Curled in the corner, I drew my knees to my chest, shrinking into a tight ball. It felt slightly safer this way.

Though safety was meaningless now—I was little more than someone’s pet.

My eyes welled up unbidden. Becoming a girl had lowered my tear threshold. But even as a boy, I’d have hidden in a bathroom stall to cry alone after something like this.

My fingers traced the collar around my neck—soft fur of some unknown beast. No matter how hard I pulled, it wouldn’t budge. A maid had just removed the shackles binding my wrists and the chain attached to the collar, granting me freedom to move within this room.

Incidentally, that same maid had curiously stroked my soft, sensitive wings…

I didn’t know what fascinated them so. Every passing maid would peek through the door, staring at my wings for long moments. Perhaps creatures with wings like mine were rare here.

Gently touching my own small wings, I felt a tingling warmth flush my skin. I quickly pulled my hand away.

Suddenly, I wondered if these wings existed solely for others to pet and admire.

Ignoring the occasional glances slipping through the door crack, I buried my face between my knees, wiping away tears. *What did I do wrong…? Why must I endure this—reduced to a plaything?*

Heaven granted me a second life, yet twisted it into this form.

No. Self-pity changes nothing. If Heaven gave me rebirth, my path isn’t hopeless.

But first—I had no means to survive. Just a frail girl with tempting wings. For now, being a pet seemed the only option.

I gritted my teeth against the Contract’s insistent whisper: *"You are her pet."*

*Patience*, I told myself. *A true warrior bides his time. Endure this humiliation. Just a little longer.*

*Creeeak…*

The soft scrape of hinges cut through the silence.

That scent again… *Disgusting…*

*…Mmm…*

*No! I don’t—*

A sharp throb in my skull forced me to crave my master’s presence. My body instinctively thrilled at her approach.

But even as her pet—I refused to be a toy for idle amusement!

I stayed frozen in the corner, knees hugged tight, eyes locked on the girl in the doorway. My gaze hid every flicker of involuntary delight.

"Miel," the girl murmured, "are you certain this little one will be ready in a month?"

"Your Highness, trust me. Though weak in her juvenile state, she endured the Forced Contract. Her mind remains intact—even defiant. But please… restrain yourself these next two days."

"*Fine*," the girl huffed. "I heard you."

I clutched my legs tighter. Their words were half-gibberish, but their intent toward me was chillingly clear. *Was it just because of my wings?* Did that justify forcing a Contract on me? Erasing my will?

"Little one, don’t be afraid. We won’t hurt you."

*You chained me. Forced a Contract. And claim no harm?*

Did they think me a fool? Or assume this child’s body could be bribed with a lollipop?

I glared at her, fighting the dizzying pull of her fragrance. The Contract made me crave nuzzling against her with my hair, my thoughts turning muddled and warm.

"Your Highness," Miel murmured, "she’s still shaken from the Contract."

"I can *feel* it," the girl pouted. "This little creature fears me! Honestly, maybe I should—"

"Why…?" My fists clenched until nails bit into my palms. The sharp pain cleared the fog. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Oh?" The girl beamed. "Because I need the strongest Contract Beast. And that’s you~ Don’t worry—I won’t ask anything too strenuous until you recover from this newborn weakness."

Her tone wasn’t an answer.

It was a statement brooking no argument.