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