- 15 hours ago
The Paraplegic Luna Leaves the Pack 🥀
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Three years after my legs were paralyzed, my alpha husband, Varric, brought home a newly come-of-age she-wolf.
00:05Her name was Zoe.
00:07I found a new mate. I want to sever our bond.
00:09I'd heard she started getting close to Varric after I was paralyzed.
00:12My hands shook with rage, but stuck in my wheelchair. I couldn't do a thing.
00:16They turned their backs on me, didn't even spare me a glance. I couldn't hold it in anymore.
00:22I sent the divination crystal ball crashing to the floor.
00:26A shard sliced my finger. Instantly, the room spun.
00:30I saw a vision I had never seen before.
00:36Sylvia Valon, this is how your life ends.
00:41You haven't been a real Luna in years.
00:43This mate bond should have been severed a long time ago.
00:46You have no one to blame but yourself.
00:49He pulled Zoe by the waist.
00:51Beside my broken frame, she looked vibrant and strong.
00:55A smile crossed her face.
00:56Zoe even drew my son, Lucienne, into their arms.
01:00She nestled against Varric's chest.
01:02Light flashed across their wrist.
01:04Their matte bond flew clear, glowing a bright silver color.
01:07Agony ripped through the fading mark, tearing my heart apart.
01:11Collapsed on the floor.
01:12I reached out, dragging myself pathetically toward Lucienne's feet.
01:15Lucienne, please, help me.
01:18Lucienne just looked at me with cold eyes, like I was a stranger.
01:22They watched guards drag me from the hollow hair mansion.
01:26They watched guards drag me from the hollow fang mansion, hurled into the giant pit.
01:30I crashed into a mass grave for omegas and slaves, choking on the stench of rotting flesh.
01:36I watched her smile, hand in hand with Varric and Lucienne.
01:39As she announced her new mate bond with Varric, claimed the Luna title, received Lucienne's offering, and basked in the
01:47pack's worship.
01:48I closed my eyes in regret.
01:49Night fell.
01:50A rogue pack found me and bit me to death.
01:53The vision vanished.
01:55I crashed to the floor with my wheelchair, my eyes snapping to the doorway.
01:59They were standing right there.
02:01Just like the vision.
02:02Was this my future?
02:04Abandoned, discarded, and torn apart?
02:06Cold sweat beaded on my forehead as I gasped, terrified.
02:09I lost my legs defending Hollowfag Park in war.
02:12Hearing the crash, they glanced back with nothing but irritation.
02:14My hand stung.
02:15Blood dripped slowly onto the floor.
02:17The crystal shards glowed faintly.
02:18The moon goddess.
02:19She was giving me a chance.
02:20A second choice.
02:21You want to sever our bond?
02:23Consider it done.
02:25Dead silent, Varric looked up.
02:27A trace of genuine shock in his eyes.
02:29Usually, I would protest with tears and begging.
02:32Not today.
02:33Blood dripping from my hand.
02:35I forced myself up to meet his gaze.
02:37I will cooperate.
02:38Do whatever you want.
02:40Frowning deeply, Varric crouched down with a cruel sneer.
02:43What trick is this, Sylvia?
02:44Dropping the fragile act to change my mind?
02:46Or will you back-ack out later just to embarrass me?
02:48I never had such intentions.
02:50Yet to him, I was always calculating.
02:52Opening my mouth, I instinctively wanted to defend myself.
02:55See?
02:56Hit a nerve, didn't I?
02:57The ice in his eyes froze the words in my throat, leaving me to lower my gaze in crushing
03:01disappointment.
03:02Lucian stepped forward.
03:03Alpha, she isn't worth your concern.
03:05Ever since she became a cripple, she's been a useless Luna.
03:08This is just a pointless struggle.
03:09The pure disgust in his eyes hit me like a blow.
03:12My own son despised me.
03:14I never knew.
03:14Tears blurred my eyes.
03:17I looked at them, completely broken.
03:19You're right.
03:20She just wants attention.
03:21And we shouldn't indulge her.
03:24Sharp.
03:25Just like the pack's smartest and strongest heir.
03:29Nodding in satisfaction, he patted Lucian's shoulder.
03:32Dismissing me, Varric paced the room.
03:34Good.
03:35Saves me time.
03:36Move to the shed tonight.
03:38Zoe needs this room for her Luna ceremony.
03:40Move in?
03:41I smiled bitterly.
03:43She'd been sharing his bed in the room right above mine every single night.
03:47And don't touch the formal gowns in the closet.
03:49You can't wear them anyway.
03:51Leave them all for Zoe.
03:52Shook my head, trembling.
03:54I made those myself.
03:56Before I could protest, Zoe shrank back with a pitiful, timid expression.
04:00Is that okay?
04:02Sylvia is already so miserable.
04:04Maybe we should leave them for her as a memory.
04:07You are too kind, my Luna.
04:09How could anyone ever fault you?
04:11You are the youngest, most outstanding she-wolf in this pack.
04:14You deserve everything.
04:15Varric stroked her hand.
04:17He was completely blind to her mockery.
04:20The new Luma inherits everything.
04:21The entire pack will agree.
04:22They smiled at each other.
04:24A perfect family.
04:26I looked up at them, tears finally spilling over.
04:29The scene from the vision crashed over me and my head spun.
04:33Was I destined to be abandoned and humiliated no matter what I chose?
04:37Raising my blood-stained hands to cover my head.
04:41No.
04:42I don't want this.
04:46I clutched my head in agony.
04:48Haking his head, Varric walked over and crouched down, looking at me in amusement.
04:53Look at you.
04:54Still struggling.
04:57Pathetic.
04:58In the hollow fling pack, the strong rule.
05:01No.
05:02Since ancient times, the strong rise, the weak fall.
05:07Gripped my jaw hard.
05:09Paralyzed and broken.
05:11No pack keeps a crippled Luna.
05:14Letting you stay is already a mercy.
05:16You are no longer a qualified Luna.
05:19Your place is destined to be replaced.
05:22Sever this mate bond quietly.
05:24Don't force my hand.
05:25With that, he shoved my chin aside, like a slap to my face.
05:29Before I could react, he snatched my hand, raising it to swear to the Moon Goddess.
05:33I, Vayek Parker, reject Sylvia Valen as my mate.
05:40The world went dark, like doom descending.
05:44His eyes were hard.
05:45Through my tears, I saw the Alpha Varric who once made his vows to me.
05:49He had probably forgotten.
05:51Eight years ago, he carried me through the wild.
05:53Howled at the sky.
05:56Swore I was his only love, that he would never leave me.
05:59He fought his way to become the new Alpha.
06:01And I, I became the youngest Luna.
06:05When I announced my pregnancy, he hugged me in pure joy.
06:10Rushing out to tell the pack about our new life.
06:13These memories flashed by, making my heart ache worse.
06:17The sweet vows were now dragging me to hell.
06:20The pain tearing my chest was a million times worse than childbirth,
06:24like something was being violently ripped out of me.
06:27The bone-crushing pain left me paralyzed.
06:30Through the agony, I smelled that rotting stench again.
06:33I was back in the giant pit, about to be torn apart by robes.
06:37I wouldn't die like this.
06:38I, Sylvia Valen, accept Vark Parker's rejection!
06:43Instantly, the darkness vanished.
06:45Daylight returned.
06:46I was drenched in sweat.
06:48The glowing mate mark on our right wrists has completely disappeared.
06:51Our mate bond was severed, but my chest still burned painfully.
06:55Clutching my heart, I lay weakly on the floor.
06:57Just survived a brutal trial.
06:59Varric acted like nothing happened.
07:00Looking at the vanished mark, he sighed in relief and dropped my hand.
07:04Finally, you're not my mate anymore.
07:08He immediately stood up and pulled Zoe into his arms.
07:11They looked down at me with smug smiles.
07:13They turned to leave.
07:15Lucian stood in front of me.
07:16Lucian, please.
07:17It hurts so much.
07:20Hug me.
07:21Just like when you were little.
07:22Seeing my weak, pleading look, a trace of guilt crossed Lucian's face.
07:27I loved him the most.
07:30We used to run and play together.
07:33I watched him come of age, sharing his joy as he showed off his wolf form.
07:39I hugged him at his ceremony, congratulating him as the Alpha heir.
07:44Memories flashed.
07:46It felt like we were back in those moments.
07:48But just as he was about to touch my fingertips, he yanked his hand back, his face instantly hardening.
07:56No.
07:57Alpha said the strong rule.
07:59Crippled wolves don't belong in the pack.
08:02You're no longer Luna.
08:04The pack has rules.
08:06I am the Alpha heir, so I must follow the new Luna.
08:11Come, my future Alpha.
08:13Come to me.
08:14His eyes hardened.
08:16He walked over and took Zoe's hand.
08:20Watching them leave, I slowly pulled my empty hand back.
08:25I clenched it into a tight fist to th-
08:29Yes, it's time to leave.
08:32I forced myself up to pack, but my eyes locked onto the nightstand.
08:37A wooden wolf carving sat there.
08:43Varak, little Lucian and I carved it together.
08:46I held Lucian's hand, guiding him to carve the wolf's fur.
08:50It was a pack tradition.
08:52When it was done, Lucian held it in his palms.
08:55Varak and I held his hands, giving him our blessing.
08:58I traced the carving, my heart stinging.
09:02Varak, Lucian, why are you doing this to me?
09:05Did you forget our promises?
09:07How could you abandon me so easily?
09:13Night fell.
09:14I arrived at the thatched shed alone with my luggage.
09:17It had once been used to keep livestock.
09:19The place was filthy and foul-smelling.
09:23Shaking my head, I slowly wheeled myself toward the shed.
09:28Suddenly, a shadow appeared beside me.
09:30I looked up.
09:32It was my brother, Derek.
09:36I remembered how much he doted on me.
09:38He used to lift me above his head as we laughed together.
09:42He also walked me down the aisle, giving my hand to Varak.
09:45My sweet Sylvia, I will always be here for you.
09:50He must be here to take me home.
09:52A spark of hope flashed in my eyes.
09:58Derek, are you here to take me home?
10:02Derek stared at me in silence before speaking.
10:04I heard Varak severed the bond.
10:06I forced a bitter smile, trying to act normal.
10:09Yes, he wanted a new Luna.
10:12I agreed.
10:13I...
10:13He cut me off.
10:14Good.
10:16You made the right choice.
10:17He turned his back to me.
10:18Luna, you served the Holoflake pack well.
10:20You made them strong.
10:22But a stronger pack needs fresh strength to sustain itself.
10:25You brought honor to the Valon family,
10:27doing exactly what was expected of you.
10:28But what about me?
10:30I touched my numb legs.
10:33Tears dropping onto my lap.
10:35Watching him, I forced out a laugh that sounded more like a sob.
10:39He turned his head.
10:40Your duty is done.
10:43As you are now, the family can do nothing more for you.
10:47Resting here is your best option.
10:50Without another look, he walked away.
10:52No one was coming to save me.
10:54Despite everything I did for them,
10:57no one wanted a crippled she-wolf.
10:59I was just a discarded pawn.
11:01The night wind howled.
11:02I wrapped my arms around myself.
11:05I lay on the filthy hay, shivering in the dark.
11:09It's okay.
11:10I'm fine.
11:13Lightning flashed.
11:14A deafening crack of thunder jolted me awake.
11:17I shook uncontrollably.
11:18I had always been terrified of storms.
11:21As a pup, Derek protected me.
11:23As a wife, Varric held me.
11:25Now, I had no one.
11:29Suddenly, the door crashed open.
11:34A tall figure stood in the doorway.
11:44It was Varric.
11:46Holding a lantern.
11:48He spotted me in the corner and rushed over to sit beside me.
11:51Don't be afraid.
11:53I'm here.
11:54He pulled me into his chest.
11:56My cheek pressed against his heart.
11:59It beat fast and steady, so warm.
12:02It had been so long since I felt this warmth.
12:05I nestled deeper into his embrace.
12:07Seeking more.
12:08But before I could speak, he pulled away.
12:12Good.
12:13You're fine.
12:14Zoe's waiting for me.
12:15I have to go.
12:17The door slammed shut.
12:20Thunder rumbled.
12:21Stripped of his warmth, the freezing cold rushed back in.
12:24Trembling, I hugged my own shoulders.
12:26I mocked myself.
12:29Did I really think he would stay?
12:31It was just force of habit.
12:33What was I clinging to?
12:35Even as he walked out, he didn't spare me a single glance.
12:39I slowly pushed myself up.
12:42Watching the lightning tear the sky apart.
12:45Severing the bond changed nothing.
12:47My mate despised me.
12:48My son looked down on me.
12:49I was still thrown into this rotting shed.
12:52My own blood abandoned me.
12:55I was trapped in a cage.
12:58The bloody vision flashed in my mind again.
13:01Tossed into a mass grave.
13:03Ripped to shreds by rogues.
13:04No.
13:06I refuse to die like that.
13:08I have to leave.
13:10But where could a crippled she-wolf go?
13:12A rogue wolf has no pack.
13:14No territory.
13:15Only danger.
13:16And I couldn't run or fight.
13:19Staying is death.
13:20But if I must die, I will die out there.
13:23I refuse to rot in this shed.
13:25I looked up at the raging storm.
13:27Deep inside,
13:29my inner wolf stirred.
13:31She bared her fangs.
13:34I had just closed the book when Varric walked in.
13:36He frowned at the worn pages in my lap.
13:39Still clinging to that garbage?
13:42I have nothing else to do.
13:45Just killing time.
13:47What do you want?
13:49Zoe's lunar ceremony is in three days.
13:52Do not show your face.
13:55I'll send someone to watch over you.
13:57Watch over me?
13:58More like guard me so I don't ruin his big day.
14:02Without another word, he turned and left.
14:05You forgot, didn't you?
14:08It's my birthday.
14:10Before I flee,
14:11I should at least say goodbye to Derek.
14:12But Derek told me,
14:13on that day he had family matters to deal with.
14:16I told myself,
14:17he's the alpha of the Valen pack now.
14:19He has responsibilities.
14:21I'll just make it a quick goodbye.
14:23But on my birthday,
14:25through the cracks of the shed,
14:26I watched the ceremony outside.
14:28He appeared at Zoe's ceremony.
14:31Derek stood there,
14:32shaking Varric's hand,
14:33congratulating him on taking another she-wolf from the Valen family.
14:38From now on,
14:39our packs will keep working together.
14:42We'll only grow stronger.
14:43I slapped a hand over my mouth.
14:45The family didn't need me at all.
14:49They had long prepared a new Luna for Varric.
14:53And I was the only one kept in the dark.
14:58It's all her fault we can't watch Luna Zoe's ceremony.
15:02Exactly.
15:02She should take a good look at herself.
15:04A cripple like her.
15:05The ceremony ended.
15:07The guards outside my door finally dispersed.
15:09Then came the banquet.
15:12Music and cheers echoed as the entire pack and guests gathered to dance.
15:17It was time to leave.
15:19I should at least say goodbye to Derek.
15:22After all,
15:23clutching the letter,
15:24I wheeled out to find him.
15:25But the Valen pack guards blocked my path.
15:27Alpha Derek has ordered no visitors.
15:31I stared at him.
15:33I pointed at myself.
15:35But I'm Sylvia Valen.
15:37His own sister.
15:39A nearby guard muttered.
15:40So that is the crippled she-wolf.
15:42Still clinging to the Hollow Hail Luna title.
15:45Zero self-awareness.
15:46I turned my head.
15:48Slowly,
15:48I pushed my wheelchair away.
15:51Sylvia,
15:52what are you doing here?
15:54It was Mira.
15:55A she-wolf from the Valen pack I used to be close with.
15:59Please give this to Derek.
16:01She took it.
16:02Wait!
16:03Not gonna see Alpha Derek.
16:05Why not hand it to him yourself?
16:07I forced a smile,
16:09shook my head.
16:10There's no need.
16:14The banquet ended at dusk.
16:16Walking back to the main house,
16:18Varric passed the shed.
16:20He was about to step inside
16:22when he suddenly stopped.
16:23He looked back.
16:25No lights.
16:26No sound.
16:27But the door was slightly ajar.
16:29What the hell is she doing?
16:31He picked up his pace.
16:33Pushed the door open.
16:35Only to find the room empty.
16:37Varric's face dropped.
16:40Sylvia?
16:40No one answered.
16:43He returned to the banquet hall.
16:45Surrounded by a crowd,
16:47Zoe spotted him and waved.
16:49Hey!
16:49I was just talking about my Alpha.
16:52We-
16:52Sylvia is gone.
16:53Have you seen her?
16:55Zoe glanced around.
16:57Embarrassment flashed across her face.
16:59She pulled him aside,
17:00hissing through clenched teeth.
17:02Why are you mentioning that woman here?
17:04She's missing.
17:05I thought she might be here.
17:07I haven't seen her.
17:08If she were, I'd know.
17:09Varric's expression softened slightly.
17:12Darling, today I became your Luna.
17:15Zoe soothed him.
17:16Let's not talk about her anymore, right?
17:18I'm sorry.
17:19I overreacted.
17:21But Unease gnawed at Varric.
17:23He frowned.
17:24If she's not here,
17:26where could she be?
17:27His brow quickly relaxed.
17:29How far could a crippled she-wolf possibly go?
17:33Just then,
17:34his personal guard sprinted over.
17:36Guard lowered his voice.
17:39What did you just say?
17:41Sylvia left a letter.
17:43And left the pack?
17:48The chatter around them died instantly.
17:50Zoe's face stiffened again.
17:52She whipped around, glaring at Varric.
17:54Didn't you promise not to mention her again?
17:57But she-
17:58She can't get far.
17:59You said it yourself.
18:00We can find her in no time.
18:02Varric acted like he didn't hear a word.
18:04He bolted out the door.
18:05Behind him, Zoe's face twisted with rage.
18:08Search everywhere!
18:09Find which way she went!
18:10Yes, Alpha!
18:12The guards scattered.
18:13He spun toward his personal guard.
18:15Where is the letter?
18:16One of Alpha Derek's guards from the Silvercrest pack has it.
18:20Varric froze.
18:21It wasn't for me?
18:22No.
18:23We searched everywhere.
18:25She left nothing else behind.
18:27Unbelievable, Sylvia.
18:30You really dared to do this.
18:32Consumed by rage,
18:33Varric stormed back into the shed.
18:35He kicked up the dry straw.
18:37How could you not leave a letter for me?
18:39How dare you not leave a letter for me?
18:42He tore the place apart.
18:43Found nothing.
18:45Then stopped, chest heaving.
18:47The guard stood by, exchanging nervous glances.
18:49Another guard burst in.
18:51Alpha Varric, something terrible has happened.
18:56We tracked her to the cliffs.
18:58We found a wheelchair overturned near the cliff's edge.
19:02The guard looked up at Varric.
19:04He hesitated, his voice trembling.
19:07Luna Sevilla might have already.
19:09He didn't dare finish.
19:10Varric lunged.
19:11He grabbed the guard by the collar.
19:14Already what?
19:15She might already have died at the cliff.
19:18Behind him, Lucian and Derek had just arrived.
19:21They stopped dead in their tracks.
19:23Both went pale.
19:27Varric stumbled backward.
19:29He knocked over a vase.
19:31He knocked over a vase.
19:31He knocked over a vase.
19:31Shards scattered across the floor.
19:34The blood drained from his face.
19:38He went as white as a ghost.
19:41Lucian stood at the doorway.
19:43His lips trembled.
19:45Luna Sylvia's wheelchair.
19:47Are you sure?
19:48No one answered.
19:49The guards kept their heads down in silence.
19:52Lucian suddenly turned and ran out.
19:54At the edge of the woods, he found two clear wheel tracks leading into the forest.
19:59He dropped to his knees.
20:01His fingers traced the grooves.
20:03Cold.
20:04Completely dried.
20:06His mother had left through here.
20:08He remembered the last words he said to her.
20:10Crippled wolves don't belong in the pack.
20:12I am the Alpha Air, so I must follow the new Luna.
20:15His last words to her had forced her out, and now, she was really gone.
20:19Lucian sank to his knees in the dirt.
20:21His tears finally spilled over.
20:23They dropped into the dried tracks, one by one.
20:26He bit down hard on his lip, fighting back a sob.
20:29He thought she would always be waiting for him.
20:34But she was never coming back.
20:38Derek rushed over.
20:40A group of guards trailed behind him.
20:42He stopped at the tracks, swaying as if struck.
20:44Alpha Derek.
20:45Mira quickly grabbed his arm to steady him.
20:48Derek shook his head and straightened up.
20:49Impossible.
20:51She can't be dead.
20:52Give me her letter.
20:54Pulling out the crumpled letter, Mira smoothed it flat and handed it to him with both hands.
20:59Derek snatched it.
21:00He quickly scanned the words.
21:01To my brother.
21:03By the time you read this, I will likely be gone.
21:06He stopped.
21:07The world spun around him.
21:10Mira tightened her grip on his arm.
21:12Derek gripped the letter.
21:14He bit his lower lip and glared at Mira.
21:17Why didn't anyone tell me?
21:18Mira kept her head down.
21:20Her voice trembled.
21:21You gave the order.
21:23You said no visitors today.
21:25Not even Luna Sylvia.
21:26She was right there.
21:28She heard you.
21:29She just gave me this and left.
21:32Derek froze.
21:33He remembered the awful things he'd said.
21:35And that last fleeting look in her eyes.
21:37Utter disappointment.
21:41Back in the thatched shed, Varric hadn't said a single word.
21:45His fingers trembled.
21:47He dug his nails into his palms until they bled.
21:50He remembered the last time he saw her.
21:52The thunderstorm.
21:53He had rushed over purely on instinct.
21:55She was curled up in the corner.
21:57When he walked in, her eyes lit up.
21:59He stared at that exact corner now.
22:01How had he responded to her?
22:02Zoe is waiting for me.
22:04I have to go.
22:05He stood frozen, staring at the empty haze.
22:09She was terrified of storms.
22:11He saw the exact moment the light in her eyes died.
22:14Yet, he still walked away.
22:17She's a cripple.
22:19She needs me.
22:21Where could she go?
22:25But a sudden memory struck Varric.
22:31She used to be so proud.
22:33Before the injury, she ran faster than him.
22:36In battle, she was fiercer than he was.
22:39Even after she lost her legs, she pushed through agonizing rehab.
22:43She refused to give up.
22:45She failed again and again.
22:47Sweat soaked.
22:48Covered in bruises.
22:49And what had he told her?
22:52Just stay quietly in your wheelchair.
22:54Face it.
22:55Those legs are useless.
22:58Varric shook his head.
23:00He slammed his fist into the wall in anger.
23:03It was him.
23:05He had destroyed her hope.
23:10The guards whispered.
23:12Is she really dead?
23:14Luna Sophia, I mean.
23:16They said there were no other tracks near the cliff edge, so...
23:20What the hell are you still doing here?
23:22The guards instantly stiffened.
23:25They dropped their heads in silence.
23:28Keep looking.
23:29There's no way she's dead.
23:35Three days later, the search was still underway.
23:38The guards had combed through the woods and the entire territory.
23:41Did anyone find anything?
23:42No one met his eyes.
23:44The guards just dropped their gaze.
23:46Is she really?
23:46Varric couldn't finish the sentence.
23:48It was an answer he refused to hear.
23:50Under a tree near the shed, Lucian dug up a wooden carving.
23:58He traced his fingers over the wood.
24:00He remembered the day his parents helped him carve it.
24:03He flipped it over.
24:05Carved into the bottom, in shaky handwriting.
24:08Lucian.
24:10Sylvia's smiling face flashed before his eyes.
24:12Lucian gripped the wolf against his heart.
24:16Closing his eyes.
24:18What did you find?
24:19What did you find?
24:21Lucian opened his hand.
24:25He handed the carving to Varric.
24:29Will she come back?
24:31Varric stared at the wooden wolf.
24:34He didn't answer.
24:37Zoe approached Varric in a long, white dress.
24:39Alpha Vark.
24:40I'm so sorry for your loss.
24:42She gently took his hand, speaking softly.
24:44Don't be too sad.
24:45If Luna Sophia is gone, at least she didn't suffer.
24:49Varric looked down at her hand on his.
24:51Slowly, he pulled away.
24:52She isn't dead.
24:54Zoe paused.
24:55But the pack gods all say...
24:57They just haven't found a body.
25:00She must be hiding.
25:01She just doesn't want to be found.
25:03Zoe bit her lip and lowered her voice.
25:06Alpha Varek, I know how you feel.
25:08But Sylvia was crippled.
25:10How could she survive out there alone?
25:12Besides, rogue packs are ruthless.
25:15They wouldn't take in a paralyzed she-wolf.
25:18The guards have searched for three days.
25:20Everyone is exhausted.
25:21They need rest.
25:23Let's just stop.
25:25Let's just announce that Luna Sylvia has...
25:28Did you not hear me?
25:30I said she isn't dead!
25:40Barric looked up at Zoe, his gaze like ice.
25:42Zoe froze, the words dying in her throat.
25:45She was my Luna for years.
25:46She never stopped fighting.
25:47Not once.
25:48Who the hell are you think you know her better than I do?
25:50All the color drained from Zoe's face.
25:52Until I see a body, she is alive.
25:54No one says she's dead.
25:55No one.
25:56Zoe stared at his stubborn expression, her face turning cold.
25:59Who am I?
26:00I am your wife.
26:02I am the Luna of this pack.
26:03Zoe stepped closer to Barric, speaking fiercely.
26:06Don't forget who you're talking to, Vark.
26:08I am not some puppet you can just push around.
26:09I am the strongest she-wolf in my pack.
26:11Ever since I became Luna, I've been pushed aside for her.
26:14Makes me wonder who the real Luna in your heart is.
26:16But as long as I wear the crown, I protect this pack.
26:18The guards are not tools for your guilt.
26:20The search ends now.
26:22Zoe stormed out, taking the guards with her.
26:25Varric collapsed onto the floor of the empty hut.
26:28He clutched the wooden carving, staring blankly at the corner of the room.
26:32Derek burst through the door, covered in dirt and exhaustion.
26:35Did you find anything?
26:36Lucian stepped up, placing a hand on Derek's shoulder.
26:39He shook his head.
26:40Derek's eyes were bloodshot.
26:42His fists clenched tight.
26:43Impossible.
26:44There has to be something.
26:45I must have missed-
26:46He paced the cramped room frantically.
26:48She won't let us find her.
26:49As Varric's voice fell, Derek stopped pacing.
26:54What are you talking about? How could she-
26:55Before Derek could finish, Varric continued as if talking to himself.
26:59Don't you see?
27:00It's all too perfect.
27:02The letter.
27:02The wheelchair by the cliff.
27:04The tracks disappearing into the woods.
27:06She staged it all.
27:07She wanted us to think she was dead, so we'd stop looking.
27:10He stared at the wooden wolf in his hand.
27:12He remembered.
27:13Even in this hut, she had always kept it with her.
27:15She even left this behind.
27:16She threw everything away.
27:18As he spoke, he suddenly burst into laughter.
27:21But as he laughed, tears began to fall.
27:23Derek and Lucien stared at him, brows furrowed.
27:26He hadn't told them what he found.
27:28Right next to the wheel tracks, hidden under a layer of dead leaves,
27:31were two round indents leading down a different path.
27:35Crutch marks.
27:36She had used crutches to escape.
27:38Miles away, I sat in a tree, looking into the distance.
27:42Beside me, a boy carrying a quiver handed me a bow.
27:45I aimed at a wild deer grazing in the clearing below.
27:49Without a second of hesitation, I released the string.
27:52Flash.
27:53The deer dropped instantly.
27:55Holy moon goddess, I've never seen a shot that clean.
27:58Timing, speed, aim, utter perfection.
28:00Sylvia, is there anything you can't do?
28:02I touched the bow, murmuring.
28:04To be honest, it's been a while.
28:05I didn't expect.
28:06I haven't lost my touch.
28:07It was flawless.
28:09Sylvia, can you teach me?
28:10I want to be a badass archer just like you.
28:12I looked at the bright-eyed boy, a bitter thought creeping in.
28:15But I had to rely on you to get up this tree, to see the prey.
28:18Don't you think an archer who has to rely on others isn't a real archer at all?
28:23Eric's smile didn't falter.
28:24No way.
28:25Plenty of wolves can climb a tree, but almost no one can one-shot a deer like that.
28:28In our pack, everyone has things they're good at and things they aren't.
28:30That's why we help each other.
28:31So everyone gets to do what they do best.
28:33Like me, I'm only good at climbing.
28:35He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
28:38I remembered the first time I saw Eric's face.
28:41It was by the river.
28:42I had meant to follow the book's directions to the unclaimed lands,
28:45but I hadn't used crutches in so long that I accidentally fell.
28:48After the fall, I crawled for a long time until I finally reached water.
28:52I was desperately scooping water to drink.
28:54When I suddenly saw a face reflected on the surface, I jerked my head up.
28:59A strange boy stood over me.
29:02Terrified, I tried to crawl backward, but the boy called out to me.
29:05He handed me a wooden cup.
29:08Eric! Get Sylvia down here!
29:10Hearing the shout from below, we exchanged a smile.
29:13Coming! Leave more for Sylvia! She made the kill!
29:19We sat around a roaring campfire in the clearing,
29:23tearing into the roasted venison.
29:25Here, Sylvia. Eat up.
29:29We haven't had a sniper this good in our rogue pack for years.
29:32Yeah, most of us just pounce and bite.
29:35We don't catch much, so we're always starving.
29:37Thanks to Sylvia, we'll all be eating well from now on.
29:40I let out a laugh.
29:41I never thought I'd meet a rogue pack, much less that they'd be so welcoming.
29:45They were all either abandoned by their packs, or couldn't fit into strict pack rules.
29:50But because of that, they made their own rules and protected each other.
29:55They built a new home together.
29:57But Sylvia, a pack asked me about you today.
30:00I froze.
30:01Did they realize I wasn't dead?
30:03One of the pack's organizers raised an eyebrow at me and said playfully,
30:06Looks like all the major packs heard about the bounty on you.
30:09Sylvia, you're worth a lot right now.
30:10The rest of the wolves stopped chewing.
30:12One by one, they turned their heads to stare at me.
30:15Feeling their gaze, I raised my head.
30:17Now, I was like a sheep in a pack of wolves.
30:20Right. To all rogues, survival comes first.
30:24How could I have forgotten that?
30:25Instantly, I tensed up.
30:26Then what did you say?
30:29She didn't answer right away.
30:30The atmosphere in the pack was tense.
30:32Seeing my nervousness, she suddenly laughed.
30:35Oh, Sylvia, don't be nervous.
30:39We all know you can bring us food.
30:41We won't let you go that fast.
30:45Don't worry, I haven't sold you out.
30:47Hearing her answer, I sighed in relief.
30:51But her face turned serious.
30:53She looked at me and said,
30:55But you need to understand one thing.
30:56We can't keep your secret for long.
30:59Sooner or later, they'll find you.
31:01Right.
31:01With their power, finding me was only a matter of-
31:04I know.
31:05Thank you for the reminder.
31:06You guys helped me so much these past few days.
31:08You took me in, and I can't thank you enough.
31:10Since I got hurt, I've been treated like trash.
31:12Hated and ignored.
31:14Everyone said a paralyzed wolf is useless.
31:16Even my alpha husband, my son, my family,
31:18even my own brother said those things to me.
31:19The people closest to me said them.
31:21You are nothing anymore.
31:23A crippled wolf shouldn't stay in a pack.
31:25I said these words, and shook my head sadly.
31:28There was a stir in the pack.
31:30Everyone looked at each other.
31:31Their faces just as sad.
31:33I've heard those exact same words.
31:36Me too.
31:37After a moment of silence, I looked up at the other rogues.
31:41But I know I have already caused you a lot of trouble.
31:44As rogues, just surviving isn't easy.
31:47No territory.
31:48Needing to hide every day.
31:50Fighting for resources, we'll be in mortal danger the next second.
31:55The money and supplies they're offering must be a lot.
31:59So if they ask about me again, you don't need to hide it anymore.
32:03I will leave the pack.
32:08Don't need to leave, Sylvia.
32:10Don't go, Sylvia.
32:11Sylvia, you can't go!
32:12Every wolf in the pack spoke up.
32:14But I shook my head.
32:16I can't drag you down.
32:18If they know I'm here, they might hurt you.
32:21You gave me so much help.
32:24I won't put you in danger.
32:26Every wolf looked sad.
32:29Suddenly, footsteps came from afar.
32:31Hide, someone's coming.
32:33Everyone quickly hid.
32:35Guards arrived, looking around cautiously.
32:37It was Varric.
32:39His haggard face had stubble.
32:40His eyes looked around blankly.
32:42Sylvia, are you here?
32:44Sylvia, come out.
32:46I know you're still alive.
32:48I shouldn't have treated you like that.
32:49Come out.
32:50I was wrong.
32:51I was so wrong.
32:51Lucian and Derek were behind him.
32:53Their faces were just as hangered.
32:54Mom, I'm sorry.
32:55I shouldn't have said that to you.
32:56I didn't mean it.
32:57Come home with us, okay?
32:58Sylvia, I failed you as a brother.
33:00You'll never be alone or scared again.
33:02No answer.
33:02The woods were quiet.
33:04Varric dropped to his knees, trembling.
33:06He ignored the thorns on the ground, cutting his legs.
33:09Sylvia, I'm sorry.
33:10I'm so sorry.
33:13Don't do this, Varric.
33:15Syl, come home with me.
33:18I didn't show myself.
33:20The thick leaves hid me.
33:22Home.
33:23Where is home?
33:24There is no place for me there.
33:27It is not my home anymore.
33:29No.
33:30You will always be my Luna, Sylvia.
33:33Hollowfang will always be your home.
33:34I'll get rid of Zoe.
33:35We can fix the matevons.
33:37Mom, we will always be your family.
33:38I will always be your son.
33:40Please, just come back.
33:41The thick leaves hid me.
33:42I chuckled softly.
33:44No, Syl.
33:45Then come home with me, Sylvia.
33:47If you don't want to return to Hollowbove, then come back to the family, okay?
33:50All of you, go back.
33:51No, Syl.
33:53Then come home with me, Sylvia.
33:56If you don't want to return to Hollowbove, then come back to the family, okay?
33:58All of you, go back.
33:59I have no home anymore.
34:01I don't want to see you again.
34:03No, this isn't true.
34:05Varak, when you brought back a new mate and cut our bond, you didn't care how I felt.
34:12That stormy night, you gave me hope only to crush it.
34:16Zoe's waiting for me.
34:17I have to go.
34:19Lucien, when you said I wasn't your Luna and walked out with his new mate, you didn't care how I
34:25felt.
34:26Derek.
34:26When you said I wasn't your Luna and walked out with his new mate, you didn't care how I felt.
34:33When you hated, ignored, and humiliated me for my condition, none of you cared.
34:37If you truly saw me as family, you wouldn't have done those things when I was paralyzed three years ago.
34:41You stopped being my family long ago.
34:43Leave.
34:44Don't follow me.
34:45And never look for me again.
34:47Varak was already sobbing.
34:48He looked up in despair.
34:50Syl, please give me one more chance.
34:57Varak knelt for a very long time.
34:59It got dark.
35:00The moon rose.
35:01He was still kneeling.
35:02Not moving at all.
35:04A personal guard stepped forward to persuade him.
35:06In the pitch black woods with only the moonlight hanging high.
35:19In the pitch black woods with only the moonlight hanging high, he shifted back into a defeated wolf.
35:28His body slowly began to turn to stone.
35:33Miles away, I rode at a full gallop toward the open mountains.
35:40Resting my hand on the crystal ball, I prayed to the moon goddess for guidance.
35:44The moon goddess blessed me, promising boundless strength.
35:47Nothing could stop me now.
35:49My future was bright.
35:50Following the book's directions, the rogues found a new place to settle.
36:05There, we forged a new alliance.
36:09Swearing to support each other through anything.
36:18Thanks to a new herb made by a packmate, sensations slowly returned to my legs day by day.
36:31Until finally, after countless failures,
36:39I stood on my own.
36:42Sunlight bathed my face, and I smiled in relief.
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