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00:00Just because I forget to bring my mate's lover back, leaving her alone in the wilderness for three hours,
00:05he flies into a rage and throws me into an abandoned well in the desolate countryside.
00:14You need to experience the torment that Belinda was put through.
00:18The well is deep and narrow, forcing me to curl up in my wolf form.
00:22I struggle to breathe. I plead for mercy and beg for forgiveness.
00:26However, all he does is tell me off icily.
00:28Stay there and repent for your sins.
00:31You'll only understand the dignity required of Eluna once you learn your lesson from this.
00:35He orders his men to seal the well with a large boulder.
00:38I let out anguished howls and roars as I claw my way upward.
00:42However, I only fall back down over and over again.
00:45The walls of the well are covered in my claw marks.
00:47I continue like this until I can't make a sound through my parched throat.
00:51Half a month later, my mate's heart softens when he sees the birthday gift I've prepared in advance for him.
00:57He decides to end my punishment, unbeknownst to him.
01:01Worms and snakes have already gnawed my body beyond recognition at the bottom of the well.
01:05When Connor Turner saw the craftsman's gift, a thought crossed his mind.
01:10He hadn't seen me in a while.
01:11Strange.
01:12Strange.
01:13Clara hasn't come to cause trouble lately.
01:15Did she finally learn her place?
01:18Exactly.
01:19She was spoiled rotten.
01:21A little suffering will do her good.
01:22His warrior, Duncan Dixon, hesitated before speaking cautiously.
01:26Alpha.
01:27Luna.
01:30She's still in that well.
01:36Connor's pen stilled for a fraction of a second, then resumed as if the words meant nothing.
01:41I assumed she'd had enough by now.
01:43Let her reflect a little longer.
01:44Duncan looked troubled.
01:46She hasn't made a sound for days, and there's a terrible stench coming from down the well.
01:51Do you want to check on her?
01:52Connor remained indifferent.
01:53She's probably faking it, pretending to be all pitiful so we'd let her out.
01:59Someone like her would do anything to survive.
02:01She's likely already skinned and eaten the venomous snakes in there.
02:05With all that blood and rot, no wonder it reeks.
02:08Duncan wanted to say more, but Connor cut him off, irritated.
02:12Enough.
02:13I'll have her released before my birthday banquet tomorrow,
02:16as long as she learns her lesson and apologizes to Belinda.
02:19I'll let this go.
02:20Checking his pocket watch, Connor dismissed Duncan and turned to welcome Belinda Carter,
02:26who had just returned from seeing the witch doctor, Tamara Howe.
02:30Dr. Howe, how is Belinda?
02:32He asked, Tamara's fingers curled around the gold coins Belinda had slipped her,
02:37her lips twisting into a satisfied smile.
02:40Belinda coughed weakly, her frail body sinking into Connor's embrace.
02:45Alpha, I feel much better.
02:47You don't have to bear Luna's fault.
02:49Connor gazed at her tenderly.
02:51You're too kind, Belinda.
02:54But don't worry.
02:55Clara has been punished.
02:57She won't trouble you again.
02:59As they shared their tender moment, I chuckled softly behind them.
03:03But no one noticed.
03:04There was nothing I could do to Belinda anymore.
03:07After all, I was already dead.
03:09I struggled in despair for days.
03:12But even in my final moments, I couldn't lie down and rest.
03:16The well was too narrow, too cramped.
03:19I couldn't even sit.
03:20Days without water had left my hair falling out in patches.
03:23My exposed skin shriveled and dry.
03:26Venomous snakes coiled around my limbs, while maggots and insects feasted on my flesh.
03:31When my soul finally broke free, I didn't dare look back at the well.
03:35Yet in the quiet of that memory, another scene surfaced unbidden.
03:39Our last night together before everything shattered.
03:42Moonlight spilled like silver silk across our chamber.
03:45Connor had drawn me close, his strong hands tracing slow, reverent paths along the curve
03:50of my spine, igniting warmth that bloomed beneath my skin like starlight.
03:54We moved together in a dance, as ancient as the moon's pull.
03:59Bodies entwining with fluid grace, breaths mingling in soft gasps of shared wonder.
04:04His lips brushed my neck, my shoulders, every touch a whispered promise.
04:09Our rhythms rising and falling like gentle waves beneath a velvet sky until we crested
04:14together in luminous release, wrapped in each other's arms as if the world held only us.
04:19Belinda's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, though she was quick to mask it with a delicate
04:24sigh.
04:25Alpha, you don't have to do this.
04:26I never wanted her to be punished.
04:29If you keep going, Luna will end up blaming me.
04:33Connor's tone was unwavering.
04:34She wouldn't dare.
04:38Don't worry.
04:40After this, she'll think twice before acting out again.
04:44Unless she wants to find herself back in that well.
04:47She's always been so proud, but after being trapped down there, forced to relieve herself
04:53like an animal, I doubt she'd ever risk this punishment again.
04:59So he knew.
05:00He knew my pride was everything, yet he chose to strip it from me to hand me the most degrading
05:06death imaginable.
05:07My carefully maintained nails raked against the jagged stone walls as I tried to climb.
05:13But the moment my fingers grazed the edge, the guards shoved me back down.
05:22Then Connor ordered the well to be sealed, preventing any rainwater from reaching the depths, effectively
05:28guaranteeing my thirst.
05:30Weak and shaking, I stood in the darkness, feeling the insects and snakes gnawing at my
05:35toes.
05:35My survival instinct screamed at me to lower my head and sink my teeth into whatever I could
05:40catch.
05:41But the cramped confines denied even the basic movement of a crouch.
05:45With the last of my strength, I cast a whisperbind spell, sending my desperate plea directly to
05:50his ears.
05:51But all I received in return was his merciless judgment.
05:55You're already terrified from a few insect bites.
05:58Did you ever think about how helpless Belinda felt when you left her to be torn apart by those
06:03beasts?
06:04His words snuffed out the final ember of hope.
06:08And the irony?
06:08The one who ultimately begged for my release was Belinda herself, if only to uphold her
06:13gentle, saintly image.
06:15After enough sighs and tearful requests, Connor relented, though irritation sharpened his voice.
06:21Duncan, get Luna out.
06:24Have her cleaned up before she comes to apologize.
06:27I don't want her filth staining Belinda's presence.
06:30Belinda's eyes shimmered with feigned pain, as if recalling a nightmare.
06:34Alpha, when Luna's out, you should comfort her.
06:38I know better than anyone how terrifying it is to be alone in the wild for so long.
06:46Comfort her.
06:46She deserves this.
06:49Because of her mistake, the convoy left you behind, and you were forced to walk alone
06:53through the woods for half an hour before making it back to the pack.
06:57You were nearly dragged off by a starving beast.
07:00I can't even imagine how frightened you must have been.
07:03And yet, you're still so kind and too forgiving.
07:06That's why Clara keeps taking things too far.
07:09Connor's so-called righteous fury on Belinda's behalf was nothing short of ridiculous.
07:14Just two weeks ago, I had led a trading convoy to negotiate with a neighboring pack.
07:19Because of my status as Luna, they treated me with the utmost respect, which clearly didn't
07:24sit well with Belinda.
07:25She cornered me when no one was looking, her voice dripping with venom.
07:30So what if you're Luna?
07:32The Alpha doesn't even care about you.
07:34I didn't bother responding.
07:36I simply brushed past her and climbed into my car.
07:39Yet, unexpectedly, she was unwilling to travel in the slightly worn-down jeep.
07:44Consequently, she was left behind in the wilderness.
07:46By the time Connor and his men found her, a giant eagle had its talons wrapped around
07:51her.
07:52She was battered, trembling, barely clinging to life.
07:55I only ever wanted to admire you from afar, Alpha.
07:59I never imagined even that would be taken from me.
08:02I hope Luna will take good care of you.
08:06Then I'll have no regrets.
08:08Connor howled in agony, cradling her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
08:12I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching with cold indifference.
08:16After all, given a werewolf's innate prowess, even the weakest Omega was capable of nocturnal
08:21hunts.
08:22A bald eagle?
08:23It was a triviality, a speck against our might, and Belinda had only been in the wilderness
08:28for three hours.
08:29However, when Connor seized my ear and forced me into the depths of the forsaken well, the
08:34facade of indifference shattered.
08:36Clara, Belinda has night likenesses, and you left her wandering alone in the dark.
08:41Her sister was carried off by vultures when she was a child.
08:45She's been terrified of giant birds ever since.
08:47Do you even understand what you put her through?
08:49I'll make sure you understand that being Luna doesn't mean you can do whatever you
08:52want.
08:53If you refuse to admit your mistakes, then don't even think about coming out.
08:57Even now, he sat there, arrogant and self-righteous, waiting for me to break, waiting for me to
09:02crawl back and admit I was wrong.
09:04But this time, things wouldn't go his way.
09:07Alpha!
09:09Luna!
09:10She stopped breathing.
09:11I watched Connor closely, searching his face for the slightest trace of regret.
09:17But all I saw was mild annoyance.
09:19What did you say?
09:22Clara is dead.
09:24Duncan kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Connor's gaze.
09:28Yes.
09:29Luna.
09:30She was trapped in that well for over ten days.
09:32No food.
09:33No water.
09:35She.
09:35She didn't make it.
09:37Connor scoffed, as if he had just heard the most ridiculous joke.
09:40Oh.
09:41She's still bluffing.
09:43Fine.
09:44If she's really dead, then call the priest for a ritual, toss her corpse into the sea,
09:49and let's see where playing dead gets her.
09:52His cruelty sickened me.
09:53I desperately sought to elevate my soul, to distance myself from him.
09:57However, an unseen tether held me fast, dragging me inexorably back.
10:02And then I realized the force binding me wasn't Connor himself, but the wolf spirit bracelet
10:08he wore.
10:08The bracelet, woven from wolf bone and silver thread, was an ancient relic of my father.
10:14More than that, it was the token of love I had once given Connor.
10:18I used to be like Cinderella, that pitiful girl.
10:21My father had been the alpha of the starlight pack.
10:24But after my mother's death, he remarried and brought another woman and her children into our home.
10:29When dad left for campaigns, those children tormented me for sport.
10:33When I was twelve, they cornered me yet again, taunting and laughing.
10:37That was the day Connor happened to pass by and save me.
10:40After that, I began sneaking into Black Claw pack territory, just to catch a glimpse of him.
10:45That was when I realized he too was bullied by his siblings.
10:48I fell for him completely.
10:50So, when the moon goddess prophesied that we were fated mates, I was overjoyed.
10:55My heart nearly burst with happiness.
10:57Too blinded by love to notice the flicker of displeasure in his eyes as we sealed our bond.
11:01I didn't know then.
11:03I didn't realize the only reason Connor married me was for the wolf spirit bracelet.
11:07With it, he could win the trust and loyalty of my father's warriors.
11:11Until I handed it over, he played the role of the perfect mate.
11:14He left water by my bedside each night and brought me fresh flowers when he returned home.
11:20I fell even deeper for him.
11:22Without hesitation, I gave him the bracelet.
11:25With the power of the wolf spirit bracelet, Connor quickly crushed his siblings and claimed the title of Alpha of
11:31the Black Claw Pack.
11:32But was I truly just a pawn to him?
11:34I didn't think so.
11:36I wasn't naive.
11:37The small, fleeting smiles he let slip when he thought no one was watching.
11:41The quiet care he still showed me.
11:43Even after obtaining the bracelet.
11:45These were all signs.
11:46Signs that, despite everything, Connor was slowly falling for me too.
11:50In the early days of our mating, our nights had been sacred.
11:54He would carry me to our bed as though I were made of moonlight.
11:57His fingers weaving through my hair while our bodies aligned in perfect harmony.
12:01We moved as one under the canopy of stars visible through the open window, each caress a brush of silk
12:06and fire.
12:07Our shared breaths rising like a symphony until ecstasy unfolded in waves of pure, glowing bliss, leaving us tangled and
12:14peaceful in the afterglow.
12:15Connor's lips curled into a mocking smirk.
12:18You really think she'd die that easily?
12:20I know better than anyone how tough she is.
12:25Belinda laughed, her voice dripping with amusement.
12:27That's right.
12:29Our Luna is the kind of woman who could stomach a live snake.
12:34She may have gone days without food or water, but I believe she'll survive.
12:39The gathered maids giggled at the remark, but Connor's smile faltered for just a second.
12:43Watching his expression stiffened, I felt a flicker of satisfaction.
12:47So, you do feel a little guilty after all.
12:51I remembered the day when Connor had been captured in a battle against the rogues.
12:55To save him, I infiltrated their base camp alone.
12:58By the time I reached his cell, I was bleeding, barely standing.
13:02But when our eyes met, there was no mistaking the shock and gratitude in his gaze.
13:06We disguised ourselves as low-ranking rogue soldiers, blending in to make our escape.
13:12It might have worked until the rogues handed out food, snakes and centipedes, still raw, crawling and alive.
13:18We hesitated.
13:20Even as werewolves, we weren't feral.
13:22We weren't like them.
13:24We had standards.
13:25Nobility did not stoop to eating like the mindless beasts we fought against.
13:29Connor's hesitation drew suspicion, making them question our identities.
13:33I had no choice.
13:35Before anyone could question us, I tilted my head back and swallowed those filthy creatures, earning the rogues' trust.
13:41Connor appeared shocked.
13:43Later, after we successfully escaped, some of the witnesses spread the story.
13:47Over time, rumors began to circulate that I had eaten raw snake flesh just to survive.
13:52But within our pack, the mere mention of it drew Connor's furious ire.
13:56He wouldn't tolerate a single word of it.
13:58For a while, things between us were good.
14:01I saw it in the way he looked at me, in the rare softness of his smile.
14:04For the first time, I thought I had finally cracked through the ice around his heart.
14:08But then Belinda returned.
14:10She was his childhood sweetheart, the girl who had once comforted him when he was at his lowest.
14:15Three years of marriage, three years of effort, shattered the moment she stepped back into his life.
14:19I snapped back to the present, just as Connor waved Duncan off, impatiently.
14:24Tell her if she doesn't come out now.
14:27She can rot in that well for another month.
14:29Duncan visibly flinched, but did not move to follow the order.
14:33Connor's voice sharpened, laced with undeniable authority.
14:36Why are you still standing there?
14:37Or do you want to join her too?
14:39Duncan trembled and backed away quickly as Connor turned, slipping a possessive arm around Belinda's waist.
14:45Belinda, don't go easy on her when she comes out.
14:47Make her apologize to you.
14:49I don't care if she's Luna.
14:50She needs to learn what happens when she crosses someone I care about.
14:57Clara, you really think this little stunt will fool me?
15:00Connor's words were barely audible, and within them, a subtle, almost swallowed hesitation.
15:05As the minutes passed, his patience began to wear thin.
15:08Why is it taking so long?
15:09Is she still testing me?
15:11A sharp edge crept into Connor's voice, betraying his annoyance.
15:15I'll see what she's doing.
15:16He stated, his voice a chilling blend of coldness and suppressed rage.
15:20Connor then marched toward the well, but as he neared the well's edge, a revolting odor assaulted his senses.
15:26His brow creased in disgust, and his golden eyes flashed with revulsion.
15:31What is that stench?
15:33Connor's tone turned sharp and demanding.
15:36Clara, what are you doing?
15:38I'm letting you out, and you're still refusing.
15:42What? Planning to live down there forever?
15:45He stepped closer, peering into the darkness.
15:47Moonlight streamed in, illuminating the bottom.
15:50And then he saw it.
15:51My lifeless body lay there, still and broken, like a discarded, ruined doll.
15:56A chill ran down Connor's spine, his hair standing on end as he stumbled back in disbelief.
16:02Who?
16:04Who put this disgusting thing in the well?
16:07His chest heaved, each breath sharp and ragged.
16:11Where's Clara?
16:12Find her!
16:14Does she think she can escape punishment by tossing a fake corpse down there?
16:19Bring her to me now!
16:21I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of his words.
16:24My body was right there.
16:26Where exactly did he expect to find me?
16:29Alpha, Luna is truly dead.
16:33Her corpse is already decomposing.
16:35Lies!
16:36Do you take me for a fool?
16:38Connor roared, drawing his bracelet in a fit of rage.
16:41And in one swift motion, he cut down the warrior who had spoken,
16:45his head hitting the ground with a sickening thud.
16:47If anyone else dares conspire with Luna in this deception, you'll share his fate.
16:56His golden eyes burned with a dangerous gleam as he turned to his warriors.
17:00I don't care what I takes.
17:03Find her!
17:05Connor ordered the well to be sealed shut with iron and sent out his best trackers and hounds across the
17:10land.
17:11He tore through every inch of land, desperate to uncover any sign of me.
17:15Belinda stepped forward, slipping her arm around his waist.
17:19Alpha, don't be upset.
17:22I'll always be here for you.
17:25Connor's grip tightened around her hand, but he didn't pull her closer.
17:28His voice wavered just slightly.
17:30This time, she's gone too far to stage her own demise.
17:35A blatant act of defiance.
17:38Don't worry, she will not escape her due.
17:40When I retrieve her, I'll make sure she kneels before you and begs for forgiveness.
17:47His fingers drummed against the windowsill, the rhythm growing faster, betraying the unease he refused to name.
17:53His warriors, known for their flawless tracking skills, scoured every inch of land.
17:58Yet, no matter how many warriors or hounds he sent out, they all circled back to the same place, the
18:03abandoned well.
18:04His frustration boiled over as he paced furiously around it, refusing to believe that the corpse inside was mine.
18:11Then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, he snapped his fingers.
18:16I see it now.
18:18She must have used a burrowing technique.
18:21That's why the hounds keep leading us here.
18:24He turned sharply to his warriors.
18:25Go!
18:26Bring me the burrowing specialists.
18:28I need to know precisely where she vanished.
18:31Connor's warriors dug for three days and three nights, tearing apart the earth around the well.
18:37But no matter how deep they went, there was nothing.
18:40Only the well remained untouched, sealed under Connor's orders, forbidden for anyone to disturb.
18:46At last, one warrior hesitated before speaking.
18:48Alpha, we've tried everything.
18:52Luna, she might be in the well.
18:54Connor's sharp gaze bore into the warrior.
18:57After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice hoarse.
19:00Open it.
19:01Bring out the corpse.
19:03Connor's warriors wrestled with the iron seal covering the well before descending into the abyss and retrieved what remained of
19:09me.
19:10Finally, after an eternity in the blackness, they pulled my body into the light.
19:14It was no longer recognizable.
19:16A foul, viscous substance that sent waves of nausea through the air.
19:20What little was left of me was placed in an icebox carved from frozen blocks and carried before him.
19:25His brows tightened as the stench hit him, sharp and stinging.
19:29His eyes watered, but he held his gaze, refusing to look away.
19:33A long silence stretched as Connor's hand stayed upon the white cloth draped over my remains.
19:39Finally, he carefully lifted a corner, scrutinizing my left hand.
19:43Thankfully, my hands had primarily remained intact.
19:46Avoiding the writhing maggots, he searched until he found my ring.
19:49His fingers trembled as he slid it off.
19:52That was all the confirmation he needed.
19:54I was gone.
19:55That ring had been my mother's wedding gift to me.
19:58The one thing I cherished more than anything.
20:00I had once sworn that no matter where I fled, even to the ends of the earth, I would never
20:05part with it.
20:06Connor staggered as if something inside him had shattered.
20:09His expression twisted, his breathing unsteady.
20:12And yet, all I felt was disgust.
20:14I had died just as he wanted.
20:16So why did he look like he was breaking?
20:18Aside from that brief moment when Connor saw my ring and let his sorrow slip through,
20:23he never showed grief again.
20:24Life went on as usual.
20:26He worked.
20:27He led.
20:27He ruled, unshaken, as if nothing had changed.
20:31But old habits betrayed him when he returned to the castle we'd once shared.
20:35He would instinctively reach back to hand off his coat, calling my name, only to be met with silence.
20:40Then, realizing I wasn't there, a flicker of confusion would cross his face before he recovered,
20:45as if the moment never happened.
20:47When the Black Claw Pax Festival approached, his warriors brought him reports on the supplies and preparations.
20:53Frustrated, he waved them off.
20:57Just let Luna handle it.
20:59Don't bother me with this.
21:01Then, seeing their hesitant silence, that same confusion flickered again.
21:06I understood his reaction all too well.
21:09When my father died in battle, I reacted the same way.
21:12There was only numbness, a strange sense of detachment whenever his name was mentioned.
21:17It wasn't until it happened, over and over, that the numbness gave way to grief.
21:21His warrior once told me that I had struggled to accept my father's death because I had loved him too
21:26much.
21:26And that was why I couldn't bear to face reality.
21:28So why was Connor reacting the same way?
21:31Did he love me?
21:32The thought was absurd.
21:33He was the one responsible for my death.
21:36How could he possibly love me?
21:37Yet, strangely enough, despite knowing I was dead, Connor refused to bury me.
21:42He ordered his warriors to keep my body locked away in the ice chambers.
21:46The elders urged him to cremate me, to lay me to rest.
21:50He ignored them every time.
21:51Then came the night of the annual festival.
21:54Connor stood before the gathered pack, his voice steady.
21:58He honored the fallen warriors who had died protecting the pack.
22:01Speaking of their sacrifice and bravery, his words rang with conviction and his presence was commanding.
22:06The crowd watched him in reverence as he lifted the torch, ready to light the ceremonial pyre.
22:12Then, instinctively, he reached back.
22:14His fingers grasped nothing but empty air.
22:16I knew in an instant what had happened.
22:18He had been reaching for me.
22:20Every year, I had stood beside him during this moment.
22:23Every year, our hands held the torch together, and we lit the pyre together.
22:27His triumphant expression froze.
22:30The torch slipped from his grasp, landing in the dirt.
22:32A tremor ran through his body.
22:34He could no longer hold it in.
22:36He fell to his knees and broke into sobs.
22:38When Connor finally accepted that I would never return, he drowned himself in alcohol.
22:43Sometimes, in his drunken stupor, he would curse my name,
22:47calling me a cruel woman for how I had treated Belinda.
22:50But more often, he would scream for me, stumbling into the ice chamber where my corpse was kept,
22:55pressing desperate kisses against my decaying flesh.
22:58Even I, the owner of that body, found it revolting.
23:01When his drinking began interfering with his duties, the elders could no longer stand idly by.
23:07They summoned Belinda, hoping she could pull him from his downward spiral.
23:10She arrived just in time to witness the nightmare, Connor clutching my rotting corpse in his arms.
23:16Her face turned deathly pale.
23:18A gag tore from her throat and she doubled over, retching.
23:21Alpha, what are you doing?
23:24But Connor didn't respond.
23:25He just held on to me, drinking like the world outside no longer mattered.
23:29Belinda lingered at the entrance, horror flickering across her face.
23:33But after a long hesitation, she finally stepped forward,
23:36stealing herself and snatched the bottle from his grip.
23:39Connor lashed out in blind fury, his hand locking around her the rope,
23:43squeezing until she was on the verge of suffocation.
23:46Only then did he recognize her.
23:48Horror flashed across his face as he hastily let go.
23:52Belinda.
23:53God.
23:55What have I done?
23:56Belinda clutched her throat, greedily sucking in air.
24:00Fear flickered in her gaze for a moment.
24:02But she quickly smoothed her expression and tried to comfort him.
24:06It's okay.
24:07Alpha.
24:09I know you're just overwhelmed with grief.
24:12She paused before carefully asking,
24:14Alpha.
24:15Are you in so much pain?
24:17Because you loved Luna.
24:19Connor stiffened like a wounded beast backed into a corner.
24:23Love her?
24:24He let out a bitter laugh.
24:26That's ridiculous.
24:28I only married her to secure her father's former allies,
24:32to strengthen my position.
24:34Then a shaky breath escaped him,
24:37a single tear betraying his carefully constructed facade.
24:40So why?
24:42Why this unbearable hurt?
24:45Seeing Connor like this,
24:47Belinda's expression flickered with panic.
24:49She forced a smile and quickly changed the subject.
24:52She said,
24:54You're just too kind-hearted.
24:55Even though you didn't love Luna,
24:57she was still your mate.
24:59It's only natural that her death would affect you.
25:03But I know you'll move past this soon because you don't love Luna.
25:08Each word was deliberate, calculated.
25:11Like a drowning man clinging to driftwood,
25:14Connor seized onto her reassurance.
25:15He echoed,
25:17Yes.
25:18Yes.
25:19You're right.
25:20I don't love her.
25:21I couldn't have killed someone I love.
25:23After several repetitions,
25:25Connor regained his composure.
25:27With Belinda by his side,
25:28he left the ice chamber and returned to the rhythms of his daily life.
25:31That day,
25:32Connor returned to his duties and rode along the pack's borders with his warriors,
25:36when a sudden and powerful force crashed down on them.
25:39A presence so immense that the air itself seemed to shudder beneath its weight.
25:43His head snapped up.
25:45A group of warriors strode toward him.
25:47And at the front,
25:48an older werewolf led them.
25:49His silver-white fur was streaked with gray.
25:51His icy gaze locked onto Connor with seething rage.
25:55Connor, you bastard!
25:58You killed Clara!
26:01A flicker of panic shot through Connor's golden eyes.
26:03But he schooled his features, forcing composure.
26:07Harold, why have you come back?
26:09Unlike Connor's unease,
26:10my heart clenched the moment I saw Harold Nunez.
26:13Tears welled up in my eyes.
26:15Harold was the current alpha of the Starlight Pack
26:18and had once been my father's most trusted warrior.
26:21For years,
26:22Harold and my father had fought side by side,
26:25bound by loyalty and brotherhood.
26:27Before my father's death,
26:28he had entrusted Harold with leading the Starlight Pack and with protecting me.
26:31Harold had handed me the Starlight Pack's sacred symbol,
26:34the Wolf Spirit Bracelet,
26:36a public declaration that he would forever follow my command.
26:39After my father's death,
26:40Harold had been my guardian.
26:42He had even helped with my wedding,
26:44despite his own misgivings.
26:45He did many things to help Connor,
26:47all for my sake.
26:48Looking at him after so long,
26:50I finally noticed how dull his once vibrant eyes had become.
26:54His hands trembled at the mere mention of my name.
26:57A sharp pain twisted in my chest.
26:59I'm sorry, Harold.
27:00I never meant for you to suffer because of me.
27:02Harold's voice was low,
27:04like distant thunder,
27:05as he pressed the tip of his dagger against Connor's throat.
27:09Clara's life must be paid for with your blood.
27:12Connor was caught off guard.
27:14He barely had time to raise his arm in defense
27:16before Harold struck again,
27:18his attacks relentless as a storm.
27:20Blow after blow forced Connor back.
27:22You promised me!
27:24Harold growled,
27:25his voice laced with fury.
27:26You swore you'd give Clara eternal happiness,
27:30and because of that promise,
27:32I helped you kill your two brothers!
27:35There was a collective gasp from the crowd.
27:37Connor's two older brothers had died under mysterious circumstances.
27:41For years,
27:41their deaths had been called an accident,
27:43an unfortunate twist of fate.
27:45But now,
27:47Harold had shattered that illusion,
27:48revealing that Connor had orchestrated their deaths.
27:51Harold,
27:52stop making things up!
27:54Connor barked,
27:56desperately dodging another strike.
27:58The next moment,
27:59Harold lunged his claws a deadly arc targeting Connor's throat.
28:02Though he managed to deflect the blow,
28:04the force of the attack still cut deep into his shoulder.
28:07Blood bloomed across his torn clothing.
28:10Connor dropped to his knees before Harold.
28:12Seeing their alpha in trouble,
28:14his warriors drew their swords,
28:16ready to fight Harold and his warriors.
28:18But Harold did not press the attack.
28:19I understood why.
28:21This was still Connor's territory.
28:23Harold said coldly,
28:24Give me Clara's corpse.
28:26Connor's eyes widened.
28:28No,
28:29that's impossible.
28:31Clara was Black Claw Pax Luna.
28:33She must be buried here.
28:35Harold's snarl split through the air.
28:37But she was the daughter of our former alpha from the Starlight Pack.
28:40She was like a precious niece to me,
28:42and you killed her with your own hands.
28:45And now you refuse to lay her to rest.
28:47You defile the dead with your selfishness.
28:51Connor,
28:51if you don't hand Clara's body over today,
28:54I will bring the Starlight Pack to attack your Black Claw Pack tomorrow.
28:59Hearing Harold's threat,
29:00Connor's warriors urged him to comply with Harold's demands.
29:04No one in their right mind wanted to fight Harold Nunez,
29:07the god of war.
29:08After hearing everyone's pleas,
29:10Connor reluctantly yielded to Harold's demand.
29:12He led Harold to the ice chamber where my corpse was kept.
29:16The moment Harold saw the state of my remains,
29:18his eyes reddened with grief.
29:20Then, without warning,
29:21he struck Connor with a heavy fist.
29:24You wretched thing!
29:26Harold spat,
29:27his voice thick with emotion.
29:28If I had known you would one day kill her,
29:31that day,
29:32when she found you blind and helpless,
29:35when she saved you...
29:36I should have ended you then!
29:38Even if she would have hated me for it!
29:40Connor froze in place at his words.
29:42What do you mean?
29:43Clara saved me when we were children!
29:45He asked,
29:46his voice full of disbelief,
29:48but Harold and the others ignored his question.
29:50They lifted the icebox containing my corpse,
29:53moving swiftly.
29:54Connor barely had a moment to process the revelation
29:57before he saw them taking me away.
29:58A scream tore from his throat.
30:00You can't take Clara!
30:02You can't separate us!
30:03I regret it!
30:05I love Clara!
30:06I truly loved her.
30:09Please,
30:10don't take her away!
30:12Connor crumpled to his knees,
30:14his pleas echoing unheard.
30:16Harold and the others moved with cold efficiency,
30:18ignoring his desperate cries.
30:20Only when my corpse was secured atop the carriage,
30:23did Harold settle onto it,
30:24his gaze falling upon the kneeling figure.
30:26Too late.
30:27He declared,
30:28his voice like ice.
30:30Connor pursued Harold's carriage relentlessly
30:33until his wounds betrayed him.
30:34He stumbled,
30:35then fell,
30:36hitting the ground with a painful thud.
30:38Belinda hurried over to help him up.
30:40Alpha,
30:41are you alright?
30:41Connor looked in the direction
30:43where Harold and the others had gone.
30:44His face filled with pain.
30:46Then,
30:47suddenly,
30:47something snapped in place.
30:49He turned to Belinda and asked,
30:51Belinda,
30:51when I was twelve,
30:53my brothers abandoned me in the wilderness again.
30:55I was poisoned by those damn toxic plants,
30:58and lost my sight for weeks.
31:00You searched for me alone in the dark for days,
31:02until you found me.
31:04And because of that,
31:05you developed night blindness.
31:06Connor's voice was quiet,
31:08but his golden eyes bore into her.
31:10Belinda,
31:10was it really you who saved me back then?
31:13Belinda's eyes shifted nervously.
31:15Of course it was me.
31:17Alpha.
31:19Why would you even ask that?
31:21Connor watched Belinda's face intently.
31:23Her discomfort became palpable,
31:25and there was a visible shift in her posture and demeanor.
31:28After a long pause,
31:29Connor spoke.
31:30Then tell me,
31:31when you found me in the southern part of the forest,
31:34how did you bring me back?
31:35Belinda let out a small breath,
31:37her relief almost too obvious.
31:39She smiled softly.
31:41I remember it vividly like it was just yesterday.
31:44At the time,
31:45I had no choice but to carry you back.
31:47I was weak,
31:48and I even stumbled once along the way back.
31:50You're lying.
31:51Connor shouted,
31:52now fully alert and agitated.
31:54I wasn't in the southern part.
31:55I was on the western side.
31:57Connor seized Belinda's shoulders,
31:59his claws digging deep,
32:01until blood seeped through her clothes.
32:03You're lying, aren't you?
32:04You weren't the one who saved me, were you?
32:06Tell me you didn't lie.
32:08Tell me!
32:09Connor roared,
32:10his eyes bloodshot,
32:11desperate for an answer,
32:12proving he hadn't been wrong.
32:14Behind them,
32:15I laughed through my tears.
32:17So this was it.
32:18Belinda had taken credit for my actions.
32:20That was why she,
32:21a mere maid to Connor's brother,
32:23had stood by his side without question.
32:25That was why Connor had loved her so deeply,
32:28because he thought she was the one who saved him.
32:30Because of that,
32:31he had thrown my life away for hers.
32:33I recalled that when I was 12,
32:35I had found Connor,
32:37beaten and bloodied,
32:38and I had saved him.
32:39I never told him my name.
32:41I wanted to protect his pride.
32:42And when he recovered,
32:44I had someone else return him home.
32:45A bitter regret gnawed at me.
32:47Why did I act so selflessly,
32:49yet remain anonymous?
32:51Had I known my kindness would ultimately lead to my demise,
32:54I would have ensured he knew.
32:56Hey,
32:56Connor!
32:56It was me,
32:57Clara.
32:58I saved you.
32:59Connor rushed back home,
33:01frantically flipping through my diary.
33:03Keeping a diary had become a habit of mine since I was six.
33:06When I married him,
33:07I brought it from my family home.
33:09With trembling hands,
33:10he found the entry from when I was 12.
33:13December 17th.
33:14The moon was bright tonight.
33:16I heard Connor's brothers bullied him and left him in the wilderness.
33:20So I knew I had to hurry and save him.
33:22I couldn't tell dad.
33:23He would have stopped me from going to the western part of the forest.
33:27So I went alone.
33:28The forest was dark and quiet,
33:29and I was a little scared.
33:31But I kept going.
33:32Every step felt heavy.
33:34But I knew I couldn't give up.
33:35Finally,
33:36I found him by a big old tree,
33:38lying on the ground,
33:39his body covered in cuts and bruises,
33:41his breath weak.
33:42I took out the healing herbs mom taught me to pick,
33:45crushed them,
33:46and applied them to his wounds gently.
33:48He winced in pain,
33:49but didn't wake up.
33:50I stayed with him all night,
33:52keeping him warm with my cloak,
33:54talking to him softly,
33:56even though I knew he couldn't hear me.
33:57When he opened his eyes the next morning,
33:59he looked confused and asked who I was.
34:02I ran away.
34:03I was shy,
34:04and I didn't want him to feel embarrassed for being saved by a girl.
34:07Connor's hands shook even more violently as he read,
34:10tears dripping onto the yellowed pages,
34:13blurring the words I had written so carefully.
34:15He covered his face with his hands,
34:17shoulders shaking,
34:18and a hoarse sob escaped from between his fingers.
34:22December 18th.
34:23Was the forest always this terrifying at night?
34:26Luckily,
34:27I had finally found him.
34:29When I discovered him in the trap,
34:31his silver-white fur was coated in poison vine sap,
34:34and his golden eyes were dull and unfocused.
34:36He couldn't see.
34:38I panicked for a moment,
34:39but I remembered mom's words,
34:40calm down,
34:41or you'll lose both of you.
34:43I took out the antidote leaves I hid in my pocket,
34:46chewed them until they turned into paste,
34:48and gently fed them to him.
34:49He struggled a little at first,
34:51but then he swallowed them quietly.
34:53I sat beside him,
34:54patting his back softly,
34:56like mom does when I'm sick.
34:58December 23rd.
34:59He asked me who I was.
35:00He must have been ashamed,
35:02realizing a young girl had seen him at his weakest.
35:05So I disguised my voice and roughened it to sound like a grown man.
35:08He saw through it.
35:10He laughed.
35:10His laugh was so beautiful.
35:12He said my voice sounded like a little bird,
35:14soft and clear.
35:15I blushed so hard that I hid my face behind my hands.
35:18He didn't ask again,
35:19just talked to me about small things,
35:21about the stars,
35:22about the forest,
35:24about how he hated his brothers for bullying him.
35:26I listened quietly,
35:27and for a moment,
35:28I forgot how scared I was to be alone in the forest.
35:41He cried out my name,
35:45and as he read,
35:46tears continuously streamed down his face.
35:48He held my diary as he collapsed.
35:50His heart throbbed with a pain that shook him to his core.
35:53I stood before him,
35:55watching.
35:55My heart didn't ache anymore.
35:57All that was left was a cold emptiness,
35:59like the ice cellar where he had kept my body.
36:01I wanted to reach out and touch him,
36:03but my hand passed right through his shoulder.
36:06We were no longer in the same world.
36:08Connor hugged the diary tightly to his chest,
36:10as if it were the only piece of me left in this world.
36:13His sobs echoed in the empty room,
36:15hoarse and desperate,
36:16like a wounded beast crying out for its lost mate.
36:19A cold laugh escaped my lips.
36:21Regret.
36:23Connor.
36:24Before my consciousness faded in that deep well,
36:27I regretted a thousand times more than you ever will now.
36:30If I had known this would be my end,
36:33I never would have saved you.
36:35I should have left you in that forest.
36:37I should have let you rot.
36:39For a full day and night,
36:40Connor sat in my room,
36:42completely still,
36:43staring at my diary.
36:44He didn't eat or drink.
36:45It seemed he was finally beginning to truly see me
36:48for the first time.
36:49When my words spoke of joy,
36:51he laughed.
36:52When they whispered of sorrow,
36:53his eyes darkened,
36:55rimmed with red.
36:56And by the time he reached the final page,
36:58he finally realized just how much I had loved him,
37:01how much of my happiness had revolved around him,
37:04and how much of my suffering had been caused by him.
37:06Connor curled up on the floor,
37:08holding the diary close,
37:09pressing desperate kisses against its cover
37:12as if it were my face.
37:13His body shook violently,
37:15and silent tears soaked the cover of the diary,
37:17leaving dark, wet marks.
37:19He didn't make a sound,
37:21but his grief was so thick
37:22it filled the entire room,
37:24suffocating even me,
37:25a spirit with no physical form.
37:27Do you see it now, Connor?
37:29All the love I gave you,
37:30all the pain I endured for you,
37:32you threw it all away for a lie.
37:34You killed the only person
37:35who ever truly loved you.
37:37Claire, I'm sorry.
37:38He choked out.
37:39I regret it so much.
37:41Please,
37:42please come back to me.
37:44Come back to me.
37:45Will you?
37:46I sat beside him,
37:48emotionless,
37:48watching his agony unfold.
37:50What use was regret?
37:52Could regret bring me back to life?
37:53No, I wouldn't be moved by a murderer's tears.
37:56He begged and wept all night,
37:58clinging to my diary
37:59as if it were the only lifeline
38:01connecting him to me.
38:02But I felt nothing,
38:03no anger,
38:04no pity,
38:05just a cold numbness
38:06that had settled in my chest since I died.
38:08The next day,
38:09Connor gathered the merchants
38:11who had traveled with us the night
38:12Belinda vanished and questioned them.
38:14One by one,
38:15the merchants spoke the truth.
38:17Belinda had complained repeatedly
38:18about the mule cart being too slow,
38:21refusing to keep up with the group.
38:22She had deliberately fallen behind,
38:25muttering about how Clara
38:26was showing off her status
38:27by riding ahead,
38:28not caring about her.
38:30And when Connor learned
38:31that I had not deliberately
38:32abandoned Belinda,
38:33but that she had lagged behind
38:35out of petty spite
38:36because of the mule cart,
38:37his fury burned bright
38:39and unforgiving.
38:40His golden eyes turned blood red
38:42and the air around him
38:43seemed to tremble
38:44with suppressed rage.
38:45He slammed his fist on the table,
38:47shattering the wooden surface
38:49into splinters.
38:50He ordered his men
38:51to bring Belinda in
38:52and had her forcibly restrained.
38:54His claws found her flesh
38:55tearing deep,
38:57leaving her bloodied and broken.
38:58Connor towered over her,
39:00his voice ringing
39:01with cold authority.
39:02Belinda,
39:02you slandered Luna
39:04and caused her tragic death.
39:06Do you understand your crime?
39:08Belinda struggled weakly,
39:10her face pale as a ghost,
39:12blood dripping from her wounds
39:13onto the floor.
39:14Fear filled her eyes
39:15as she stared up
39:16at Connor's furious face.
39:18Alpha, no!
39:20I didn't!
39:21It was a misunderstanding!
39:22Clara really abandoned me!
39:24I didn't lie!
39:26She screamed,
39:27her voice shrill and trembling.
39:29Misunderstanding,
39:30your petty jealousy
39:31cost me my life.
39:32You stole my credit,
39:33lied to the man I loved,
39:35and watched as he killed me.
39:36There is no misunderstanding here.
39:39Belinda.
39:40Belinda begged for mercy,
39:42her throat hoarse
39:43from all the shouting.
39:44She slowly realized
39:46that her words were futile.
39:47No argument,
39:48no plea,
39:49could sway Connor
39:50from his course.
39:51He would kill her.
39:52At that thought,
39:53she stopped resisting.
39:54Looking at the cold,
39:55heartless Alpha before her,
39:57her lips curled
39:58into something bitter,
39:59something hollow.
40:00She laughed.
40:01Her laugh was shrill
40:02and mocking,
40:03echoing in the cold room,
40:04a stark contrast
40:05to her bloodied
40:06and broken appearance.
40:07You think blaming everything
40:09on me will fix things?
40:10You think killing me
40:11will wash away your sins?
40:13It won't work.
40:14Connor,
40:15you know that better
40:16than anyone.
40:17The one who truly killed Clara
40:19was you!
40:21Her words struck Connor
40:22like a bolt of lightning.
40:23He froze,
40:24his claws still embedded
40:25in her flesh,
40:26his golden eyes wide
40:28with shock and denial.
40:29No!
40:30No!
40:31It's your fault!
40:33You lied to me!
40:34You made me kill her!
40:35He roared,
40:36trying to drown out
40:37the truth that gnawed
40:38at his heart.
40:39Belinda smiled bitterly,
40:40blood trickling down
40:41from the corner of her mouth.
40:43I lied,
40:44yes,
40:45but you chose to believe me.
40:46You chose to hate her,
40:48doubt her,
40:48because you were too blind
40:50to see her love.
40:51You killed her
40:52with your own hands!
40:53Connor,
40:54no one forced you.
40:56Belinda was executed,
40:57and her death
40:58was even more brutal,
40:59far more agonizing
41:00than mine had been,
41:01and yet I felt
41:02no satisfaction from it.
41:04She had spoken the truth
41:05before she died.
41:06The one who had truly
41:07killed me wasn't her.
41:08It was Connor!
41:09I stood in the corner,
41:11watching as her body
41:12was dragged away,
41:13and I felt nothing,
41:14not anger,
41:15not relief,
41:16just the same cold emptiness
41:18that had been with me
41:18since I died.
41:19After Belinda's execution,
41:21Connor seemed to have
41:22lost all purpose in life.
41:24He abandoned his duties
41:25and spent his days
41:26wandering near the
41:27starlight pack,
41:28hoping to find
41:29where I had been buried.
41:30Harold had laid me
41:31to rest beside my father,
41:33but Connor was never
41:34privy to the location.
41:35He would stand at the border
41:36of the starlight pack
41:37for hours,
41:38calling my name hoarsely,
41:39his voice filled
41:40with despair,
41:41but no one responded,
41:42neither Harold nor me.
41:44Connor's proximity
41:45to the pack
41:46was a thorn in Harold's side,
41:48and the latter's disapproval
41:49of the former
41:50was well known.
41:51But the respect
41:52owed to the Black Claw
41:53pack's alpha
41:53meant Harold's vengeance
41:55had to wait.
41:55Harold had long wanted
41:57to avenge Clara,
41:58but he refused
41:59to act recklessly.
42:00He would not risk conflict
42:01between the two packs
42:02for a single man,
42:04no matter how much
42:04he deserved to die.
42:06A month passed.
42:08Having secured
42:08the Black Claw pack's
42:10tacit agreement
42:10about killing Connor,
42:12Harold finally made his move.
42:13He would end Connor's life.
42:15Consumed by despair
42:16and neglecting his duties,
42:18Connor had become
42:19a liability within the pack.
42:20His pack was already
42:21considering his replacement.
42:23They had grown tired
42:24of his endless sorrow
42:25and dereliction of duty.
42:27Connor was no longer
42:28the alpha they once followed,
42:29assured his actions
42:30wouldn't endanger
42:31the starlight pack.
42:32Harold ended Connor's life
42:34with a single arrow,
42:35killing him instantly.
42:36Connor simply crumpled
42:38to the earth,
42:38lifeless.
42:39His soul was instantly released.
42:41As his spirit ascended,
42:43it collided with my own,
42:45now radiant and transformed.
42:46I looked at my transformed self
42:48and realized
42:49I no longer had any regrets.
42:51I was ready for heaven.
42:52Seeing me,
42:53Connor desperately tried
42:54to move toward me,
42:55wanting to embrace me
42:56and confess his remorse
42:57and love.
42:58His eyes were filled
42:59with tears and longing,
43:01his voice trembling
43:02as he called my name.
43:03Clara, wait me!
43:05I'm sorry!
43:06I'm so sorry!
43:07I'm so sorry!
43:10But he painfully realized
43:11that I was rising
43:12higher and higher,
43:13heading toward the warmth
43:14of the heavens
43:15while his soul grew heavier,
43:17dragged down by unseen hands,
43:19pulled into the dark
43:20abyss of hell.
43:20I did not care for the sorrow
43:22on his face
43:23nor his longing.
43:24All I saw were my parents
43:25waiting for me in heaven.
43:27I had so much to say to them.
43:28I smiled.
43:29This was the beginning
43:30of my new life.
43:32Harold stood not far away,
43:34watching Connor's body
43:35fall to the ground.
43:36He closed his eyes slightly,
43:38whispering softly,
43:39Clara,
43:41I've avenged you.
43:44Rest in peace.
43:52And I stole my face.
43:52And I gave you stairs a man with him.
43:53You
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