- 4 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:01I was born with huge breasts, yet I was the Dark Knight pack's lowest-ranking Omega.
00:07When Angelina caught her fiancé staring at me, she sold me to the Iron Howl pack's Alpha,
00:15a man left half-dead by war.
00:18Riker is ruined down there, but maybe he's still useful in other ways.
00:25Months later, I was the one begging for mercy. Every. Single. Night.
00:37Ruin down there? Not even close.
00:43Alpha Riker Ironhawa was carried back from the Northern Front,
00:47drouched in blood, barely breathing.
00:50The pack's seer gave her one desperate option, a blood oath.
00:54Find an Omega. Use her blood and a moonlight vow.
00:59Fuse their fates together to keep his dying soul tethered to this world.
01:03When word reached the shadow pack, Angelina jumped at the chance.
01:08She couldn't wait to get rid of me.
01:10I was a ticking time bomb to her.
01:13Say no, and I'll sell you to that old Alpha up north.
01:19He loves breaking worthless omegas like you.
01:22I knew exactly why she hated me.
01:24She had found out about my past, with Silas, her new fiancé.
01:28I opened my mouth to defend myself, to tell her I wrapped my chest so tight my ribs bruised,
01:34that I bound myself even in the blistering summer heat.
01:37But a guard burst through the heavy doors.
01:42Lady Angelana!
01:44Riders from the Iron Howl pack are here!
01:46They say Alpha Riker is awake!
01:50Angelina hauled me straight into the Iron Howl estate, in the massive bedroom.
01:57He lay completely still.
01:59Muffled, agonizing coughs broke the silence.
02:03A faint metallic scent of blood lingered in the air.
02:07Lady Grace clutched Angelina's hands, tears streaming down her face.
02:12Thank you for everything, Angelina.
02:16But he's awake now.
02:18We don't need the blood oath anymore.
02:20Lady Grace, the contract must go on.
02:24Why?
02:24Amelia is blessed by the goddess.
02:27Think about it.
02:28The second she agreed, Ryan woke up.
02:31If we finish the bond, your Alpha might fully recover.
02:34Lady Grace cast a hesitant glance at me.
02:37Just then, the pack healer stepped out of the bedroom.
02:41He looked at her, struggling to speak.
02:44My lady, the Alpha.
02:47Spit it out.
02:48There are no outsiders here.
02:49He is awake, but his wolf is shattered.
02:52I fear he will never shift again.
02:53He might not even be able to claim a mate.
02:57Claim a mate.
02:58For an Alpha, being unable to mark meant one thing.
03:02The pack was cut off from the goddess's blessing.
03:05There would be no pure blood air.
03:08The words dropped like a bomb.
03:10Lady Grace's knees buckled.
03:12I quickly reached out and supported her.
03:15She looked at me, her eyes completely broken.
03:18Child, are you still willing to marry my son?
03:22I swear I will never mistreat you.
03:24You can just be a daughter to me.
03:26Angelina answered before I could even breathe.
03:28She will.
03:30She absolutely will.
03:32A wolf-less orphan Omega?
03:34Marrying into the Iron Hall pack is the luckiest day of her miserable life.
03:39I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
03:42I wasn't always a nobody.
03:44My father was Lucian, the Shadow Packs healer.
03:47When he died, I was left with nothing.
03:50The man we'd funded for years.
03:53Silas threw silver over his door and never looked back.
03:57Debt collectors came for me.
03:59Grand Elder Damon bought my papers out of pity and made me a slave.
04:03And Silas?
04:04He became Angelina's fiancé.
04:07I pretended I didn't know him.
04:09I kept my head down and served Angelina.
04:13But eventually, she found out.
04:16I stopped fighting my fate.
04:19I stepped forward, lifted my skirt, and dropped to my knees before Lady Grace.
04:24My Lady, I will do it.
04:26I will marry Alpha Ryer and bind myself to the blood oath.
04:30Lady Grace kept her word.
04:32She oversaw every detail of my wedding dress herself.
04:36Angelina specifically picked a day Silas was away to ship me off.
04:40She shoved my debt papers into my hand.
04:43A guilty smirk on her face.
04:45I know Ryder is ruin down there.
04:47But look on the bright side.
04:49You'll never have to suffer through childbirth.
04:52And who knows?
04:53A crippled Alpha might compensate in other ways.
04:56I blocked her out.
04:59To me, I was just swapping one master for another.
05:02The carriage stopped before the moon goddess statue in Iron Hell territory.
05:06The entire pack was gathered.
05:08Alpha Ryer was too weak to stand.
05:10I swore my vows to his heavy broadsword.
05:13The pack oracle dragged a bone laid across my palm.
05:17Squeezed my blood onto an ancient parchment.
05:20Sealed the blood oath.
05:21When I pushed open the heavy oak doors to his bedroom.
05:24Ryok was propped up against the headboard.
05:26He wore a dark robe.
05:28His face ghost pale.
05:30Alpha.
05:31He turned his head.
05:33I froze.
05:34He was devastatingly handsome.
05:37A sharp jawline.
05:38Deep set features.
05:40But his eyes.
05:42Deep amber eyes that stared right through me.
05:45His voice was a low gravelly rasp.
05:48Amelia.
05:49I have no intention of getting a wife.
05:52If you don't mind, we will live as brother and sister.
05:55Tonight's ceremony was my mother's idea.
05:58She's terrified rival packs will sense my condition and attack.
06:03You can take the lounge for tonight.
06:05I'll have a guest room prepared for you tomorrow.
06:08I didn't know what to say.
06:10I finally nodded.
06:13Okay.
06:14Riker looked relieved.
06:15He pulled the heavy blankets up and turned away.
06:19Get some rest.
06:20Soon, his breathing steadished.
06:22I walked to the vanity, pulled off the crown and loosened my hair.
06:26I unbuttoned my wedding dress.
06:28Silk piled at my feet.
06:29I looked at my reflection in the bronze mirror.
06:32Heavy curves.
06:33A waist so tiny it looked like it could snap.
06:36But there were also ugly bruised welds from years of tight chest binding.
06:40I turned around, reaching for my nightgown, and I met Riker's eyes.
06:46He wasn't asleep.
06:48Those dark amber eyes were open, locked dead onto me.
06:52The fireplace cast flickering shadows over his face.
06:55He was completely flushed, his Adam's jankle bobbing hard.
07:00I snatched my dress off the floor, clutching it tightly against my chest.
07:04My voice trembled.
07:06You were supposed to be asleep!
07:10Silence.
07:11A long, heavy silence.
07:13When he finally spoke, his voice was an entire octave deeper.
07:18Rougher.
07:19Like he was suppressing a dark growl.
07:24I can sleep later.
07:26The heavy blanket slipped off his chest.
07:29He planted his feet firmly on the floor and stood up without a single stumble.
07:34He was bare chested.
07:36I stopped breathing.
07:38His torso was a road map of pure violence.
07:41A massive, jagged claw mark ripped diagonally across his chest.
07:45Round, dark arrow scar littered his abdomen.
07:49Every mark was a brutal testament to his legendary past.
07:53He took a step toward me.
07:56His massive shadow swallowed me whole.
07:59My legs trembled.
08:00Every instinct in my body screamed at me to run.
08:04I remembered the older omegas whispering about alphas.
08:07Right now, all those dirty whispers flooded my mind.
08:11Riker stood right in front of me, looking down.
08:14His gaze dragged from my face, down my neck, to the dress clutched against my chest.
08:19Then slowly back up to my eyes.
08:21There was no disgust, no pity.
08:23Only a dark, burning emotion I couldn't understand.
08:27Then, he turned on his heel.
08:30Walked straight out the door.
08:33I stood there, my heart pounding out of my chest.
08:37I looked down at my bruised, bound ribs.
08:41I wanted to disappear.
08:43I walked back to the mirror, tracing the ugly purple indebts with my trembling fingers.
08:49I thought, tomorrow, I'll pull the bindings even tighter.
08:55I lay down on the Shea Lounge, pulling a thin blanket over myself and closed my eyes.
08:59As I was half asleep, the door creaked open.
09:03Ryder was back.
09:05His hair was dripping wet.
09:07I felt him stand over the lounge, watching me for a long time.
09:12Then, a soft, ragged sigh, like wind rustling dead leaves.
09:17He got back into bed and didn't make another sound.
09:20The next morning, I woke up early.
09:23Riker was already gone.
09:25I sat at the vanity, brushing my hair.
09:27Outside in the hallway, I heard an older servant's whispering.
09:31Alpha, if you needed to bathe, why didn't you ask for hot water?
09:36An ice cold shower in your condition?
09:39Please, Alpha, you must take care of your body.
09:43My brush stopped mid-air.
09:46A cold shower?
09:48On his wedding night?
09:50I shook my head.
09:52Impossible.
09:54He was practically a corpse.
09:56I picked up the long strip of binding cloth.
10:00Wrapped it around my chest.
10:03Pulling it much tighter than yesterday.
10:05For my first month at the Iron Howell estate, Ryder completely avoided me.
10:10Every morning, I checked in with Lady Grace.
10:13Then, I headed straight to the kitchens to brew his healing medicine.
10:17It was one of the few ways I could make myself useful.
10:22My late father was the shadow pack's healer.
10:25She had asked on my third day.
10:27Her eyes holding desperate hope.
10:30I hear you know your way around herbal remedies.
10:34Ryder isn't healing.
10:35We've cycled through three pack heapers with zero results.
10:39If you are willing.
10:42I am.
10:45I brewed his remedies, every day, using herbs I'd learned from my father.
10:51I delivered the very first bowl myself.
10:54I carried the wooden tray into his bedroom.
10:58He was leaning against the window, reading.
11:01The afternoon sun caught the edges of his brown hair, turning it to spun gold.
11:08The heavy door clicked.
11:10He looked up.
11:11The second our eyes locked, his pupils constricted.
11:14I whispered, using his formal title.
11:17Alpha.
11:18I brought your medicine.
11:20Ryden's gaze lingered on my face for a fraction of a second.
11:24Then it dropped to the steaming bowl.
11:26He said flatly.
11:28His voice completely attached.
11:30Pure ice.
11:32Leave this to the servants from now on.
11:34I don't mind doing it.
11:37It's not the same.
11:38Have a maid bring it.
11:39He took the tray from my hands, downing the scalding brew in three massive gulps.
11:44Then he turned his back to me and went straight back to his book.
11:48I stood frozen by the door.
11:50The message was clear.
11:52He couldn't stand the sight of me.
11:54After that day, I handed the bowl to a maid.
11:58I never stepped foot in his bedroom again.
12:01A month passed.
12:02One morning, she grabbed my hands.
12:05Amelia, guess what?
12:07The pack healer just checked Ryger's vitals.
12:10He said his body is actually repairing itself.
12:13He even asked if I hired a new physician.
12:17Child, this is all you're doing.
12:20I'm just doing my job, my lady.
12:22No.
12:23You did the impossible.
12:26Three pack healers and gallons of expensive tonnets did absolutely nothing.
12:30Your medicine saved him.
12:32She slipped an ancient, heavy silver bracelet off her wrist.
12:35It bore the iron howl crown.
12:38She pressed it into my palm.
12:41Ryger's grandmother gave this to me.
12:44Now, it belongs to you.
12:46I couldn't refuse her.
12:49Back in my room, I locked the bracelet in a small wooden chest.
12:53It sat next to several other pieces Lady Grace had given me.
12:57Several pieces of jewelry.
12:59Every single piece was worth a fortune.
13:01My maid watched me.
13:03Stashed them away, totally confused.
13:07My lady, why don't you ever wear them?
13:09Lady Grace picked them out just for you.
13:12Because one day, I can pawn these for silver.
13:16You want to sell them?
13:18Not today.
13:19But if the day comes, when I finally have to leave this place, this is my escape fund.
13:26A deep voice echoed.
13:28Leave?
13:29I whipped around.
13:30Ryder was standing dead center in the doorway, looking even paler than usual.
13:35His amber eyes, absolute ice.
13:37Alpha, do you need something?
13:39His gaze dropped from my face to the treasure box in my hands.
13:43Then he looked away.
13:45His voice was dangerously calm.
13:46I left some old belongings in this room.
13:49I came to get them.
13:51I can help you look, Alpha.
13:54What is it?
13:55A journal.
13:57Okay.
13:58Do you remember where you left it?
14:00No.
14:01I immediately started searching the cabinets.
14:04I spotted a worn leather journal pushed to the very back of the top shelf.
14:08I got up on my tiptoes to reach it.
14:12Just as my fingers brushed brushed the spine.
14:15A massive hand covered mine.
14:18Ryard's bare skin sprayed my knuckles.
14:21A violent jolt of electricity shot straight up my arm.
14:25I looked up.
14:27It was the closest I had ever been to his face.
14:31Up close, his dark eyes were mesmerizing.
14:37A razor-thin ring of gold circled his pupils.
14:40It was the deniable mark of Alpha blood.
14:43Even broken.
14:44Even allegedly wolf-less.
14:46That gold ring still burned fiercely.
14:49Like a glowing ember refusing to die.
14:52My heart slammed against my ribs.
14:55Your journal, Alpha.
14:57I yanked my hand back, spinning around to step away.
15:01But the edge of the thick rug caught my heel.
15:04I pitched backward into empty space.
15:09Ryder caught me instantly.
15:11My back slammed flush against his hard chest.
15:15Even through my suffocating chest binding,
15:17I felt the raw heat radiating off his body.
15:21His heartbeat mammored against my spine.
15:24Fast.
15:25Wild.
15:25I pulled away.
15:28I...
15:28I need to go.
15:30I fled.
15:31I'm an idiot.
15:32He couldn't even stand the sight of me.
15:34And I just threw myself right into his arms.
15:37Now he was going to absolutely loathe me.
15:40Half a month went by.
15:41And a new nightmare started.
15:44Someone was leaving me notes.
15:45The first one was slipped under my fate chopping knife in the kitchen.
15:49A neatly folded piece of parchment.
15:52Just one line.
15:53Meet me at the west gate.
15:55No signature.
15:56But I knew that handwriting.
15:58Simus.
15:59I crumpled it into a ball.
16:01And tossed it straight into the roaring fireplace.
16:04The second note was slid under my bedroom door.
16:07This one was a lot bolder.
16:08I know you're suffering.
16:10A wolfless Omega is nothing in the iron howl pack.
16:13Riker won't even look at you, would he?
16:16I can give you a real life.
16:19I ripped the parchment into shreds and threw it in the trash.
16:23The third time, my maid shoved a note into my hand.
16:27She looked absolutely terrified.
16:30My lady, it's not just a note this time.
16:34There's a man at the west gate.
16:36He says he's not leaving until you show up.
16:38My knuckles turned bone white as I crushed the paper.
16:42I stormed out of my room.
16:44Strode down the heavy stone corridor.
16:46And yanked open the west gate.
16:48A man was standing just outside.
16:51He murmured, pulling back his dark hood.
16:53His face was handsome but completely soulless.
16:57Amelia.
16:57You finally came.
16:59My voice was absolute zero.
17:01Silas.
17:02You will address me as Lady Ironhow.
17:04He froze.
17:06Lady Ironhow.
17:08Do you have any idea what happens if Alpha's mate is caught sneaking out to meet another man?
17:13I'm getting promoted.
17:14Eastern territory.
17:16Come with me.
17:17It's better than rotting here with a crippled Alpha.
17:20I took a sharp step back, staring at him with pure disgust.
17:24You want me to be your mistress?
17:26Simus nodded.
17:27Totally serious.
17:29Why the hell would I throw away my title as the Alpha's wife just to be your dirty little secret?
17:36Everyone in the north knows Riker Ironhowl has one foot in the grave.
17:41He's dying.
17:42He can't even claim a mate.
17:44And he can never give you what you actually need.
17:48His eyes dropped to my chest.
17:49Even buried under layers of thick cobblick and suffocating binding.
17:54His gaze felt like a violation I could feel through every layer of cloth.
17:57A beautiful thing like you.
17:59It's a tragic waste.
18:01I know exactly what game you're playing, Simus.
18:03You owe me your life.
18:05Did you forget?
18:06My father kept you from starving for three years.
18:09When they shattered your leg in the fighting pits, I was the one banding your bones.
18:13But the one time I actually needed you, what did you do?
18:16You stood behind a locked door.
18:19You told me you were engaged to the Grand Elder's spoiled brat.
18:23And you threw a bag of silver over the wall.
18:26I never spent a single comper of that silver.
18:29It's buried under the old oak tree outside the shadow pack borders.
18:34If you want it back, go dig it up yourself.
18:38Just give me some time. I'll talk to Angelina.
18:41I'll convince her to let you-
18:43Let me what?
18:45Be your pathetic little side piece?
18:47Listen to me very carefully, Silas.
18:50I will never be any man's whore.
18:52Never set foot near this gate again.
18:55My husband is the Alpha of the Iron Howl Pack.
18:59The most dangerous territory in the North.
19:03If he finds out you've been stalking his wife,
19:07do you honestly think you'll live to see that promotion?
19:10You'd really choose a crippled freak over me?
19:13I glared at him.
19:15Years of suppressed rage finally boiling over.
19:17My husband bled to protect this pack.
19:20His scars are his honor.
19:22As a wolf, you call yourself a warrior?
19:24A man sworn to defend?
19:26You have zero right to talk behind his back.
19:29In my eyes, he is a true Alpha.
19:31Unlike you.
19:33You might have a working body, Silas.
19:35But your soul is rottened.
19:37I slammed the heavy door right in his face.
19:40I spun around to walk away.
19:42Except it wasn't a wall.
19:43It was a man.
19:45Ryder was standing barely half a step behind me.
19:48I had no idea how long he had been standing there.
19:51Alpha.
19:52He looked down at me.
19:55You were just calling me your husband out there.
19:58Why so formal now?
20:03My heart skipped a violent beat.
20:07Alpha, please don't misunderstand.
20:09As long as I am in the Iron Howl Pack, I know my place.
20:13I will never betray you.
20:18It's getting late.
20:20I need to brew your evening remedy.
20:21I tried to slip past him.
20:23As I brushed by, Ryken's hand shat out.
20:25His long fingers wrapping around my arm.
20:28I lost my balance and tumbled straight into his chest.
20:31I threw my head back.
20:32Crashing right into Ryder's deep, smoldering gaze.
20:35We were inches apart.
20:37If either of us leaned in, our lips would touch.
20:40My cheeks burned like fire.
20:42I could feel his chest rising and falling.
20:44Hard.
20:45Irregular.
20:47What do you mean, as long as I am in the Iron Howl Pack?
20:52Are you counting down the days until you can leave?
20:55I couldn't exactly say, I'm leaving the second you die.
20:59No.
21:00I didn't mean that.
21:02Alpha, you're hurting my arm.
21:06Everything you said to him out there.
21:09Did you mean it?
21:10Which part?
21:11He released my arm and took half a step back.
21:14Like a terrified rabbit, I bolted.
21:17I saw his face.
21:19Completely flushed.
21:23That night, I had a wildly inappropriate dream.
21:27In it, Ryak's lips brushed against my cheek.
21:30His finger hooked onto the delicate lace of my nightgown.
21:32He whispered a dark, seductive purr.
21:36My lady, do you want this?
21:39In the dream, I nodded.
21:41Then his mouth crashed down on mine.
21:44It was fierce, intoxicating.
21:47Driven by a deep, feral hunger.
21:49His tongue forced my mouth open, claiming every inch of me like a conquered territory.
21:57I jolted awake, my pulse racing.
21:59My heart was threatening to rip through my chest.
22:02My clothes were soaked in sweat, clinging to my skin.
22:05Deep in my core, a strange, humiliating heat throbbed relentlessly.
22:09My maid heard the rustling and pushed the door open.
22:13My lady, are you alright?
22:17Bring me a sounded terrifying of cold Ruski.
22:20She brought the water, staring at my damp hair and flush cheeks.
22:25It really is getting too hot for this time of year.
22:27I splashed the freezing water onto my face.
22:31The brutal cold shocked me back to reality.
22:35On our wedding night, Ryder took a cold shower.
22:39Was he also?
22:41I shook my head violently.
22:43No.
22:44It was impossible.
22:46He was practically broken in half.
22:48Right around noon, Lady Grace's maid delivered a message.
22:53My lady, the matriarch is hosting dinner in the gardens tonight.
22:57She insists you attend.
23:00I had been claiming I was ill to avoid the main dining hall for days.
23:04I was terrified of running into Ryder again.
23:09Terrified of staring into those amber eyes that made my pulse race.
23:13But when Lady Grace personally asked, I couldn't say no.
23:17At twilight, I walked down into the estate gardens.
23:21The garden was small but elegant, dominated by a towering pomegranate tree in full bloom.
23:28Crimson petals drifted onto the stone table.
23:31The table was laden with all my favorite dishes.
23:34All my favorite.
23:36Lady Grace sat at the head of the table, beaming at me.
23:40She smiled warmly.
23:42Come, sit.
23:44Ryder had the kitchens prepare this just for you.
23:48I froze.
23:49My eyes darted across the table.
23:52Ryder was sitting right across from me.
23:54He wore a heavy, dark brown coat that made his sharp features look even more lethal in the twilight.
23:59He was staring down, quietly adjusting his silverware.
24:04He must have felt my gaze.
24:07He slowly lifted his eyes.
24:09The exact second our eyes locked, my face caught fire all over again.
24:15I quickly snapped my gaze down to my plate.
24:18Subtly, Lady Grace lit a small platter of chestnut cakes toward me.
24:23Ryder specifically sent a rider down to the southern markets for these.
24:27He told me they were your favorite.
24:30I slowly raised my eyes to look at him.
24:33He didn't meet my gaze.
24:35I saw your birth date on our marriage contract.
24:40My heart gave a sudden, soft flutter.
24:43Nobody had ever remembered my birthday.
24:46Back in the shadow, pal, birthdays were only celebrated for wolves with actual power.
24:53A wolfless, defect omega wasn't worth the memory.
24:56Lady Grace picked up a heavy clay jug and poured me a glass of rich, amber liquid.
25:02I've been saving this wine for years.
25:05I opened it tonight just for the two of you.
25:09But don't drink too much now.
25:12She stood up, claiming the night air was getting too chilly for her old bones,
25:16and left us completely alone.
25:18The second Lady Grace vanished.
25:20A heavy silence fell over the garden.
25:23It was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat pounding.
25:27To break the tension, I grabbed my cup.
25:30I chugged down the amber wine.
25:33It tasted dangerally sweet.
25:35Smooth on the way down.
25:37But it kicked like a mule.
25:40By my fourth glass, the world was starting to spin.
25:43I reached blindly for the empty platter in front of me.
25:47I tilted my head, peering at Riard through a blurry haze.
25:52Where is the last chestnut cake?
25:55Riker's lips trickled slightly.
25:57He said softly,
25:59I ate it.
26:01I don't know where I found the nerve.
26:03I planted my hands on the stone table and pushed myself up.
26:07I stumbled around the edge, leaning right into his face.
26:11I mumbled.
26:12Who said you could eat it?
26:15Spit it out right now.
26:17Riker just stared up at me.
26:19A dark fire flared in his amber eyes.
26:22He parted his lips slightly.
26:25Come find it yourself.
26:27I squinted at his mouth.
26:30You're never going to find it looking like that.
26:33Then how?
26:34Try using your mouth.
26:36My eyes slowly drifted down to his lips.
26:39They were sharp, lethal.
26:41But right now, slicked with sweet wine,
26:43they looked devastatingly soft and gleaming with moisture.
26:47I swallowed hard, and without thinking,
26:50I crashed my lips onto his.
26:52The absolute second we touched,
26:55Ryder's entire body went steric as stone,
26:57but only for a split second.
26:59The next moment,
27:01his massive hand locked around the back of my head.
27:03My brain completely short-sucked.
27:06All I could feel was his mouth,
27:08his tongue,
27:09his ragged breathing,
27:11and the electric shock of his fingers threading deeply into my hair.
27:15We didn't rip apart until footsteps crunched on the gravel behind the flower beds.
27:20I jerked back.
27:21In the next instant,
27:22the world spun violently and the sky flipped upside down.
27:26My vision went pitch black.
27:27I collapsed.
27:28The splitting headache woke me up.
27:32I forced my eyes open,
27:34squinting at an unfamiliar ceiling.
27:38This was the Alpha's bedroom.
27:41What the hell am I doing here?
27:46My lady,
27:48you got completely drunk last night.
27:50Alpha Ryder carried you back.
27:54Did I say anything stupid?
27:57Oh, absolutely.
27:59He tried to lay you down,
28:01but you grabbed his sleeve and refused to let go.
28:03You kept calling him husband over and over a day.
28:07His entire face turned bright red.
28:11Get out!
28:13She giggled and bolted from the room.
28:17I lay there for a long time,
28:19totally paralyzed,
28:21until someone knocked.
28:23My lady,
28:24the matriarch's waiting at the gates.
28:26We're heading to the sacred peak for the blessing.
28:28I scrambled out of bed,
28:30splashed some water on my face,
28:32and practically ran out of the castle.
28:35Lady Grace was already sitting in the carriage.
28:38No rush, dear.
28:40Take your time.
28:43The carriage rolled out of Iron Hell territory,
28:46following a dirt road up toward the sacred peak.
28:48The mountain was holy ground for northern wolves.
28:51Legend said the wolf god himself left his mark there.
28:54The coronation ceremony for each generation of Alpha takes place there.
28:58Halfway up the trail,
29:00my mind was still consumed by what happened last night.
29:03I kissed Ryken,
29:04and then I completely passed out.
29:06I had absolutely no idea what happened next.
29:10Amelia.
29:11Is there someone else in your heart?
29:14You've been dodging Ryken for weeks.
29:17If you want out of this marriage,
29:19just say the word.
29:20You're young.
29:22You shouldn't waste your entire life tied to a-
29:24No!
29:25It's not that at all.
29:26Then what is it?
29:27Before I could answer,
29:29the entire carriage lopaged violently.
29:32The wooden wheels suddenly spun out of control.
29:36The driver was gone.
29:38Amelia!
29:39I realized there was a cliff right ahead.
29:42Lady Grace!
29:42Hold on to me tight.
29:44We have to jump.
29:45Jump?
29:46We'll break our bones!
29:48There's a cliff right there!
29:49If we don't jump right now, we're dead!
29:53We tumbled violently over the jagged cliffside.
29:56My left arm was locked dead around Lady Grace.
29:59We were dangling in mid-air,
30:01with nothing but a massive bottomless gorge beneath our feet.
30:05Hold on!
30:06The guards will find us!
30:08Let me go, Amelia.
30:10The branch can't hold both of us.
30:13I've lived a long life.
30:15Yours is just stuck.
30:17I won't let go.
30:19You are the first person to actually treat me like a Hugh being in this hellhole.
30:24You are my family now.
30:25And I don't abandon my family.
30:27The branch gave way a few more inches.
30:30My fingers were slipping.
30:31Inch by excruciating inch, my nails drug into the rough bark, drawing blood.
30:38Pure despair washed over me.
30:40Then, a voice tore through the air.
30:43Amelia!
30:44Riker has found us.
30:46He didn't hesitate at all.
30:48Ryder!
30:49Mid-air, his body began to violently shift.
30:52Coarse, grey fur erupted.
30:55Fingers elongated into lethal claws.
30:58He was a monstrous, silver-grey beast.
31:01His massive claws gouged into the solid cliff face.
31:04Stone shattered.
31:06His powerful hind legs kicked off the wall.
31:08He lunched outward, wrapping one massive front arm around me and Lady Grace.
31:12I was pinned flush against his chest.
31:16I felt his heartbeat, up on the ridge.
31:19Iron howl guards finally arrived.
31:21Thick ropes dropped down the cliff side.
31:24Riker caught the lines in his baths.
31:26He secured the loops around us.
31:28The guards started hauling us up.
31:32The second I cleared the ledge, I looked down.
31:36Raiden was still clinging to the sheer rock.
31:39Those burning golden eyes locked entirely on me.
31:42Then, they hauled him up too.
31:45The moment his paws hit the dirt, he shifted back.
31:49He was half-naked, his torso covered in fresh wounds.
31:55But he seemed to feel absolutely nothing.
31:58You're bleeding.
32:02I'm fine, Lady Grace.
32:05She's alive.
32:07You threw yourself out of a moving carriage.
32:11You hung onto that branch.
32:14He abruptly cut himself off.
32:16Something was glistering in those golden eyes.
32:19It wasn't alpha fire.
32:22It was tears.
32:24Riker.
32:26He didn't answer.
32:28He just lowered his head and rested his forehead against my uninjured shoulder.
32:32His massive arms wrapped around me, pulling me flush against his bare chest.
32:37I'm okay.
32:39You caught me.
32:40All around us the Iron Howall guards silently turned their backs and looked out over the vast
32:45distance.
32:46Only Lady Grace stayed.
32:48She watched us from the dirt, a soft, tearful smile spreading across her face.
32:53I was bedridden for an entire month.
32:56My dislocated shoulder took a month to heal.
33:00Agonizingly slow for a wolfless Omega.
33:02For that entire month, I didn't see Riker once.
33:06Lady Grace had locked herself away, still shaken by the fall.
33:10The entire estate felt suffocatingly tense.
33:13Every guard wore a grim, solemn expression.
33:16A heavy, suffocating pressure hung in the air, like the calm right before a brutal storm.
33:23Thirty days later, I could finally walk on my own.
33:27I pushed my door open.
33:29The stone corridor was completely empty.
33:32I walked towards the stairs.
33:35When I passed Riker's scudial, the door was shut tight.
33:39I hesitated for a second, but I didn't knock.
33:41I made it to the front entrance and pushed open the heavy oak doors.
33:47Ryder was standing at the bottom of the grand steps.
33:51Standing completely, his face hidden in the shadows.
33:55He walked up and handed me a small wooden lockbox.
33:58I took it, popped the lash.
34:01Inside was a land deed.
34:04The ownership papers for a small estate and a signed mate nullification contract.
34:09My entire body went ragged.
34:11You're kicking me out?
34:13When Ryuk looked at me, his eyes were absolute ice.
34:16But beneath that frozen surface, I saw something else.
34:20Pure agony.
34:21His voice was like a frozen lake.
34:25I know you've been waiting for this.
34:28You've been dodging me, hiding from me.
34:31You wanted nothing to do with this pack.
34:34You hoarded every piece of jewelry my mother gave you, just waiting for the day you could pawn them to
34:39escape.
34:40Isn't this exactly what you wanted?
34:44My lips parted, but no sound came out.
34:48He turned around, showing me his back.
34:51Leave, Amelia.
34:52From this moment on, you have zero ties to the Iron Howl pack.
34:57My voice was so light, a single breeze could scatter it.
35:01So that's what the great alpha thinks of me.
35:03He didn't turn back around.
35:05Leave now.
35:07I never want to see your face again.
35:10The estate guards marched me straight out the gates.
35:13My maid trailed behind me, clutching a small bag.
35:17Her eyes were red and swollen.
35:20She sniffed.
35:22The alpha ordered me to go with you.
35:26He said you were used to me.
35:28I didn't say a single word.
35:30We boarded the carriage, and drove straight out of Iron Howl territory.
35:35We stopped at a small border town.
35:37I pawned one of the silver bracelets from the lock box,
35:41rented a small cottage, and settled in.
35:44The very next morning, a new official notice was nailed to the town square.
35:51I stood frozen in front of the wooden board,
35:54staring at the parchment bearing the seal of King Alpha.
35:57The notice read clearly.
35:59Alpha Riger Ironhowo is charged with treason.
36:03Accused of cullunning with the southern packs,
36:05leaking northern defense maps,
36:07and causing the entire northern border to collapse.
36:10The alpha king had officially ordered his arrest.
36:13Riker was already locked in the royal dungeons, awaiting judgment.
36:16The entire Iron Howl estate was placed on full lockdown.
36:20No one in, no one out, pending a royal investigation.
36:24I stood in front of that board as my blood turned to absolute kise.
36:28Collusion.
36:30Treason.
36:30Treason.
36:31The royal dungeons.
36:32I thought back to those burning golden eyes on the cliff.
36:36Those weren't the eyes of a traitor.
36:38Those were the eyes of a man who would die to protect his pack.
36:42He didn't kick me out because he hated me.
36:45He kicked me out because he knew this was coming.
36:47My hands balled into tight fists.
36:50My nails dug violently into my palms.
36:54My maid timidly asked behind me,
36:56My lady, is there anything we can do?
37:00I closed my eyes and took a deep, shaky breath.
37:04My mind drifted back to my father, Lucien, the Shadow Packs healer.
37:08He was an ordinary wolf with absolutely zero combat skills,
37:12but the entire pack deeply respected him,
37:15because he pulled countless warriors back from the brink of death.
37:18He used to tell me the exact same thing, over and over.
37:22Power isn't just fangs and claws, Amelia.
37:25Knowledge, strategy, connections.
37:28That is true power.
37:30A smart Omega can use those to move the entire world.
37:33I snapped my eyes open.
37:36I know exactly what to do.
37:38It took me three brutal days to track that person down.
37:43Lord Clement Greystone, the Royal Beta of the King's Pack.
37:47Twenty years ago, he was gutted in a war against the Shadow Flick Pack.
37:51He contracted a lethal blood infection.
37:54My father saved his life with a rare herbal remedy.
37:57Lord Greystone met me in his private study.
38:01His voice was a deep, gravelly baron tone.
38:04You say you're Lucien's daughter?
38:06Yes, my lord.
38:07I lowered my head.
38:09The instinctive sign of respect from an Omega to a high-ranking wolf.
38:13He studied my face.
38:15You look exactly like him.
38:18Especially the eyes.
38:20My lord, I know this is an incredibly bold request, but I need your help.
38:24Speak.
38:25I need to see Riker Ironhout.
38:28His thick eyebrows immediately drew together.
38:32I took a deep breath and briefly explained the situation.
38:36From the contract marriage to the cliffside ambush.
38:39From Riker violently kicking me out to the sudden treason decree.
38:44He is not a traitor.
38:46If he was leaking defense maps, why would he jump off a cliff to save me?
38:50If he was colluding with the Shadow Flick Pack, why the hell did they try to assassinate his carriage?
38:56If he is found guilty of treason, anyone who helps him, swings from the same rope.
39:05I know.
39:06He looked at me, his expression unreadable.
39:08He finally said,
39:10Your father pulled me from the grave.
39:12I owe him my life.
39:14And I am paying that DAC to you.
39:16He grabbed an ink quill from his desk.
39:19Wrote a few lines on a heavy parchment.
39:22Stamped his wax seal on it.
39:24This is a visitation pass.
39:27But you only have 30 minutes.
39:31The royal dungeons were buried deep beneath the king's castle.
39:35Freezing.
39:36Damp.
39:37Where the air reeked of rotting iron and mold.
39:40A royal guard stopped in front of the very last iron door.
39:44He jammed a key into the lock.
39:48Alpha Iron Howell is a high-risk trader.
39:50Remember, you only have 30 minutes.
39:52The iron door opened.
39:55I stepped inside.
39:57Ryder looked up.
39:58His hair was a tangled mess.
40:00Heavy stubble shadowed his jaw.
40:02His skin was deathly pale.
40:04His cheekbones jutting out sharply.
40:06He had lost so much weight.
40:08But his eyes hadn't changed.
40:10The second those deep amber eyes saw me,
40:12His pupils narrowed sharply.
40:15What are you doing here?
40:17I stood at the door.
40:18Just staring at him.
40:20The dungeon air was freezing and damp.
40:23But my eyes burned hot with tears.
40:25Is this why you kicked me out?
40:29You knew they were coming for you, didn't you?
40:31Ryker didn't say a word.
40:34I walked right up to him.
40:36I crouched down, bringing my face level with his.
40:39You were framed, weren't you?
40:41Ryker just looked at me.
40:43He sat in complete silence for a long time.
40:47Then, he slowly reached out.
40:50His thumb gently wiping a tear from my cheek.
40:53Amelia, you shouldn't be here.
40:56Tell me the truth.
40:58Who framed you?
41:00What can I do to help?
41:02Ryder's long fingers tightened slightly against my palms.
41:06Amelia, you can't.
41:07The Shadowfleck pack.
41:09They colluded with a traitor inside Iron Howl, doctoring the border defense maps.
41:14But I have zero proof.
41:15All the evidence was scrubbed.
41:17My only witness died in a sudden accident three days ago.
41:20A heavy, sickening dread settled in my chest.
41:23Ryker's voice suddenly turned to steel.
41:26But I didn't just sit and wait.
41:28Before they arrested me, I smuggled a letter to the Alpha King.
41:31Detailing the entire Shadowflag plot and naming the traitor.
41:35Did the King get it?
41:36Ryker closed his eyes.
41:38I don't know.
41:40If it was intercepted.
41:41I squeezed his hand even tighter and pleaded.
41:44There has to be a way.
41:45I'll go back to Lord Grestone.
41:47Amelia.
41:49When you leave this cell,
41:51you do absolutely nothing.
41:52The walls have ears.
41:53How can you be so sure?
41:57I can't say much.
41:58But I promise you within seven days,
42:01I will walk out of here.
42:02Because I never make a promise I cannot keep.
42:05He stared at me,
42:07his gaze fierce,
42:08yet devastatingly gentle.
42:11Seven days from now,
42:13we will watch the sun rise together.
42:15Okay?
42:16I nodded.
42:17I looked up,
42:18straight into those burning golden eyes.
42:20He whispered,
42:21his rough thumb tracing my jawline,
42:23Amelia,
42:25I absolutely love everything about you.
42:26Ryder bent down and picked me up horizontally.
42:29I lightly pounded on his solid chest.
42:31You promised me we were gonna watch the sun rise.
42:33He carried me inside and kicked the front door shut.
42:36I'm watching you first.
42:38He laid me down on the bed,
42:40and stood by the edge,
42:41staring down.
42:42I lay there,
42:44my heart hammering so hard it hurt.
42:46He leaned down,
42:47one massive hand braced next to my head.
42:49His other hand slowly reached for the thin ribbon tying my collar together.
42:53He pulled it loose.
42:54I panicked,
42:55instinctively throwing my hands over my chest.
42:58Don't look.
42:59It's ruined.
43:00Riker gently pulled my hands away.
43:02His long fingers traced the deep ugly bruising right under my collar bones.
43:07His skin was squirting hot.
43:09But his touch was impossibly light.
43:13Like he was handling shattered glass.
43:15It's not ruined.
43:16They are beautiful.
43:20He pressed his lips to my collar bone.
43:23Trailing soft, burning kisses over every single purple mark.
43:28My entire body shivered.
43:30Not from the cold.
43:32My body grew uncontrollably hot.
43:34Riker.
43:35He lifted his head.
43:37The rumors.
43:40Everyone said you were...
43:42ruined down there.
43:43At dust on the sixth day,
43:45a new notice was nailed to the town square.
43:47I pushed my way through the massive crowd.
43:50I got up on my tiptoes to read it.
43:52The Alpha King had officially investigated the claims,
43:55finding that the charges against Alpha Ryder Ironhawk were completely false.
43:59The true mastermind was the Alpha of the Shadowfing pack,
44:02working with traitors planted inside Ironhawk.
44:05Every conspirator had been arrested.
44:06Ryder Ironhawk was fully acquitted and released.
44:09A massive roar of relief erupted from the crowd.
44:12He did it.
44:12He promised me seven days, and he did it in six.
44:15That night, I didn't sleep a single second.
44:17I sat right by the small window in my cottage, staring out into the eastern horizon.
44:21The wind howled across the dark wastelands.
44:23I didn't know if I was waiting for the sunrise, or if I was waiting for him.
44:27Maybe both.
44:28Just as the very first sliver of grey hit the sky, I heard it.
44:32A knock.
44:33Quiet.
44:34Restrained.
44:35But heavy.
44:36Knock, knock, knock.
44:37A pause.
44:38Knock, knock, knock.
44:39I practically launched myself out of my chair.
44:41I threw myself at the door.
44:42My shaking hands grabbed the lash.
44:44I took one massive breath, and pulled it open.
44:47Ryder was standing right there on the porch.
44:49He was wearing fresh clothes, a heavy dark coat, and black slacks.
44:53His messy hair had been slicked back.
44:55He was still pale as a ghost, but his eyes were ablaze.
44:58The exact second those dark amber eyes locked on mine, they flared like a torch lighting up
45:03a pitch black cave.
45:04I threw myself right into his arms.
45:06My arms locked around his neck.
45:08I buried my face deep into his shoulder.
45:10I breathed him in.
45:11The rotting stench of the dungeon was completely gone.
45:13It was just clean, pure Ryker.
45:15Ryker crushed me against his chest.
45:17Amelia, I'm back.
45:19I couldn't even speak.
45:20I just nodded furiously into his coat.
45:22Then I felt a hot, wet drop hit my hair.
45:25I slowly tilted my head up.
45:27Ryker's eyes were rimmed bright red.
45:29The morning sun hit his face, casting him in a warm golden glow.
45:32My gaze drifted from his eyes down to his collar.
45:35And then, further down, I instantly froze.
45:38I had jumped out of bed so fast.
45:40I hadn't put on my chest banding.
45:42My loose cotton nightgown hid nothing.
45:44My curves were unmistakable under the thin fabric.
45:46I instinctively tried to twist away and run.
45:49But Ryker's arms locked like steel bands, pinning me flush against him.
45:54He murmured, a low raspy chuckle rumbling in his chest.
45:58Where do you think you're going?
45:59I ducked my head to hide my burning cheeks.
46:02My voice dropping to a barely audible whisper.
46:05Ryker, you hate it.
46:08Ryker slowly lowered his head, his lips brushing against my ear.
46:12Who told you that?
46:14My lady, why don't you find out for yourself?
46:18My brain completely short-kited.
46:20His mouth trailed from my jaw line, down my neck, down to my collar cones, and then dangerously lower.
46:28Every single kiss drove me absolutely insane.
46:32His thick fingers tangled deep into my hair, massaging my scalp.
46:36I completely melted against the sheets, giving myself over entirely to his touch.
46:42I had a dream about this once.
46:44What dream?
46:45He murmured every single detail into my ear.
46:48It was the exact same dream.
46:50My dream.
46:52You.
46:53But his mouth crashed down on mine, swallowing my words.
46:57This kiss wasn't like the garden.
46:59Just raw, unhinged hunger.
47:01He forced my lips open, claiming every inch of my mouth.
47:05His teeth grazed my lower lip.
47:07My hands instinctively reached up, tracing the hard ridges of his stomach.
47:16Amelia, do you know what you're doing?
47:18I nodded.
47:19Do you understand what this means?
47:22If I claim you tonight, there is no going back.
47:29You belong to me.
47:31Forever.
47:32Forever.
47:33I looked up at him.
47:34This wasn't the dying man rotting in a bed.
47:38This wasn't a broken prisoner.
47:40This was Ryer Ironhowl.
47:42The alpha of the Ironhowl pack.
47:44The most lethal apex predator in the north.
47:48And he was mine.
47:50I've been yours for a long time.
47:53Since the exact second you caught me on that cliff.
47:56Golden fire erupted in his eyes.
47:59He dropped his head, pressing his forehead against mine.
48:03Our rag breaths tangled together.
48:05He swore.
48:06Then I am never letting you go.
48:08miusison. Do you
48:08au2 pro. ... To be known. What
48:08To be found...
48:09or no? Oh movement?
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