- 2 days ago
Marrying The Mad Wolf King In Place Of His Sister
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Short filmTranscript
00:02Silas! Stop! You are hurting me!
00:09You should have thought of this when you planted that curse into me.
00:14I bound Silas Sterling to my bed with a blood curse for five brutal years.
00:18Every night was a war of feral snarls and desperate skin-on-skin heat.
00:22He hated me with every fiber of his wolf, yet his body craved mine like an addiction.
00:29When I was dying in labor, the curse drained him dry as he gave his alpha heart blood to save
00:33me.
00:34Our pup's first cry echoed through the room, but Silas never heard it.
00:37His eyes faded to a dull gray as his inner wolf drew its final breath.
00:43In the next life, let me find Chloe. Please.
00:48He begged for my half-sister, the one who had never spared him a single glance.
00:51My heart shattered as the mate bond tore itself apart inside my chest.
00:55The sterling pack threw me out like garbage the second his pulse stopped.
00:59Driven mad by the severed bond, I let the curse worms devour me from the inside.
01:05But when I opened my eyes, the world was bright and violent.
01:08Silas had me pinned against the wall, his fingers bruising my throat.
01:12You toxic bitch!
01:14Last life, while I married Silas as I wanted, my sister Chloe was forced to marry Alpha Case and ended
01:20up dying within three days.
01:22You cursed me just to keep me from Chloe?!
01:25I stared at his youthful rage, twisted face, and felt a cold, sharp clarity.
01:29I won't let her marry Alpha Case.
01:34Big words. Do you even believe them yourself?
01:37I mean every word, Silas.
01:38Then break the curse. Now. Chloe's safety is none of your concern.
01:42I'll break it. And I'll take Chloe's place as Case's mate.
01:45You? Playing the mortal now? What's the scheme this time?
01:51No scheme. I'm giving you what you want.
01:54What I want is for you to disappear from my life.
01:57Alpha Case ruled the Northern Territories with an iron claw.
02:00A warlord who'd buried three mates already.
02:03Every pack with an unwed daughter trembled at his name.
02:06Days ago, Case had demanded a daughter from my family.
02:08My parents couldn't refuse, leaving only Chloe to be dragged to Case's bed.
02:13This time, I would set Silas free.
02:16I tracked down the rogue witch who'd sold me the curse.
02:20Can it be broke and break it?
02:22Heartblood. From the bliven one each of you truly loves.
02:24But the cost is steep.
02:26Tell me.
02:26Feed the worm until it turns crimson. Then swallow it whole.
02:29The one I loved was Silas. The one Silas loved was Chloe.
02:33I rode through the night and burst into the estate with a lacquered box clutched against my chest.
02:38Silas! I found the cure! We need your heartblood and Chloe's-
02:41He struck my hand away before I could finish.
02:43The box hit the stone floor and the worm vanished into the night-blooming roses.
02:49Heartblood. Only you could dream up something so monstrous.
02:52That's not what you think!
02:54The curse is between us. Why does Chloe's blood have anything to do with it?
02:58Because the worm needs blood from the one each of us loves.
03:00I love you. You love Chloe.
03:02What an absurd excuse!
03:04Silas, please!
03:05Stop talking!
03:06I dove into the rose bushes, thorns shredding my arms.
03:09Have you lost your mind? Get out of there!
03:11For one breath, his hold felt like it used to. Like he still cared.
03:14Then Chloe's name flickered across his eyes.
03:17I thrashed free and hit the ground.
03:19My palm landed squarely on the flea worm.
03:21You're broken. Utterly broken.
03:25So I had no choice but to go find Chloe myself.
03:28I'll take your place and mate with Alpha Case.
03:30But I need your heart blood.
03:32You might as well ask me to slit my own throat.
03:34Silas and I are poisoned by the blood curse.
03:37Break it, and the two of you can finally be together.
03:39And you'd really throw yourself into Cakes' bed just for that?
03:42Yes.
03:48The moment the healer raised the silver needle to her chest, the door exploded inward.
03:54Get away from her!
03:56Ah!
03:58Chloe!
03:59Are you alright?
04:00What did she do to you?
04:01You shouldn't have come.
04:03You actually believed her?
04:04Do you want to die?
04:05So that is what he looks like when he loves someone.
04:09Listen to me carefully.
04:12If you have a problem, you bring it to me.
04:14Don't you dare touch Chloe again.
04:15Silas, I wasn't-
04:17I don't want your excuses.
04:18Why can't you trust me just once?
04:20The witch told me-
04:21Trust you?
04:22After everything you've done?
04:23Once long ago, he used to defend me with that same snarl.
04:26Now I was the outsider he was warning off.
04:29Over his shoulder, I caught Chloe watching me.
04:31With the faintest, smug smile curving her lips.
04:34She'd brought him here on purpose.
04:35I didn't have time to play her games.
04:37I yanked a silver dagger from my belt
04:39and pressed the blade against Chloe's throat.
04:42Leah, put it down!
04:43She's your sister!
04:44Do you have no fear of the Moon Goddess's wrath?
04:46I don't.
04:47Have you truly lost every shred of humanity?
04:50Maybe I have.
04:52I want your heart blood, Silas.
04:54For Chloe's sake, he didn't hesitate for a breath.
04:57Fine.
04:58Remember what you promised.
04:59The healer drove the hollow needle into Silas's chest
05:02and the memory surged up without warning.
05:06It's enough.
05:07Let Chloe go now.
05:11I picked up the second needle and drove it toward Chloe's chest.
05:14I'm your sister!
05:15Silas!
05:16Save me!
05:17Leah, stop!
05:19If you hurt her, I will never take you as my mate.
05:21Not even in death!
05:22The needle's barely through the skin.
05:24Let the healer finish or I'll do it myself.
05:26He shoved the healer toward me at once.
05:33The moment the blood was drawn, I released Chloe and dropped the worm into the mingled heart blood.
05:39Why is she still bleeding?
05:41This is your doing!
05:43He unsheathed his silver longsword and leveled it directly at my heart.
05:47Simus.
05:48Don't speak my name.
05:50You don't understand what I just did for you.
05:52You attacked her!
05:53She did nothing to deserve this!
05:55What did I ever do to you?
05:57You've been given more love than I ever had.
05:59Why must you torment me?
06:00I said nothing.
06:01It is alright.
06:03After the mating ceremony, they'll both understand.
06:05I held out the worm now, glowing a deep, pulsing crimson.
06:08This really is the cure.
06:10Taste it and you'll see.
06:11And what if it's some new curse you've cooked up?
06:14Silas!
06:15It isn't!
06:16I don't have time for your games!
06:18Then take my life too if that's what you want.
06:20I clenched my fists and hurled myself forward onto the blade.
06:24The steel pierced my chest.
06:26The pain nearly dragged me into unconsciousness.
06:28Leah!
06:30I clenched my teeth and pressed the worm against the blood welling that I made.
06:36To break the blood curse, you need the heart blood of the one each of us loves.
06:39I love you.
06:40You love Chloe.
06:41Direct enough for you now?
06:43Leah.
06:43Take it.
06:45Swallow it.
06:46I can't!
06:46Do it, Simus!
06:47Let this end!
06:48He tried to step toward me.
06:51Don't come any closer.
06:53Just take it.
06:54This time he obeyed.
06:56He placed it on his tongue and swallowed.
07:00Relief crashed over me.
07:02It's done.
07:03We're done.
07:05The debt I had owed him for my last life, I had finally repaid it.
07:09But the moment I exhaled, my body gave out.
07:11A searing pain tore through my chest, as if something inside was devouring me alive.
07:16The mother worm, sensing the death of its offspring.
07:21Leah!
07:22Look at me!
07:23I'm sorry.
07:25Silas was holding me now, his mouth moving frantically.
07:29But I couldn't hear a single word.
07:31My consciousness slipped away fast.
07:36Finally awake.
07:37Do you have any idea, child?
07:39You had one foot through death's door.
07:43Is that sterling boy truly worth this?
07:46Father, mother.
07:48I want to mate with Alpha Case.
07:51What?!
07:51Listen to me.
07:52I had a dream.
07:53A long, terrible dream of another life.
07:55A dream?
08:00In that dream, Simus died for me.
08:03And Chloe was sent to Case.
08:05She lasted only seven days before she tried to flee.
08:09She scaled the fortress wall.
08:11She fell.
08:12She died the moment she hit the rocks.
08:14Daughter, that was only a dream.
08:16It doesn't change the truth.
08:18Simus doesn't love me.
08:19He loves Chloe.
08:20Let me be the one to go to Case.
08:22Case is a death sentence.
08:24And if none of us answer his summons,
08:26do you think an Alpha like him will let our pack survive?
08:29Trust me.
08:31I won't walk Chloe's path.
08:33Not long after they left,
08:35Silas appeared in my chambers carrying a small lacquered dish.
08:38Honey glazed meat dumplings.
08:40My favorite.
08:41Just like the old days, he picked up the spoon to feed me.
08:44But this time, I didn't open my mouth.
08:46The curse is broken.
08:48Thank you, Leah.
08:50You're welcome.
08:51But I truly cannot take you as my mate.
08:54I cannot stand by and watch Chloe be thrown into the fire.
08:57Then what do you intend to do, Silas?
09:00Are you going to try to stop the ceremony?
09:03Whatever you're planning, don't.
09:07I'm sorry, Leah.
09:08I have to.
09:09He set the bowl aside and left without another word.
09:12Living this second life, I had finally seen the difference between me and Chloe with bone-deep clarity.
09:17Love and the absence of it.
09:18How starkly obvious it truly was.
09:20There was nothing left in me now that could ache.
09:23Three days later, I would mate with the monster.
09:28You don't have to do this, daughter.
09:30My mother's hands gripped mine until her knuckles went white.
09:33I do, mother.
09:35This is the only way.
09:37Then at least let your father send an escort.
09:39No.
09:41It must be me, alone.
09:43Alpha Case didn't come for me himself.
09:45Band of elite warriors armed to the teeth.
09:48It was a hunting party.
09:49I stepped into the sealed carriage as drums thundered and war horns howled across our territory.
09:54The carriage jolted violently.
09:57Steel screamed against Steel outside.
09:59The door tore open and a clawed hand seized my arm.
10:02Chloe!
10:03Come with me!
10:04Now!
10:05Silas, what are you doing?
10:06Saving you!
10:07Hold on to me!
10:09Let me go!
10:11So this was his plan.
10:13An abduction.
10:14Don't fight me!
10:15I have this under control.
10:17His arm locked around my waist and ripped me from the carriage.
10:20The instant my feet hit the ground, a hundred silver-tipped arrows drew totals.
10:24Young Sterling, you mean to steal my mate?
10:27Alpha K!
10:28Chloe doesn't want this union!
10:30Release her!
10:30Is that so?
10:31Whether she wants it or not?
10:33I don't believe that's your call, pup.
10:35Silas' grip tightened on my arm.
10:37I'm not leaving without her!
10:41Then you'll die here.
10:43Chloe, don't be afraid.
10:44Say it out loud.
10:46Whatever comes after, I'll bear it.
10:48I raised my hand to the veil.
10:49Not Chloe, Simus.
10:51Me.
10:52I am willing to mate with Alpha Case.
10:55Leia!
10:57The words fell like stones into a pond, rippling outward.
11:01Silas made a sound like I'd stabbed him.
11:03How can you say that?
11:05You know what he is!
11:06I know exactly what he is.
11:08Do you?
11:09I said quietly.
11:09Come, bride.
11:11Let's not keep the guests waiting.
11:13Case's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
11:16I placed my hand in his, feeling the controlled strength there.
11:19He pulled me close, lifting me onto his massive black stallion.
11:24Comfortable?
11:25He murmured against my ear.
11:26Not even a little.
11:27He laughed, a sound like distant thunder.
11:30Good.
11:31Honesty is refreshing.
11:33He looked down at Silas, who was still kneeling in the dirt.
11:39You're welcome to attend the ceremony, Sterling.
11:43Watch me claim what's mine.
11:47Leia!
11:49Then we rode away, leaving Silas and his failed rescue behind.
12:02The Valerius estate was a fortress carved from black stone.
12:05Towers pierced the sky like claws, and gargoyles leered from every corner.
12:10It should have been terrifying.
12:12Instead, I felt a strange sense of coming home.
12:15Case carried me over the threshold himself.
12:17Eager?
12:19Strategic.
12:21If I put you down, you might bolt.
12:24I gave my word.
12:26I don't bolt.
12:29We'll see.
12:30He set me down in a chamber that was clearly meant for me.
12:33Silk curtains, plush furs.
12:35A bed the size of a small battlefield.
12:37Rest.
12:37The ceremony is in two hours.
12:39What if I don't want to rest?
12:40Then don't.
12:42But you'll need your strength for tonight.
12:44Heat flooded my cheeks, and he laughed again.
12:47Such an innocent reaction for someone who spent five years cursing her lover's bed.
12:52I looked away, embarrassed and angry.
12:54How do you know about that?
12:56I know everything about you, Leia Blackwood.
12:59He crossed to a desk and pulled out a stack of letters.
13:02My letters the ones I'd written to Silas during his training.
13:07How did you get those?
13:08Your messenger ravens were intercepted.
13:11A clerical error, really.
13:14I've been reading about you for months, little wolf.
13:17Your favorite foods.
13:18Your fears.
13:19Your dreams.
13:21That's why I sent the blood price.
13:23I wanted the girl who wrote these letters.
13:26Those letters weren't for you.
13:28They are now.
13:29Just like you are.
13:31I didn't know whether to be flattered or horrified.
13:34Before I could respond.
13:36He was gone.
13:37Leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
13:41The ceremony was held in the estate's great hall.
13:45Hundreds of guests filled the space nobles.
13:47Warriors.
13:48Merchants.
13:49Poor thing.
13:51She'll be dead within the month.
13:52I could hear their whispers.
13:54I heard the last one jump from the tower.
13:57No, she was pushed.
13:59By him.
14:00I kept my head high, refusing to show weakness.
14:03Case was waiting for me at the altar, dressed in black and silver.
14:07Brave little wolf.
14:09He murmured, too quiet for others to hear.
14:11The ceremony began.
14:13Traditional words about bonds and blood and forever.
14:16I repeated my vows mechanically.
14:18My mind elsewhere.
14:21Stop!
14:22She can't marry you!
14:25This is becoming tiresome.
14:27He pulled me against his side, possessive and claiming.
14:31Leah is mine, Sterling.
14:33Accept it.
14:34Not if she doesn't want to be!
14:36Tell him.
14:37Tell him.
14:38He'd rather be with me.
14:40I looked between them.
14:41Silas.
14:42Desperate and loving too late.
14:44Case.
14:45Dark and dangerous, but oddly honest.
14:48Let go, Silas.
14:49No!
14:50I love you!
14:51I finally understand that I love you!
14:54You love the idea of me.
14:55You love what you can't have.
14:58Let her go.
15:00Or I'll make you.
15:01She's made her choice, boy.
15:02Honor it!
15:03Silas' hand fell away, his expression shattered.
15:06I'm ready to finish the ceremony.
15:08He studied my face for a long moment.
15:10No.
15:12You're not.
15:13Then to everyone's shock, he swept me into his arms and carried me out of the hall.
15:17What are you doing?
15:18Taking my bride to bed.
15:20The ceremony can wait.
15:23Scandalized gasps followed us out.
15:25But all I could focus on was the heat of his body and the predatory gleam in his eyes.
15:29I was about to become his in every way that mattered.
15:33Case carried me to his private chambers, kicking the door shut behind us.
15:38He set me down carefully like I was something precious.
15:43You're shaking.
15:45He observed.
15:46I'm fine.
15:48Leah.
15:49He circled me slowly, a wolf appraising his prey.
15:54Tell me the truth, little wolf.
15:57Are you afraid of me?
15:59I admitted.
16:00Yes.
16:01But not the way you think.
16:06I'm afraid of wanting this.
16:08Of wanting you.
16:10Good.
16:11Fear is honest.
16:12His fingers traced the line of my jaw, my throat.
16:15Last chance.
16:17Say the word, and I'll let you go.
16:19Where would I go?
16:21Anywhere.
16:22Back to the Blackwood Estate.
16:24To Sterling, if you want him.
16:26I could never hold you here against your will, Leah.
16:29That's not who I am.
16:30I believed him, which was the strangest part.
16:33I want to stay.
16:37Because you read my letters and still wanted me.
16:40Because you gave me a choice when no one else would.
16:42Because I am tired of loving someone who can't love me back.
16:47Still afraid?
16:48He asked, his voice rough.
16:51Terrified.
16:51I admit it.
16:53Perfect.
16:56Then he showed me exactly what it meant to be claimed by an alpha.
17:00I woke to sunlight streaming through massive windows.
17:03My body ached in unfamiliar ways.
17:05And my skin was marked with bites and scratches.
17:08Evidence of a very thorough claiming.
17:11Case was already awake, propped on one elbow and watching me.
17:14He said, his tone lazy and satisfied.
17:18Don't hide. I like looking at you.
17:21He commanded, pulling the pillow away.
17:22You're shameless.
17:23He traced one of the bite marks on my shoulder, looking pleased with himself.
17:27Absolutely.
17:29Does it hurt?
17:31A little.
17:33Good.
17:34That means you'll remember who you belong to.
17:36I should have been offended by his possessiveness.
17:39Instead, something warm unfurled in my chest.
17:42Alpha.
17:43There's a situation.
17:44A knock at the door interrupted us.
17:45What kind of situation?
17:47The Sterling boy is at the gates.
17:48He says he won't leave until he speaks with Lady Leah.
17:51I groaned, pulling the sheets up to my chin.
17:54Tell him to go away.
17:55You heard her. She's busy being thoroughly debuaged.
18:00Don't say that!
18:02Why not? It's true.
18:04The guard cleared his throat awkwardly.
18:07He's causing quite a scene, Alpha. Should we remove him by force?
18:10Your call, little wolf. Want me to break his legs, or just scare him off?
18:15I considered it, then sighed.
18:16Let me talk to him. One last time.
18:19You're too kind.
18:21Bring him to the garden. Under guard. If he tries anything, kill him.
18:26Leah dresses quickly. Soar all over.
18:29Case refuses to leave her side.
18:32Case speaks his true thought, bluntly.
18:35I don't trust him.
18:36They have the same idea.
18:38Neither do I.
18:39That's why you're here.
18:41Silas waits with his guards by the fountain.
18:43He looks exhausted, and sleepless.
18:47Leah...
18:48Thank the goddess.
18:49Leah asks Silas directly.
18:51What do you want, Silas?
18:52Easy. Let him speak.
18:54It'll be his last chance.
18:55I made a mistake. The biggest mistake of my life.
18:57You've made several.
18:58I know, but this is different.
18:59I remember everything now.
19:00How we were before the curse. How much I loved you, even if I was too stupid to admit it.
19:03Careful, Sterling. You're confessing love to another man's mate.
19:06She's not your mate.
19:06Not really. You forced this ma-
19:08I gave her a choice.
19:09Something you never did.
19:10Silas begs, Leah.
19:12Leah, please.
19:13Come home with me.
19:14I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you.
19:16Leah makes her firm refusal.
19:17No.
19:19No?
19:19I'm staying with Case.
19:21This is where I belong now.
19:23You don't mean that.
19:24He's a monster, Leah.
19:26Everyone knows what he's done.
19:29Case laughs darkly and dangerously.
19:32If I'm such a monster, why did she scream my name last night?
19:38Leah turns bright red, mortified.
19:43You bastard!
19:45He lunged forward.
19:47Case found Silas by the throat, lifting him off the ground.
19:50Listen very carefully.
19:52Leah is mine.
19:53My wife, my mate, my property by law and bond.
19:55If you come near her again, I will remove your head and mount it on my wall.
19:58Do we understand each other?
19:59Let him go.
19:59Lucky she's merciful.
20:01Go home, Sterling.
20:01Forget about her.
20:02Or don't.
20:03I don't actually care.
20:03But if I see you on my land again, you're dead.
20:06The guards drag Silas away furious and breathless.
20:10Case and Leah are alone at last.
20:13You're angry with me.
20:14You could have killed him.
20:15I could have.
20:16I didn't.
20:17You're welcome.
20:19You're impossible.
20:21Yes.
20:22But I'm yours.
20:24Case holds Leah and confesses his devotion.
20:27Don't leave me for him, little wolf.
20:29I'm not good at sharing.
20:31Leah promises sincerely from her heart.
20:34I won't.
20:36Three months passed in relative peace.
20:39Then, one morning, everything shattered.
20:43Case stands by the window.
20:44A letter in his hand.
20:46His expression was carved from ice.
20:48I woke to find Case standing by the window.
20:51What's wrong?
20:52How long have you been fucking Silas strandling?
20:55I was shocked and tried to defend myself.
20:58What?
20:59I haven't.
21:00I haven't.
21:02Leah must be Trusher, Leah.
21:04Don't lie to me.
21:05This is a crude drawing by Silas and me.
21:08This isn't real.
21:10Someone drew these.
21:12They're not real.
21:14He doesn't believe.
21:15They look pretty fucking real to me.
21:18Case, I swear to you.
21:20I haven't seen Silas since that day in the garden.
21:23Then explain the drawings.
21:25I can't because I didn't do this!
21:28I warned you, Leah.
21:30I told you what would happen if you betrayed me.
21:33Terror and rage ward in my chest.
21:35You don't actually believe this, do you?
21:38He doubts the truth, which gives me hope.
21:40Get dressed, we're going to your father's estate.
21:43Because we're gonna find out who did this.
21:45And if I find proof you've been unfaithful,
21:47I will rain holy hell on everyone you've ever loved.
21:50We were all silent in the car, and he was very angry.
21:53Leah?
21:55Alpha Case?
21:57What brings you here?
21:58Father was very angry after seeing it.
22:01Where did you get these?
22:02Case's tone was icy cold.
22:04I think you know what this means.
22:07The style, it's similar to Chloe's work.
22:11She used to draw constantly.
22:13Where is she?
22:14I did not wait for his reply, and ran to find her at once.
22:18Going somewhere?
22:21Leah, I was just-
22:22Cut the shit, Chloe.
22:23You drew those pictures, didn't you?
22:25So what if I did?
22:27You deserve it after stealing Silas from me!
22:29That monster is my husband, and you just tried to get me killed.
22:32Chloe finally realized the terrible danger she was in.
22:36I just wanted you to hurt the way you hurt me.
22:38Oh, I have several ideas.
22:41Want to hear them?
22:42Is it true?
22:43Did you create those drawings?
22:44I just wanted her to know what it felt like!
22:46She gets everything!
22:48You have nothing because you've earned nothing.
22:50Send her away, to the border territories!
22:53She stays here!
22:54You can decide what happens to her when you're ready.
22:56He showed kindness.
22:58Don't thank me yet.
22:59I'm still furious.
23:01I will punish you later.
23:03Two weeks after the incident with Chloe, I woke up violently and-
23:07I barely made it to the chamber pot before emptying my stomach.
23:10Case was beside me immediately, holding my hair back gently.
23:14He asked me anxiously what was wrong with my body.
23:17What's wrong?
23:18I don't know.
23:19Bad meat?
23:20Maybe?
23:21He finally called a doctor.
23:23Yes, my lord.
23:24The pack physician examined me thoroughly and carefully.
23:28After the examination, the physician smiled.
23:30Congratulations, Alpha.
23:32Your mate is with child.
23:33I am shocked and can't believe it.
23:36What?
23:37About six weeks along, I'd estimate.
23:39The pup is healthy and strong.
23:41A pup?
23:42We're having a pup.
23:44Are you happy?
23:45Happy?
23:46Leah, I'm terrified.
23:48What if I'm like my father?
23:50What if I hurt it?
23:51Or you?
23:52You won't.
23:53You're nothing like him.
23:56Because you're here, panicking about being a good father.
23:59That alone makes you better than him.
24:02I'm going to keep you safe.
24:04Both of you.
24:05Nothing will touch you while I draw breath.
24:07Case became impossibly more protective after learning about the pregnancy.
24:12He barely let me out of his sight.
24:14Hovering like an anxious shadow.
24:16I want to be alone.
24:18I can walk to the garden by myself.
24:21No.
24:22I complained that he was too overprotective of me.
24:26Case.
24:28I'm pregnant, not dying.
24:30Same thing to me.
24:32I pretended to be annoyed, but secretly loved his devoted attention.
24:35One night, I was woken by a sharp and sudden stomach pain.
24:40I gasped sharply and clutched my belly in pain.
24:44Case woke up instantly, the moment he felt something was wrong.
24:47What's wrong?
24:48Is it the pup?
24:49I don't know.
24:50It hurts.
24:51He carried me to the physician personally and let no one else touch me.
24:55The pup is fine, just some cramping from growth.
24:57Perfectly normal.
24:58But Lady Leah needs to rest.
25:00No stress.
25:01No exertion.
25:01For how long?
25:03At least a month.
25:04Maybe more.
25:05I groaned, knowing Case would be even more protective after this.
25:08A month?
25:09She's confined to bed for a month?
25:11Then that's what we'll do.
25:13Case stayed with me every day, and it became the happiest month of my life.
25:19At eight months pregnant, I was enormous and uncomfortable.
25:22Case thought I was beautiful, which helped.
25:26You're glowing.
25:27You're glowing.
25:28He said one morning, running his hand over my swollen belly.
25:31I'm sweating.
25:33It's not the same thing.
25:36He laughed, pressing a kiss to my stomach.
25:39The pup kicked in response, and his eyes lit up.
25:44She knows my voice.
25:48How do you know it's a she?
25:53Father's intuition.
25:54That night was the full moon gathering.
25:56A mandatory event for all pack alphas.
26:00Case didn't want to go, but I insisted.
26:02You can't avoid your duties because I'm pregnant.
26:07Watch me.
26:08Case.
26:09Go.
26:10I'll be fine for a few hours.
26:12Reluctantly, he agreed, but he left me surrounded by guards, with strict orders to summon him if anything happened.
26:18I settled in with a book, enjoying the rare moment of solitude.
26:21Then I heard a commotion in the hallway.
26:24Voices raised in anger, the sound of a scuffle.
26:29Before I could call for help, my chamber door burst open.
26:32Silas stood there, wild.
26:34Eyed, and desperate.
26:38Leah!
26:40Thank the goddess!
26:41We have to go now!
26:43I stared at Silas, my hand instinctively going to my belly.
26:48How did you get in here?
26:49I bribed a guard.
26:51Doesn't matter.
26:52Leah, you're in danger.
26:59From what?
27:01From him!
27:04Don't you see?
27:05He's going to kill you just like he killed the others!
27:08Simus, I'm eight months pregnant with his child.
27:11If he wanted me dead, he's had plenty of opportunities.
27:14No, you don't understand.
27:17The full moon gathering.
27:18It's a trap!
27:21While he's gone, assassins are coming for you.
27:24To destroy his bloodline.
27:28How do you know this?
27:31He reached for me, but I backed away.
27:33I have sources in the pack.
27:34People who hate him as much as I do.
27:42Leah.
27:42Don't touch me!
27:43Leah, please.
27:45I know you don't trust me, but I'm trying to save your life.
27:53My lady, should we-
27:56Silas spun, drawing a blade.
28:02I screamed as blood sprayed across the floor.
28:10I'm sorry, but you're not leaving me a choice.
28:16He advanced on me, and I realized with horror what he intended.
28:26You're going to kill me yourself, aren't you?
28:28No. Never.
28:31But I will take you away from here, even if I have to drag you.
28:35Before he could reach me, a massive black wolf crashed through the window.
28:39Case. He must have felt my terror through our bond.
28:42He shifted mid-leap.
28:56Get. Away. From my, my mate.
29:03Case moved like death incarnate.
29:05All controlled violence and lethal grace.
29:07Silas barely had time to raise his blade before Case was on him.
29:11The fight was brutal and one-sided.
29:15Case's claws tore through Silas' defenses like they were paper.
29:25Case, stop! Don't kill him!
29:30He paused, his hand wrapped around Silas' throat.
29:33Give me one good reason why not.
29:37Because he's not worth it.
29:39He's pathetic.
29:40And desperate.
29:42But he's not worth your time.
29:45Case's grip tightened, and Silas' face started turning purple.
29:54Please, for me.
29:57Finally, grudgingly, Cas released him.
30:01Silas collapsed to the floor, gasping.
30:11Get him out of my sight. Take him to the border and make sure he understands.
30:16If he ever comes back I will skin him alive.
30:21As they dragged Silas away, Cas turned to me.
30:24His fury melted into concern as he saw my tears.
30:37Are you hurt?
30:39Is the pup...
30:44We're fine.
30:46Just scared.
30:50I could've lost you.
30:52Both of you.
30:53He pulled me into his arms, trembling with the effort of controlling his wolf.
30:57But you didn't.
31:00You came back.
31:06I'll always come back for you.
31:10He carried me to our bed, checking me over obsessively.
31:20The physician is on her way, just to be safe.
31:29Kesa, I'm...
31:30My words cut off as a sharp pain lanced through my belly.
31:37Case went pale.
31:46The pup...
31:48It's coming.
31:49The labor lasted 18 hours.
31:5118 hours of pain and blood and screaming.
31:57Case never left my side, even when the physician tried to make him leave.
32:04I'm staying.
32:06End of discussion.
32:08He held my hand through every contraction.
32:10Let me squeeze hard enough to break bones.
32:16I can't do this.
32:19It hurts too much.
32:22Yes, you can.
32:24You're the strongest person I know.
32:27You fought a blood curd, survived my darkness, and still chose to stay.
32:33You can do this, little wolf.
32:35His faith in me was the only thing that kept me going.
32:38Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the most beautiful sound in the world.
32:44A baby's cry.
32:47It's a girl.
32:49A healthy, perfect girl.
32:56Case's face transformed with wonder as they placed our daughter in my arms.
33:00She had his mismatched eyes, one silver, one gold.
33:05She's perfect.
33:11You're both perfect.
33:16I looked down at our daughter.
33:18This tiny miracle we'd created.
33:20And I felt the weight of my past life finally lift.
33:23This was what happiness felt like.
33:30We named her Aurora after the dawn.
33:33Case was completely besotted, spending hours just watching her sleep.
33:44She's so small.
33:46How is she so small?
33:55All babies are small, Case.
33:59Not this small.
34:04She's tiny.
34:07Fragile.
34:09She's your daughter.
34:11She's anything but fragile.
34:15As if to prove my point, Aurora grabbed his finger and squeezed with surprising strength.
34:32I love her so much it terrifies me.
34:43I know the feeling.
34:46The full moon blessing was held when Aurora was one month old.
34:50The entire pack gathered to witness her presentation.
34:53Case held her up to the moon, his voice ringing out.
35:00Moon goddess.
35:02I present my daughter, Aurora Valerius.
35:05May she be strong.
35:07May she be wise.
35:09May she know she is loved.
35:15The pack hallowed their approval, and Aurora laughed.
35:18She actually laughed, delighted by the sound.
35:28She's going to be troubled.
35:36Absolutely, Case agreed, grinning.
35:40Just like her mother.
35:44Aurora was three months old when Silas appeared at our gates again.
35:48I was in the garden with her, enjoying the spring sunshine.
35:57The guards brought him to me, keeping weapons trained on him the entire time.
36:03Five minutes.
36:05And then you leave, and never come back.
36:08She's beautiful.
36:10Yes, she is.
36:18I'm here to apologize.
36:19I'm here to apologize.
36:20For everything.
36:26Isn't it a little late for that, don't you think?
36:30I know.
36:32But I need you to understand.
36:34I loved you.
36:37I still do.
36:40I was too stupid.
36:43Too stubborn.
36:45And by the time I realized, it was too late.
36:49I looked at him, this man I'd once loved so desperately.
36:53And I felt, nothing.
36:55No anger.
36:56No love.
36:57Not even pity.
36:58Just indifference.
37:03I forgive you, Simus.
37:06Not for you, but for myself.
37:14I've carried that burden, long enough.
37:17He looked gutted, like he'd hoped for something different.
37:24I...
37:25Could I at least know her name?
37:35Aurora.
37:37Aurora.
37:43Perfect.
37:47Case appeared then, Aurora's favorite stuffed wolf in hand.
37:54He took one look at Silas and growled.
37:56I thought I made myself clear.
38:01Look, my Moviu Manor to Eve been just hurting my friend.
38:04He was just leaving.
38:05He was just leaving.
38:11Then he was gone, and I never saw him again.
38:14Be happy, Leah.
38:17You deserve it.
38:27Six months later, my mother brought unexpected news.
38:34Chloe wants to see you.
38:37I hadn't spoken to her since the incident with the drawings.
38:40Part of me wanted to refuse.
38:43But Case's words echoed in my mind.
38:45That I'd regret it if I didn't give her a chance.
38:48So I went to the Blackwood Estate, bringing Aurora with me.
38:51Chloe was waiting in the garden, looking thin and tired.
38:56Leah.
38:57Thank you for coming.
38:59Make it quick.
39:00Aurora needs her nap.
39:02She's perfect.
39:03Just like you.
39:05What do you want, Chloe?
39:06To apologize.
39:07To apologize.
39:08Truly apologize.
39:08Not just say the words.
39:10I was jealous, cruel.
39:11I almost destroyed your life.
39:12There is no excuse for that.
39:14I see that now.
39:15She pulled out a small package and handed it to me.
39:18Inside was a drawing.
39:19But not like the ones before.
39:21This one showed me and Aurora captured with love and skill.
39:24I want to be better.
39:25She said.
39:26To be the sister you deserved all along.
39:28I don't expect forgiveness.
39:30But I wanted you to know I'm trying.
39:32I looked at the drawing, then at her tear-stained face.
39:36Okay.
39:37I said finally.
39:38We can try.
39:38Her relieved smile was worth the risk.
39:41My first wedding anniversary with Case was nothing like I'd imagined.
39:45He'd planned an elaborate celebration, inviting half the kingdom.
39:48But the night before, Aurora came down with a fever.
39:52Case immediately cancelled everything, focusing entirely on our daughter.
39:56He said firmly.
39:58The party doesn't matter, he said firmly.
40:01She does.
40:02We spent our anniversary taking turns holding Aurora, cooling her fever with damp cloths.
40:15By morning she was better, smiling and babbling like nothing had happened.
40:20Case looked exhausted but happy.
40:25He said half-joking.
40:27Best anniversary ever.
40:29I kissed him softly.
40:34Agreed.
40:34Even without the grand celebration?
40:36Especially without it.
40:38This is what matters.
40:39You, me, Aurora.
40:41Our little family.
40:42I never thought I'd have this.
40:43A mate who loves me.
40:44A daughter who lights up my world.
40:46You saved me, Leah.
40:47From my darkness, from my past, from myself.
40:49We saved each other.
40:51We saved each other.
40:53And it was true.
40:55We'd both been broken, both been lost.
40:57But together we'd found our way home.
41:01When Aurora was two years old, the Paxir requested an audience.
41:05The blood moon rises.
41:08And with it, a prophecy.
41:11What kind of prophecy?
41:12One of power and peril.
41:14Your daughter carries the bloodline of two great houses, Valerius and Blackwood.
41:18She will be tested, challenged, hunted for her power.
41:22But if she survives, she will unite the Pax and bring an era of peace.
41:26I held Aurora tighter.
41:27How do we protect her?
41:29By teaching her to be strong.
41:32To be brave.
41:34To know she is loved.
41:36The rest will come in time.
41:38After she left, Case and I sat in silence.
41:41I finally said,
41:43She's two years old.
41:44This is too much.
41:46I know.
41:47But we'll face it together.
41:49We've survived worse.
41:52We'll keep her safe.
41:53I looked at Aurora, playing happily with her toys.
41:57Oblivious to the destiny waiting for her.
41:59We'll keep her safe.
42:00Whatever it takes.
42:01I vowed.
42:02Case's hand found mine.
42:03Our fingers intertwining.
42:04Whatever it takes.
42:05He agreed.
42:07Aurora's third birthday brought an unexpected guest.
42:10Silas Sterling appeared at the celebration.
42:12Looking older and wiser.
42:14He was accompanied by a woman.
42:16I know I'm not welcome.
42:17But I wanted Aurora to have this.
42:20He held out a small wooden box.
42:22Inside was a carved wolf.
42:23Exquisite in its detail.
42:25I made it myself.
42:26I want her to know.
42:28I'm sorry.
42:29For everything I put you through.
42:31Case looked like he wanted to refuse.
42:33But I touched his arm.
42:37Thank you, Silas.
42:39It's beautiful.
42:40I'm Elena.
42:41Silas has told me so much about you.
42:44All good things.
42:46We talked for a while.
42:47Awkward but genuine.
42:49I learned that Silas had finally found peace.
42:51Had finally let go of the past.
42:53I'm happy for you.
42:55You deserve that.
42:57I told him sincerely.
42:59And it looks like you found it.
43:01After they left, Case pulled me aside.
43:03You're really okay with that?
43:06Him being here?
43:07I am.
43:07Because he's not a threat anymore.
43:09He's just someone I used to know.
43:10Case kissed me.
43:11Deep and claiming.
43:12Good.
43:13Because you're mine.
43:14And I don't share.
43:15I know.
43:16You've made that very clear.
43:18When Aurora was five, I received a letter that changed everything.
43:22The merchant who'd sold me the blood curse was dying.
43:24He wanted to see me one last time.
43:27Case insisted on coming with me, of course.
43:29We found the merchant in a small cottage.
43:31Withered and frail.
43:32Lady Blackwood, I have a confession.
43:34He wheezed.
43:36The forget-me-not worm.
43:37It doesn't work the way I said.
43:39My blood ran cold.
43:40What do you mean?
43:41The curse wasn't broken.
43:43Just transferred.
43:45How do we break it?
43:47Truly break it.
43:47Case's hand tightened on mine.
43:49This.
43:49The final worm.
43:51It requires the blood of your greatest love.
43:53Feed it, and the curse ends forever.
43:56Aurora.
43:56I breathed.
43:57He nodded, understanding immediately.
43:59Our daughter was our greatest love.
44:01More than each other.
44:02More than anything.
44:03We brought her to the merchant's cottage.
44:05She was scared, clinging to Case's leg.
44:07It's okay, little Dawn.
44:09Just a tiny prick.
44:10The physician drew a single drop of Aurora's blood.
44:13It fell onto the worm, which immediately turned from white to brilliant gold.
44:17Case and I split it, each swallowing half.
44:19The effect was immediate.
44:20I felt the curse dissolve.
44:22Years of poison finally leaving my body.
44:25Case gasped beside me, experiencing the same relief.
44:28It is done. You are free.
44:30The merchant said, smiling.
44:32He died that night, peaceful and content.
44:35And we buried him with honors grateful for the gift he'd given us.
44:38Years passed in a blur of happiness.
44:41Aurora grew strong and fierce.
44:43Every inch her father's daughter.
44:45She united the packs at age 18.
44:48Just as the prophecy foretold.
44:50Chloe became a trusted advisor.
44:52Her artistic talents put to better use.
44:55Silas and Elena had three children.
44:57Living peacefully in the Sterling territory.
45:00My parents grew old together, content with their granddaughter's success.
45:04And Case and I, we grew old too, but never grew apart.
45:08One night, as we sat in the garden watching the moon rise, I leaned against his shoulder.
45:13Do you ever regret it?
45:15Marrying me instead of finding someone easier?
45:17He laughed, the sound warm and familiar.
45:20Every day.
45:21I smacked his arm and he caught my hand, kissing it.
45:24But I wouldn't change a single moment.
45:26Not one.
45:27The curse.
45:28The blood.
45:29The pain.
45:30It all led us here.
45:31To this garden.
45:32This moment.
45:33This life we built together.
45:35I smiled.
45:36Content and complete.
45:39I love you, Kale Various.
45:42I love you too, Leah Blackwook.
45:45Though technically you're Leah Valerius now.
45:48Don't ruin the moment.
45:50He grinned, pulling me closer.
45:52Wouldn't dream of it.
45:53We sat there as the stars came out.
45:55Two wolves who'd found their way home.
45:57And lived happily ever after.
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