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Blood Pearl of the Mer - FULL | Reelshort
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00:11¡SuscrÃbete al canal!
00:30Venomous things, worms, spiders, serpents, all feeding on me, until one black snake slithered over my wrist. Its tongue bright
00:39red, it devoured every other creature I had raised, thousands of them, and became the brood king. Its name was
00:45Shade.
00:46From that moment on, I trained without mercy. Three months later, my broodcraft was complete. Then I made my way
00:53to the capital, alone, half starved, still alive.
00:57I disguised myself as a court dancer, and entered the palace. And with a pouch of bloodstained pearls, made from
01:04my own tears. I bought the one thing I needed most. Information on Emperor Lucian's whereabouts.
01:09That night, moonlight spilled across the lake like silver. I stepped onto the water. And danced. Each touch of my
01:16toes sent ripples of pale light. Across the surface. My scent drifted into the night air. Sweet. Soft. Impossible to
01:24ignore.
01:25Soon, butterflies came in swarms. Drawn to me as if enchanted. They circled my body. Fluttering around me. Refusing to
01:33leave. And Emperor Lucian stood there watching. Watching for so long. He forgot to hide it.
01:38When the dance ended. I turned by chance. And met his eyes. I froze. Then quickly bent down to put
01:45on my shoes. Pretending I had only just noticed him. I was about to leave. When his voice stopped me.
01:52You're one of the palace dancers? That dance was remarkable. And yet I've never seen it before.
01:57I lowered my eyes. And answered as if I did not know who he was.
02:01It is a dance from my homeland. Very few have ever seen it.
02:05It was early spring. The wind off the lake was cold. My body trembled lightly in the night air. He
02:11noticed. Of course he noticed. So he removed his pale silver robe. And draped it over my shoulders himself. Gently.
02:18For a moment. I looked up at him in surprise. Heat rose to my face. A blush where he could
02:24see it. My scent deepened between us. Turning the silence softer. Warmer. More dangerous.
02:30And I saw it then. That flash in his eyes. Wonder. Desire. He steadied himself before speaking again.
02:37Selina loves dance. Her birthday is approaching. You will perform this dance for her.
02:42I dropped to my knees at once. Letting fear flood my face.
02:46I did not know it was your majesty. Please forgive me.
02:49He waved the apology aside.
02:51Rise. You are forgiven. Just do not disappoint me.
02:54I bowed my head. And accepted the command. But as I watched him walk away. I moved one finger. Just
03:02once. A tiny broodling slipped through the air. Landed against his skin. And burrowed inside.
03:07By the next morning. The whole inner court had heard the story. The emperor had encountered a dancer by the
03:13lake. And he had not forgotten her. Then came a knock at my door.
03:16When I opened it. An older palace matron stood outside. A stranger. And I knew at once. Someone had already
03:24come for me. They brought me before high consort Selene. Inside her palace hall. She sat alone on a raised
03:30dais.
03:30Draped in silk and jewels. Shining like a woman who believed the world belonged to her. It was her. The
03:36woman who had destroyed my people. For a single tied pearl. The woman who had my sister cut open.
03:41The moment she saw me. Disgust twisted across her face. She let out a soft. Mocking laugh. And covered her
03:48mouth with lacquered fingers.
03:50This ugly thing. And you expect her to dance for me. Before coming here. I had covered my face in
03:56dark blotches. Spots. Imperfections. A mask made of ugliness. Selene was viciously jealous. If she had seen my real face
04:05now. I would not have walked out alive.
04:07So I knelt in the center of the hall. My fingers digging into my palms. Forcing down the hatred clawing
04:12up my throat.
04:13Your grace. I will dance with a veil over my face. I will not offend your eyes.
04:19She gave me a lazy wave.
04:21Oh enough. With a face like that I doubt you could stir trouble even if you tried. But since this
04:26was his majesty's idea. I'll allow it.
04:28The palace matron beside her led me out at once. And just as I stepped through the doors. I saw
04:34Emperor Lucien approaching. Our eyes met for only a moment. Only a glance. But the face he saw now. Was
04:40nothing like the one he had seen by the lake.
04:42Still. My scent gave me away. It always would. He knew at once this disguise was a way to stay
04:48alive. Because if Selene had seen my true face. The woman leaving this hall would have been a corpse.
04:53At that thought. Lucien's expression darkened. He frowned. And for one of the few times in his life. Real irritation
05:00towards Selene stirred in him. I smiled faintly to myself. That was enough. A single seed of displeasure was all
05:07I needed.
05:07Once planted. It would take root in his heart. It would grow. Quietly. Slowly. Until it became something vast enough.
05:15To swallow all this old devotion.
05:17And when that day came. What would all her favor matter then? The higher Selene stood. The harder I would
05:23make her fall.
05:24Back in my chamber. I watched the false splotches from my face. And looked at myself in the mirror.
05:30Selene. You wanted a beauty that would never fade. You wanted a body born to seduce. You wanted to possess
05:35what should never have been yours.
05:37So I will make sure. Everything you wanted. Everything you stole. Everything you still cling to. Turns to nothing.
05:44Then shade slid soundlessly around my wrists. His red tongue flicking against the air. I stroked his small black head.
05:50And whispered.
05:51Even in death I will find you. I will hunt you down.
05:58Selene's birthday was celebrated with extravagant splendor. Overnight. The imperial lake bloomed with lotus flowers. Thousands of them.
06:06The court called it a blessing. An omen of favor from the heavens.
06:10At the lakeside. Lucien stood hand in hand with Selene.
06:16Your majesty promised me a birthday gift. When will you show it to me?
06:21Lucien gave a slight nod. The music began.
06:25And I stepped onto the lake. Onto lotus leaves.
06:28As if the flowers were blooming beneath my feet.
06:31My scent rose again into the air. And the butterflies came back.
06:36In waves. They swarmed around me. Dancing with me beneath the moonlit sky.
06:41Everyone watching fell silent. No one except Selene.
06:45Her fingers digging hard into her own palm.
06:48Then. As I turned. The veil slipped from my face.
06:52And my true face was revealed.
06:53I looked straight at Selene. Just once.
06:57I saw it in her eyes at once. Jealousy so sharp.
07:00By the time the dance ended.
07:02No one had recovered enough to speak.
07:04I walked forward.
07:06And knelt before Lucien.
07:08My name is Mira.
07:10I offer my wishes to High Consort Selene on her birthday.
07:13May your majesty and your grace remain devoted to each other until your hair turns white.
07:17And may the Auric Empire flourish without end.
07:21Rise.
07:24You did not disappoint me.
07:27Selene nearly cracked a tooth from smiling too hard.
07:29Your majesty's gift.
07:31I like it very much.
07:34I'm glad.
07:37That tiny broodling I had planted in him by the lake.
07:40Was working now.
07:41Quietly.
07:42Twisting his moods.
07:43I curled one finger.
07:44Ready to draw it back.
07:45Your majesty.
07:48Why not grant this beauty to me.
07:51As a gift between our two kingdoms.
07:54That is the crown prince of Veyr.
07:55The man stepped forward through the crowd.
07:58He carried himself like someone used to being obeyed.
08:00He saluted Lucien with the ease of an equal.
08:03I greet your majesty.
08:05I am Prince Cassian of Veyr.
08:07Then his gaze settled on me.
08:09Openly.
08:10Without shame.
08:12If your majesty is willing to give this beauty to me.
08:16I swear our two kingdoms will not see war.
08:19For a hundred years.
08:20The moment he said it.
08:22The whole court seemed to draw in the breath.
08:24A century of peace.
08:25In exchange for one palace dancer.
08:28One woman.
08:29To everyone watching.
08:30It was an impossible bargain to refuse.
08:32Your majesty.
08:34For a girl like her to be sent to Veyr as a prince's consort.
08:38Would already be a splendid fate.
08:40Lucien said nothing.
08:42But I could see it in his face.
08:43He understood the trade.
08:45Sacrifice one insignificant woman.
08:47And two kingdoms stay at peace.
08:49Any ruler should have taken it.
08:51Any ruler would have taken it.
08:53So why?
08:54I lifted my face.
08:55And looked at him quietly.
08:57I had painted a floral marking.
08:59At the corner of my eyes.
09:00It made me look softer.
09:02Lucien's expression shifted.
09:04Like something sharp had gone through him.
09:06Then he said it.
09:07You're late Prince.
09:08She's already been claimed.
09:10She belongs to my bed.
09:12And my throne.
09:13Selene turned to him so fast it was almost violent.
09:16Your majesty.
09:17She could barely believe what she had heard.
09:19Cashin looked at me for one long moment.
09:22Regret flashed across his face.
09:23Then he gave a faint, disappointed smile.
09:26And stepped back.
09:27The matter was over.
09:29For everyone else.
09:30Not for me.
09:31By then.
09:32My back was already damp with cold sweat.
09:34Too close.
09:35Far too close.
09:37Thank the sea.
09:38I had not pulled the broodling out of Lucien yet.
09:40If I had.
09:41There was every chance I would have been handed over tonight.
09:44Because peace bought that easily.
09:45Without a single soldier marching.
09:48Without a single blade drawn.
09:49Is the kind of peace no emperor refuses.
09:52Except this one did.
09:53In broad daylight.
09:54Before the whole court.
09:56Lucien declared that I already belonged to him.
09:59And that very night.
10:00The imperial decree arrived.
10:02I was officially raised to consort.
10:03I left the small quarters where palace dancers were kept.
10:07And looked back only once.
10:08At the dim roof.
10:10The narrow door.
10:11The life I had entered under a false name and a hidden face.
10:14Then I swore to myself.
10:16In silence.
10:17That everything done to my sister.
10:19And everything done to my people.
10:21Would be repaid a hundredfold.
10:23When I reached the palace chambers.
10:25That had just been a sign to me.
10:27Selene was already there.
10:28Waiting.
10:29Her eyes traveled over my face.
10:31Slowly.
10:32Then she smiled.
10:34A poisonous smile.
10:36So.
10:37You dared lie to me.
10:38I met her gaze.
10:39If I hadn't lied to you do you really think I would have lived long enough to dance today?
10:44Selene let out a soft laugh.
10:46She stroked the cat in her arms.
10:47As if nothing in the world could disturb her.
10:50So you do understand me.
10:52Then perhaps you also understand this.
10:55Even if his majesty has seen your face.
10:58Even if he's given you a title.
11:00I can still kill you whenever I please.
11:03I just looked at her.
11:05So.
11:06Have you already chosen how I die?
11:09Yes.
11:09A fire in the palace.
11:11Consort Mira trapped inside.
11:13A tragic accident.
11:15She tilted her head.
11:16I have been with the emperor since we were young.
11:18My father and brother have shed blood for his throne.
11:23For a single life like yours.
11:26He will not blame me.
11:28Her people moved before I could answer.
11:30They seized my arms.
11:31Bound my wrists.
11:33Bound my ankles.
11:34Then threw me to the floor.
11:36Oil was splashed all around me.
11:37Across the walls.
11:39Across the drapes.
11:40Across the threshold.
11:42I could smell it instantly.
11:43Selene stood over me.
11:45Watching.
11:46Waiting.
11:47Then the first spark fell.
11:48As the flames caught.
11:50She laughed.
11:51His majesty is drunk tonight.
11:53There is no one in this palace who can save you.
11:55Then she turned and walked away.
11:57I watched her go.
11:58Without a flicker on my face.
12:00No fear.
12:01No pleading.
12:03Nothing.
12:03Only stillness.
12:05Then the fire rose.
12:06And the guards outside began clawing at their throats.
12:09One by one.
12:10They dropped.
12:11Blood pouring from their mouths.
12:13Their eyes.
12:14Their noses.
12:15Dead before they hit the ground.
12:17I stepped out through the flames.
12:18With shade coiled in my arms.
12:20At my feet.
12:21The insects on the ground shifted and swarmed.
12:24Guiding me.
12:24So I ran.
12:26Through the smoke.
12:27Through the heat.
12:28Following their path.
12:30Until I slammed straight into someone's chest.
12:32I looked up at the man I had crashed into.
12:34It was Lucian.
12:35There was still fear in my eyes.
12:37Real enough to be seen.
12:38My lashes were wet.
12:40My tears trembled there.
12:41But I would not let them fall.
12:44Lucian pulled me into his arms at once.
12:46Held me tight.
12:47Then he looked past me.
12:48Toward the blaze raging in the distance.
12:51Who dared set a fire inside my palace?
12:54Find out.
12:55Now.
12:56I stayed curled against his chest.
12:58And said nothing.
12:59Because he was not a fool.
13:01He knew exactly who had done it.
13:02This outrage.
13:04This fury.
13:05This order to investigate.
13:07It was a performance.
13:08Nothing more.
13:09Selene had been with him since youth.
13:11Their bond ran deep.
13:13And behind her stood House Baron.
13:15With soldiers.
13:16Power.
13:17And years of service to the throne.
13:18Why would an emperor truly punish a woman like that?
13:21For the sake of a dancer he had only just taken notice of?
13:24He wouldn't.
13:25Not yet.
13:26So I leaned into him harder.
13:28And made myself small in his arms.
13:30Oh majesty.
13:32I'm frightened.
13:34Lucian really had been drinking.
13:36His face was faintly flushed.
13:38His breath carried the warmth of wine.
13:40And I was exactly the kind of woman.
13:42A drunken man should never hold too close.
13:44I had been born with a body that unraveled restraint.
13:47And with the broodling still working inside him.
13:49The desire in his eyes began to change.
13:52Slowly.
13:53Then all at once.
13:54It caught fire.
13:55Without another word.
13:57He swept me up into his arms.
13:58And carried me back to his private chambers.
14:00I rested against him.
14:02And said nothing.
14:03But in my mind.
14:05I was already waiting for the next move.
14:07Because once word reached Selene.
14:09That I had escaped the fire.
14:11And been carried into Lucian's bedchamber.
14:13She would never let it pass quietly.
14:15I knew her too well.
14:16And I was right.
14:18I had not been in his chambers long.
14:20Before Selene's chief eunuch dropped to his knees outside.
14:22Your majesty.
14:24High consort Selene is unwell.
14:27She's in distress.
14:28She says she wants to see you at once.
14:31By then.
14:31I was dressed in gauze so sheer.
14:33It hit almost nothing.
14:35I looked at Lucian through half-lidded eyes.
14:37And asked in a soft voice.
14:39Your majesty.
14:41Are you going to high consort Selene tonight?
14:43His gaze was no longer clear.
14:45No longer steady.
14:46He stared at me like a man already half lost.
14:48With you here beside me why would I think of anyone else?
14:52I covered my mouth.
14:53And let out a quiet laugh.
14:54There were only two of us in the chamber.
14:57Just him.
14:58And me.
14:59Lucian kept staring at me.
15:01Spellbound.
15:02His breath was hot against my throat.
15:04Damp and heavy with wine.
15:05Then.
15:06Without warning.
15:07His body gave in.
15:08And he sank in to sleep.
15:10On his forehead.
15:11A small fleshy pink broodling.
15:13Was still wriggling deeper beneath the skin.
15:15I pushed him gently back onto the bed.
15:17And pulled the covers over him.
15:19Careful.
15:20Almost tender.
15:22I've woven you a beautiful dream.
15:25Enjoy it.
15:26Then I slid the hairpin from my hair.
15:27And drove the tip into my fingertip.
15:29A bright bead of blood welled up at once.
15:31I let some of it stain a handkerchief.
15:33Every drop that remained.
15:35I fed to Lucian.
15:37None of this poisoned blood should go to waste.
15:39Not when I made it with my own body.
15:41Not when even a harmless dose.
15:42Taken once.
15:43Could become a death sentence over time.
15:45A little tonight would do nothing.
15:47A little tomorrow would do nothing.
15:49But enough of it.
15:50Day after day.
15:52And it would kill him.
15:53Slowly.
15:54Quietly.
15:55Perfectly.
15:56And the cure?
15:57There was only one person in this world who could give it.
16:00Me.
16:00The moon had crossed high overhead by then.
16:03Silver light spilled through the window.
16:04And spread across the floor.
16:06I sat there.
16:07And counted the time.
16:09Waiting for Selene to make her move.
16:11Then I heard it.
16:12A faint skittering at the window.
16:14I turned.
16:15A spider no bigger than a fingernail.
16:17Crouched on the ledge.
16:18One of many.
16:19One of the countless little eyes.
16:20I had scattered throughout the palace.
16:22So she was coming.
16:24I rose at once.
16:25Smoothed out my robe.
16:27And walked toward the door.
16:28Selene was already waiting outside the hall.
16:31Not alone.
16:32Behind her stood a wall of eunuchs and palace mates.
16:34Packed so tightly it barely looked like a midnight visit at all.
16:37This was not a jealous woman coming.
16:39To reclaim a drunken emperor.
16:41This looked like a siege.
16:42I stepped out to meet her.
16:44And deliberately swept my hair to one side.
16:47Bearing the fresh red marks along my neck.
16:49Moonlight washed over the stone steps.
16:51I stood above her.
16:52Looked down.
16:53And smiled.
16:55Softly.
16:56His majesty is asleep.
16:58You should come back tomorrow.
17:00The look she gave me was pure venom.
17:02Her face twisted.
17:04Whore!
17:05I'll kill you!
17:06I let my gaze drop to her stomach.
17:08Then I spoke very gently.
17:10Your grace.
17:12Careful.
17:14You might upset the baby.
17:17That stopped her cold.
17:18For one full second.
17:20Selene forgot how to breathe.
17:21Lucien had once promised her this.
17:23Bear him the first prince.
17:25And he would give her the empress's crown.
17:27But five years had passed.
17:29Five years of marriage.
17:30Five years of waiting.
17:31And her womb had stayed empty.
17:33Every remedy had been tried.
17:35Every physician.
17:36Every secret healer dragged in from the streets.
17:39And still.
17:40Nothing.
17:41No child.
17:42No heir.
17:43No crown.
17:44If she could not produce the emperor's first son soon.
17:46The throne beside him would never be hers.
17:49Seize her!
17:51Drag this bitch away!
17:53And beat her to death!
17:55Because I had done the one thing no one else dared do.
17:58I had named the wound she lived with.
18:00Named it in front of everyone.
18:01And a woman like Selene.
18:03Could forgive almost anything.
18:05Except humiliation.
18:06The eunuchs lunged for me.
18:08I shook them off before they could get a proper hold.
18:11Then I looked straight at her.
18:12And said.
18:13Your grace don't be so hasty.
18:15Why not summon the imperial physicians?
18:17I let the silence stretch.
18:19Then I gave her the knife.
18:21One more thing.
18:22If there really is a child to protect.
18:24I'm the only one who can keep it alive.
18:26Selene was reclining in a side chamber.
18:28Half draped across a cushioned chaise.
18:30While several imperial physicians knelt before her.
18:32She rested her head against one hand.
18:34Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
18:37When she spoke.
18:38Impatience sharpened every word.
18:40Well am I pregnant or not?
18:41The physicians lowered themselves even further.
18:45Your grace.
18:45Your pulse clearly indicates pregnancy.
18:49For a moment.
18:51Selene did not move.
18:52Then she rose too quickly from the chaise.
18:54All disbelief gone from her face.
18:56There were tears in her eyes.
18:58Actual tears.
18:59Truly.
19:00Her voice trembled when she said it.
19:02Careful.
19:03Fragile.
19:04As if she were afraid even hope might hear her.
19:06And disappear.
19:07I watched her quietly.
19:09And thought.
19:10So this is what she looks like.
19:12This woman who always stood above everyone else.
19:14Who moved through the palace.
19:16As if the world owed her obedience.
19:18Even she could become this cautious.
19:20This desperate.
19:21Then she looked at me.
19:22Remembering what I had said outside.
19:24And asked the question she wanted answered most.
19:27Is the child stable?
19:29One physician bowed low and replied at once.
19:31From the pulse alone.
19:32There is no sign of danger.
19:35That made her smile.
19:37But the moment her eyes shifted back to me.
19:39The smile turned murderous.
19:41I'm carrying an air now.
19:42I should avoid bloodshed.
19:44But you offend my eyes.
19:47And I would sleep better if you were dead.
19:50With one command.
19:52The eunuchs at her side rushed forward.
19:54And seized my arms hard enough to bruise.
19:56They started dragging me away.
19:58I moved one fingertip.
19:59That was all.
20:00And Celine suddenly clutched her stomach.
20:03And cried out in pain.
20:04The room froze.
20:05The physicians lunged forward at once.
20:08And took her pulse again.
20:09This time.
20:10Their faces changed.
20:12One after another.
20:13Their brows nodded.
20:14Then all of them dropped to their knees.
20:16Your grace spare us.
20:18These are signs of miscarriage.
20:20That was when panic finally broke through.
20:22Celine's face drained white.
20:24She had waited years for this child.
20:26Years.
20:26And she had only just heard the words she wanted most.
20:29Pregnant.
20:30How could she be losing it already?
20:32How?
20:33At last.
20:34She looked at me.
20:35And through clenched teeth.
20:37She said two words.
20:40You come here.
20:42If you cannot save this child.
20:44I will wipe out your entire bloodline.
20:48I looked at her twisted, vicious face.
20:51And dug my nails hard into my palm.
20:53My entire bloodline?
20:54She really had no idea.
20:56My people were already dead.
20:58Slaughtered.
20:59Every last one of them.
21:00I was the only one who crawled back out of that hell alive.
21:03The only one left.
21:04To come for her.
21:05I stepped forward.
21:07And inserted a few needles into her body.
21:09Carefully.
21:10One point.
21:11Then another.
21:13Selene's breathing began to slow.
21:14The strain in her face eased little by little.
21:16When the physicians checked her pulse again.
21:19They found it calm.
21:20Steady.
21:21The child was safe.
21:22At least.
21:23That was what they believed.
21:25The truth?
21:26I knew nothing about medicine.
21:27And Selene was not pregnant.
21:29Not at all.
21:30That night she came to burn me alive.
21:32I had planted a brood curse inside her.
21:35Quietly.
21:36Without her noticing.
21:37That broodling could mimic the pulse of pregnancy perfectly.
21:40It could fool physicians.
21:42Fool the court.
21:43Fool even the mother carrying it.
21:45In the later stages.
21:46It would do even more.
21:47Make her swear she could feel a child turning inside her.
21:50While she smiled and dreamed of an heir.
21:52The thing inside her would be feeding.
21:54Draining her.
21:55Taking what it needed from her body.
21:57Day and night.
21:58Day and night.
22:00Day and night.
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