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