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00:00love each other can't you just let us be together selena jacob and i truly love each other can't
00:05you just let us be together we've already shared a bed if i don't marry him how could i ever
00:10marry
00:10anyone else in a daze i heard my younger sister bella crying out father stood nearby speaking up
00:16in her defense selena maybe you could choose another fiance instead bella just made a mistake
00:22in a moment of poor judgment he had always been biased toward bella after all she was the
00:27legitimate daughter of his official wife while i was merely the illegitimate child from one of his
00:31affairs i looked at bella who was kneeling on the ground though her face was streaked with tears and
00:36full of pitiful sorrow the ambition and excitement in her eyes were unmistakable i knew then she had
00:42been reborn too and this time she had made it to jacob's bed before i did in my past life
00:48i had
00:49chosen jacob the eldest son of the wolf clan as my fiancee i saw the serpent clan as cold-blooded
00:54and unfeeling the fox clan is frivolous and unfaithful and the dragon clan is proud and
00:59arrogant only the wolf clan known for their loyalty and devotion seemed worthy of trust six
01:05months after marrying jacob i got pregnant with our child and then i gave birth to a half-beast white
01:10wolf our son tristan as the first half-beast child born from the human beast union tristan naturally
01:16became the next leader of the human beast alliance bella enamored by the fox clan's beauty had chosen
01:22their heir lucian but she didn't expect him to be a shameless womanizer constantly entangled with
01:27other lovers eventually she contracted a disease because of him one that left her infertile and
01:32scorned by the fox clan she blamed me for misfortune jealous that i had lived a better life than she
01:37did
01:37one night she drugged me in secret and set a fire that burned both me and tristan alive
01:42in memory hatred surged in my chest i wanted nothing more than to kill bella right then and there
01:48and avenged tristan i clenched my fists inside my sleeves the pain in my palms sobered me slightly
01:54then i slowly nodded masking my fury with a look of understanding if bella and jacob truly love each
02:00other i'd never stand in the way of their happiness bella hadn't expected me to agree so easily
02:05but here she had squeezed out now hung awkwardly at the corners of her eyes bella get up now hurry
02:12and
02:12thank your sister for stepping aside father urged clearly relieved thank you selena bella
02:18beamed as she rushed out eager to bring the good news to jacob and the wolf clan girls really do
02:24grow
02:24up and slip away too quickly father joked but when he turned and saw the cold indifference on my face
02:29his voice faltered selena among the eligible beast clan heirs only two remain elias of the serpent clan and
02:36lucian of the fox clan i still think the fox clan would be a better match better looks higher status
02:42clearly superior to the serpent clan besides bella once said dash i cut him off father i choose to
02:48marry elias of the serpent clan
02:53to most humans snakes were cold-blooded and heartless and that prejudice extended to the serpent clan
02:59four thousands of years no human had ever chosen to marry into the serpent clan as a result they had
03:05never produced a single ruler for the human beast alliance eventually they were cast out from the
03:10ranks of the five great beast families and reduced to the lowest tier of the beast clans denied even
03:15the smallest share of resources but in my past life as the fire consumed me i saw a pair of
03:20emerald
03:21green eyes elias's he tried to save me but the flames were too fierce and he could do nothing
03:29although father disapproved of my decision when he saw the resolve on my face he didn't press further
03:34he simply sighed and tried to console me if your life in the serpent clan becomes too difficult
03:39perhaps bella can help you out but when bella found out i had chosen to marry into the serpent clan
03:43she couldn't resist mocking me to my face selena even if you couldn't marry jacob surely you didn't
03:53have to stoop to the declining serpent clan don't end up starving to death before you even manage to
03:58bear a child i heard they're struggling just to stay fed these days the wolf clan is wealthy beyond
04:03measure even their bath water is infused with precious divine herbs if your life gets too
04:09miserable i can pack up some leftovers and send them your way she covered her mouth and burst out
04:14laughing ignoring the awkward glances from the servants around us in bella's eyes the wolf clan had
04:20vast resources and jacob's devotion would guarantee a swift pregnancy she was certain i'd miss my chance at
04:26bearing the first half beast child but she had no idea how difficult it was for humans and beast folk
04:31to conceive nor did she know how obsessed jacob was with having an heir when i didn't show signs of
04:36pregnancy after six months he began taking out his frustration on me tormenting me day and night
04:41only after i used a secret technique to conceive and gave birth to tristan securing the wolf clan's claim
04:47to power did jacob finally relent i offered bella a calm smile you needn't worry about me dear sister
04:53since i've chosen my husband i'll live with my decision without regret what's there to be proud
04:58of you're marrying a penniless nobody infuriated by my composure bella slammed the table scattering the
05:05pastries across the floor i'll be the first one to get pregnant my child will definitely be the next
05:11ruler of the alliance i ignored her tantrum and went off to prepare for my wedding in three days
05:16for one thing she wasn't wrong the serpent clan was indeed very poor i worried they might not even have
05:21the money for a proper gown so i planned to prepare one myself to my surprise that very evening elias
05:28came in person to deliver my wedding dress it was the first time i truly saw his face his skin
05:34was
05:34pale almost bloodless his long narrow eyes carried a quiet authority and the emerald green of his irises
05:40held a mysterious depth yet the teardrop mole at the corner of his eye lent a subtle grace to his
05:45otherwise austere expression inside the box lay a floor-length gown of deep green tulle the bodice
05:50shimmered faintly with scale snake scales stitched into the fabric i had never seen such a beautiful
05:55dress for a moment i was completely captivated selena elia said calmly this gown was hand stitched by our
06:03serpent clan's finest seamstresses each scale was a blessing offered by our people his gaze carried a
06:09deliberate detachment as if the person marrying me wasn't him at all this is the first time our serpent
06:13clan has ever wed a human if anything has been done poorly you're welcome to tell me thank you i
06:19replied
06:19i truly love it just as i was about to put the dress away bella strolled in arm in arm
06:25with
06:25jacob smug and beaming selena don't tell me this is the only gown you got jacob had 10 dresses made
06:32for me 10 jacob looked down at bella with affection in his eyes bella only knew of the wolf clan's
06:38famous
06:38loyalty but she didn't understand it was rooted in their biological instincts and their intense
06:42obsession with offspring if she failed to conceive would jacob still treat her with such tenderness
06:47elias's grip on his serpent staff tightened slightly before he raised his eyes to meet mine
06:52if the serpent clan has caused you any grievance selena i can promise you this i elias will never
06:58betray you in this lifetime bella snorted anyone can talk sweet let's see if you can actually produce
07:04a child now all she ever talked about was children her infertility in her past life had become a thorn
07:10in
07:10her heart and now she was fixated on getting pregnant even before marrying jacob she had already moved into
07:16his home in that sense she and jacob were a perfect match both obsessively fixated on airs
07:22bella perhaps you should focus on your own wedding people might start to think you've set your sights on
07:27my fiance instead i smiled faintly and under the sour expressions of bella and jacob i took elias's hand
07:33and walked away behind me i could still hear bella's shrill voice clinging to jacob her words faint but
07:39unmistakable pregnancy child next ruler oh my foolish sister even after a second chance at life
07:46she still believed that a child was her only path to power elias's cool voice sounded beside my ear
07:52selena i know you chose me because you had no other option but i promise within my power i will
07:58never let
07:58you suffer i turned instinctively at the sound of his voice and accidentally stumbled into his chest
08:03a strange yet pleasant scent drifted into my nose i looked up at him and said slowly with deliberate
08:08clarity elias i chose you willingly a flicker of something unreadable passed through elias's eyes
08:14all right selena three days later the wedding arrived as scheduled both ceremonies were held in
08:21the same grand restaurant the wolf clan's wedding was even more extravagant than in my previous life
08:26they had gone so far as to invite the reclusive phoenix clan to perform and all the major noble houses
08:31attended in full force meanwhile the serpent clan celebration was quieter with no distinguished guests
08:37yet the clan members beamed with genuine joy after all this was their first marriage to a human a sign
08:42they might finally have a chance at producing the next ruler of the alliance after the ceremony i ran
08:47into bella face to face she deliberately tilted her chin making sure i noticed the marks on her neck
08:53selena i didn't know wolfman had such stamina at this rate i'll be giving them an air in no time
08:59i smiled politely then i sincerely wish you the best of luck bella was grossly underestimating the
09:05difficulty of pregnancy between humans and beastkin our species was fundamentally different even in the
09:12best conditions natural conception took at least a year she assumed i got pregnant easily in our past
09:17life and so she believed the same would come just as easily to her she even boasted to the wolf
09:22clan
09:22that she'd be pregnant within six months word had spread quickly seeing how confident she was jacob
09:29hadn't even questioned it but to bella my composure looked like a personal challenge forget it it's not
09:35like you'd understand anyway you've married into a beggar's den she shot a disdainful glance at the
09:40serpent clan members nearby lifted her skirt and walked past me i grabbed her arm stopping her bella
09:46apologize apologize apologize to the serpent clan her expression darkened she yanked her arm free and
09:51yelled selena have you lost your mind the remaining guests in the hall stopped to watch as we argued
09:56eager for the drama in the end our father had to step in once he understood what had happened he
10:01forced bella to apologize to the serpent clan though the serpent clan ranked lowest among the beastkin
10:06they would still unite against human humiliation before leaving bella shot me a vicious glare and muttered
10:12under her breath selena i'm going to win this life just you wait on our wedding night i stared at
10:17elias's bare body frozen in place no one had ever told me snakes had two seeing me motionless on the
10:23bed elias misunderstood with a pale expression he bent down to gather his clothes and began dressing
10:28what do you think you're doing i snatched the fabric from his hands my displeasure written all over my face
10:33i i thought you didn't want to he stammered standing awkwardly by the bed the emerald in his eyes dimming
10:39if he hadn't made the first move then i would i stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his
10:44neck pulling him down onto the bed as our bodies touched that subtle familiar scent surrounded me
10:49again elias you smell really nice i murmured without thinking he froze for a moment then the
10:54tips of his ears turned faintly pink the next moment his kiss deepened trailing from my forehead all
10:59the way down fingers interlaced we shared a night of wild pleasure i had once believed the wolf clan
11:05strength made them the best choice in bed but the serpent clan had their own unique qualities elias
11:10didn't stop until dawn lit the sky and i practically begged for rest three months later news broke bella
11:16was pregnant i was stunned in thousands of years no human had ever conceived of a beastkin in just three
11:21months had i not seen her swollen belly with my own eyes i wouldn't have believed it the wolf clan
11:26threw a grand celebration for the unborn child inviting all the noble families to share their joy
11:31our ancestors must be watching over us a child in just three months what a miracle jacob raised his
11:36cup high pride written all over his face many guests approached to flatter him eager to earn the wolf
11:41clan's favor everyone agreed the next ruler of the alliance would undoubtedly come from the wolf clan now
11:47was the perfect time to curry favor by status i should have been seated with elias at the end of
11:51the banquet hall but bella had insisted to jacob that i be placed beside her she couldn't pass up a
11:56chance
11:56to show off as she stroked her belly she cast me a smug look selena three months and still no
12:03news
12:03from your belly seems like you're really lacking your womb doesn't even try half beasts matured
12:08rapidly two months was enough for them to be born based on her size her child would arrive next month
12:13but she had no idea how large half beast infants were without managing her diet she'd suffer greatly
12:19during labor i had carefully controlled my weight in my past life yet childbirth still took a full day and
12:24night and the pain nearly made me wish for death but the moment i saw my child safely born sleeping
12:29peacefully in my arms i knew i had no regrets i took a sip of wine and said flatly historically
12:34the
12:34quickest conception between human and beast kin took a full year but you took only three months
12:39whatever methods you used only you know bella whipped her head toward me her eyes darting in
12:44guilty panic selena what are you implying she couldn't even withstand the slightest probing bella still
12:50couldn't keep her composure may you have a safe delivery bella i raised my glass to toast her then
12:55left the banquet with elias by my side one month later bella endured three full days and nights of
13:00labor before finally giving birth but seven days passed and the wolf clan still hadn't announced the
13:05child's arrival even when father tried to visit they refused him entry there was no doubt something
13:10was wrong with the child half a month later father summoned me home seeing the worry in elias's eyes
13:16before i left i finally relented and asked him to come with me in the living room bella sat on
13:21the
13:21floor sobbing clutching a half-beast red wolf pup in her arms this is jacob's child isn't a color
13:26mutation in wolfberg completely normal bella clung stubbornly to the claim that the red furred pup
13:35was jacob's but what she didn't know was that jacob was a purebred white wolf
13:39his bloodline had never carried the gene for red wolves jacob's expression was stormy his entire body
13:45radiating fury bella whose bastard is this who did you sleep with behind my back if you don't
13:50tell me the truth right now i'll kill this muggle myself our father pale with fear rushed to intervene
13:55jacob calm down this must be some kind of misunderstanding bella loves you so much
14:00how could she possibly betray you encouraged by father support bella quickly brought the child to
14:05jacob her voice soft and coaxing look he looks just like you his eyes are identical jacob coldly took
14:10the red pup from her arms the small wolf pup who had been sleeping soundly burst into loud terrified
14:15wails the moment it saw jacob's face that heart wrenching cry stabbed through me like a knife
14:19evoking the memory of tristan screaming in the fire in my past life pain seized my chest i could barely
14:24breathe my brows furrowed tightly elias noticed my discomfort and gently covered my ears mistaking
14:30my distress for a dislike of a child's crying jacob cursed raising the red pup high above his head
14:35then suddenly hurled it toward the ground with all his strength elias and i lunged at the same time in
14:40the
14:40end the little red pup landed safely in elias's arms no matter how much i wanted to destroy bella
14:45and jacob the pup was innocent everyone in the hall was stunned especially bella her face went ghostly
14:54pale and she trembled uncontrollably jacob how could you be so cruel jacob looked at her with none of the
15:00affection he once had bella the wolf clan values loyalty and devotion to our mates you betrayed me
15:05clearly what right do you have to accuse me of cruelty if there was one redeeming quality about
15:10jacob it was his unwavering loyalty in our past life even after i failed to conceive for six months
15:15he never considered taking another mate he just tortured me to vent his frustration i wondered now
15:21if bella would be able to endure that same devotion the argument between them exploded in a hurry
15:26bella insisted she had never cheated while jacob refused to acknowledge the red pup as his own
15:31our father completely at a loss turned to me selena what do you think this pup wasn't even mine
15:38i only came here for the show i had no intention of getting involved elias stepped in calmly i've heard
15:45that the phoenix clan possesses a bloodline recognition technique since the wolves and phoenixes have always
15:50been close why not invite them to verify the child's parentage bella immediately rejected the
15:56idea no this is my and jacob's child we don't need the phoenix plan to confirm anything but jacob nodded
16:04coldly we'll do as he says news of the phoenix clan's involvement spread like wildfire people were
16:10already curious about the wolf clan's newborn half-beast and three days later crowds flocked to
16:15the wolf clan's domain to watch the ritual under the phoenix's spell five crimson marks flew from the red
16:20pup's forehead one mark landed on jacob's head and the other four shot off toward various residences
16:25within the wolf clan territory you are one of the child's fathers the phoenix priest declared solemnly
16:32a ripple of gasps swept through the hall what do you mean one of the fathers you mean this pup
16:37has
16:37multiple dads but the pup clearly carries red wolf blood jacob is a purebred white wolf bella really
16:44knows how to have fun with a personality like that she should have married into the fox clan instead
16:50i stood in the crowd with elias protected within his arms hearing the murmurs around us i nearly
16:56laughed out loud i had always wondered how bella managed to get pregnant now that the truth was out
17:01about the pup having multiple fathers it all made sense bella had likely sought out several lovers
17:07within the wolf clan to increase her chances of conceiving a shotgun fertility gamble but she hadn't
17:12accounted for one red wolf with particularly dominant genes unintentionally exposing her plan
17:17was she clever or just reckless if she wanted to take that kind of risk why not stick to white
17:22wolves
17:22why go and add a red wolf to the mix jacob's expression was black as thunder his fists clenched
17:29tightly and he shouted at the servants bring me every wolf in the clan who bears that same crimson mark
17:34soon four wolf beast men were brought in three of them were white wolves one was a red wolf
17:40when i saw the red wolf's face i couldn't help but let out a sigh that seductive beauty could rival
17:45anyone from the fox clan bella had always been obsessed with appearances no wonder she risked
17:51everything for a night with him jacob stared at the four beast men none of whom denied their
17:55involvement and completely lost his temper you stood before me and swore you'd bear me a child
18:00and this is how you repaid me bella rose to her feet still clutching the baby she wiped her eyes
18:05and sniffled dramatically if you hadn't been whispering in my ear every day about how badly
18:10you wanted a child i wouldn't have had to take such desperate measures if you weren't so useless
18:15would this child look like a red wolf her voice grew increasingly self-righteous and didn't the
18:21phoenix just say the child is yours isn't that enough the next ruler of the alliance will still
18:26come from the wolf clan why are you blaming me you should be grateful at her words the leaders of
18:32the
18:32fox and dragon clans stepped forward from the crowd the fox and dragon clan leaders
18:36immediately stepped in to challenge bella's claim we do not
18:43recognize this half beast the original agreement clearly stated the child must be born of a union
18:48between human and the firstborn son of a beast clan household if the wolves start bending the rules like
18:53this what happens to bloodline purity who knows what kind of monsters we'd end up with this matter
18:59requires the unanimous consent of the remaining four clans as far as the fox and dragon clans are
19:04concerned we firmly disagree the phoenix clan standing quietly to the side also voiced their stance
19:11our clan has long withdrawn from worldly affairs we will not participate in these political decisions
19:18four clans one abstained two objected as for the lowly snake clan no one even bothered to ask their
19:25opinion whatever sliver of hope jacob had felt after hearing bella's words instantly vanished
19:30rage consumed him once more
19:32bella look at what you
19:33done you've disgraced the entire wolf clan
19:43on our way home after the spectacle elias remained unusually quiet only after my persistent prodding did he
19:49finally speak his mind you were staring at that red wolf just now were you thinking i'm not good
19:55looking enough his jealous tone made me grin and just like that i decided to tease him to me no
20:00one's
20:01more handsome than you elias especially at night in bed i didn't get out of bed for an entire day
20:07after that
20:21a month later bella showed up at the snake clan battered and bruised
20:31begging for my help her eyes were red with tears
20:39Selena, please, help me. Jacob's gone mad. He says if I can't give him a child that's truly his, he'll
20:50torture me every single day.
21:04I can't take it anymore. If I don't get pregnant soon, I'll die. Do you know any secret techniques that
21:18can help me?
21:19Her words didn't shock me in the slightest. After all, I had lived through this nightmare in my past life.
21:28Bruises covered her exposed skin, fresh wounds layered over old scars. But she had brought all of this upon herself.
21:35In my previous life, she tricked me into coming home, pretending she missed me. Then she drugged the water my
21:41son and I drank.
21:42When we were too weak to resist, she set the house ablaze and trapped us inside.
22:01I still remember the way she looked at me before leaving eyes mad with hatred as she screamed.
22:05Selena, your life was-
22:45Selena, your life was supposed to be mine. I should have married into the wolf clan. I should have borne
22:49their heir.
22:50Now that she had stolen my life for herself, what was there to regret?
22:53I gently pulled my hand away from the wolf clan. I should have borne their heir.
22:55She ran free from hers and calmly replied,
22:57Bella, it's not that I don't want to help you. It's simply that pregnancy between humans and beast kin is
23:03incredibly rare.
23:04After giving birth, your body was damaged. It'll take at least three to five years before you can even try
23:09again.
23:10Bella shot to her feet, her eyes flashing with fury.
23:13You're lying. You just don't want to help me. You can't stand to see me happy. I don't need your
23:19help. I'll find another way.
23:20You think you can beat me to it? You'll never give birth before I do.
23:25She flung open the door and stormed out. I could only shake my head. Everything I said was true.
23:31Pregnancy between species simply couldn't be forced.
23:34In my past life, the only reason I succeeded was because of the mermaid blood that flowed through my veins.
23:39Back when war broke out, the merfolk refused to ally with humans and retreated into the ocean depths, cutting ties
23:44with the outside world.
23:45My mother, still young and reckless at the time, had shapeshifted into human form and ventured onto land, where she
23:51fell in love with my father at first sight.
23:53To stay with him, she severed her tail and transformed permanently into a human. It cost her dearly she only
23:58had five years left to live.
24:00Before she died, she gave birth to me and sealed away my beastly nature.
24:04Merfolk are naturally fertile.
24:06In my past life, I broke the seal on my beast blood to bear Jacob a child.
24:10It was a slow form of suicide.
24:12Though I eventually succeeded in conceiving, my mermaid essence drained day by day, until my life ran out.
24:18This time, I would never sacrifice myself so foolishly again.
24:21I thought I'd made peace with the idea of never becoming pregnant in this life, until something unexpected happened.
24:27Two months later, one night, Elias placed a hand on my belly, and suddenly froze.
24:32Selina.
24:33He asked.
24:33When was the last time you had your period?
24:35I stopped and thought carefully.
24:37It had indeed been almost two months.
24:39My belly had only slightly rounded, so I just assumed I'd gained a little weight.
24:43I stared at him, stunned.
24:45That can't be canon.
24:47Before I could even finish speaking, Elias leapt out of bed, dressed, and bolted out the door to fetch the
24:52physician.
24:53Less than fifteen minutes later, the doctor arrived in our room.
24:56He placed his fingers on my wrist and began to examine my pulse, his brow furrowing deeply as he alternated
25:02between shaking and nodding his head.
25:03The room was oppressively quiet.
25:05Elias sat beside me, his face etched with concern.
25:09Finally, the physician stood and offered us a congratulatory bow.
25:13Congratulations, Elias.
25:15Selina is two months pregnant.
25:17Judging by the signs, she should be ready to lay her egg in just a few days.
25:21I had remained calm until that last part.
25:24Wait, what?
25:25Lay an egg?
25:27I blinked.
25:28Aren't we talking about having a baby?
25:30Elias chuckled and gently stroked my head, explaining,
25:33The snake clan is a bit different from the others.
25:35We lay eggs, then hatch our young.
25:38From the moment we confirmed the pregnancy, Elias wouldn't let me lift a finger.
25:42He followed me around all day, trying to feed me tonics and supplements.
25:45He even bought three immortal honey fruits legendary, priceless treasures said to be the most coveted nourishment for expectant mothers.
25:52In my past life, Jacob had only ever let me have half a fruit.
25:55How could the impoverished snake clan afford three whole ones?
25:59How did you afford this?
26:00I thought the snake clan was supposed to be.
26:03Before I could finish, Elias sat beside me and held a freshly washed fruit up to my lips.
26:08Selina, who told you the snake clan is poor?
26:10Look around our home, from the flooring to the vases.
26:13Everything here is expensive.
26:15I glanced around properly for the first time.
26:18The decor, though simple and clean, was unmistakably high end.
26:21But isn't the snake clan ranked last among the great families?
26:25Don't they say you barely get a share of resources?
26:28Elias gave a soft laugh.
26:30We snakes have always kept a low profile.
26:32We earn our wealth through business, unlike the other clans, who rely on power and politics.
26:37If we rank the clans by wealth, we'd confidently claim first.
26:40Our people pursue immortality.
26:42Most of our wealth goes toward cultivating and refining spiritual medicine.
26:46This world's resources are limited.
26:48We have no interest in squabbling with other clans for scraps.
26:52Our ambition lies beyond all that.
26:54His explanation made everything click.
26:57No wonder every snake clansman I'd met had carried an ethereal aura.
27:00They were secretly training to ascend.
27:02Now that I knew we weren't short on money,
27:05I immediately dragged Elias out for a shopping spree.
27:07Halfway down the street, we ran into Bella.
27:10Her belly was noticeably swollen as she clung sweetly to Jacob's arm, picking out accessories.
27:15Since her second pregnancy, Jacob had apparently forgiven her for her past betrayal.
27:20The two were back to playing the doting couple.
27:22Now that Jacob was watching her like a hawk, there was no question this child truly belonged to him.
27:27Selina, what a surprise to see you out and about.
27:30Bella cooed, deliberately resting both hands on her belly to flaunt her pregnancy.
27:34I smiled politely.
27:35I'm picking out a gift for father's upcoming birthday celebration.
27:39Her gaze drifted down to our empty hands, and she scoffed.
27:42Well, make sure it's something decent.
27:44Even if you don't have much money, you shouldn't embarrass father.
27:47The snake clan hadn't yet made my pregnancy public, and Elias worried her words might upset me.
27:52He immediately stepped forward, shielding me behind him.
27:55Bella, our family matters are none of your concern.
27:58As for father's gift, we will prepare it with due care and respect.
28:02Bella gave a cold snort, flicked her sleeves, and walked off.
28:06Seven days later, at the birthday banquet, Bella and I sat on either side of father.
28:11Her belly was enormous, clearly carrying more than one child.
28:14Mine, by contrast, was still only faintly rounded.
28:17You knew how to get pregnant all along, and still hid it from me, she sneered.
28:21But it doesn't matter, I beat you to it.
28:23You'll never catch up now.
28:24I opened my mouth to ask what she meant, but a sudden sharp pain twisted in my abdomen.
28:29It was the onset of labor.
28:30Elias noticed right away.
28:32He sprang to his feet, scooped me into his arms, and rushed for the door.
28:36Just as we were leaving, Bella suddenly began clutching her belly and moaning in pain.
28:40Someone in the crowd cried out.
28:42Bella is going into labor too.
28:44Get her to the birthing hall.
28:45At that moment, the sky lit up with a burst of violet light.
28:49Multicolored rays spread across the heavens, and birdsong filled the air a divine omen.
28:54Before I lost consciousness, I heard the sound of joyous cries echo through the hall.
28:58It's a heavenly sign.
28:59This child is destined to lead us into a new golden age.
29:02When I woke, three eggs lay nestled in the incubator beside me.
29:06Elias sat at my side, gently wiping the sweat from my brow with a soft towel.
29:11I was just about to speak when a scream pierced the air it was Bella.
29:15I can't do this.
29:17I don't want to give birth anymore.
29:19Just kill me, please.
29:22Kill me now.
29:23Bella, hold on.
29:24You're almost there.
29:25Her sobbing and the midwife's encouragement overlapped in a chaotic chorus.
29:29Our birthing rooms were separated by only a single wall.
29:32She was still in the middle of labor.
29:34Selina, you've been through so much.
29:36Elias murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
29:39His gaze held concern, guilt, and overwhelming tenderness.
29:43Is it too noisy here?
29:44Should I take you and the little ones home, so you can rest properly?
29:47In my past life, after I gave birth, Jacob had eyes only for the child.
29:52He didn't care that I'd labored for an entire day and night.
29:55He shoved the baby into my arms and demanded I start nursing immediately.
29:59To him, I was nothing more than a means to produce a half-beast air, someone to help him secure
30:04power.
30:04He didn't care about my body or my pain, but Elias was different.
30:08From beginning to end, his eyes never left me.
30:11He hadn't even asked me to hatch the eggs myself.
30:14Instead, he'd placed them gently in the incubator and watched over them himself.
30:18It's alright, I said softly.
30:20I want to see how Bella's labor is going.
30:22This time, I hadn't felt the agony of childbirth.
30:25Delivering three tiny snake eggs had been unusually easy it was over before I even realized, like waking from a
30:30short nap.
30:31I got up and went next door, leaving Elias behind to watch over the eggs.
30:35Inside, Bella was writhing on the bed, sobbing like her heart was being torn apart.
30:40Every time she nearly lost consciousness from the pain, the midwife pried her eyes open and screamed at her to
30:45stay awake.
30:46Half an hour later, the child was finally born.
30:49The moment the midwife caught sight of it, she shrieked in horror.
30:52A monster! Bella has given birth to a monster!
30:56I stepped closer to see and recoiled in shock.
30:58The child had three legs and four eyes.
31:01Hearing the commotion, Jacob burst into the room.
31:04He froze at the sight before him.
31:06Bella, however, smiled with motherly affection.
31:09The three-legged, four-eyed creature clung to her chest, nursing loudly as if nothing were amiss.
31:14Jacob gagged, turned green, and ran out the door, clutching his mouth.
31:19Bella let out a cold, mocking laugh.
31:22He's the father, so why is he so disgusted?
31:24News of the wolf clan's monstrous birth spread quickly and even reached the ears of the phoenix clan's high priest.
31:30The priest examined the drooling child carefully and then turned to Bella.
31:34Bella, did you consume anything unusual during your pregnancy?
31:38By all accounts, this child should have been normal.
31:40Bella paled.
31:41Her right hand trembled as she retrieved a small bottle from her sleeve and handed it over.
31:46I took this. You can save my baby, can't you?
31:50The priest didn't respond right away.
31:52He uncorked the bottle and upon smelling the contents, gave a knowing sigh.
31:56This is a rat clan fertility aid, rat eggs.
31:59There's a folk remedy that claims taking one a day for 30 days will guarantee conception.
32:04But even so, the child shouldn't have turned out this, malformed.
32:07The rat clan was immediately summoned and dragged before the wolf clan.
32:11The moment Bella saw the man responsible, she stormed over and grabbed him by the throat, screaming.
32:16Why isn't my baby normal? What did you do to me?
32:19Rat clansmen, trembling under the weight of the moment and visibly shaken by the sight of the creature,
32:24shoved Bella away and dropped to his knees before Jacob.
32:27This... this must be because Bella didn't follow instructions.
32:31She must have overdosed on the rat eggs. Otherwise, this wouldn't have happened.
32:36Bella stared him down, eyes blazing.
32:38You said 30 days would guarantee one child.
32:41So I figured, if I took them for 60 days, wouldn't I get two?
32:46As soon as Bella spoke, everyone present finally understood the truth.
32:50Had she followed the instructions properly, she might have had a healthy child.
32:54But her greed had doomed her.
32:56The scandal made the wolf clan a laughing stock yet again.
32:59Rumors spread that Jacob was impotent, and that his wife had not only cheated on him
33:02but even resorted to using a crude fertility folk remedy from the lowly rat clan.
33:07Jacob, already in a foul mood, would only grow more cruel to Bella after this humiliation.
33:11A month later, just as I was shopping for cloth to make clothes for my babies and preparing to head
33:16home,
33:16I saw Bella cradling a basket to her chest and sneaking into a secluded alley.
33:20Word on the street was that Bella had lost her mind.
33:23She was said to be snatching children from around the wolf clan.
33:26I didn't give it much thought.
33:28With a cheerful heart, I returned home, eager to welcome my soon-to-hatch little ones.
33:32But the door to my room stood wide open, and the incubator was empty.
33:36All three snake eggs were gone.
33:38Panic surged through me.
33:40I suddenly remembered the green cloth covering Bella's basket.
33:43It looked exactly like the handkerchief I'd left on my writing desk.
33:46I grabbed the dagger Elias had given me for self-defense and sprinted toward the alley where Bella had disappeared.
33:51Deep inside, I found a dilapidated courtyard, where her eerie voice echoed.
33:56Babies, don't be afraid. Mommy's right here with you.
33:59I caught her off guard and pressed the blade to her neck, cold fury in my voice.
34:03Bella, give me back my children.
34:05But when I looked down into the basket, my heart dropped.
34:09The eggs had already hatched, and the baby snakes were gone.
34:12Dead? Escaped?
34:14As I stood frozen, Bella shoved me back and let out a crazed maniacal laugh.
34:18They're dead. My babies are dead. And now, so are yours.
34:22Isn't it wonderful? Truly wonderful.
34:25My eyes burned with rage.
34:27I lunged forward, ready to drive the blade into her and avenge my children.
34:31Suddenly, Elias burst in.
34:33A flash of silver streaked from him a tiny snake, mouth wide, sank its fangs deep into Bella's neck.
34:39In an instant, she collapsed, coughing up blood, dead with her eyes still wide open.
34:43The little silver snake slithered up my arm and coiled itself there.
34:46Mom, said, I avenged you.
34:49It was Tristan's voice.
34:51He had become my child once more.
34:53I cupped him gently in my palms and kissed his forehead.
34:56Bella's death didn't stir any waves.
34:58My father, already disgraced by her actions, had long stopped acknowledging her as his daughter.
35:04As for Jacob, he couldn't have been more eager for her to disappear.
35:07Seven days later, all three of my baby snakes took human form.
35:11The sky once again erupted in violet light and dazzling rainbow clouds.
35:15Birds filled the heavens with song.
35:17It was another divine omen.
35:19Then, my entire body began to glow with golden light.
35:22In the blink of an eye, a shimmering emerald serpent's tail extended from me, and my eyes turned a brilliant
35:27green.
35:27A voice echoed from the heavens.
35:29The only one who cleans it was the celestial emperor.
35:31Snake immortal Selina, for your mischief a thousand years ago shattering the celestial furnace and plunging the three realms into
35:37chaos you have now completed your ten lives of tribulation.
35:40You may return to heaven and resume your post.
35:43Memories flooded my mind.
35:45I had once been a flower, a stone, a phoenix, a mermaid.
35:49In every life, Elias had been there, guarding me faithfully.
35:52He could have ascended long ago.
35:54But in our final life, he gave up a thousand years of cultivation to save me.
35:58Before I left, Elias held my hand and whispered,
36:01Wait for me, Selina.
36:02I'll be with you in heaven soon.
36:04The blessing of ascension rained down upon the earth.
36:07All the serpent beastkin knelt to receive the divine light.
36:09We respectfully be a farewell to the snake immortal.
36:13May she protect us for generations to come.
36:16In a flash of white light, I returned to heaven and resumed my role as the snake immortal, guardian of
36:20the celestial garden.
36:22Five hundred years later, I was curled up under the covers, enjoying a lazy nap, when a familiar fragrance drifted
36:28into my nose.
36:28A warm embrace wrapped around me.
36:31Then came a voice, deep and beloved.
36:33Selina, I'm back.
36:34Everyone who ever hurt you is gone.
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