A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
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.
00:21Miss, you look totally stressed out. Need to let it all out?
00:25I've got a stress relief warbeast, 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.
00:45He 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, then grabbed the panther's hair and pulled his head back.
00:58Exposing his face, brown skin, smooth beneath the bruises.
01:03A sharp, straight nose, thin lips pressed tight.
01:07Black beast marks curled along his throat.
01:10Half hidden beneath the collar.
01:12The vendor slapped his face hard.
01:15Look at that face, miss.
01:17Wouldn't it feel good to smack something that pretty?
01:20I swallowed.
01:23He was exactly my type, and my doctor had said my stress hormones were out of control.
01:29I genuinely needed an outlet, but I already had a white leopard at home.
01:34Ash would mind.
01:35The vendor kicked the panther.
01:38Get up. Show her your build.
01:40The panther stood slowly, chains 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.
01:51High stamina.
01:52Heals fast.
01:532,000 for two hours of release.
01:55You can do whatever you want.
01:56Just don't slit his throat and drain his blood, and he'll recover.
02:00I stared at him.
02:02I stared at him.
02:02People's tastes had gotten that dark.
02:04Slit his throat?
02:05Forget it.
02:07My white leopard at home wouldn't let me touch him anyway.
02:10But this one was cheap.
02:11Obedient sounded fine.
02:13I stood up.
02:14A 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, the 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.
02:51I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I took him to a hotel.
02:56The vendor gave me a long list of warnings on the way out.
03:00Don't remove the inhibitor muzzle until he's fully tamed.
03:03Keep the chains on.
03:05Both of them.
03:09Eli stood still in the entryway, eyes down.
03:12Waiting for whatever came next.
03:16Go shower.
03:17I 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.
03:32I left my phone in there.
03:34He hadn't locked the door.
03:35So I pushed it open.
03:37Eli froze his back to me.
03:39His tall, imposing figure was completely bare.
03:43Water streamed down his shoulders along the rusted chains.
03:46Washing away rust and dried blood.
03:49His tail hung low, trembling slightly.
03:52My brain went offline.
03:56I crossed the room and hugged him from behind.
03:59Pressed 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?
04:41I'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 trembled.
05:03Ash was my parents' apology.
05:05Premium.
05:06S-class companion, white woman.
05:08A compensation for the 18 years they lost me.
05:11I was 5 when I disappeared.
05:1323 when they finally fell out.
05:16When 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!
05:35Get 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.
05:55Night shift cashier.
05:56Warehouse pattern.
05:58I learned to smile at customers who touched my waist.
06:01Learned 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.
06:11A 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.
06:23A monthly allowance.
06:25They wired me.
06:26Mom.
06:26Kept going off.
06:30Morning.
06:30I had my cheek pressed against Ellie's arm.
06:33My best friend, Lily, texted me.
06:34Where are you?
06:35Did you do your usual disappearing act and go home alone again?
06:38No.
06:38I bought a new stress relief war beast last night.
06:40Being busy.
06:41Zoe, what is wrong with you?
06:43I know you are upset that your white leopard at home ignores you.
06:46But you can't just go buy a punching bag.
06:48You couldn't bring yourself to hit the expensive ones, so you went out and bought a cheap one
06:51to 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.
07:02And 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.
07:13Traffickers stole young beast men or bought low.
07:15Class one's cheap.
07:16Then they tortured and filtered them, keeping 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 beasts going against death matches.
07:27Even after rescue, these war beasts were considered feral and untamed.
07:31Official shelters offered them for free adoption.
07:33The ones no one took, euthanized.
07:38I know where he lives, if you regret it.
07:41I startled.
07:42Quickly darkened my screen and turned over.
07:48He runs with a crew.
07:49They probably won't give you the money back.
07:52But if I catch him alone, I might be able to.
07:55I don't regret it.
07:57As long as you behave, only listen to me.
08:00Nobody else.
08:02Okay.
08:03There were a few faint scars along the fur of his ears.
08:06I 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.
08:26Braced my hands on his chest.
08:27And squeezed his ears between my fingers.
08:30Ellie's breathing deepened.
08:32He tipped his head back.
08:33Eyes half-lidded.
08:35Watching me.
08:37Can we do it again?
08:40We didn't go straight home.
08:42I took Ellie to a war beast 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.
08:54I 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.
09:26War beast 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.
09:40In the arena?
09:41No.
09:42He looked at my back.
09:44From when I was being used.
09:45We got home past midnight.
09:47Mom and dad were already asleep.
09:49Ash 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.
10:01This is Ash's.
10:04On my first birthday in this house.
10:06Mom and dad had given me Ash.
10:09Zoe's too quiet.
10:11We thought having a companion might open her up.
10:14Back then, Ash hadn't shifted yet.
10:16Just a small white leopard cub.
10:20Why 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.
10:41I cried too.
10:43I'm so sorry.
10:45I made her leave.
10:46It'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.
10:55I'm never running again.
10:57Mom and dad rushed out and all three of them sobbed together on the doorstep.
11:02When 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.
11:23After that, Emma stopped coming after me openly.
11:26She gave Ash back a few weeks later.
11:29Not long after that, he shifted.
11:35He tilted his head at me and said his first shifted word.
11:39Emma?
11:41I'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.
12:04Refused to let me touch his ears.
12:06Never waited by the door for me.
12:09He only reacted to Emma's footsteps.
12:11He only waited for her.
12:14I watched them every time.
12:15I told myself I didn't really care.
12:18Because 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've been breaking out.
12:28Stress hormones, the doctor said.
12:30Ash wouldn't touch me.
12:32Alai 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?
12:46Alai asked.
12:48Who?
12:48He glanced over at me.
12:50Ash.
12:52Panthers are territorial.
12:55He doesn't like sleeping with me.
12:57It's fine.
12:59Alai 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 pain.
13:11Stress relief.
13:13I do.
13:14But my legs are killing me.
13:17I have good stamina.
13:18You can just lie there.
13:23That's very insidious movie.
13:28It's nothing.
13:32Zoe.
13:34In 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.
13:44I wasn't annoyed.
13:46Sorry.
13:48I'll keep it down.
13:49His tone softened a little.
13:51Awkward.
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 bared foot.
14:14He stepped right past me and went into Emma's room.
14:18Came back out carrying her.
14:19How did your slippers end up in the living room if you were in your room?
14:22Because you carried me to bed last night and forgot to bring them.
14:26He sat her on his knee, found the bunny slippers, and put them on her feet.
14:30Perfect companion beast.
14:32Just not mine.
14:33Zoe, my 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?
14:43What?
14:43Then inhaled.
14:44The deeper he breathed, the harder his hand gripped my waist.
14:47Zoe, why do you carry another beast's imprint?
14:51I said nothing.
14:53I looked past his shoulder.
14:56Eli had just opened a little room.
14:58He was half a head taller than Ash.
15:01His shoulders almost pulled the door from him.
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, who 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 ebb and can't even give away.
16:12Zoe, you 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.
16:25We just want you safe.
16:26We can't lose you again.
16:27I won't hurt her.
16:30If it makes you feel better, I'll keep the restraints on.
16:33I can sleep in a crate at night.
16:37A 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.
16:56Zoe!
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, since 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?
18:12Mom 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.
18:29He 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.
18:57Then 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.
19:24I'll remember next time.
19:28His fingers tightened around the floor.
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?
20:58Really?
20:59But last time, didn't you promise 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.
21:14On 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.
21:23Mom and Dad were so happy.
21:24When I came back from a cigarette break, I saw Emma in my tent.
21:29The campfire had gone out.
21:31One small lantern flickered inside.
21:34Ash 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.
21:47And kissed her back.
21:52Ash, promise me you won't touch her.
21:56Ash hesitated.
21:58But...
21:59Wait until I'm 18.
22:01It's only a few months.
22:03In this world, a companion beast who slept with a human under 18 faced immediate disposal,
22:09regardless 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?
22:17Ash 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.
22:39I paid for you.
22:40You'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 going to 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.
23:08And you're both grounded for three days.
23:11A 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.
23:56Eli carried everything with one arm and me with the other.
24:00I had my arm hooked around his neck,
24:02tracing the line of his nose with one finger.
24:06Eli, you look like this.
24:08Didn't they try to make you sell yourself?
24:10They tried.
24:13He set me on the bed and dropped to one knee.
24:17Took 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,
24:51so 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.
25:00After 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.
25:13This 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 just bought him.
25:22Both hands wrapped lightly around mine.
25:24I'm not hiding anything from you.
25:27I'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.
25:37I 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, hit me, starve me, whatever you want.
26:08Just don't cry, please.
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.
26:20I 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.
26:38He 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?
26:52He 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.
27:29But I will never hurt you.
27:32Never.
27:33Not ever.
27:33I believe you.
27:35As a reward.
27:37I pushed him back onto the bed.
27:40Let me kiss you again.
28:10Eli and I fell into a rhythm.
28:11As a 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!
28:30I 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 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 Beastman 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.
29:05It'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.
29:26Ash and Emma spent a while putting on a show in front of me.
29:30They 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, 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.
29:45Now 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, meanwhile, looked 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.
30:01Emma!
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.
30:14Emma, 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?
30:32Then 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, 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,
30:54smoking a post-session cigarette.
30:56Ash 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.
31:11He pressed his face into my neck.
31:13Can you forgive me?
31:15I smiled, said 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, I 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, Emma and I were on the streets together.
31:47A group of guys tried to grab me.
31:50She ran at them, screaming 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?
32:15Then keep being grateful to her.
32:17I 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.
32:39When I had a fever and passed out.
32:43They pooled 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.
32:56And 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.
33:13I 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.
33:41Wet face pressed into my collar.
33:43I only ever heard Emma's side.
33:45She 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.
34:02The 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.
34:19Flower.
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.
34:34And 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.
34:47Mom 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.
35:00It's cold out here.
35:00Ash noticed him for the first time.
35:03He stepped in front of me.
35:04Sent the low warning growl of Eli again.
35:07Ellie didn't react.
35:08He stepped closer.
35:10Ash shifted back without meaning to.
35:12Ellie 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.
35:34Eli's expression didn't change.
35:36But his hand at his side closed into a fist.
35:39I don't think so.
35:41You kissed Emma.
35:42The thought of it ruins it for me.
35:43Good night, Ash.
35:49Eli followed me back to the bedroom.
35:51I shrugged off the jacket and looked at him.
35:54Jealous?
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?
36:11You 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.
36:41I thought for a moment.
36:42Then unclipped it.
36:48He kissed upward.
36:50Inch.
36:51All the way to my chin.
36:52That spot doesn't have his imprint on it.
36:59May I?
37:00Yes.
37:01His kiss was careful.
37:03Unpracticed.
37:04I cracked one eye open to look at him.
37:07Steam 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.
37:29But 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.
37:41Voices 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.
37:49Watching television.
37:51Ash planted himself in front of him.
37:53Tail bristling.
37:55You 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.
38:01So what?
38:01Zoe said you're dirty.
38:02At least I'm clean.
38:03Anyone who tries to touch me.
38:05I bite their throat out.
38:06Unlike you.
38:07Half pushing someone away and then giving in anyway.
38:10Interesting.
38:11In front of me.
38:12Eli was steady and careful.
38:14And 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.
38:29Useful 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?
39:00Ash backed up.
39:02Ash backed up.
39:04What are you doing?
39:08What would I do?
39:12I'm just a low-class panther.
39:15Then he lunged.
39:16Ash panicked and shifted into full leopard form and instinct.
39:21The white leopard tackled Eli.
39:23Teeth sinking into his forearm.
39:26Eli crashed into the coffee table.
39:28Porcelain cracked.
39:29When mom came running at the noise, she found Eli on the ground, arm bleeding badly, sitting
39:36up pale and pressing the wound.
39:42I'm sorry, ma'am.
39:44I've been too close to Zoe lately.
39:46Ash was unhappy.
39:49I should have been more careful.
39:51I came downstairs.
39:52Eli, what happened?
39:54It's nothing.
39:55Nothing like what I dealt with in the arena.
39:57I was biting down hard on a laugh.
39:59Yesterday, he'd sworn up and down.
40:01He had no jealousy whatsoever.
40:03And he'd already planned this.
40:04It's not true!
40:05He went at me first!
40:06He's setting me up!
40:09Setting you up?
40:10If he wanted to hurt you, you'd still be on the floor.
40:14Zoe, I'm serious!
40:15Mom was already on her phone.
40:19I'm calling the seller.
40:21This panther is going back.
40:24No need.
40:25Wrapping Eli's arm.
40:27The return window closed a while ago.
40:29I'll sell him to a friend who's been looking for a premium panther.
40:34Mom paused.
40:36That works.
40:37He's yours to decide.
40:42Zoe, you'd sell me for him?
40:45You said you liked me!
40:46I know you did!
40:47You used to grab my tail in your sleep so you wouldn't have nightmares!
40:50You wrote in your journal that you were lonely here.
40:52That at least you had me even if I didn't like you.
40:55You'd sneak pets when I was asleep.
40:57You asked me once, when you were drunk, why I never liked you.
41:00Why even I was always on Emma's side.
41:03Zoe, you can't feel nothing for me.
41:05He was right.
41:07I wasn't as detached as I like to think.
41:09Even at 23, arriving at a stranger's house had still scared me.
41:14Watching my parents tilt toward Emma had still stung.
41:18thinking about Emma living the life that should have been mine, that had still burned.
41:24When I found out my birthday gift was going to be a panther, I had been genuinely excited.
41:29I had put hope in Ash.
41:32He'd ground it down slowly, over months.
41:36I imagined too much.
41:38I met his eyes.
41:40To me, you're just a disloyal companion beast.
41:46Not worth mourning.
41:51I moved fast.
41:53Ash 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.
42:00Maybe he'd be used for breeding.
42:03Maybe he'd find a kinder owner.
42:05Either 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,
42:19and still propped himself up with one arm to do things.
42:23But now...
42:25Thank you.
42:26He said weakly.
42:28He's really gone?
42:30Yes.
42:31Eli stared into his bowl.
42:34That's a shame.
42:35I really did want to get along with him.
42:37Want me to bring him back?
42:39You two can be best friends.
42:40Ali's finger twitched.
42:42The buyer already has him.
42:43They 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.
42:56That'd be ideal.
42:57I'll go now, then.
43:00But...
43:03What?
43:04If he bites me again, what do I do?
43:07I said nothing.
43:08Just watched him.
43:10His expression went from nervous to tense to lost.
43:13You already 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...
43:27I...
43:27I...
43:27He kept coming at me.
43:28Please don't send me away.
43:30I was bluffing.
43:31I would never actually hurt him.
43:32I'll be good.
43:35It's fine.
43:36Honestly,
43:37I kinda like you with an edge.
43:40In a way,
43:42Emma and Ash were the same type.
43:44Both spoiled by affection.
43:46Both certain they were the main character.
43:49Ali and I were the same type.
43:52If I'd been in his position,
43:54I'd have done the same thing.
43:58Getting rid of Ash bought me two months of peace.
44:01Emma stopped crying in hallways.
44:03Stopped leaving Ash's old leash where I could see it.
44:06Stopped making wounded little comments over breakfast.
44:09She was waiting.
44:10People like Emma didn't give up.
44:13They just changed costumes.
44:16Then her 18th birthday arrived.
44:18Mom and dad gave her an apartment.
44:20Downtown.
44:21Good location.
44:23Good building.
44:24Expensive enough to make my smile freeze.
44:27I held it in place anyway.
44:29Inside.
44:30I was on fire.
44:32I wished I could physically lift the building and scream.
44:35It is mine.
44:36A colleague at work had once said.
44:39It 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.
44:59Bright eyed and glowing.
45:01Zoe?
45:01Did 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.
45:12Emma blinked.
45:13Everything you eat, wear and use.
45:16Did 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.
45:31I always said she was faking it.
45:32You never believed me.
45:33Dad's hand landed gently on my shoulder.
45:36Not hers, but mine.
45:38We know.
45:41Emma froze.
45:43Mom looked tired in a way I hadn't seen before.
45:45Zoe is right.
45:48Emma's mouth opened.
45:49Nothing came out.
45:51Dad looked at me.
45:53Your mother and I have been afraid to ask about your past.
45:56We didn't want to reopen wounds.
45:58But we should have.
46:02You 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.
46:11Emma did not scream at first.
46:14That was how I knew it was bad.
46:15She just stood there.
46:18Still.
46:18Pretty.
46:19Ruined.
46:20Then she laughed.
46:21So that's it?
46:23You found your real daughter!
46:25And now I become Charity?
46:27Mom flinched.
46:28Dad's jaw tightened.
46:29We gave you a home.
46:31Education.
46:31Love.
46:32Security.
46:33We are not abandoning you.
46:35You gave her everything!
46:37No.
46:38You borrowed everything.
46:40Emma turned to me slowly.
46:42There it was.
46:43The real thing under the tears.
46:45Hatred.
46:46Not grief.
46:48Hatred.
46:50You think you won because you bought a filthy panther and sold the pretty one?
46:57Eli had been standing near the wall, silent the whole time.
47:00Don't look at me like that.
47:02Everyone knows what you are.
47:04A stress relief slave.
47:07An arena beast.
47:09A thing people throw money at when they want something to hurt.
47:12Mom's face changed.
47:16Emma.
47:17Emma.
47:17But Emma wasn't looking at her.
47:20She was looking at me.
47:26You act so proud, Zoe.
47:29But you picked him because he reminds you of yourself.
47:32Cheap.
47:33Dirty.
47:35Raised wrong.
47:36The glass in Ellie's hand cracked.
47:37Eli.
47:39Sorry.
47:40The obedience in his voice made Emma's smile sharpener.
47:43He listens well.
47:44I walked across the room.
47:46Everyone watched me.
47:48Emma lifted her chin like she expected a slap.
47:52I didn't give her that.
47:54I leaned close and said softly.
47:57Careful.
47:59Low-class war beast's bite.
48:01Her face paled.
48:03Enough.
48:04Emma, the apartment remains yours.
48:06We will support you through school.
48:08But tomorrow, 20% of the company's shares transfer to Zoe.
48:11Emma stopped breathing.
48:12The rest will be placed in an irreservable will.
48:16Everything else goes to you.
48:20Emma's face collapsed.
48:22This time when she screamed, no one moved to comfort her.
48:28Emma left for university across the country.
48:31The house breathed for the first time.
48:33Breakfast became quiet.
48:36Mom started asking me what I like to eat.
48:39Dad started bringing company documents home and explaining things without making it sound
48:43like a favor.
48:45It was strange.
48:46Almost peaceful.
48:48I didn't adapt to it.
48:50Peace was usually the moment before someone climbed to the window.
48:54Then, I saw the apartment listing online.
48:56Emma had put it up for sale at a huge loss.
48:59I stared at the screen.
49:01That was not my business.
49:02I closed the tab.
49:04Three days later, Eli found me in the garage.
49:07He was holding my coat.
49:09You forgot this.
49:10I was going to the office.
49:12I know.
49:13He didn't move.
49:15I looked at him.
49:16What?
49:17His ears were flat.
49:18There's a beast imprint by the east gate.
49:23Ash?
49:24No.
49:24Gaze flicked toward the driveway.
49:27Not only Ash.
49:29A black sous vide rolled through the gate.
49:31Emma stepped out first.
49:33Hair perfect.
49:35Eyes red.
49:36Smile too bright.
49:37Then Ash climbed out behind her.
49:39Thinner than before.
49:41Collar different.
49:42Expression worse.
49:46He looked at me first.
49:49His tail moved once.
49:50Then stopped.
49:52Emma saw it.
49:54Surprise!
49:55I bought him back.
49:56I looked at Ash.
50:00With the apartment money?
50:01Emma's eyes flashed.
50:06Yeah, I can afford it.
50:07He's mine now.
50:09Ash's face went pale.
50:11No.
50:11I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
50:13I told her not to.
50:15Shut up.
50:17Eli stepped slightly in front of me.
50:19Quiet.
50:20No.
50:20Calm.
50:21Too calm.
50:21I didn't know she was selling the apartment.
50:23I told her not to.
50:24For one second.
50:25Neither of them looked human.
50:28You sold him like trash.
50:31So I picked him up.
50:33It's funny, isn't it?
50:36I looked at Ash's new collar.
50:39No.
50:40It's predictable.
50:41It's funny about it.
50:42Okay.
50:44You're beautiful.
50:44You're beautiful.
50:45Not a little different.
50:45Yeah.