Even if every step ends in defeat, it's fine—as long as I walk the path I've chosen.

Though...

For me right now, becoming someone else's pet temporarily seemed the only way to survive.

But...

Must I abandon all the dignity I once had as a man just for this humiliating existence?

"I..."

I endured the needle-like torture stabbing my mind—probably the Contract forcing my words to change.

But was this pain alone enough to make me a pet?

Their gazes clearly didn't see me as human—they looked at me like a toy to use and train at will.

I even felt their excitement, as if I were a brand-new Barbie doll.

Burning under their branding-iron contempt, I gritted my teeth through the Contract's agony, lifted my head, and said slowly:

"I am not your pet!"

Instantly, my temples throbbed wildly.

My head felt crushed, ready to burst.

My body convulsed from the pain.

Yet strength surged from nowhere.

Gasping, I propped myself up and glared fiercely at the stunned girl.

Maybe others saw me as strange or childish, blind to the bigger picture.

Just being a temporary pet.

Mouthing off in this helpless situation was like stepping off a cliff.

Giving up freedom and pride could fix everything... but I couldn't.

Call me childish, call me naive—I couldn't!

I wouldn't become anyone's pet.

I wouldn't be anyone's plaything.

"What's wrong, little one? Think this young lady isn't strong enough?"

Her voice crackled with suppressed fury.

Of course—her Contract Beast disobeying would anger her.

So what?

Yes, she'd Contracted me.

Yes, she controlled my mind somewhat.

But my soul was mine alone.

My freedom belonged only to me.

"I'm not a pet! I am not a pet! No matter who, no matter how strong—I'll never be their pet!"

The girl froze at my words.

Anger and scorn stiffened on her face.

It took her long seconds to react.

I lay on the ground, pain gnawing, staring hard at her.

My palms burned—probably torn by my own nails.

My mind screamed: "I'm her pet. I shouldn't talk back. Being toyed with is my duty."

Damn Contract.

I braced for punishment.

Instead, she burst into loud laughter.

Even the maid-like girl beside her smiled faintly.

Fear coiled tighter inside me.

I'd declared my defiance like a manifesto—why were they laughing?

Amused? Mocking me?

Admittedly, my current form—a naked little girl in a collar—made it ridiculous.

I felt their Barbie-doll excitement deepen.

"Good. Worthy of being this young lady's Contract Beast."

Lilith's excited voice startled me.

I flinched back instinctively.

But deeper instincts urged me to nuzzle my nominal master like a kitten.

"A true steed is never easy to tame. Rejoice, little one—I'll be the master who sees your worth."

She stepped close, slender fingers stroking my pink wings.

Electricity shot from my sensitive wings through my body.

My naked skin flushed cherry-blossom pink.

I trembled lightly.

My eyes grew damp from the strange, unbearable sensation.

My wings tingled, numb and alive.

But...

Though I resisted, warmth bloomed in my chest at her touch.

No—

Not my master's touch.

I am not a pet.

"Your Highness..."

"I know. These things take time. But a pet with your spirit? I'm delighted!"

Exhausted and hazy from the Contract's repeated pain, I felt soft fingers pinch my wings.

A bizarre wave flooded my body.

I arched my back unconsciously.

A shameful whimper escaped my lips.

My mind went blank.

Consciousness slipped away—I fainted.