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