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Reborn: I Chose the Snake is a dark revenge drama about betrayal, rebirth, and the shocking choices that come with a second chance at life. After suffering a tragic fate caused by the people she once trusted the most, the protagonist is mysteriously reborn with memories of her past life intact.

In her previous life, she chose the wrong man and paid a devastating price. Determined not to repeat the same mistake, she makes an unexpected decision in her new life—this time, she chooses the dangerous man everyone fears, the one often compared to a snake.

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