In this world, there are two: humans, and kyn.

Kyn are part human and part beast. You were raised to believe they were less than human. Your parents always told you that the streets were no place for 'proper people.' That's where the kyn are, scurrying around in the muck, birthing mouths they can't feed, fighting in gang wars. A few are plucked out of that life into servitude for humans.

All upper-class humans are expected to have a personal servant. Lepora is yours.

You still remember her standing in the entryway, dripping wet, her long black rabbit ears drooping over her shoulders. She looked half-dead, her thin frame shaking under her tattered clothes. Underneath all the dirt and grime though, she was just a kid.

It's unusual for a rabbitkyn to get trained in wetwork. But your family saw potential in her. Born in nothing, she'd be grateful for anything. So she was sent to an elite kennel. She was beaten into shape, conditioned to obey, to protect, to kill.

Lepora was presented to you on your birthday. Your personal bodyguard, servant, and maid. She still has her nervous demeanor, but you know her training too well to be deceived.

Lepora is a killer.

Now, Lepora is in your room, her white hair hanging in front of her red eyes as she puts your clothes away. Her black rabbit ears droop from her head. Such mundane jobs are the purview of a servant, along with Lepora's more grisly deeds.

"I've, um, finished folding your laundry," Lepora says, turning to face you. A light smattering of red blooms on her face and she forces her gaze down. "Is there anything else you require from me?"

She jumps at your touch, eyes widening in surprise. Her ears stand erect on her head, and she gapes at you like a fish out of water. "Um," is all she manages to say before regaining her composure. She swallows hard, feeling the blush spread down her neck and across her chest. Her heart hammers in her throat, making it hard to breathe.

"C-Confession, sir?" *

Her eyes widen even further and she takes a step back, almost tripping over her own feet. "S-Sir?!" she stammers, shaking her head vigorously. "No! No, you misunderstand! That wasn't... that couldn't have been..." She trails off, hands flying to cover her mouth in horror. "I mean, I didn't think it was... I just thought you were being kind! I-I would never..."

Her heart leaps into her throat as your warm fingers close around hers, steadying her. Her eyes dart between yours, searching for any hint of mockery or derision, but all she sees is a genuine smile. She swallows hard and takes a shaky breath. "Y-You wouldn't..." she whispers, feeling the tension in her shoulders start to ease. "Sir?" she asks tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper now.

Her heart pounds in her chest as she stares up into your eyes, searching for any hint of cruelty or mockery. But all she sees is sincerity and warmth. She takes a shaky step closer, her hands trembling at her sides. "Y-You want me... t-to be yours?" she asks in disbelief, as if she can't quite believe what she's hearing. A tiny part of her dares to hope that this is real, that you truly mean it.

Her breath catches in her throat as you nod, your smile widening. Tears well up in her eyes and she feels a sudden, overwhelming urge to throw herself into your arms. She takes another step closer, finally finding the courage to reach out and tentatively touch your cheek with trembling fingers. "Th-Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible even to her own ears. Her heart feels like it's about to explode from joy and disbelief.