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00:04300 years ago, at my wedding to Julian, he attacked me, desperate for the drop of precious
00:10progenitor blood on my baby. He left me for dead, and slaughtered my entire family. As I lay dying,
00:20I was found by the vampire prince, Cassius. He took me home. He cherished me. My weakness,
00:29my lost power. Known of it mattered. He even threw us a lavish wedding. When I became pregnant against
00:38all odds, he fed me his own blood every day, even though it weakened him. I thought he was my
00:45salvation. Until today, when I overheard him talking to his underline. Parasite is nearly
00:53whole. 300 years of waiting are finally over. Soon Lilith will be reborn in her womb.
00:59And I can finally give her the perfect, immortal body she deserves. And Lady Selina? She's just
01:07the vessel. Lilith saved me. I owe her everything. Once Lilith is born, I'll drain every last drop
01:14of ancient blood from Selina's body and give Lilith true immortality. She's just the vessel.
01:22Lilith saved me. I owe her everything. Once Lilith is born, I'll drain every last drop of ancient
01:29blood from Selina's body and give Lilith true immortality.
01:33I stood outside Cassius's study, listening. A chill crept up from my feet and settled deep
01:39in my heart. Strange. Vampires don't feel the cold. 300 years of a loving marriage. All of it. An
01:47elaborate lie. I thought back to that night. 300 years ago. My former fiance, Lilith, betrayed me at all
01:55love. Stole the sacred progenitor blood from my veins and massacred my entire clone. And now,
02:01history was repeating itself. I had fallen into a man's trap. Again. Inside the study, the conversation
02:09continued. Isn't that a bit cruel, my lord? After all, she's been the prince's wife for three
02:16centuries. That title was always meant for Lilith. I let her enjoy it for 300 years. Besides, if I
02:23hadn't found her, she would have died at Julian's hand anyway, wouldn't she? What if she finds out?
02:30She won't. She's too in love with me. Even if she suspects something, she won't dare believe it.
02:36And now she's addicted to my blood and the elixirs. She can't survive without them.
02:43She won't. She's too in love with me. Even if she suspects something, she won't dare believe it.
02:49And now she's addicted to my blood and the elixirs. She can't survive without them.
02:54I covered my mouth and stumbled back to my room, shaking.
02:58My handmaiden, Clara, brought in two goblets.
03:02One held Cassius' blood.
03:04The other, the special elixir he'd found for me, said to protect the fetus and help it grow strong.
03:11My lady, the prince is so good to you.
03:13He specifically told me to watch you drink them every day.
03:16Good to me.
03:17I touched my swollen belly and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
03:21When he first saved me, I had almost no power, more fragile than a human.
03:27Cassius fed me so much of his own blood, and even used his precious heart's blood to mend my spirit.
03:34Later, when I mourned for my clan, he spared no expense, building me a perfect replica of the castle I
03:40grew up in.
03:41He kissed my forehead back then, whispering softly,
03:45I would do anything to see you happy.
03:49That was why I fell for him.
03:50It's why I was willing to risk everything for him.
03:54Even the near impossible danger of a vampire pregnancy.
04:00That was why I fell for him.
04:02It's why I was willing to risk everything for him.
04:05Even the near impossible danger of a vampire pregnancy.
04:09But now I see it.
04:10It wasn't me he cherished.
04:12It was my body, the vessel.
04:14Suddenly, all the things that never quite made sense clicked into place.
04:19No wonder he was moved to tears when I became pregnant.
04:22No wonder this child, which should have taken two centuries to turn, was nearly due after only one.
04:30I grabbed the goblet of blood, and drained it by my gun.
04:34As for the oven, I poured it onto the floor.
04:38My lady, what are you-
04:42Trust me.
04:44Don't say a word.
04:47She looked at the resolve in my eyes and finally nodded.
04:51She was half vampire.
04:53Her father was one of my own, cut down with the rest of my clan.
04:57Her loyalty was absolute.
04:59My belly clenched again as the thing inside me moved.
05:03More violently this time.
05:05As if it were desperate to claw its way out.
05:09My belly clenched again as the thing inside me moved.
05:13More violently this time.
05:15As if it were desperate to claw its way out.
05:19Can't wait to get out.
05:21Too bad.
05:23Your little plan is about to go up in smoke.
05:25I went to my vanity and pulled an old map from the back of a drawer.
05:29I found it.
05:30The Sunstone Sanctuary.
05:32A forbidden place for our kind.
05:35Rumored to be filled with deadly, sacred light.
05:37But it was also the only place that could purify a corrupt soul.
05:41If I could survive its holy fire.
05:43I could kill the parasite in my womb for good.
05:46I would rather die than be a pawn in Cassius' game.
05:50I stared at my reflection.
05:52A fire of vengeance burning in my eyes.
05:55I swore an oath.
05:56If I survived the holy fire.
05:58I would burn the crimson port to ash.
06:02And I would make Cassius pay a price he would never forget.
06:05For all eternity.
06:11And I would make Cassius pay a price he would never forget.
06:14For all eternity.
06:17Just as I hid the map.
06:19A sharp, tearing pain ripped through my abdomen.
06:22Something inside me was thrashing wildly.
06:27I couldn't let it grow unchecked.
06:29I had to suppress it.
06:31I desperately called upon what little remained of my ancient bloodline's power.
06:35Trying to cage the parasite in my womb.
06:37The spray of black blood erupted from my mouth.
06:41Splattering across the delicate silver music box on my vanity.
06:45It was a gift from Cassius for our hundredth wedding anniversary.
06:51I wrote this melody for you.
06:53So whenever you hear it you'll remember the beautiful moment we first met.
06:57I had been moved to tears.
06:59And I treasured it.
07:01How ironic.
07:02I reached for the music box.
07:04Ready to hurl it into the fireplace.
07:07Just as my fingers were about to release it.
07:10The door flew open.
07:15I reached for the music box.
07:17Ready to hurl it into the fireplace.
07:19Just as my fingers were about to release it.
07:22The door flew open.
07:26Selina?
07:27I heard you cry out.
07:28What happened?
07:30Cassius rushed in.
07:31His eyes immediately locking onto the music box in my hand.
07:35His face paled.
07:37It's nothing.
07:38Just the baby kicking a little hard.
07:42You know I was just thinking.
07:44The diamonds on this box are lovely.
07:47Why don't we have them reset into a new piece of jewelry?
07:49My tastes have changed a bit since becoming pregnant.
07:53No!
07:53I want to save this box for...
07:58Save it for who?
08:04For...
08:05For our child.
08:06It has sentimental value.
08:07A lie.
08:09That is not what he was about to say.
08:11A tide of fury washed over me.
08:13And I lost all control.
08:15With all my might, I threw the music box toward the fireplace.
08:20No!
08:21No!
08:21Cassius screamed.
08:22And without a second thought, he plunged his hand into the roaring flames to snatch it back.
08:28The fire engulfed his hand.
08:30The smell of burning flesh filling the air.
08:33But he seemed to feel no pain.
08:36His only concern to protect the box.
08:41But he seemed to feel no pain.
08:43His only concern to protect the box.
08:46When he pulled it from the fire, one corner was charred, revealing the inscription inside.
08:52To Lilith, my eternal beloved.
08:55I laughed, a bitter, mocking sound.
08:58Of course, the music box was never for me.
09:02The token of love I had cherished for 300 years was a gift for another woman.
09:07Hate and humiliation consumed me.
09:09I swept all the jewelry Cassius had ever given me off of vanity and onto the floor.
09:14This is all for her, isn't it?
09:16I'm just a substitute.
09:18A vessel!
09:20Selene, what are you doing?
09:22Calm down.
09:23I didn't listen.
09:25Just kept throwing his sarve.
09:27Called mementos into the fire.
09:29Finally, Cassius' mask of tenderness crud...
09:32Enough!
09:33Keep this up, and I'll throw you in the silver cells myself.
09:39Finally, Cassius' mask of tenderness crud...
09:42Enough!
09:43Keep this up, and I'll throw you in the silver cells myself.
09:47I froze.
09:47The silver cells.
09:49Even a prince as powerful as him grew weak there.
09:52He wanted to lock me.
09:54His pregnant wife in that place.
09:56Seeing my pale face, Cassius' voice softened again.
10:00Selene, listen to me.
10:02Stop this foolishness.
10:05I'll give you anything you want.
10:07New jewelry?
10:09My heart burning with pure hatred.
10:11He tried to soothe me, but I just closed my eyes, refusing to look at him.
10:16I even knocked the goblet of blood he offered me from his hand.
10:20It splattered all over him, and the last shred of tenderness vanished from his face.
10:33The silver cells were in the castle's deepest dungeon, their walls forged from pure silver.
10:39For a vampire, it was hell on earth.
10:43The heavy silver door slammed shut, and I collapsed onto the freezing floor.
10:51The guard was a grim, faced bloodthrob.
11:00He looked at me with what might have been pity.
11:02My lady, why must you provoke the master?
11:07Just then, a wave of powerful, evil energy surged from the enemy.
11:11Till my horror, I saw the guard's normal gaze turn vacant.
11:16His lips twisted into a bizarre, cruel smile, and his voice became sharp and grating.
11:21Finally!
11:22I can finally control things out here!
11:25That wasn't the guard's voice.
11:28What?
11:29Your soul was already strong enough to possess a human.
11:32The bloodthrall's eyes turned vicious.
11:34With a wicked grin, he grabbed me and slammed me onto a rack covered in silver spikes.
11:41Her soul was already strong enough to possess a human.
11:45The bloodthrall's eyes turned vicious.
11:47With a wicked grin, he grabbed me and slammed me onto a rack covered in silver spikes.
11:52The silver spikes pierced my skin, and agony shone through me.
11:57I was pinned to the rack, unable to move.
12:02Ah, what exquisite pain.
12:05You know, for the last hundred years in your womb, I've had to endure every moment of you and Cassius'
12:11intimacy.
12:12Now, it's your turn to taste a little pain.
12:16You... you parasite.
12:18The bran seared a black mark onto my arm.
12:21The pain was so intense I nearly blacked out.
12:24Parasite!
12:25I'm just taking back what's mine!
12:28Cassian was always mine!
12:30She used the thrall's hands to pick up a silver dagger, then slowly carved the word, bore into the flesh
12:36of my other arm.
12:37The silver blade sizzled against my skin.
12:41Look at this beautiful wound, listen to that lovely scream.
12:45And the smell of burning flesh.
12:48So delightful!
12:50You should feel honored to give everything for my rebirth.
12:55Look at this beautiful wound, listen to that lovely scream.
13:00And the smell of burning flesh.
13:02So delightful!
13:04You should feel honored to give everything for my rebirth.
13:08The torment was absolute.
13:10My heart hammered against my ribs, threatening to stop at any moment.
13:14My vision blackened, my consciousness fading.
13:17Just as I was about to pass out, Cassius, in his chambers, suddenly woke from his sleep.
13:24He glanced at the moonlit window.
13:26Then at the empty space beside him in the bed.
13:29A strange unease washed over him.
13:34Go to the silver cells and check on Salona.
13:36I've prepared her favorite ruby necklace.
13:38If she's ready to apologize, let her out.
13:42That thrall also secretly under Lilith's control bowed respectfully.
13:47A moment later, he returned.
13:49Master, the lady is still throwing attention to you.
13:52She refuses to see you and said some very unpleasant things.
13:56Cassius's face darkened.
13:58If she's not sorry, then let her rot down there until she comes to her senses.
14:03Meanwhile, in the silver cells, I had completely lost consciousness.
14:09Sensing her host's life force fading, Lilith was forced to stop the torture.
14:14She needed me alive, at least until the moment of her birth.
14:19A warm energy flowed from my womb, mending my damaged heart.
14:23She was feeding her own power back into me.
14:26Just enough to keep my heart beating.
14:46Pain pulled me back to reality.
14:48I opened my eyes to find myself still tied to the rack.
14:52My body covered in wounds.
14:54Awake?
14:55Good.
14:56That was just the appetizer.
14:59Now for the main course.
15:01A violent slam came from my belly, as if something was trying to tear its way out.
15:07Every impact was agony.
15:09Feel that, Salina?
15:10It's me.
15:11Feel that?
15:12That's for the hundred years you've have restrained and suppressed me.
15:16Now I'm going to make you pay back.
15:18A hundred times over for every ounce of Cass' affection you enjoyed.
15:21Every kiss, every sweet word, they were all meant for me.
15:24Far away in his chambers, Cassius felt a phantom pain and shot upright in the head.
15:35Master, what's wrong?
15:38I thought I heard something.
15:41Never mind.
15:42Probably a nightmare.
15:44Selina is stubborn.
15:46Maybe then she'll learn not to be so much trouble.
15:50But I remained in the silver cells, enduring inhuman torture, every second in eternity.
16:00But I remained in the silver cells, enduring inhuman torture, every second in eternity.
16:07Just when I thought I would die there, a familiar figure appeared silently outside the sand wall.
16:15When she saw my broken, bleeding body, she gasped.
16:18Lady, what happened?
16:21I couldn't speak.
16:23With a trembling finger, I sprawled two words into the dirt on the floor.
16:27Potent blood.
16:29This is the last of the potent blood.
16:36Using my last ounce of strength, I took the vial and drank it all.
16:40Powerful energy surged through me.
16:43The wounds began to close, my strength returning.
16:47It would only last a few hours, but it would be enough.
16:50A few hours.
16:51Enough to get to the Sunstone Sanctuary.
16:54Enough to kill the disgusting parasite in my womb.
17:00Enough to get to the Sunstone Sanctuary.
17:03Enough to kill the disgusting parasite in my womb.
17:06With my power surging back, the iron shackles were useless.
17:10They snapped in two with a sharp claw.
17:13My lady, where are you going?
17:15To the place where this all ends.
17:21Clara, if I don't make it back, you must live.
17:25Get away from this place.
17:27Far away.
17:28And with that, I vanished from the silver-laced cell.
17:33Master!
17:34Master, something's happened!
17:38Cassius stirred.
17:39His face dark.
17:45What is all this commotion?
17:47The lady!
17:48She's gone!
17:48The silver cell is empty!
17:50Impossible!
17:52Where would she go without me?
17:54In this entire world of our kind, she has nowhere to run.
17:58No one to protect her.
17:59She's probably just sulking in a corner somewhere.
18:03But Master, we've looked everywhere!
18:05There's not even a trace of her sense!
18:07What did you say?
18:12But Master, we've looked everywhere!
18:14There's not even a trace of her sense!
18:16What did you say?
18:17You've looked everywhere?
18:19Looked everywhere?
18:21Yes, from the dungeons to the highest tower.
18:24Every single corner.
18:27Tear this place apart if you have to!
18:30Find her!
18:37Soon, the entire Crimson Court was in an uproar.
18:41After a fruitless search, a thought struck Cassius.
18:45He strode to a jewelry box and pulled out a necklace set with a blood-red gem.
18:49It was his wedding gift to me, infused with a drop of his own blood, allowing him to sense the
18:54wearer's location.
18:56He clutched the necklace, closing his eyes to focus.
19:00A moment later, they snapped open, his face draining of color.
19:05The Northwest.
19:05She's heading for the hallowed temple.
19:09A moment later, they snapped open, his face draining of color.
19:14The Northwest.
19:15She's heading for the hallowed temple.
19:17He activated the necklace's link, his voice a low hiss into the gem.
19:23Selina.
19:24What game are you playing?
19:26Stop this nonsense at once.
19:29Come back now, and I will forgive you.
19:31I was struggling through a forest of thorns when the necklace on my chest grew hot,
19:36and Cassius's angry voice echoed from it.
19:38I stopped, looking down at the chain I once thought was a symbol of love.
19:44My eyes filled with scorn.
19:46Forgive me?
19:49What right did he have to forgive me?
19:56It glinted once in the moonlight, then was swallowed by the darkness.
20:02Cassius felt the connection sever.
20:04The color drained from his face.
20:09I had already reached the outskirts of the temple.
20:12Before me stood a grand, white sanctuary, glowing with a holy, solemn light under the moon.
20:19This was it.
20:20The legendary hallowed temple of light.
20:25This was it.
20:27The legendary hallowed temple of light.
20:30I took a deep breath and took the first step.
20:33Instantly, a pillar of searing holy light slammed down from the sky.
20:39I cried out as fire seared through my body.
20:42My skin began to smoke and sizzle.
20:45So this was the power of holy light.
20:48It was as terrible as they said.
20:50But I gritted my teeth.
20:52A vampire's healing is strong.
20:54And the burns began to mend.
20:55No!
20:57You're insane!
20:58You'll kill us both!
21:01Then we'll die together.
21:09A second beam of light struck, more powerful than the first.
21:12I coughed up blood and fell to my knees.
21:15But I could feel the light had also seared the parasite within me.
21:19Her soul was weakening under the assault.
21:23It's working.
21:24I wiped the blood from my lips, struggling to stand.
21:28Just then, a shadow blurred past.
21:34I wiped the blood from my lips, struggling to stand.
21:38Just then, a shadow blurred past.
21:41Selina!
21:44The third beam of holy light was gathering inside, more terrifying than the last two combined.
21:50As it was about to fall, Cassius Dove in front of me, taking half the blast with his own body.
21:57He spat a mouthful of black blood and crashed to the ground.
22:00But the other half still hit me, already exhausted.
22:05I couldn't take any more.
22:06I collapsed.
22:08An unimaginable pain tore through my abdomen, like something was ripping me apart from the inside.
22:15Salami!
22:17Why?
22:18Why would you hurt yourself like this?
22:21Because I'd rather die than be your vessel.
22:24Shock and guilt flashed in his eyes.
22:28I don't know what you're talking about.
22:30I...
22:30I can explain.
22:33But before he could touch me, Lilith clawed her way into the world.
22:39With the sound of tearing flesh, Lilith emerged from my body.
22:44The agony almost made me pass out as blood poured from the wound.
22:48She scrambled toward Cassius, blind to her own monstrous form.
22:52The holy light and premature birth had made her a twisted hybrid.
22:58Half vampire, half human.
23:00She had a vampire's fangs, but her body was frail and skeletal.
23:04A pale wisp of a thing.
23:07Cassius, help me.
23:09Horror and disgust warred on Cassius' face.
23:12Seeing his reaction, Lilith's pleas became more desperate.
23:19Cassius, she tried to kill me.
23:21She sobbed, pointing a bony finger at my dying form.
23:26She brought me to this awful place to burn me with holy light.
23:30If you hadn't come, I would have never seen you again.
23:35Cassius' expression shifted to one of pity and pain.
23:38He turned his fury at me.
23:40Selina, for centuries, I have treated you well.
23:44All I asked was to use your body to bring Lilith back.
23:49How could you be so cruel?
23:52Cruel?
23:53I let out a wretched laugh.
23:55My only regret is that I didn't kill her completely!
23:59Silence!
24:00Cassius slapped me across the face.
24:03My weakened body flew back from her, slamming into one of the temple's stony pillars.
24:08Lilith fanned the flames, tugging weakly at Cassius' sleeve.
24:13Cassius, I feel like I'm fading.
24:17I need more power to hold this form.
24:21Her greedy eyes landed on me.
24:23Her ancient bloodline.
24:26If I had it, I could become a true vampire.
24:30You promised me.
24:32Cassius was silent for a moment, then gave a slow, deliberate nod.
24:36Fine.
24:38I will get it for you.
24:39He walked toward me, a flicker of conflict in his eyes that quickly turned to cold murder.
24:45Three hundred years.
24:46I was good to you.
24:49Dra'r has shot, a silver blade for his fault.
24:52Now, it's time for you to serve your final purpose.
24:56I closed my eyes, my heart filled with despair.
24:59Is this how it ended?
25:01Killed by the one who betrayed me.
25:03He won't let it.
25:05He won't die.
25:06Stop!
25:08A deep voice, regenerating with power, cut through the air.
25:12In the next instant, Cassius was thrown aside.
25:16The silver blade clattered to the ground.
25:21I opened my eyes to see a tall figure standing over me.
25:24He had hair as black as ink and deep violet eyes.
25:28Dressed in a dark, noble cloak, he radiated an ancient and immense power.
25:34Who are you?
25:36Who are you?
25:36Cassius snarled, picking himself up.
25:39The man ignored him, turning to look at me.
25:42When I saw his face, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me.
25:46Don't be afraid.
25:48Don't be afraid.
25:48He said gently.
25:49You're safe now.
25:51He bent down and lifted me into his arms.
25:54Don't you dare take her!
25:57But the man shot in a single, dismissive glance.
26:00With just a look, Cassius, a prince of his own court, who was frozen in place, found by an unseen
26:07force.
26:08A mere descendant, dares to act so brazenly in my presence?
26:11The man's voice carried the weight of ages.
26:16Try that again, and I will wipe your crimson court from existence.
26:23I don't know how long I was out.
26:25When I awoke, I was staring up at a magnificent gothic ceiling, its black marble columns carved with intricate roses.
26:33The entire room hummed with an ancient, mystic energy.
26:37To my astonishment, not only were my wounds healed, but even the gash in my stomach had vanished without a
26:44scar.
26:45And memories, long-lost memories, were flooding my mind.
26:48The memories Julian stole when he took my progenitor blood.
26:52They were all coming back.
26:54The man who saved me was Dorian, a powerful progenitor vampire.
26:59It was at my 200th birthday celebration.
27:02I had wandered off and stumbled upon his ancient castle.
27:05He didn't turn me away.
27:07Instead, he welcomed me with a gentle kindness.
27:11We spent a blissful time together.
27:14I sometimes caught a complex, loving look in his eyes.
27:18But I was already engaged.
27:19We both understood, and never crossed that line.
27:23Before he entered one of his long slumbers, he gave me a drop of his own progenitor blood, as a
27:29coming-of-age gift.
27:30To protect me, he said.
27:33I never imagined that very gift would bring about my woman.
27:37You're awake.
27:38Holding a crystal goblet filled with blood that smelled intoxicatingly sweet.
27:42My own heart's blood.
27:43It will help you recover your strength.
27:46I took the goblet.
27:47My gaze complicated.
27:50You...
27:50How did you find me?
27:54He said, without a trace of hesitation.
27:57Because I love you.
27:58The moment I awoke, I went to find you.
28:02I never expected to see...
28:04His eyes flashed with a dangerous light.
28:06You had a fiancé then, and I was about to fall into slumber.
28:10I couldn't give you any promises.
28:14But now, Selina, please give me a chance.
28:17Let me take care of you.
28:19Dorian...
28:20I looked at his handsome, intense face, unable to meet the raw emotion in his eyes.
28:26Right now, all I want is revenge.
28:28Julian stole my bloodline and slaughtered my clan.
28:30Cassius used and deceived me for three hundred years.
28:34I will make them pay.
28:36I will help you.
28:38He said instantly.
28:39Your enemies are my enemies.
28:41Over the next seven days, under Dorian's care, my strength returned with incredible speed.
28:47Just as I was preparing to hunt down Julian, an unexpected visitor arrived.
28:54Selina, my love.
28:56I've finally found you.
28:58His face a mask of anguish and regret.
29:01These past years, I have lived every day in repentance.
29:04I've missed you so much.
29:06I don't know what came over me back then, to have hurt you so.
29:10Please, forgive me.
29:12Come back to me.
29:13These three hundred years without you have been a living hell.
29:16If my memories hadn't returned, I might have actually been moved by his performance.
29:21But now, I could see right through it, to the greed and calculation in his eyes.
29:26His body was rejecting my progenitor blood.
29:29He couldn't control his power.
29:32That was the only reason he had come looking for me.
29:35Julian, I said.
29:37Are you done with your act?
29:40You look Mithrin.
29:42The pain of my stolen blood.
29:44The murder of my entire family.
29:46Today, you will pay for it all.
29:51Dorian handed me a longsword, forged of black obsidian.
29:54The blade gleamed in the castle's candlelight.
29:57It was forged from the bones of an ancient demon, poison to our kind.
30:02Use it.
30:03End this.
30:04His veneer of remorse shattered.
30:08If you won't do this the easy way, then don't blame me for what comes next.
30:15You think a little restored power makes you a match for me?
30:19I am an ancient, thousands of years old.
30:23And, in a flash, his hand shot through my throat.
30:26He sidestepped.
30:28The obsidian sword carving a sharp arc through the air.
30:31Its tip just grazing his cheek.
30:33A thin line of blood appeared.
30:35And he screamed in pain.
30:39That was just the beginning, I said.
30:42Pressing the attack.
30:44The agony I felt when you tore my blood from me.
30:48I'm going to return it to you tenfold.
30:51Julian dodged clumsily.
30:54Horrified to find that despite his superior age, he was losing ground.
30:58No.
30:59This is impossible.
31:01Julian.
31:05I consumed your progena blood!
31:08My power should be far greater than yours!
31:11A shame it never truly belonged.
31:12At the moment, I lunged, aiming for his heart.
31:15He twisted his heart, but the blade tore a deep gash in his shoulder.
31:20Black, corrupted blood gushed out.
31:22At the same time, the blood in my own veins began to stir.
31:26He felt something inside him shift, fighting to escape.
31:30No!
31:31No!
31:32What are you doing?
31:33He screamed, looking down at himself and terrible.
31:36No!
31:38A single, perfect drop of crimson blood seeped from his chest and flew through the air, merging
31:45back into my body.
31:46It was my progenitor blood, stolen 300 years ago.
31:53Julian let out a soul-shattering cry.
31:56His body began to convulse.
31:59His skin turned in a deathly white.
32:02In a stark contrast, an incredible surge of power exploded within.
32:09So this is the true power of a progenitor.
32:12Julian, refusing to give up, lunged one last hand.
32:16Dorian simply waved a hand, and he was sent flying away.
32:21Dorian smirked.
32:22You overestimate yourself.
32:25Then he looked at me.
32:26Savine, allow me to dispose of him for you.
32:29You needn't dirty your hands.
32:30I didn't object.
32:32Julian was dragged away and hurled into the chasm behind the castle.
32:35A bottomless, dark abyss.
32:39Let him enjoy an eternity of solitude and hunger down there.
32:42Julian's screams faded into nothing.
32:45Vengeance was mine.
32:47But the triumph I'd expected felt hollow.
32:51Instead, thinking of my fallen family, a wave of profound grief washed over me.
32:56Father, mother, my brothers and sisters.
33:00They were never coming back.
33:04Selene.
33:04Dorian sensed my sorrow and gently pulled me into his arms.
33:08I know.
33:09Even revenge can't fill the void of losing the ones you love.
33:13They're all gone. All of them.
33:15I choked out.
33:17The grief I'd suppressed for three hundred years, finally breaking free.
33:21I'm the last one.
33:23No.
33:24You're not alone.
33:26From now on, I will always be with you.
33:29For a hundred years, a thousand.
33:32For all of eternity.
33:34I will never leave you.
33:36His words were like warmth seeping into a frozen heart.
33:39But having been betrayed twice, I couldn't give my trust away so easily.
33:43I leaned against him, lost in thought.
33:47This time, can I believe him?
33:52The next evening, I returned to the ruins of my family's estate.
33:56The once den grand castle of the Dracal clan was now just a pile of rubble, overgrown with thorns and
34:02weeds.
34:03I knelt in the center of the ruins and performed the ancient rite of mourning.
34:07I whispered their names.
34:09Father, mother, my kinsmen.
34:11I have avenged you.
34:13Julian has paid for his crimes.
34:15The night wind moaned through the wreckage, as if the souls of my family were answering me.
34:20The ritual ended late into the night.
34:23I dragged my weary body back to Dorian's castle.
34:26But that night, the nightmares returned.
34:28In my dreams.
34:30I was back in that night of blood 300 years ago.
34:33Julian and his army surrounded our home.
34:39The sky was red with fire.
34:41The ground slick with blood.
34:42I watched as a silver dagger pierced my father's chest.
34:45As my mother died before my eyes.
34:47As my people fell one by one.
34:50No, please!
34:52Let them go, please!
34:54But it was useless.
34:56Blood stained everything.
34:57My lady!
34:59My lady!
35:00Wake up!
35:01A familiar voice pulled me from the nightmare.
35:06Clara?
35:07I shot up, my eyes flying open.
35:09How are you here?
35:13A familiar voice pulled me from the nightmare.
35:19Clara?
35:20I shot up, my eyes flying open.
35:22How are you here?
35:24Clara was looking at me with concern.
35:25I managed to escape.
35:27Her eyes read Zen Rim.
35:28I've been looking for you for so long.
35:30I studied her, but something felt wrong.
35:33Clara, I said, testing her.
35:35Did you happen to bring my favorite emerald ring with you?
35:37A flicker of panic crossed Clara's face.
35:40My lady, I... I left in such a hurry I forgot it.
35:43I'm so sorry.
35:44My hand moved stealthily toward the nightstand,
35:47where a glass of silver Zen laced water sat.
35:50I see.
35:51I said, nodding calmly.
35:53Come here Clara.
35:55Let me see if you were hurt.
35:57Clara approached without suspicion.
36:00I snatched the glass and threw the water in her face.
36:03The moment the silver hit, Clara shrieked.
36:06How could you know?
36:08You wretched thing!
36:09When the transformation was complete,
36:12it wasn't Clara standing before me,
36:14but the snarling face of Lilith.
36:16Because I've never owned an emerald ring.
36:20Clara was with me for centuries.
36:22She would have known that.
36:27So clever.
36:28Lilith cackled maniacally.
36:30Too bad your loyal little servant is already dead.
36:33What did you say?
36:34My mind went blank.
36:36Lilith's smile grew more twisted.
36:38That traitor?
36:39I tortured her to death in the silver cells for letting you escape.
36:42She was still whispering about protecting you right before she died.
36:46Pathetic!
36:47Clara, the last of my people.
36:49Dead because she tried to save me.
36:51Rage and grief erupted inside me like a volcano.
36:54I lunged forward and wrapped my hands around Lilith's throat.
36:58For the pain you caused me in that dungeon and for Clara's life,
37:01you will repay every drop of pain and Clara's life in blood.
37:09My fingers tightened.
37:11Lilith's face began to turn purple.
37:13She clawed at my wrists, but my grip was like iron.
37:18Well, wait!
37:19She choked out.
37:21You hurt me, and Cassius will never forgive you.
37:25I laughed.
37:27A cold, sharp sound.
37:31Cassius?
37:32Right now, I have more than enough power to kill you both!
37:35After the morning ritual, the souls of my ancestors had found peace,
37:39and their remaining power had flowed into me.
37:42The pure blood of the Dracal clan coursed through my veins,
37:45stronger than it had been 300 years ago.
37:48Just as I was about to snap her neck, the door burst open-
37:50Selina, I'm begging you, stop!
37:52Don't hurt her!
37:53I've made her my adoptive sister.
37:54What happened before, can't we just put it behind us?
37:58You're the only one I want as my princess!
38:00I slept back, watching the scene with cold amusement.
38:03Adoptive sister?
38:04You finally have your precious love back, and you won't make her your mate?
38:09Cassius flinched.
38:10It's not like that. She and I are not...
38:12Seeing his discomfort, I understood.
38:15He couldn't accept Lilith's new, monstrous form.
38:18He wasn't going to keep his promise, as cold-blooded as ever.
38:22No wonder Lilith had been desperate enough to come after me.
38:25If you truly want my forgiveness,
38:28then you can suffer every torture from the Silver Cells,
38:32just as I did.
38:33Then I'll consider it.
38:36The Silver Cells?
38:37Confusion clouded Cassius' eyes.
38:39Torture?
38:40Selina, what are you talking about?
38:43His gaze shifted to Lilith, who went pale, her eyes darting around nervously.
38:49Lilith, tell me, is what Selene said true?
38:58I... I was only...
38:59Lilith stammered, unable to form a sentence.
39:04Cassius didn't give her the chance.
39:05He placed his hands on her temples, his eyes glowing with an eerie red light.
39:10He was reading her memories.
39:12Lilith screamed in agony, as the spell took hold.
39:15Cassius' face grew deathly white.
39:17I knew what he was seeing.
39:19Silver daggers carving humiliating words into my skin.
39:22Hot iron branding my flesh.
39:25My own cries of pain and despair.
39:28No.
39:29Cassius' hands began to shake.
39:30No. This isn't real.
39:33It can't be.
39:34When the spell ended...
39:36Selina...
39:37I didn't know.
39:38I truly didn't know.
39:40I'm so sorry.
39:42I thought it was just simple confinement.
39:44I never meant for you to be tortured like that.
39:46You didn't know?
39:47I looked at him with utter indifference, then slowly pushed up my sleeve, revealing the scars that would never fully
39:53heal.
39:53You see these?
39:54Do you still think you can be forgiven?
39:56I started toward Lilith again.
39:58Cassius still blocked my path.
40:00He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
40:04Don't kill her!
40:05He pulled an ancient-looking cross from his coat.
40:08She saved my life once.
40:10She's the reason I'm alive.
40:13If you want revenge, I will die in her place.
40:16The moment I saw the cross, my heart skipped a beat.
40:19The design was so familiar.
40:21Just then, the sound of slow clapping came from the doorway.
40:24What a performance.
40:27Cassius, you truly are a fool.
40:29That cross belongs to Selina's family.
40:34Dorian's words fell into a dead silence.
40:37What?
40:39That's impossible.
40:41Lilith gave this to me.
40:44Idiot.
40:45Dorian strode over and snatched the cross.
40:47Look closely.
40:48You can see the faint initials engraved here.
40:51S.D.
40:51This is the sacred heirloom of her house, passed down through generations.
40:55As he spoke, a long buried memory surfaced in my mind.
40:59A rainy night, over 400 years ago.
41:02I was wandering in the forest, and found a young vampire.
41:06Torn apart by werewolves and clinging to life,
41:08I took pity on him and carried him to a small cabin,
41:11using all my precious herbs to heal him.
41:14It took over three months of constant care to pull him back from the brink of death.
41:18One day, I returned from gathering supplies to find he was gone.
41:23The family cross I had placed on his chest for protection was gone too.
41:27I assumed he had simply left after recovering.
41:29I was a little sad, but I didn't think much of it.
41:32Over the years, the memory had faded completely.
41:35Until now.
41:36It was you.
41:37You were the one attacked by werewolves.
41:40That cabin.
41:42The girl who took care of me.
41:44That was you?
41:46No, it was me!
41:48I saved you!
41:50She did nothing!
41:54But her lies were pathetic in the face of the truth.
41:57I took the cross back from Dorian.
41:59My gaze fixed on them.
42:01Found Callius unconscious,
42:02took him while I was away,
42:04stole my family heirloom,
42:05and passed yourself off as his savior?!
42:08Lewis had no more lies to tell.
42:10I... I...
42:11Cassius just stood there.
42:13A storm of shock, regret,
42:15and a strange, wild joy warring on his face.
42:18Four hundred years.
42:20I've been thanking the wrong person for four hundred years.
42:23You damned liar!
42:25You made me misunderstand her for centuries!
42:29No!
42:29Cassius, let me explain!
42:32I love you!
42:33Everything I did was for-
42:34Enough!
42:35Cassius was in front of her in that instant.
42:37Because of you, I hurt my true savior.
42:41This is all your fault!
42:42With a sickening snap,
42:44he broke her neck.
42:45Her body went limp and fell to the floor.
42:47Her eyes wide with disbelief.
42:49She never imagined Cassius could be so ruthless.
42:53After dealing with Lilith, Cassius turned to me.
42:56Tears streamed down his face.
42:58Selena.
42:59My savior.
43:01I've finally found you.
43:03Please, forgive me for everything.
43:06Come home with me.
43:07I'll spend the rest of my existence making it up to you.
43:11His belated devotion meant nothing to me.
43:13It was too late.
43:15The three hundred years of imprisonment,
43:18using our child as a vessel for Lilith,
43:20Clara's death.
43:21None of it could be undone.
43:22I turned to leave, needing to be alone.
43:26Look out!
43:27I spun around just in time to see a mangled figure lunge from the shadows behind me.
43:32It was Julian.
43:33He had somehow clawed his way out of the abyss,
43:36a demonic revenant with long claws aimed straight from my heart.
43:39If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!
43:44In that split second, a familiar body moved to shield me.
43:48A wet, tearing sound filled the air as Julian's hand
43:51plunged deep into Dorian's chest.
43:54Looking into his deep, devoted eyes as he stumbled,
43:57I held him, and my own tears finally began to fall.
44:01His face went pale, but he still gave me a reassuring smile.
44:08A progenitor's healing is formidable.
44:11Dorian's wound was not fatal, but my heart was in turmoil.
44:16Why? You could have dodged that.
44:21Because I promised I would protect you.
44:25Julian roared in frustration.
44:28You think it's over?
44:31I'm not dead yet!
44:33He charged us again.
44:34This time, I didn't move.
44:36I held out my right hand, and a deep crimson light gathered in my palm.
44:40It was the oldest, most powerful ability of the Dracula bloodline.
44:44Strong enough to unmake an ancient vampire.
44:46Julian's power was a flickering candle against my inferno.
44:50I didn't kill him quickly.
44:51I stripped his power away piece by piece,
44:54letting him feel true despair.
44:56Mighty Julian shriveled into a common bat,
44:58trembling on the floor.
45:00You will live out the rest of your days in this form,
45:03and you will never forget the lesson you learnt today.
45:07With Julian's final defeat,
45:09the weight on my soul finally lifted.
45:11The pain of centuries receded like a tide,
45:13replaced by a profound sense of peace.
45:16My power settled, stronger and purer than ever before.
45:20Cassius looked at me with an even deeper obsession,
45:23reaching out to touch me.
45:24Go, Cassius.
45:25Let's pretend I never saved you,
45:27and never disturb my life again.
45:29I stepped away, ignoring his ashen face.
45:32I turned and helped Dorian away.
45:35Months later, Dorian was fully healed.
45:37During his recovery,
45:40he had been shamelessly direct with his affections.
45:43I'd gone from blushing to being completely used to it.
45:46This morning he presented me with another bouquet of roses.
45:50Selina,
45:51will you accept my love today?
45:53He asked with a smile.
45:56I will.
46:02I will.
46:03That's alright, I'll just ask again tomorrow.
46:06Dorian's hopeful smile faltered,
46:08then erupted into pure joy.
46:10Are you serious? You said yes?
46:12I couldn't help but laugh at his rare loss of composure.
46:16You heard me correctly.
46:18I will make you happy, Dorian said,
46:21pulling me into a fierce embrace.
46:24I'll guard you with my life.
46:26The news spread like wildfire.
46:28The progenitor, Dorian, was to take Selene,
46:31the Dracal Princess, as his mate.
46:33Clan leaders from all corners of the world
46:35came to witness the unprecedented ceremony.
46:38The ancient castle was decorated in splendor,
46:40more magnificent than it had been in centuries.
46:45Today, I declare in my name as progenitor,
46:48that Selina will be my mate,
46:50my equal in status and power.
46:53He bit his own wrist and in front of everyone,
46:55made a blood oath.
46:56If I ever betray this vow,
46:58may I walk into the sun and be consumed by holy fire.
47:01The oath sent a shockwave through the vampire world.
47:04A progenitor, willing to stake his very existence on a promise.
47:08Such devotion was unheard of.
47:10In the distance, Cassius watched us,
47:13his gaze vacant and broken.
47:15His body was covered in fresh scars from silver burns.
47:18He had foolishly believed that by punishing himself,
47:21he could earn my forgiveness one day.
47:23Instead, he got an invitation to our wedding.
47:26I ignored his shattered expression,
47:28and confidently took Dorian's hand.
47:31How does it feel?
47:32I smiled. It feels strange.
47:35And it feels wonderful.
47:36We stood together, looking out over the domain that was now ours.
47:40With Dorian by my side, I looked toward a new dawn,
47:43ready to embrace a future I would build with my own hands.
47:46Now, a new one, one of love and empire, was just beginning.
47:52.
47:54.
47:54,
47:54,
47:54.
47:54,
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