- 3 hours ago
The Mute Luna's Revenge
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00To save a dying rogue named Ryder, I used a life-binding spell to tie our lives together.
00:05The price was my voice.
00:06Unless he chooses me as his mate, the curse will drain my life away.
00:10Then came his birthday banquet.
00:12Everyone assumed he'd choose me, even I believed it.
00:18You're the only one worthy of me.
00:20What about the mute girl?
00:21Her? Don't even put her in the same sentence as you.
00:24I pressed my hand over my mouth.
00:26The pain hit me like a blade to the chest.
00:28My wolf screamed.
00:30The life-binding spell tightened around my throat like a rope.
00:33And I couldn't breathe.
00:34She was getting weaker.
00:35So was I.
00:36The life-binding spell.
00:37It was feeding on me.
00:39That was the price of saving Ryder.
00:41The mute girl.
00:41That is what they called me.
00:43He had no idea I lost my voice for him.
00:45Are you sure about this?
00:47Accepting a mate bond with the northern alpha?
00:49If you leave, he'll be devastated.
00:51He'll find out eventually.
00:53The faster, the better.
00:54I just wanted out of here.
00:55Alive or dead, I didn't care anymore.
00:57I gathered everything Ryder ever gave me.
01:00Jewels.
01:01All of it.
01:02I was going to give it back.
01:03A gemstone ring.
01:05Silver earrings.
01:06A pearl necklace.
01:07Every single piece engraved in the same elegant cursive.
01:10Ryder and Evelyn.
01:12His name.
01:12And mine.
01:13He'd given them to me when we first returned to the pack together.
01:17This is too much.
01:18I can't accept this.
01:19I signed frantically.
01:22You deserve the best.
01:24He clasped the pearl necklace around my neck before I could stop him.
01:28In the mirror, he looked so stunning, so gentle.
01:31My heart wouldn't slow down.
01:33Back then, I thought it meant something.
01:35I thought it meant, I choose you.
01:37But now he'd thrown me away.
01:38His words echoing.
01:40That lowly mute.
01:41He'd chosen Freya.
01:42And soon, the spell I cast to save him would finish off what was left of me.
01:46Dead girls don't need jewelry.
01:48I carried the jewelry box down the hallway.
01:51Whispers trailed behind me.
01:53Why didn't the alpha pick her?
01:55She's way prettier than Freya.
01:57Doesn't matter how pretty you are if you can't even speak.
01:59Then arrow.
02:00It grazed my ear and sliced across my cheek.
02:03Blood ran down my face instantly.
02:05Another inch and I'd have been dead.
02:07The jewelry box hit the ground.
02:09The pearl necklace snapped apart.
02:11Pearls scattered everywhere.
02:13Like tears rolling across stone.
02:15I dropped to my knees, ignoring the gash on my face, and started collecting them one by one.
02:20That is when I saw it.
02:22The arrow, engraved on the shaft.
02:24In that same elegant cursive, Ryder and Freya.
02:27Identical to my jewelry.
02:29Just with a different name where mine used to be.
02:31My chest caved in.
02:33I had to press my hand to the floor just to keep from collapsing.
02:36Then someone stepped on my fingers.
02:39Oh, sorry.
02:40I didn't mean to hurt you.
02:44I'll make it up to you.
02:46Freya crouched down, Bo still in hand.
02:48Her red heels were still on my fingers.
02:50My wolf went feral.
02:51I opened my mouth.
02:52The pain nearly split me in two.
02:54But not a single sound came out.
02:56Blood soaked through my hand.
02:57Oops.
02:59Didn't see you down there.
03:00She stepped back.
03:01Finally.
03:02Why didn't you say something?
03:04Oh, right.
03:05I forgot.
03:06You can't.
03:08She picked up one of the pearls, turning it over with a look of pure disgust.
03:12This necklace is ugly.
03:14The pearls are so small.
03:16So dull.
03:18Just like you.
03:19She grabbed my hand and pulled it up, right where she'd crushed it.
03:22The wound split back open.
03:24Blood dripped onto the ground.
03:25I heard you saved Ryder's life.
03:28Is that true?
03:29Here.
03:32Consider this your compensation.
03:34Once I'm the Alpha's mate, you can be my handmaiden.
03:37I don't mind being friends with you.
03:39She moved to clasp it on me.
03:41I shoved her away.
03:42I didn't want her compensation.
03:44I didn't want her friendship.
03:46We struggled, and my blood smeared across her dress.
03:49Freya laughed, then she let go.
03:51The bracelet slipped from her fingers and fell over the cliff's edge.
03:55Evelyn, what did you do?
03:58Ryder gave me that as an engagement gift.
04:00Even if you didn't want it, how could you just...
04:02Liar.
04:03I turned to walk away.
04:05Stop.
04:06Ryder was standing right behind me, looking down at me like I was something he'd scraped off his shoe.
04:11Where do you think you're going?
04:13What did you do to Freya?
04:15Why is there blood all over her?
04:17Not her.
04:18It's me.
04:19That's my blood.
04:20I opened my mouth to explain, and then remembered.
04:23I had no voice.
04:24I was just the mute girl.
04:26I signed desperately, hands shaking.
04:28Ryder didn't even look at me.
04:30He walked straight past me to Freya and pulled her into his arms.
04:34You're bleeding.
04:35Where?
04:35What happened?
04:36That's not her blood.
04:37It's mine.
04:38Freya melted into his chest, soft and helpless, while he dabbed at her with his handkerchief.
04:43Her hands were flawless.
04:44Diamond-tipped nails catching the light.
04:46I'm fine.
04:47Don't be too hard on Evelyn.
04:49It's just...
04:50Your bracelet.
04:51She accidentally knocked it off the cliff.
04:53It's such a shame.
04:54Go get it back.
04:57Oh, it's fine.
04:58Such a long drop.
05:00Don't put Evelyn through that.
05:01Ryder pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders.
05:04Let her go.
05:05Her wolf is built for climbing.
05:07It's nothing for her.
05:09My wolf was barely holding on because of the life-binding spell.
05:12But I wasn't about to let anyone know that.
05:15Fine.
05:16I'll go.
05:17I climbed down.
05:18The wound on my hand tore wider with every grip.
05:21Blood painted the rocks red.
05:23The air at the bottom was brutal.
05:25Cold that cut straight through me.
05:27I couldn't stop shaking.
05:29Branches clawed at my skin the whole way down.
05:32I was a wreck.
05:33But my heart had gone numb long before my body did.
05:36The bracelet was caught at the top of a tree.
05:38I hung off the rock face with one hand and reached for it.
05:41The stone crumbled.
05:43I dropped.
05:44I caught a vine.
05:46Barely.
05:46I hauled myself back up.
05:48Dragged myself over the edge.
05:50And held the bracelet out to Freya.
05:53Here.
05:57Evelyn!
06:00But he was a second too late.
06:02Four hands missed each other in the air.
06:04As I fell I heard him screaming my name.
06:07Raw desperate.
06:08Like something in him was breaking.
06:10Funny.
06:11I thought.
06:12This is the same cliff.
06:13This was where I'd found him.
06:15He'd been hunted by his enemies and gone over the edge.
06:18I tracked the blood down the rock face.
06:20Me and my wolf and carried him up.
06:22Inch by inch.
06:23Back then I had no idea he was the heir to the southern kingdom.
06:26He was covered in blood.
06:28Ice cold.
06:29His body slowly giving up.
06:31I fed him herbs.
06:33Built a fire.
06:34Nothing worked.
06:35It was a full moon that night.
06:37So I looked up at it and prayed.
06:39I'll give anything.
06:40Whatever it takes.
06:42Just let him live.
06:44The life-binding spell answered.
06:46Before I even understood what was happening, Ryder had grabbed my hand.
06:51Pulled me under him.
06:52His body pinning mine.
06:54Three days and three nights later, he opened his eyes.
06:57What's your name?
06:58No voice.
06:59I signed it to him.
07:00He held my hand still.
07:02Then pulled me in and held me close.
07:04Come home with me.
07:05I'll take care of you now.
07:07The pack threw a celebration for his return.
07:09He clasped the pearl necklace around my neck himself.
07:12Took my hand, walked me into the banquet as the alpha's heir.
07:15And didn't let go.
07:17Who is she?
07:18She's gorgeous.
07:19Shame she's a mute.
07:20Nobody knows where she came from.
07:21Probably nothing.
07:22Ryder probably just likes the way she looks.
07:24The word stung like needles.
07:26Every single one.
07:27But Ryder tightened his grip on my hand.
07:30You're my partner tonight.
07:32Stay by my side.
07:33And no one will dare touch you.
07:35When I opened my eyes, I was in a bed.
07:37My hands were wrapped in bandages.
07:39Ryder was sitting beside me, finishing the last knot.
07:43Why aren't your wounds healing?
07:46And why can't I feel your wolf?
07:48Because I'm dying.
07:50Unless you choose me as your mate.
07:52I don't know what came over me.
07:53I just started signing.
07:55All of it.
07:55Everything.
07:56Ryder didn't even look up.
07:57When you're healed, go apologize to Freya.
08:00For what?
08:00I didn't do anything wrong.
08:02I'm not apologizing for anything.
08:04I turned away from him.
08:05Evelyn.
08:06You've gone too far.
08:08Yes, she pushed you, but she's going to be Luna.
08:10Our future Luna.
08:11Whatever happened, you had no right to hurt her.
08:13Seven days.
08:14You'll copy the pack law books.
08:16One hundred times.
08:17Consider it your punishment for disrespecting the future Luna.
08:20Every letter I wrote bled through the page.
08:23My wounds never closed.
08:24The ink and the blood soaked into each other.
08:26Staining everything red.
08:28Seven days later, Ryder's men came and collected the stack of pages.
08:32I passed out from blood loss the moment they left.
08:35When I opened my eyes, the sky was full of moon lanterns.
08:38Moon lanterns.
08:39The waymates in our pack declared their devotion.
08:42Silver light floating up into the dark.
08:44I stared at the glow through the window.
08:46The paper lanterns drifted upward.
08:48Every one of them carrying words written in a hand I recognized.
08:52Mine called.
08:53Who lit them?
08:54Ryder.
08:55The alpha's hair.
08:56Could he be trying to tell me something?
08:58I forced myself upright and ran toward the light.
09:01Outside Ryder's palace, he and Freya stood side by side,
09:04watching the lanterns rise together.
09:06He looked down at her, smiled, soft and private.
09:09The kind of smile meant only for her.
09:12Then his eyes drifted over and found me.
09:14The smile disappeared.
09:15I spun around and ran.
09:17Stumbling, not looking where I was going.
09:20I didn't realize I was crying until I tasted salt.
09:23At the edge of the path, one of the lanterns had fallen.
09:25Half buried in the mud and the grass.
09:27I picked it up and held it against my chest.
09:30Maybe it is time to go.
09:32On the morning of Ryder's birthday banquet,
09:34the PAX artist was finishing my portrait,
09:37the one being sent to the northern alpha.
09:39I handed my gift for Ryder to one of the servants
09:42and asked her to deliver it ahead of me.
09:44What is this?
09:46Moonstone?
09:46Not just any moonstone.
09:48This one had been blessed by the moon goddess herself.
09:51Legend said that whoever received it would love you without wavering.
09:54Always.
09:55I'd found it the same day I heard about Ryder and Freya's engagement.
09:58After the portrait was done,
10:00I made my way to the banquet hall
10:01and walked in just as someone called my name.
10:04Ryder's voice cut right through the room.
10:07Evelyn's stunning.
10:08Any of you would be lucky to have her as a mate.
10:10A pathetic mute from nowhere.
10:12Worthy of an alpha.
10:14Not a chance.
10:15I kept my face perfectly still.
10:17Raised my glass.
10:18Signed a toast in his direction.
10:20Nobody knew what it cost me.
10:22My wolf went silent inside me.
10:24Too much pain to make a sound.
10:26Just like me.
10:27When the dancing started,
10:28I slipped away.
10:29I just needed a corner somewhere.
10:31Somewhere I could fall apart without an audience.
10:34Freya stepped in front of me.
10:35The moonstone pendant around her neck caught the light.
10:37Nice moonstone.
10:39You gave this to Ryder, didn't you?
10:41I tried to go around her.
10:42She stepped on my hem.
10:44Are you deaf now too?
10:46Or just still mute?
10:49Moonstone is for mates.
10:51You don't get to give him something like that.
10:52You never did.
10:54If he hadn't met me,
10:55he would already be dead.
10:56I signed it slow and clear so she wouldn't miss it.
11:00What, you're calling me a liar?
11:01You're seriously going to stand there and insult me?
11:04She swung her hand at my face.
11:05She slipped.
11:06I walked away fast and ran straight into Ryder.
11:12He blocked my path.
11:15What happened now?
11:17Why do you always have to start something?
11:19I was done.
11:20Today.
11:20I was going to tell him today.
11:22I'm your mate.
11:23Me.
11:23Not Freya.
11:24I'm your mate.
11:25Me.
11:26Not Freya.
11:27I'd barely started signing when someone came sprinting into the hall.
11:31The moon goddess answered our prayers.
11:33She sent her blessing for our alpha and his luna.
11:36Who?
11:37Ryder and Freya, of course.
11:39Is there more?
11:40What else did the oracle say?
11:42Actually, Evelyn was mentioned too.
11:45The oracle said she'll find her own alpha.
11:47Her own alpha who?
11:49I'm the only alpha in this pack.
11:51Who exactly is she supposed to choose?
11:53I left him standing there, furious, and walked toward the old oak at the edge of the courtyard.
11:57Up in its branches sat the treehouse.
12:00Ryder had built it himself right after I first came to the pack.
12:03This is yours, my little mute.
12:04Your own place.
12:05No one gets in but you.
12:06Now Freya was inside, lounging with a bowl of fruit in her lap.
12:10Not bad in here.
12:11When I'm Luna, I'll have Ryder build me one too.
12:14I reached up to pull her out.
12:15Ryder grabbed my wrist.
12:17Evelyn, what are you doing now?
12:19Is this still about the oracle?
12:20Do you actually want to be my mate?
12:23Then say it.
12:24I couldn't say anything.
12:25I never could.
12:26I pulled free, went to the corner, and came back with an axe and a saw.
12:31Evelyn, what are you-
12:32I started tearing the treehouse down.
12:34Stop!
12:35Freya is still in there!
12:37Have you lost your mind?
12:39He shoved me out of the way.
12:40My hand caught a jagged splinter of wood.
12:43Blood welled up immediately, running down my fingers.
12:46Ryder didn't see it.
12:47He went straight to Freya, both arms around her before she even hit the ground.
12:51Are you hurt?
12:52I was so scared.
12:55You are so selfish, Evelyn.
12:57So what, you're just jealous of Freya?
12:59That's what this is?
13:01Evelyn, when did you become like this?
13:04I picked the axe back up.
13:06Enough!
13:07I didn't stop.
13:09Not until the last board came down.
13:12The treehouse was gone.
13:14That night, my wolf cried until morning.
13:17The next day, the artist came to find me.
13:19The portrait is finished.
13:20Take a look, and I'll send it to the Alpha.
13:23If he's too busy-
13:24The whole pack had been consumed by wedding preparations.
13:27Everywhere I went, it was the same two names.
13:29Ryder and Freya.
13:30Perfect together.
13:31The future Alpha and his Luna.
13:33I was carrying the portrait back when Freya appeared in front of me.
13:36Let me see.
13:37She pulled it out before I could stop her.
13:39In the painting, I wore a white dress.
13:41The northern royal crest was stamped in the corner.
13:44She said,
13:44Ah, so that's what's happening.
13:46You're going north.
13:48A political match.
13:49You could have just said so.
13:51She even poured me tea herself.
13:53The north isn't bad, you know.
13:54A little rough around the edges, but he's still an Alpha.
13:58I reached to take the portrait back.
14:00Ryder walked in.
14:01What's that?
14:02Let me see.
14:03The moment he unrolled it, Freya lifted her wine glass.
14:06Red wine splashed across the portrait.
14:08Spread, bled through the paper until my face was gone.
14:11Oh no.
14:12I'm so sorry.
14:13I didn't mean to.
14:14What happened?
14:15I think Evelyn didn't want you to see it.
14:18I gripped what was left of the portrait.
14:20I didn't explain.
14:21There was no point.
14:22He was never going to believe me anyway.
14:24I walked out.
14:25Behind me, Ryder's voice followed.
14:27Next time the portrait is done, bring it straight to me.
14:29Don't go through anyone else.
14:31At some point, while I wasn't looking, someone rebuilt the treehouse.
14:34New wood.
14:35Moon goddess totems carved into the window frames.
14:38A string of silver bells hanging over the door.
14:40People noticed.
14:41He still cares about her.
14:43Why else would he rebuild it?
14:44But I never went back inside.
14:46Some things break in a way that can't be undone.
14:49That was the day I saw his portrait for the first time.
14:51The northern lord got tall, cold-faced.
14:54A scar running down the left side of his jaw.
14:56The people up north, they're brutal.
14:59They fight like animals.
15:01That lord has killed men with his bare hands.
15:04Freya made sure to find me in the crowd.
15:06Both is filthy, rough, savage, and they love breaking women down.
15:11Evelyn, think you'll survive the first month?
15:13Laughter rippled around us.
15:14What's that look for?
15:15A mute with no name, no family.
15:17And you still have the nerve to have an attitude.
15:19A girl like you getting an alpha at all is a gift.
15:21You should be grateful.
15:21I slapped her across the face.
15:25You hit me?
15:26I grabbed the wine off the table.
15:28Poured it straight into her mouth.
15:31Freya screamed.
15:34Ryder!
15:35Ryder burst through the doors.
15:37Evelyn!
15:39What is wrong with you?
15:41Freya collapsed into him, trembling.
15:43I was just worried about her.
15:45About what might happen to her up north.
15:48And she attacked me.
15:49Ryder's eyes went cold when they found mine.
15:53Apologize.
15:53I didn't move.
15:55I said apologize!
15:56Right then, the artist came rushing in, breathless.
15:59Alpha!
16:00The new portrait.
16:01It's ready.
16:02Please, if you could just come and...
16:04Not now.
16:06Ryder turned and walked away.
16:08I left with the portrait.
16:09His voice caught me at the door.
16:11Flat, almost bored.
16:12I think I've been letting you get away with too much lately.
16:14Stop going after Freya.
16:16I didn't look back.
16:17Christmas came quietly.
16:19The pack glittered with lights and music.
16:21Everyone had somewhere to be.
16:22I sat alone by the fire.
16:24The life-binding spell was pulling harder now.
16:26I could feel it.
16:27Slow and steady.
16:28Like something draining out of me, my hands wouldn't get warm.
16:31Every Christmas before this one, Ryder would find me.
16:34Why are you always so cold, my little mute?
16:38From now on, I'll warm your hands through every winter.
16:42But tonight, he was probably with Freya.
16:45A knock at the door.
16:46I didn't move.
16:46Hey, it's me.
16:48Open up.
16:49I brought your Christmas present.
16:51Evelyn, I'm sorry.
16:52I should have told you about the engagement.
16:54You shouldn't have found out the way you did.
16:55But the pack needs her family's backing.
16:56My father lost everything because he ran out of allies.
16:58I watched it happen.
16:59I can't let that happen to me.
17:00Freya can give me what I need.
17:02I have to marry her.
17:04But you're different.
17:05You've always been different to me.
17:07You know that.
17:08Different.
17:09Not mate.
17:09Evelyn, don't shut me out.
17:12Just not tonight.
17:14I opened the door.
17:15Ryder blinked.
17:16Then his whole face shifted.
17:18That warm, relieved smile.
17:20You forgave me.
17:21I knew you weren't actually mad.
17:23He reached out to touch me.
17:25I stepped back, pressed a gift box into his arms.
17:27The Christmas present I'd meant to give Freya.
17:30Then I closed the door.
17:31A long silence on the other side.
17:33Finally, quiet, almost to himself.
17:36Good night, my little mute.
17:38The next morning, I put on the wedding dress.
17:41I climbed into the carriage.
17:43The handmaiden lowered my veil.
17:45Miss Evelyn, are you sure you don't want to tell the alpha?
17:48I shook my head.
17:49Outside, Ryder's voice rang out.
17:51Move out.
17:52He was the one escorting the wedding convoy.
17:54He just didn't know yet.
17:56The bride he was escorting was me.
17:58Where's Evelyn?
18:00Still asleep, my lord.
18:02A pause.
18:03Keep it down, then.
18:04Don't wake her.
18:05The carriage rolled forward.
18:06Through the curtain, his voice drifted in.
18:08No stops on the road.
18:09I want to get back fast.
18:11Evelyn's waiting for me.
18:13My wolf let out a small, broken sound.
18:15She was too weak now for anything more.
18:17Days later, the northern border.
18:19Howling tore across the snowfields.
18:21The northern lord had come to meet us himself.
18:23Bring the bride out.
18:25The handmaidens whispered behind me.
18:27Rude.
18:28Making her come to him.
18:29I didn't mind.
18:30I pulled back the curtain myself, stepped down into the snow, and then two arms lifted me clean off the
18:36ground.
18:36The wind pulled my veil back.
18:38From somewhere behind us, Ryder's voice cracked wide open.
18:50The northern lord held me like it was the most natural thing in the world.
18:54I'm Kieran.
18:55In the portrait, he'd looked severe.
18:58Harsh.
18:58In person.
18:59He was devastating.
19:01You're even more beautiful than the painting.
19:03He said.
19:04Before I could respond, hoof beats.
19:06Ryder was coming.
19:07Fast.
19:08Like he'd lost his mind.
19:09Evelyn!
19:10Why did you tell me?
19:12Why did no one say anything?
19:14Kieran's brow creased.
19:17Who is that?
19:19Why does he keep chasing you?
19:21I signed.
19:22I can't speak.
19:23He looked at my throat.
19:24Studied it.
19:25You weren't born this way.
19:26That's a curse.
19:27Don't worry.
19:29I'll pray to the moon goddess.
19:31I'll find a way to fix it.
19:32Behind us, Ryder kept coming.
19:34Evelyn!
19:35Come back!
19:36You can't leave me like this!
19:38Kieran spoke low, close to my ear.
19:41One more step and he crosses into Northern Territory.
19:44Stop him.
19:45I reached up and took Kieran's bow.
19:47Drew released.
19:48The arrow buried itself in the snow directly in front of Ryder's horse.
19:52The horse reared.
19:53Ryder was thrown.
19:55Landed hard in the snow.
19:56He looked up at me.
19:57Eyes red.
19:58Voice completely gone.
19:59Evelyn!
20:01You lied to me!
20:02How could you?
20:03You never forgave me, did you?
20:05How could you just stand there and let me escort you to him?
20:08Is your heart really that cold?
20:09I looked away.
20:10I didn't look back.
20:12A Ryder came galloping up behind Ryder.
20:17Alpha!
20:17Please!
20:19Ryder tore the reins away and came at me.
20:22The Northern guards moved to block him.
20:24Stop!
20:25You are in Northern Territory.
20:27Get off me!
20:29Get off me!
20:30I need to see Evelyn!
20:32They dragged him back, forced him into the carriage.
20:35I watched all of it without moving.
20:37Ciaran looked down at me.
20:39Hard to watch.
20:40I shook my head.
20:41He smiled quiet warm.
20:43He pressed his lips to my forehead.
20:45He reached into his coat and pulled out a necklace.
20:47Then don't look at him anymore.
20:48A silver moonstone, catching the winter light.
20:51My breath stopped.
20:52That was my moonstone.
20:54The one I'd given Ryder.
20:55The one Freya had taken.
20:56Ciaran fastened it around my neck.
20:58Do you like it?
20:59I came through the south a while back.
21:02Undercover with a trade amsasie.
21:03He said simply.
21:04I saw a woman throw it off a cliff.
21:06She kept screaming your name while she did it.
21:08So I climbed down and got it.
21:10Something that precious shouldn't be thrown away.
21:12My eyes burned.
21:13This was the first time.
21:14The first time anyone had looked after something of mine like it mattered.
21:18Ciaran took my hand.
21:19No one touches you anymore.
21:21The North protects its own.
21:23My wolf pressed herself gently toward him.
21:25For the first time in so long, she felt safe.
21:28I smiled.
21:29A real one.
21:30I let him fasten the moonstone around my neck and didn't look south again.
21:34Ryder returned to the south.
21:36The wedding went ahead as planned.
21:38The whole pack celebrated Dot, but he was somewhere else the entire time.
21:42Ryder.
21:42Hey.
21:43It's your wedding day.
21:45When the vows ended, the handmaiden lifted the veil.
21:48His voice came out barely above a whisper.
21:51Evelyn.
21:51Then he blinked.
21:53Freya was standing in front of him.
21:55Her face went tight.
21:57Ryder.
21:59Who's name did you just say?
22:02He stared at her.
22:03You know, didn't you?
22:05You know Evelyn was the one going north.
22:09So what if I did?
22:11You're the one who drove her away.
22:12You know that, right?
22:14She was in love with you.
22:15And you used that.
22:17Let me get close to you on purpose.
22:19You let her watch.
22:20You let her hurt.
22:21And now you want to act heartbroken?
22:24Shut up.
22:25You're such a hypocrite!
22:28You's nothing!
22:30You said she was special.
22:34But you never once chose her!
22:37You don't even know why she lost her voice!
22:40You don't deserve a single thing she gave you!
22:44Ryder's hand connected with her face.
22:46Freya stumbled back.
22:48Hit the vase behind her.
22:49It shattered.
22:51A shard caught her throat, dot blood.
22:53Ryder froze.
22:54Freya?
22:54She pressed her hand to her neck.
22:56Sank to the floor, dot.
22:58And in that same moment, a red thread snapped.
23:02Their mate bond.
23:03Gondot Ryder stood completely still.
23:04Then he saw it, rising from the broken thread.
23:07A marking he recognized.
23:09Curling ancient script.
23:10The life-binding spell.
23:13Why is there a life-binding spell?
23:16His hands started shaking.
23:18Everything hit him at once.
23:19Evelyn.
23:20Silent Evelyn bleeding.
23:22Always bleeding.
23:23Evelyn getting weaker and weaker.
23:25Wounds that never healed.
23:26He finally understood.
23:27The person who had saved him.
23:29All those years ago, it was always her.
23:31He dropped to his knees.
23:32And the sound that came out of him wasn't even a word.
23:35Evelyn!
23:38Across the border, I jolted awake.
23:40Searing pain, right through the center of my chest.
23:43I looked at my wrist.
23:44The red thread was gone.
23:45He knew.
23:46The life-binding spell had nothing left to hold to.
23:49It came loose all at once.
23:51My life started draining.
23:52Fast dot Kieran caught me before I hit the ground.
23:55But it was too late for that.
23:57What's happening?
23:57Get the physician!
23:59Now!
24:02I'd been living on borrowed time for so long.
24:05Kieran grabbed my hands and wouldn't let go.
24:07No.
24:08I'm not letting you go, Evelyn.
24:11My vision was going dark.
24:12Look at me.
24:14Do you hear me?
24:15But his voice, somehow, came through clearer than anything.
24:18I love you.
24:19Not out of pity.
24:21Not out of guilt.
24:23I love you.
24:24From the moment I first saw you.
24:28Evelyn.
24:30Will you be my mate?
24:34Silver light flooded the room.
24:36A new red thread wrapped itself around my wrist, warm and certain.
24:39Heat rushed into my throat.
24:41Strength I hadn't felt in years flooded back through my body.
24:44My wolf threw her head back and howled long and full and free.
24:48I opened my mouth.
24:52Kieran.
24:52He pulled me in, eyes wet, and held on dot so that was what the moon goddess meant.
24:57Her own alpha.
25:02But I kissed him.
25:06Yes.
25:06One year later, the Northern Palace, at the Great Banquet Table, Ryder bent over a defeat
25:11treaty and signed his name.
25:13He looked hollowed out, pale, silent like something vital had been removed from him.
25:18When it was done, he spoke quietly.
25:20Kian.
25:22I want to see Evelyn.
25:24Just once.
25:26I'll ask her.
25:27In the garden, I sat in the afternoon light in a long dress.
25:31Two small children tumbled around me.
25:33Mama, tell the wolf god's story again.
25:36I laughed and smoothed their hair.
25:38The handmaiden leaned close.
25:40My lady, will you see him?
25:42I shook my head.
25:43No.
25:45I have everything I need right here.
25:47Down the far corridor, Ryder stood without moving.
25:51He watched me.
25:52Watched my children.
25:53Watched the smile on my face.
25:55For a long time, he didn't move dot then.
25:57Slowly, he closed his eyes.
26:00Nothing left on his face but pain dot.
26:02But it didn't matter anymore.
26:03Because I was going to be happy dot for the rest of my life.
26:06To be continued...
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