:10:30Reese and Kalem exchanged a look behind me.
00:10:32Then they quietly pulled out their chairs.
00:10:35Halfway through the meal, the front door banged open.
00:10:37I felt my eye twitch before I even saw who it was.
00:10:41Sophia walked in behind Finn.
00:10:43Both of them about something.
00:10:46Sophia wrapped herself around my arm like we were close.
00:10:49Lena, the clothes in your room are all so pretty.
00:10:51But I thought someone else already wore them, so that's kind of gross, right?
00:10:55So I threw them all out.
00:10:58You don't mind, do you?
00:11:01I mean, after all these years of living so well.
00:11:11The air in the room went straight.
00:11:14I peeled her hand off my arm without changing my expression.
00:11:18I don't need them.
00:11:20I don't need them.
00:11:21I said it and glanced at the three beastmen.
00:11:23Their eyes were all on Sophia.
00:11:25Finn, in particular, was watching me with an almost defiant look.
00:11:30Lena, Sophia wants to stay here a few days.
00:11:32You don't have a problem with that, do you?
00:11:34I looked straight at Finn.
00:11:35The others watched my face for a reaction.
00:11:37Finn's eyes slid away from mine.
00:11:39Last night, if I hadn't ran into Sophia, I would have been out in that rain all night.
00:11:42You didn't even-
00:11:43Sure.
00:11:43I smiled and turned to Sophia before any of them could react.
00:11:47Stay as long as you want, little sister.
00:11:50Feel free to pick any room you like.
00:12:05And including nerves.
00:12:07Lena!
00:12:08All three said my name at the same time.
00:12:10What are you saying?
00:12:11No one goes in our rooms.
00:12:15Sweetheart.
00:12:16Did that tiger make you lose your mind?
00:12:18He's awful.
00:12:19We don't need him.
00:12:20Finn looked like he had a lot to say, but couldn't.
00:12:23He said it quietly, then shot Reese a look.
00:12:25I didn't bother with any of them.
00:12:27I grabbed my things and took the car out alone.
00:12:30No one came with me.
00:12:32At the bar, my friend Cassie pulled me into her side.
00:12:35What's going on, princess?
00:12:36I swirled my cocktail.
00:12:38Don't call me that.
00:12:39I'm a fake and everything I have is someone else's.
00:12:42I knocked the drink back.
00:12:44The burn hit my throat.
00:12:45All of it.
00:12:46Don't say that.
00:12:47You're my best friend.
00:12:49It's got nothing to do with where you come from.
00:12:51I leaned on Cassie's shoulder.
00:12:55What's got you so miserable?
00:12:57You've got three beastmen at home.
00:12:59Can't they cheer you up?
00:13:00She laughed a little.
00:13:01Don't mention them.
00:13:02They give me a headache.
00:13:09My phone kept going off.
00:13:11Messages and calls from all three of them.
00:13:13I didn't pick up once.
00:13:16By the time I got home, my steps weren't quite steady.
00:13:21I'd barely opened the door when hands gripped my shoulders.
00:13:31Lina!
00:13:32Why didn't you answer your phone?
00:13:34Halen's voice was right in my ear, tight with worry.
00:13:37You drank that much?
00:13:38Let me take you upstairs.
00:13:39I'm fine.
00:13:40I shrugged him off.
00:13:42I didn't drink that much.
00:13:43I wasn't lying.
00:13:44A few drinks wasn't enough to actually get me drunk.
00:13:48I said, let me walk on my own.
00:13:50Annoyance flashed across my face.
00:13:52What, you want me to dump all three of you sooner?
00:13:55Fueled by the alcohol, I blurted it out without noticing all three of them go pale.
00:13:59Lina, don't joke like that.
00:14:02I couldn't tell who said it.
00:14:04I went back to my room,
00:14:07showered and got into bed.
00:14:17Half asleep, I felt something wrap around my waist.
00:14:20I opened my eyes to Reese's face.
00:14:23When he saw me wake, he kissed me.
00:14:25Lina, don't open your eyes.
00:14:27My head was still foggy.
00:14:30He pressed his face against my neck,
00:14:33the rounded ears on top of his head brushing my chin.
00:14:39He was looking at me with that practiced, melting gaze.
00:14:42The alcohol dulled my brain.
00:14:48Reese, you...
00:14:50He didn't wait.
00:15:06Then we ended up sleeping together, swept up and wanting it.
00:15:10After days of nothing, I couldn't say no.
00:15:12Reese held me close and spoke against my ear.
00:15:15Lina, you'll choose me, won't you?
00:15:18Just me.
00:15:19Choose?
00:15:19I barely registered what he was asking.
00:15:22I just nodded along.
00:15:23It seemed to light something in me.
00:15:25He threw himself into it, more eager than before.
00:15:29Here?
00:15:30Is this the right amount of pressure?
00:15:32Lina.
00:15:33Pull myself.
00:15:35Really pull it.
00:15:42After that reckless night, the morning came.
00:15:45I had just woken up in Reese's arms.
00:15:47Then I found Calum and Finn standing at the side of the bed, watching us in silence.
00:15:52Clothes scattered all over the floor.
00:15:55Awkward, didn't quite cover it.
00:15:56Reese acted like he couldn't sense anything was wrong.
00:15:59His full tail patting lazily against my chest.
00:16:02Good morning, Lina.
00:16:04He kissed my cheek with a loud snap.
00:16:06Well, things were already a mess, so I figured I might as well go with it.
00:16:11I had too much sleep this night.
00:16:13It was like a good feeling.
00:16:16Excuse me.
00:16:18You said yourself you weren't drunk, Lina.
00:16:20Are you playing favorites now?
00:16:22If you wanted someone, you should have come to me!
00:16:24Finn's eyes were red at the clouds.
00:16:26We agreed when you turned 18.
00:16:28Every two days, rotate.
00:16:31Do you have any idea how long it's been since you came to my room?
00:16:34Shut up.
00:16:35I shook my head and pushed Reese's tail off me.
00:16:37Since that's how it is, let's cancel it.
00:16:41Cancel it what?
00:16:42The rotation.
00:16:44The room went quiet in a way that felt like something cracking.
00:16:47Why not?
00:16:48I don't do it.
00:16:49Get on.
00:16:53Sophia was leaving the very next day.
00:16:56She had etiquette classes and trainings to get to.
00:16:59She has no time to keep making a scene.
00:17:02Lina, I'm so jealous of you.
00:17:05You have so many nice things.
00:17:08My mouth twitched.
00:17:09I have nothing.
00:17:11Sophia's eyes had barely left the three of them the whole day.
00:17:14Stop!
00:17:15It'll all be yours soon.
00:17:18Sophia left.
00:17:19Damn it.
00:17:20Seeing his face just reminds me of last night.
00:17:24Where do you think you're going?
00:17:25Back to campus.
00:17:26I have some paperwork to sort out.
00:17:28I'll come with you.
00:17:29I'll come with you.
00:17:30All three stepped forward at the same time.
00:17:33Are you serious?
00:17:34You're still going?
00:17:35Have you got no shame?
00:17:36Finn elbowed Reese aside.
00:17:37Fair competition.
00:17:39You're just jealous, aren't you?
00:17:41While they argued, Kalem caught my hand.
00:17:44Take me with you.
00:17:46You dead snake!
00:17:50Enough.
00:17:51Everyone, stop.
00:17:52I shook my head.
00:17:54I'm going alone.
00:17:55No one is coming.
00:17:56Then I left.
00:17:57Of course I couldn't bring them.
00:17:58I was going back to submit paperwork for studying abroad.
00:18:04Lina, congratulations.
00:18:05Maestro Harlan almost never takes students.
00:18:08Your future is very bright.
00:18:11I walked toward the gate.
00:18:12Then I found Kalem leaning against a car, waiting.
00:18:16How did you know where I was?
00:18:18He opened the door, head bowed.
00:18:20I hesitated for a moment, then got in with him.
00:18:25Kalem, you-
00:18:26A hand pressed to the back of my head and he kissed me.
00:18:34Hard and desperate, like a small animal with no sense of safety trying to prove something.
00:18:40I was forced to tilt my head back and stay tangled up with him for a moment.
00:18:44Enough.
00:18:45I moved his hand away before it could wander.
00:18:48Kalem's tail wound around my waist, slowly tightened.
00:18:52Baby, are you going to leave me?
00:18:53I smiled, swallowing down the bitter edge beneath it.
00:18:57Who left who first?
00:18:58Stop imagining things.
00:19:00Is that so?
00:19:01He was already undoing the buttons of his shirt as he said it.
00:19:05He pressed my hand against his chest.
00:19:07Touch it for me.
00:19:08I smacked his hand away in exasperation.
00:19:11Kalem shuddered.
00:19:12Then his breathing went rougher and more wanting.
00:19:15Damn.
00:19:15He enjoyed that.
00:19:16You'll choose me, won't you, baby?
00:19:19I broke into a smile then.
00:19:21Of course.
00:19:22Kalem looked at me with those liquid eyes, serious, the heat in them not quite gone.
00:19:28Good.
00:19:28I was worried you-
00:19:30Never mind.
00:19:31A few more days, and then it's just the two of us.
00:19:35No more annoying flies buzzing around.
00:19:35He trailed off near the end, said it too quietly.
00:19:38I didn't catch it.
00:19:59I wasn't even out of the car when I got back, and Reese came sprinting toward me.
00:20:04Bad news, Lena.
00:20:05The tiger went into heat early.
00:20:06Stop!
00:20:07Before, whenever one of them went into heat, I was the one who handled it.
00:20:12Under the current circumstances, I wasn't exactly eager.
00:20:15I barely touched the door handle before it flew open.
00:20:19Finn scooped me up and dropped me onto the bed.
00:20:21He searched for my lips urgently, and when he found them, a low, relieved sound left him.
00:20:27His hands moved under my clothes, setting fires.
00:20:30Lena, you're such a bad girl.
00:20:32His eyes had gone red, his ears and tail already showing in the half-shifted state.
00:20:37Finn, calm down.
00:20:40I pushed his head back.
00:20:43What's that supposed to mean?
00:20:45You're really refusing me?
00:20:47He held me too tightly, and it hurt.
00:20:49Let go.
00:20:50Keep this up in your hands.
00:20:58What's the way?
00:21:03You're not gonna be handling it yourself.
00:21:05Finn wrapped himself around me, subdued.
00:21:08No longer pushing.
00:21:09Just rubbing his cheek against my thigh, quiet.
00:21:12Didn't you used to like it? I've got Bob's. I looked away. Finn looked like he might cry again. Then
00:21:19at least touch me.
00:21:24I worked his tail with my hands.
00:21:28Not enough. Lower. By the time my hands were too tired to keep going, Finn pressed a kiss to the
00:21:34top of my head.
00:21:36Lena, you'll choose me, won't you? I could barely keep my eyes open. What had gotten into all
00:21:42three of them coming to ask me that one after another? I kissed his lips. Desire moved through
00:21:49Finn's eyes, possessive and searching, landing on my mouth. Good. When the time comes, I'm collecting
00:21:56everything with interest. One week left before my birthday. The four of us held ourselves in a
00:22:02strange, fragile calm. On the day of the party, I wore a deep plum strapless gown with a fishtail hem.
00:22:08The three beast men looked at me like they were trying to see straight through the fabric.
00:22:13I pretended not to notice and got into the car with them. Under normal circumstances,
00:22:17the identity of a fake heiress wouldn't warrant such a formal event. But everything had been
00:22:22arranged far in advance, and business contacts were already coming to network. My parents also
00:22:27weren't willing to write off their investment in me, so the party continued. At the estate,
00:22:32I moved through the crowd with a composed smile. My mother came over, a touch of apology on her face.
00:22:39Lena, you've been away so long. Your father and I aren't trying to push you out.
00:22:43I just get along with your sister.
00:23:00I'm fine, Mom. I looked down and kept my voice level. She touched my hair.
00:23:05Tonight's your birthday. Keep your composure. Have you thought about your decision with the beast men?
00:23:10Don't worry. I'll give you an answer you're satisfied with. I took a glass of champagne,
00:23:15looked up, and locked eyes with Sophia across the room. I smiled and lifted my glass to her.
00:23:21Be grateful, little sister. I'm not fighting you for a single thing. I stood on the balcony and made
00:23:26a call. Is everything loaded and ready? Yes. Wait at the front gate. I should be out by 10 if
00:23:31nothing goes wrong. Right. Don't forget extra security. The door opened behind me. I ended the
00:23:34call quickly. Then arms came around me from behind. Lena, I'm so happy. Reese looked at me with
00:23:40soft, burning eyes. You'll choose me, won't you? Maybe it was just my imagination, but I thought
00:23:46I saw longing and a hint of humility in his eyes. Little fox, don't you trust me at all? I
00:23:52smiled and
00:23:53patted his head. He leaned in, eager to kiss me. Don't. My makeup. Reese followed me back into the hall.
00:24:00If he'd had his tail out right now, it would have been wagging.
00:24:07Under the attention of the room, I stepped up onto the stage. The hall quieted. The lights
00:24:13came down on me. My parents and Sophia stood at the front, closest to the stage. Kalem,
00:24:19Reese, and Finn stood below it. I looked at them one more time before I began to speak.
00:24:24The dim light fell across their faces so I didn't see what was written there. Three faces wearing
00:24:30the same expression, a sick, consuming need to possess. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for
00:24:37being here. Before I give my formal remarks, I have something I'd like to say.
00:24:44First, I'm sure you're all aware by now that I'm not the Morrison's biological daughter.
00:24:51That's something that saddens me deeply. I spent 20 years in a life that belonged to Sophia,
00:24:57and I am truly sorry for that. The hall filled with murmuring. No one had expected me to say it
00:25:03here,
00:25:04like this. My parents' expressions faltered. My mother gave me a warning look. I returned it with
00:25:11something steady and reassuring. She'd been my mother for 20 years. She knew what I was doing.
00:25:21I'm deeply grateful to the Morrison family for raising me, and in my eyes, they will always be
00:25:26my parents. Wherever they need me, I will always show up for them. But Sophia did suffer because of
00:25:33me, and I want to do everything in my power to make that right. As you all know, today is
00:25:40the day I'm
00:25:41meant to choose a partner from the three Beastmen I was matched with at birth. They are all
00:25:46exceptional. I mention this not to boast, because in truth, everything I have always belonged to
00:25:52Sophia. Only old money families had the resources to arrange Beastman matches from childhood. It
00:25:58wasn't available to most people. I paused. Sophia's expression had gone slightly blank. Downstage,
00:26:04all three Beastmen had gone pale. Therefore, I raised my voice. I am releasing all three of my
00:26:10Beastmen to Sophia. I won't be claiming any of them. The hall ruled. My parents and Sophia were on
00:26:19their feet. Sophia's eyes blazed with something like joy. You promised me. You can't lie to me. His
00:26:28voice broke, tinged with tears. Calum and Reese came running toward me like they'd gone mad.
00:26:54I raised a hand. The guards I'd placed moved in front of me. I ran off the stage, cut through
00:27:00the
00:27:00commotion, and was out of the estate before anyone could stop me. I got into the waiting car.
00:27:07That's my girl. I watched the live stream. Drive. I said it immediately. The three of them had already
00:27:14made it outside. Disheveled, nothing left of their polished composure from an hour ago. They were
00:27:19faster than I expected. The car sped up, but they ran behind it and didn't stop. Beastmen's speed was
00:27:25no joke. They could outrun a car on foot. Calum slapped my window, his voice breaking.
00:27:30Lena! Don't leave me! You promised!
00:27:34Then tried to cut off the car. The chassis lurched as they grabbed it.
00:27:38Oh my god, they're insane! They're absolutely insane!
00:27:41Cassie screamed and clung to my arm. Do something!
00:27:45Almost.
00:27:46Just as the tires were close to screaming, the roar of motorcycles cut through from the side.
00:27:51My guards pulled up alongside, great guns in hand. Each of the three got a shot. Their pace
00:27:57slowed. Then they fell onto the road.
00:28:17They could only watch as I drove away.
00:28:21Where did you even find those people?
00:28:23Cassie pressed herself against the rear window.
00:28:25I pressed my fingers to my brow and let out a breath.
00:28:28Money.
00:28:30What can it do?
00:28:32And just like that, I left a mess behind me and went abroad.
00:28:37I enrolled at the conservatory and became a student of Maestro Harland.
00:28:41I had talent to begin with. Four years of hard work and I'd quietly built a name for myself
00:28:46in music. Performing across countries and cities. Constant travel had become my normal.
00:28:53My parents hadn't let what happened push them away from me. They were practical people.
00:28:58The Morrison family's eldest daughter, Lena Morrison. World class concert pianist.
00:29:04A name like that was worth something to the family. That was enough.
00:29:09I'd had no word of the three of them in years. As if the night they lost their minds chasing
00:29:14my car never happened at all.
00:29:16Maybe they'd gotten exactly what they wanted. Maybe they were with the one they'd loved.
00:29:21But that had nothing to do with me anymore.
00:29:23Once I walked away, there was no going back.
00:29:26The plane touched down and my thoughts came back to me.
00:29:29I put on my sunglasses and walked out of the airport.
00:29:32A wall of reporters pushed microphones toward me.
00:29:35Ms. Morrison, what brings you back this time?
00:29:37You've been gone four years since you left without a word. Are you here to reclaim what's yours?
00:29:58You're still recognized as the Morrison family's eldest daughter. Are you coming back to contest the inheritance with your sister?
00:30:03You've accomplished so much, can you say a word?
00:30:05I took off my sunglasses and looked at them with a calm smile.
00:30:09I'm here to perform at an invitation-omal piano recital.
00:30:12My relationship with the Morrison family is good. It's nothing like what you're imagining.
00:30:16Ms. Morrison, the three elite beastmen who grew up alongside you, why did you give them up?
00:30:22They've each made a name for themselves since then. In finance, entertainment, and medicine.
00:30:27Did they do something to betray you? Can you share anything? You refused to bond with them at your birthday.
00:30:31Was it exhaustion or something you couldn't say out loud?
00:30:34Then I said evenly,
00:30:36Unimportant people. I forgot them a long time ago.
00:30:39Then I got in and drove away.
00:30:42Back at the villa, everything felt so familiar that it almost felt like another lifetime.
00:30:52My phone rang while I was sitting on the bed, staring at nothing.
00:30:56Hi, Mom.
00:30:57Lena.
00:30:57Why didn't you come straight home?
00:30:58I turned something over in my fingers. A single white hair.
00:31:03I wanted to settle in first. I'll be over tonight.
00:31:15Come soon. We've been waiting.
00:31:17You're always so busy. It's been so long.
00:31:20We want a proper conversation tonight.
00:31:22Okay. I'll head over now.
00:31:23I hung up and lay back on the bed.
00:31:25I frowned at the ceiling, genuinely puzzled.
00:31:28Four years of housekeeping, and they still hadn't managed to get rid of every trace of them.
00:31:34The house was full of warmth when I arrived.
00:31:38Lena.
00:31:38My mother ran to me and held my face in her hands.
00:31:42You've lost weight.
00:31:42The food abroad isn't any good, is it?
00:31:44Come, come. Cook has made all your favorites.
00:31:48Thank you, Mom.
00:31:49I brought gifts back from overseas for everyone.
00:31:51You and Dad and Sophia.
00:31:54You've gone formal on us going away for a few years.
00:31:57We made small talk, and I sat down.
00:32:00As luck would have it, right next to Sophia.
00:32:03Four years.
00:32:04Word was, she'd already been placed into a role at our father's company.
00:32:08Sophia tapped the table with her diamond-tipped nails.
00:32:11Lena. Long time no see.
00:32:14Long time no see.
00:32:16I looked her over.
00:32:21Knock, knock, knock.
00:32:23Four years of comfortable living had done a lot for her.
00:32:27She sparkled, carried herself differently than I remembered.
00:32:30You left quite gracefully back then, Sophia said.
00:32:33Made me look bad, you know.
00:32:35Tone hard to read.
00:32:36I took a sip of water and genuinely didn't know what to make of that.
00:32:39I'd handed her three top-tier beastmen.
00:32:42By any measure, that was a gain.
00:32:44Was she upset they'd been touched by someone else first?
00:32:46That seemed petty.
00:32:48It wasn't that kind of era anymore.
00:32:50That's enough. Don't bring it up.
00:32:51Lena.
00:32:53Now that you're back, are you planning to stay-
00:32:55She's not going anywhere.
00:32:56We're gonna find her a good match.
00:32:58And settle her.
00:32:59I hadn't even answered when my mother cut in.
00:33:02I poked at the fish in my bowl.
00:33:04Mom, that's really not something you need to do for me.
00:33:06I spent years grinding to get where I am.
00:33:09I didn't do that just to become someone's wife.
00:33:12I still have places to go and things to see.
00:33:17My mother went quiet.
00:33:19She looked at me for a moment.
00:33:21Then her smile faded slowly.
00:33:27My mother went quiet.
00:33:35She looked at me for a moment.
00:33:37Then her smile faded slowly.
00:33:47She was distracted for the rest of the meal.
00:33:49After dinner, my father called me into a study.
00:33:53He transferred a portion of the company shares into my name.
00:33:57The condition was that I continue as a public ambassador for the brand.
00:34:01Sophia had a rough childhood.
00:34:03So she'll take the larger share of the company.
00:34:06Any objections?
00:34:07I've already begun training her in management.
00:34:10No objection.
00:34:11I looked out calmly at the dark evening.
00:34:14And thought of the sky above Lake Takapo in New Zealand.
00:34:17That absolute, clean kind of dark.
00:34:20Nothing like here.
00:34:21My father let out a long breath.
00:34:23He seemed like he had more to say.
00:34:25You were always too headstrong.
00:34:27If you'd stayed and fought back then, things might have been different.
00:34:30Thank you, Dad.
00:34:32But I only want to play piano.
00:34:34I'm not going to fight Sophia for anything.
00:34:37I pulled the door open to leave and found Sophia standing right outside it.
00:34:41I glanced at her and went downstairs.
00:34:44Wait!
00:34:45Sophia followed, then stopped in front of me with an oddly uncomfortable expression.
00:34:49Did you mean what you said in there?
00:34:51Of course.
00:34:52I have my own career now.
00:34:54I have no interest in the company.
00:34:56You'd better mean it.
00:34:58Sophia said, lifting her chin.
00:35:00And by the way, your beastmen refused to go with me no matter what.
00:35:08I never touch them.
00:35:14That sentence made me stop breathing for a second.
00:35:17Then I pulled myself back together.
00:35:18That has nothing to do with me anymore.
00:35:20It's their choice.
00:35:22What do you mean?
00:35:23Sophia looked genuinely puzzled.
00:35:25I have nothing to do with those three.
00:35:28They're terrifying.
00:35:29I don't know how you ever liked that type.
00:35:32When you left, they nearly came apart.
00:35:34She paused.
00:35:36Oh, actually, you should just hear it from them.
00:35:39Here they come.
00:35:40I looked into the living room.
00:35:42There they were.
00:35:43Four years and none of them looked much different.
00:35:47If what Sophia said was true and she'd never taken them, they would have been processed by the Beastman registry
00:35:53and placed into work independently.
00:35:58Not a hardship for them.
00:35:59They'd always been in elite programs, even back in school.
00:36:02In their own specialized tracks alongside my international curriculum.
00:36:06Trained to the highest standard in everything.
00:36:10Kalem spoke first.
00:36:11His eyes were fixed on me.
00:36:14Hurt and hoping.
00:36:19I changed direction and walked toward the door.
00:36:25I have nothing to say to any of you.
00:36:27What's done is done.
00:36:28Don't come looking for me again.
00:36:29I got in the car and left.
00:36:32When I got home, I went straight to the piano room and played for hours before I finally stopped breathing
00:36:38hard.
00:36:39Sophia's words kept circling in my head.
00:36:42Was she lying to me?
00:36:43But what would she gain from that?
00:36:45If what she said is true, then what happened back then was a misunderstanding.
00:36:49So what made them say something that cruel?
00:36:52I couldn't work it out.
00:36:53I poured a glass of red wine and sat in the armchair by the floor-to-ceiling window.
00:36:58Shadows moved outside, then were still.
00:37:00I narrowed my eyes, then picked up my phone.
00:37:03Add extra guards outside.
00:37:04Everyone keeps a tramp gun on hand.
00:37:06After that, I went contentedly to sleep.
00:37:08I woke up because I couldn't breathe.
00:37:10When I finally got my eyes open, I was wrapped up tight in someone's arms.
00:37:15I knew it.
00:37:16Let go.
00:37:17I set it through my teeth.
00:37:24Finn was the closest one, his face lifting from where it had been pressed against my neck.
00:37:29Lena.
00:37:30If I let go, are you gonna run again?
00:37:31Reese had his arm around my waist.
00:37:33His large tail looped around my legs.
00:37:36Baby, to you we're just unimportant people.
00:37:38You actually said that.
00:37:40You promised me.
00:37:41Kalem's arms encircled me from behind.
00:37:43I'm sorry.
00:37:44The dark tail tip grazing my lips.
00:37:46Please this time, don't leave me.
00:37:48You can bite me if you want.
00:37:49As long as you're not angry, I'll take anything.
00:37:52Reese's tail shot into my hand.
00:37:53Then pull my fur too.
00:37:55Pull it bald if you want.
00:37:56Stop it, all of you!
00:37:57Are you trying to suffocate me?
00:37:59They pressed in again.
00:38:01Hot lips touched the back of my neck.
00:38:04Lena.
00:38:05Four years.
00:38:05Do you know what these four years were like for me?
00:38:08I clenched my fist.
00:38:09This is all an act now.
00:38:11Didn't you say it yourselves?
00:38:12You both loved Sophia so much.
00:38:14Said she was gentle.
00:38:15Said whoever I picked was unlucky.
00:38:18Didn't you want to be with her?
00:38:20Now that it turns out you couldn't manage to stay in her life, you come back to me?
00:38:23That's not it!
00:38:24I never liked her.
00:38:25I never liked her.
00:38:26All three denied it immediately.
00:38:28Stop pretending.
00:38:30I read your chat.
00:38:32You hated me biting your tail.
00:38:35You hated me pulling your fur.
00:39:07That's the other, the other one.
00:39:08I'm trying to bring back your face.
00:39:11I don't know if my breath was until I was already.
00:39:14Let's go.
00:39:25I want to go.
00:39:26Because I'm going to go.
00:39:27I want to go.
00:39:28No, I need to go.
00:39:29We had to go.
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00:59:27Then was the closest one his face lifting from where it had been pressed against
00:59:36My neck lena if I let go are you gonna run again? Reese had his arm around my waist his
00:59:41large tail looped around my legs
00:59:44Baby to you were just unimportant people. You actually said that you promised me
00:59:48Calum's arms and circled me from behind. I'm sorry the dark tail tip grazing my lips
00:59:53Please this time don't leave me you can bite me if you want as long as you're not angry
00:59:58I'll take anything Reese's tail shot into my hand then pull my fur to pull it bald if you want
01:00:04Stop it all of you. Are you trying to suffocate me? They pressed in again
01:00:09Hot lips touched the back of my neck lena four years
01:00:13Do you know what these four years were like for me? I clenched my fist. This is all an act
01:00:18now
01:00:18Didn't you say it yourselves?
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