- 15 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:08I was born with heavy breasts and lush curves.
00:11My half-sister Chloe was afraid her mate Brad would go feral over me,
00:16so she sold me to an impotent alpha.
00:20She patted my shoulder.
00:24Who knows, maybe he's good at other things.
00:28Three months later, I was begging for mercy every night.
00:32Funny, he seemed good at everything.
00:37Case Valerius, the Blackwood Pax Alpha, the Lycan King's most trusted war commander.
00:42He was carried back from the battlefield soaked in blood.
00:45Someone suggested,
00:47A mate bond shares life force.
00:49If Alpha Case was bound to a living, healthy mate,
00:52her strength could flow into him and pull him back.
00:55Chloe rushed to play matchmaker and presented me to Martha before I could object.
00:59I had no way to refuse.
01:01If I wouldn't agree, she'd transfer me to serve 60-year-old elder Kevin.
01:06I knew she resented my history with her mate.
01:08I dropped to my knees and swore to the moon goddess.
01:12I swear, Chloe, I had no feelings for Brad.
01:16Chloe jabbed a finger at my forehead, fury in her eyes.
01:19What good is a vow?
01:21Do you have any idea how distracting you are?
01:23I hunched my shoulders.
01:25Tears slid down my cheeks.
01:27Just look at that ample body and those charming curves,
01:31parading your body in front of every male in the clan.
01:34Who among them would not lose their minds at the smell of you?
01:38I wanted to tell her.
01:39To bind my chest, I had wrapped myself layer after layer in the sweltering heat,
01:44until I broke out in a rash.
01:45Her expression softened.
01:47She wiped my tears.
01:50It's not that I don't trust you.
01:51It's that I don't trust males.
01:54Do you know how powerful Alpha Case is?
01:56If my mother and Martha weren't old friends,
01:59you wouldn't even have this opportunity.
02:02Chloe, I don't want to be anyone's offering.
02:05I'd rather scrub kitchen floors.
02:08Just don't make me...
02:11Two sharp slaps landed across my face.
02:14My cheek burned.
02:16Leah, are you out of your mind?
02:18If I hadn't vouched for you,
02:20Martha wouldn't have given you a second glance.
02:22You wouldn't even be worthy of being Case's mate.
02:25The maid burst in breathless.
02:28Miss Chloe, word from the Valerius Estate.
02:31Alpha Case has woken up.
02:34Chloe dragged me straight to Valerius Estate, enormous.
02:37I followed her through the main hall to a set of heavy double doors, pulled half shut.
02:42Through the gap, I could make out a man's shape in the bed.
02:44Thin, motionless, chest rattling with shallow coughs every few minutes.
02:49Martha stood on our side, eyes red.
02:51Thank you for everything you've done for Case.
02:54I won't destroy a girl's future over it.
02:56Chloe's eyes moved, quick and calculating.
02:59Valerius, the bond should still be completed.
03:02Leah arrived the same day Case woke up.
03:04That's the moon goddess guiding us.
03:06Seal the bond properly.
03:08Her life force will keep pulling him back toward health.
03:11Before she could speak, the healer, Ella, stepped out.
03:14Expression tight.
03:16Alpha Case has regained consciousness,
03:18but an arrow struck his inner thigh during battle.
03:23I'm afraid he will no longer be able to-
03:25Unable to do what?
03:27He will no longer be able to get hard.
03:29Martha's knees gave out.
03:30I caught her before she hit the floor.
03:33She looked up at me with hollowed eyes.
03:35Leah, knowing this, are you still willing?
03:40Yes, she's been looking forward to it.
03:42Chloe was already answering for me.
03:44Of course she is.
03:45She's just an Omega with no prospects.
03:48She should be grateful.
03:50I didn't speak right away.
03:52My mind went to my past.
03:54There was a young wolf in the poor quarter behind our estate.
03:56I first saw him through the fence gaps.
04:00Thin wrists, hollow cheeks, hunched over a cracked bowl with nothing in it.
04:04I started passing food through the gaps.
04:07Bread first.
04:08Then soup.
04:09Then whatever I had.
04:10Day after day, I watched him change.
04:13The hollows in his cheeks filled out.
04:16His shoulders broadened.
04:17He started training before dawn,
04:20running laps around the back wall while I was still half asleep.
04:22He was going to enter the warrior trials.
04:25I knew it before he told me.
04:27When he passed, I went to find him that same night.
04:30I was happy.
04:31I remember it clearly.
04:32I was genuinely happy.
04:33I knocked on the gate.
04:34He didn't open it.
04:35His voice came.
04:36Leah, I'm betrothed now.
04:38It wouldn't be proper.
04:39Then a soft thud in the dirt at my feet.
04:41A pouch of silver.
04:42Consider my debt repaid.
04:44I stood there for a moment.
04:45Then I picked it up and walked away.
04:47That wolf became Chloe's mate.
04:50Brad.
04:51I acted like I'd never known him.
04:53Chloe found out anyway.
04:55I snapped back to reality.
04:57I gathered my skirts and knelt in front of Martha.
05:00My lady.
05:01I'm willing.
05:02I'll complete the bond.
05:04Care for Case.
05:06And serve you as long as you need me.
05:08Luna.
05:09Martha kept her word and prepared a dignified mating dress for me.
05:12Chloe deliberately chose a day when Brad was away on pack business to send me off.
05:16She walked me to the door, guilt on her face.
05:19Even though Case can't get hard, at least you'll be spared the pain of bearing pups.
05:25Don't worry.
05:27An alpha who can't perform in that area is probably exceptional in every other.
05:31Honestly, none of what Chloe said had even crossed my mind.
05:35I told myself I was simply moving to a new household.
05:39Case was too weak to stand through the full mate blessing ritual.
05:42I completed the bond rites beside his ceremonial sword instead.
05:47Martha watched from the front, eyes wet the whole time.
05:51When it was done, I was alpha Case's mate.
05:54The mating chamber was quiet.
05:56I pushed the door open carefully.
05:59Case was already inside, half reclined against the headboard in a white bathrobe.
06:04He turned when he heard me.
06:05Up close, he was strikingly handsome.
06:08Sharp jaw, dark eyes, the kind of face that didn't need color in it to hold attention.
06:14I had no intention of taking a mate, he said with a low voice.
06:18If it doesn't trouble you, we can treat this as a sibling arrangement.
06:23He pointed to the chaise along the far wall.
06:26Tonight the bed is yours.
06:28I'll take that.
06:30Tomorrow you move to the guest quarters.
06:32Alright, I nodded.
06:34He had thought of everything.
06:35It wasn't what I'd expected.
06:37Before the ritual, one of the older maids had pulled me aside and pressed something into my hands.
06:43A small handbook, worn at the corners.
06:46She'd whispered with a strange look.
06:48There are other ways between mates.
06:51You might find it useful.
06:53I had no idea what she meant until I opened it.
06:56Heat pooled in my core just from looking at the pages.
07:00Is it too hot?
07:01Case was watching me from the bed.
07:03Right.
07:04Eyes direct.
07:05Unblinking.
07:06The dress is heavy.
07:08I'm a little warm.
07:11Then wash up and rest.
07:12He pulled the blanket over himself and turned toward the wall.
07:15Within minutes his breathing evened out.
07:18I set the handbook down on the vanity and took down my hair.
07:22Then the layered robes, piece by piece, until I was standing in nothing but my nightgown.
07:27I turned to the mirror.
07:29The thin fabric clung to every curve.
07:32Heavy breasts straining against the cloth.
07:34Slim waist giving way to the flare of my hips.
07:37I walked straight into Case's gaze.
07:39He wasn't asleep.
07:41His chest rose hard.
07:43The tips of his ears went red.
07:45His throat worked as he swallowed.
07:47I grabbed my outer robe and pressed it against my chest.
07:51Alpha, I thought you were asleep.
07:54A long pause.
07:55I could sleep later.
07:58My breath hitched.
07:59He rose slowly to his feet.
08:02His tall frame casting a shadow over me.
08:15The handbook's images came flooding in.
08:18My breathing shifted without me meaning it to.
08:20Somehow falling into the same rhythm as his.
08:23Then Case turned and walked to the door.
08:25The moment cool night air rushed in, I snapped back to my senses.
08:29He'd already disappeared into the darkness.
08:32I turned it over in my mind.
08:34When he'd looked at me just now, his eyes had flashed with something unmistakably like shock.
08:40Had my figure actually frightened him?
08:43Before I lay down, I made a firm decision.
08:46Tomorrow morning, I was binding my chest at least one full loop tighter.
08:50I was hovering somewhere between sleep and waking when Case slipped back in.
08:55The tips of his hair still beaded with water.
08:57He'd apparently gone to shower.
08:59By morning, he was already gone.
09:01Ivy came in to help me dress.
09:03From the corridor outside came the sound of a man.
09:07Once.
09:08Then again.
09:10Martha's headmaid's voice carried clearly through the door.
09:13Alpha Case?
09:14Why didn't you call someone to heat the water?
09:17It's already summer, but the nights are still cold.
09:20Of course you've caught a chill.
09:22I'll go brew tea right now.
09:23I glanced at Ivy.
09:25Does the Alpha usually take cold showers?
09:28I honestly don't know, miss.
09:30I dismissed her and locked the door.
09:32I wound a strip of cloth tight over my undergarments,
09:35then pulled on the most conservative dress I could find in the wardrobe.
09:40High neck, loose cut, heavy fabric.
09:43Then I went to living room.
09:45Case was already there when I arrived, seated beside Martha.
09:49She lit up the moment she saw me, her whole face warm with welcome.
09:54Until Case coughed, and the warmth vanished instantly.
09:58Cage, I have a few private words for Leah.
10:01Go rest for a while.
10:03Case rose and left without a word.
10:05Martha waved me over and took both my hands in hers, eyes glistening.
10:11Sweet girl, our case is lucky to have you.
10:17The pack healer says the injury drained his life force.
10:21There's no telling how long he has left.
10:24Some of the elders suggested I find a child for him to adopt, to carry on the bloodline.
10:32But if I did that, wouldn't I be stealing your whole future from you?
10:38I'm already grateful you came into this family to save Case.
10:42I can't let you sacrifice the rest of your life on top of that.
10:45I've thought it through.
10:46If Case's time does come, I'll have him issue you a formal mate release.
10:51Your future stays protected.
10:52And I'll see to it that you receive property and a place of your own.
10:57I reached up and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
11:00Chest tight with an ache I couldn't name.
11:03Mrs. Valerius, thank you for looking out for me.
11:07I'd come here thinking of myself as nothing more than a transferred Omega servant.
11:11I never imagined she would think this far ahead on my behalf.
11:14My thoughts drifted to the mother I had never known.
11:17If she had been alive, if I had grown up under a mother's protection.
11:20I never would have ended up in any of the situations I'd been through.
11:23Martha laughed through her tears.
11:26Look at me, I've gone and made you cry too.
11:29She squeezed my hands.
11:31Leah, there's no need to be so formal.
11:33Call me mom, just like Case does.
11:36She took a breath.
11:38So, I have a proposition for you.
11:40Chloe mentioned you know how to prepare medicinal soups.
11:43I'd like you to take over Case's daily meals and care.
11:47I just want him to live a little longer.
11:49That's my one selfish wish.
11:50By the end, her voice had gone rough.
11:53I nodded.
11:54I headed to the kitchen to gather ingredients.
11:56The last time I'd prepared medicinal soup was several years ago,
12:00back when Brad was not yet Chloe's mate.
12:02He'd lost both parents and lived alone in a rundown unit,
12:06skipping meals to save every cent for his warrior training.
12:10One day, I found him collapsed at our back gate and brought him around.
12:14Out of sympathy, I dug through my mother's old healer journals
12:17and prepared medicinal meals for him every day to rebuild his strength.
12:22Only the two of us ever knew about it.
12:24From the looks of things, he was the one who told Chloe,
12:28just to get me driven out.
12:30The lengths he had gone to were truly something.
12:33I carried the steaming soup to the bedroom
12:35and found Case directing servants to pack up his belongings.
12:40Alpha, what's this about?
12:42Weren't we agreed that I was moving the guest room?
12:44His sharply handsome face didn't shift so much as a fraction.
12:48I have fewer things.
12:50It makes more sense for me to move.
12:52At least eat first.
12:54I set the food on the table.
12:55He gave it a brief glance and sat down.
13:01You can leave this kind of thing to the maid from now on.
13:04It's no different coming from me.
13:07It is different.
13:09His voice remained flat and cool.
13:12Have Ivy bring it from now on.
13:14He finished the soup in a few quick swallows,
13:17said a few words to his servants and swept past me.
13:20In that moment, I confirmed one thing.
13:23Alpha Case couldn't stand the sight of me.
13:26I followed his instructions
13:27and had Ivy deliver his daily healing meals to the study from then on.
13:32Martha couldn't stop singing my praises.
13:34The pack healer says Case's condition has stabilized significantly.
13:39I can see the color coming back to his face.
13:41Leah, that's entirely because of you.
13:44Delighted, she pressed a gold bracelet into my hands.
13:48Back in my room, I tucked it into my jewelry box,
13:51which had been slowly filling with pieces Martha had gifted me since my arrival.
13:56Leah, you never wear any of thee of these.
13:59Isn't it a waste to just put them away?
14:01How is it a waste?
14:03Every one of these can be converted to cash.
14:06That's my security fund.
14:07But Lady Martha gave these to you personally.
14:10Are you really going to sell all of them?
14:12Not right now.
14:13But if the mate bond is ever severed,
14:15naturally I'd sell them and keep the money on hand.
14:18Ivy's expression shifted to pure bewilderment.
14:22As she turned away, she dropped her voice to a murmur.
14:26Alpha.
14:29Alpha?
14:30I spun around and met a pair of ink-dark eyes.
14:33Martha's eyesight must truly be failing her.
14:36Case looked worse than ever.
14:38Case's face was even paler than before.
14:40His gaze was sharp and cutting, fixed on me with cold precision.
14:45The look unsettled me completely, but I didn't dare let a single trace of it show.
14:51Alpha, is there something you need?
14:54A journal.
14:56We looked together.
14:57I checked the shelves.
14:58He checked the writing desk.
15:00Neither of us spoke.
15:01I spotted the journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf,
15:05behind a row of my mother's medical notes.
15:07I reached up on my toes.
15:09My fingertips just grazed the cover.
15:12Case's hand came over mine.
15:14Warm.
15:14Steady.
15:16He reached past me without effort and closed his hand around the journal.
15:20I turned my head.
15:21His face was right there, closer than I'd realized.
15:25He was looking down at me.
15:27Then, I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
15:31My heavy breasts hit his chest first.
15:33My waist went straight into his palm, his hand catching me before he could react.
15:38Case didn't step back.
15:40His ear tips went red.
15:42His throat worked as he swallowed.
15:44When he exhaled, the breath came out uneven against the top of my head.
15:48His eyes flashed gold for a second, then green.
15:53I scrambled upright, face burning.
15:56Your journal.
15:57He took it without a word and walked out.
15:59Perfect.
16:00My standing in his eyes had just sunk even lower.
16:03After that day, I made every effort to avoid crossing paths with Case.
16:07He was injured and recovering.
16:09He needed to stay calm.
16:11But there was one more thing bothering me.
16:13Brad had been sending notes.
16:15Three times already.
16:17I hadn't opened a single one.
16:18Just dropped them in a box.
16:20Then, Ivy pressed one into my hand that morning.
16:22It's not just a note this time.
16:24He's here.
16:25Side entrance.
16:26Says he won't leave until you come out.
16:28I clenched my fist and walked out.
16:30I didn't notice the figure that followed from the far end of the courtyard.
16:33Brad was standing at the gate.
16:36Leah!
16:37You finally came!
16:38You should be calling me Mrs. Valerius.
16:41He paused.
16:42Dropped his voice.
16:44Mrs. Valerius.
16:45Do you have any idea how many times you've put me in an impossible position with these meetings?
16:51I know.
16:52I just wanted to tell you.
16:55I'll be securing more power in the pack.
16:57Soon I won't need Chloe's father backing me anymore.
17:00He stepped closer.
17:02I'll buy a house, Leah.
17:03Come with me.
17:05Anything's better than staying with a dying man.
17:07He reached for me.
17:09I stepped back.
17:11You want me as your mistress?
17:13Brad nodded, completely serious.
17:16I laughed.
17:17Why would I give up being the Alpha's mate to be your mistress?
17:21The whole pack knows Case is dying.
17:23He won't last.
17:25And he can't even stand up anymore.
17:28His eyes dropped deliberately to my chest.
17:31Isn't that a waste?
17:34Disgust surged through me.
17:36Brad, I will never be anyone's mistress.
17:40Case fought on the front lines for this pack.
17:43Those injuries are his honor.
17:46You've benefited from every battle he won and you're standing here calling him less of a man.
17:53You're the one who's less.
17:56Come near me again and every note you've sent goes straight to Chloe.
18:00How do you think that ends for you?
18:04His face went white.
18:05I swung the gate shut.
18:07I turned around and came face to face with Case.
18:10White t-shirt, standing less than half a foot away.
18:13His full height bearing down on me.
18:15Alpha.
18:15I managed.
18:16A faint edge flickered across his expression.
18:19Wasn't it my mate just a moment ago?
18:21Why so formal all of a sudden?
18:23I looked down and started walking.
18:28Please don't misunderstand.
18:29As long as I'm in this estate, I honor this bond.
18:31Completely.
18:32Fast.
18:33It's getting late.
18:34I should go make your evening meal.
18:36I moved to step past him.
18:37His hand closed around my arm.
18:39I lost my footing and pitched straight into him.
18:41My heavy breaths against his chest.
18:43My waist caught in his grip.
18:45I looked up.
18:47His face was inches from mine.
18:49His eyes were deep and unreadable.
18:51One tilt forward and our lips would have touched.
18:54His breath hit my face.
18:56Warm.
18:56My breath hitched.
18:59Heat pooled low in my core.
19:01Case swallowed hard.
19:03As long as I remain in this estate.
19:06Each word slow.
19:07Deliberate.
19:08You counting down the days until you can leave?
19:11I couldn't exactly tell him,
19:13I'll leave the day you die.
19:15No.
19:16Nothing like that.
19:17I shifted in his grip.
19:19Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
19:21Did you mean every word you said just now?
19:24I blinked and asked which part.
19:26He let out a quiet breath and released me.
19:29I bolted.
19:31And I noticed, for the first time,
19:33his face had actual color in it.
19:35His cheeks were just as red as mine.
19:39That night, I had a strange dream.
19:42Case's lips grazed slowly along my cheek.
19:45His fingers hooked into the strap of my slip,
19:48voice dropping to a low murmur.
19:50Does my Luna want this?
19:52I nodded like someone completely under a spell.
19:55Then a fierce, consuming kiss caught my lips and wouldn't let go.
19:59I jolted awake in a tangle of sheets.
20:02Heart still hammering.
20:04Breathless.
20:05Ivy knocked and came in.
20:07I asked her to bring a basin of cold water.
20:09She stared at my sweat-damp hair and murmured,
20:12It really is getting hotter.
20:14I splashed cold water onto my face.
20:17And then it hit me.
20:18That first night.
20:19Case.
20:20Cold shower.
20:22Surely he hadn't also been...
20:24No.
20:26Impossible.
20:27He was injured and recovering.
20:29He was supposed to be keeping himself calm.
20:31At midday, Martha's attendant arrived.
20:33Martha would like dinner in the garden tonight.
20:36She asks that you be sure to come.
20:38Been making excuses to avoid the main dining hall for days,
20:42just to steer clear of Case.
20:43But Martha had gone out of her way to personally extend the invitation.
20:47I couldn't say no.
20:48I stepped into the garden.
20:50A sprawling rose of Sharon was in full bloom.
20:53A gust of wind shook loose a handful of deep crimson petals,
20:57drifting down onto the stone table,
20:59covered with every dish I loved most.
21:02Martha smiled and gestured for me to sit.
21:04Case mentioned it's your birthday today.
21:06He's the one who asked the kitchen to prepare all of this.
21:10I looked up and met a pair of burning, intent eyes.
21:13Heat rushed straight to my face.
21:16Case lit a plate of chestnut cake in front of me
21:18without changing his expression.
21:21How did you know today was my birthday?
21:24I had completely forgotten it myself.
21:26My birth mother died bringing me into the world.
21:29No one had ever once marked the day for me.
21:32Case kept his eyes lowered and said evenly,
21:36It's not difficult to know it.
21:38Something in my chest gave one quiet, inexplicable pull.
21:43Leah, this peach blossom wine is from my private reserve.
21:47I'm opening it just for you.
21:49But you two had better not drink too much.
21:51She pushed back her chair, said the summer evening breeze was too much for her old bones, and left.
21:58The garden went quiet.
22:00To avoid the silence, I put my head down and drank.
22:03One cup, then another, then another.
22:06The wine was sweet and dangerously potent.
22:10Before long, the edges of everything had gone soft and blurry.
22:14Case watched me but said nothing.
22:16By the third glass, I'd stopped feeling the awkward silence.
22:20By the fourth, I'd stopped feeling much of anything.
22:23I reached across the table toward the last piece of chestnut cake.
22:27The dish was empty.
22:29I looked up.
22:30Where's the last piece?
22:32I ate it.
22:33I have absolutely no idea where the boldness came from.
22:37I leaned straight toward his face.
22:40Who told you to eat that?
22:42Spit it back out.
22:44I pressed against his chest, trying to peer into his mouth.
22:47Case looked down at me, perfectly calm.
22:50You won't find it that way.
22:52I straightened up and stared at him.
22:54Then how am I supposed to find it?
22:56A faint flush crept across his cheeks.
23:00Try using your mouse.
23:01My gaze drifted to his slightly reddened lips.
23:05I swallowed once, and kissed him without hesitation.
23:09Case went rigid, his breathing lurching unsteady.
23:12Then control shifted.
23:14His hand cupped the back of my head, and he pressed in deeper.
23:18Harder.
23:19Neither of us pulled away until footsteps sounded from behind the flower bed.
23:24Alpha, the night air is cool.
23:27Lady Martha asked me to bring you both a wrap.
23:30I had no idea how much Ivy had seen.
23:33I shot to my feet, and the next instant the world tilted.
23:37Everything went dark.
23:41When I woke up with a splitting headache, it was already morning.
23:44I suddenly remembered.
23:46I'd promised Martha to visit Case's father's grave.
23:50It was late.
23:51I started rushing around for my things.
23:56Leah, don't worry.
23:57The driver is still getting the car ready.
24:00Ivy, was it you who brought me back last night?
24:04No.
24:05The Alpha carried you back.
24:08I spun around to check her face.
24:10She nodded, completely serious.
24:14I didn't say anything stupid, did I?
24:17Ivy bid back a smile.
24:20The Alpha set you down on the bed, and you grabbed his sleeve and wouldn't let go.
24:26You kept calling him my mate, over and over, until his whole face went red.
24:33Ivy, don't you dare make things up.
24:36She covered her mouth, laughing, and ran out.
24:40I met Martha at the front entrance.
24:43Case's father's grave was on a hillside just beyond the pack territory.
24:48I sat in the back of the car, completely distracted, replaying the moment I'd kissed Case last night.
24:55Martha must have misread my expression because she said,
24:59Leah, is there someone you have feelings for?
25:06I've noticed you've been avoiding Case these past few days.
25:11Please don't be upset with me for pushing you two together at dinner last night.
25:15I thought if the two of you couldn't be mates, you could at least be friends.
25:20But if you're uncomfortable, or if you want to leave, just say.
25:24I'll have him sever the bond. I won't let you be trapped here.
25:28Mom, no. It's not that.
25:31I was thinking about something else.
25:33What is it?
25:34I was still figuring out how to answer when the car lurched.
25:36The engine screamed. The car swung hard.
25:40Tires off the road, crashing through brush, the whole frame shaking.
25:43I grabbed Martha and looked at the driver.
25:46Slumped over the wheel, unconscious.
25:49No one to hit the brakes.
25:51A cliff, straight ahead.
25:53Martha grabbed my arm.
25:54Leah, what do we do?
25:56We jump. Now.
25:58We'll be hurt.
26:00We'll die if we don't. Hold on to me.
26:02I wrapped myself around her and we threw ourselves clear the instant the wheels left solid ground.
26:07We hit the cliff edge and went over.
26:09My hand shot out and caught a root jutting from the rock face.
26:12My other hand locked around Martha's wrist.
26:15Below her was a straight drop into nothing.
26:19Mom, don't look down. Don't look down.
26:22Hold on to me. Ivy and the others are right behind us.
26:26Behind us in the second car.
26:28They'll be here soon.
26:30The root ground under our weight.
26:33Martha's voice broke.
26:36Leah, let me go. We're too heavy. It's going to snap.
26:46I'm old. I've lived my life. You have to keep living yours.
26:53My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe. I couldn't let go.
26:59She'd been a mother to me from the first day.
27:03Mom, I would rather die with you than watch you fall. Hold on.
27:13They're coming.
27:15The truth was, I had no idea. My arms were going numb. The pain had gone so deep it had
27:23stopped feeling like pain at all.
27:26Then I heard it.
27:28A wolf's howl split the air. Deafening and close.
27:35Leah, don't move. I'm coming down.
27:39Case's voice. He'd called me by my name. The first time.
27:45A strong arm came under me. He'd climbed down the cliff face. Wolf claws dug into the rock.
27:53He untied the rope from his own body and looped it around my waist. Then climbed down further and did
28:01the same for Martha.
28:02The people above pulled together. We came up one at a time. It wasn't a hallucination. Case had saved us.
28:12He held me, brow creased.
28:17Why is there so much blood? Martha clutched her face.
28:22She shielded me when we jumped. I didn't get a scratch. It's all hers.
28:31My eyelids felt like lead.
28:35Leah, don't sleep. I'm taking you to Ella.
28:39He lifted me into the car and I stayed curled against his chest. His forehead was damp with sweat. He
28:46kept one hand on the wheel and kept talking.
28:49Leah, Leah, Leah. Stay awake. I'll get you chestnut cake. I'll give you all the jewelry you want to sell.
28:58You don't have to wait for me to die. I'll write the bond release today. You can leave whenever you
29:03want.
29:03My chest kept clenching. Something wet hit my face. I looked up at the sky through the windshield. It wasn't
29:13raining.
29:13Down Hungry.
29:14Down Hungry.
29:15Down Hungry.
29:17Down Belgra.
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