- 7 hours ago
No Longer Yours, My Alpha
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Short filmTranscript
00:02The Northern Pack had one unbreakable rule, the Alpha Heir could never bond with a human girl.
00:07Despite that, Alpha Kieran Wolf still formed a mate bond with me.
00:10To be with me, he openly defied the Elder's Council.
00:14He endured 99 lashes and was forced to kneel at the altar for three days and nights.
00:19Even as blood soaked through his shirt, he smiled at me and said,
00:23Elise, don't be afraid. I only want you.
00:27Eventually, the Elder's Council finally relented and agreed to let Kieran leave with me.
00:32However, there was one condition. He had to leave a pure-blood heir behind for the pack.
00:38From that moment on, the phrase I heard most from Kieran was,
00:41Wait.
00:42The first time, Kieran asked me to wait while he got another she-wolf to carry his pup.
00:47He slept with Cecilia Donati 33 times until she was carrying his pup.
00:52The second time, he told me to wait again because the first pup was a female and the Elders wanted
00:58a male.
00:59So, Kieran slept with Cecilia 99 more times until she was carrying his pup again.
01:04Just when I thought our ordeal was finally over, their daughter, Tyra Wolf, accidentally ate Wolfsbane at her Meet the
01:11Pup party.
01:11I pushed open the heavy doors of the Elder's Council, forcing myself to keep my voice steady.
01:17I said,
01:18I'm willing to leave Kieran Wolfs, but I have one condition.
01:22I want you to send me somewhere he'll never find me.
01:25Elder Lucian Pierce let out a satisfied laugh.
01:28If only you had been this sensible sooner.
01:30Spending one night in the cold storage truly showed you your place.
01:34A human like you was never worthy of our noble Alpha bloodline.
01:38His voice dripped with contempt as he said,
01:41On the night of the full moon in ten days, we'll arrange everything to send you away.
01:46And when that time comes, you'd better never show your face in front of Kaiman again.
01:51The heavy doors slammed shut abruptly, and I leaned against the mansion's cold wall.
01:56In the main hall, Kieran had shifted into his massive wolf form, and was gently letting his daughter, Tyra Wolf,
02:03tug at his thick fur.
02:04Oh!
02:05Cecilia was curled against his warm belly, smiling with tender satisfaction.
02:09The perfect family of three looked so blissfully happy together.
02:13Cecilia Donati noticed me first, and immediately sat up with alert eyes.
02:17She instinctively pulled Tyra behind her protectively.
02:20Mrs. George, you're back.
02:23Kieran almost reflexively shifted back to human form, and handed Tyra to a servant to take up stairs.
02:29Their wary looks cut into me like knives.
02:32I'll only acknowledge pups that come from your belly.
02:35Now watch me like I was a murderer.
02:39Before softening his tone.
02:41Alright, fine.
02:42It doesn't matter now.
02:44Tyra is fine now.
02:45His dismissive words felt like ice picks stabbing into my heart.
03:11I gave it to her.
03:18Cecilia likes antique pieces.
03:20I looked at Kieran with deep disappointment, my heart aching as if it were being cut by a knife.
03:26It was you.
03:29Kieran said matter-of-factly, as he pulled my hand away.
03:32Consider it your apology gift to her.
03:35Besides, it's just a bracelet.
03:36My voice trembled with rage.
03:38This is the only thing my mother left me.
03:41How could you give it away?
03:42You know how much it means to me.
03:45I reached to snatch the bracelet back, but Cecilia suddenly staggered backward and clutched her stomach in apparent pain.
03:52She moaned weakly.
03:53My belly.
03:54Kieran immediately shoved me away roughly, his eyes turning frighteningly cold.
04:00Elise!
04:01She's carrying my pup!
04:03He was so strong that I crashed hard into the bookshelf behind me.
04:06Haven't you caused enough trouble?
04:08My head struck against it heavily, and warm blood immediately began trickling down my neck.
04:13Yet, Kieran did not even look back, as he swept Cecilia into his arms and rushed out.
04:20Kieran.
04:21Cecilia sobbed weakly against his chest.
04:23Will our pup be okay?
04:26Don't be afraid.
04:28I'm here.
04:29He replied, his voice tenderly reassuring, each word piercing my ears.
04:35You'll be fine, and so will the pup.
04:37When Kieran carried Cecilia out of the mansion, I was still slumped on the floor with blood trickling down my
04:42neck from the back of my head.
04:44I looked down at the pool of blood beneath me and suddenly laughed, and the sound was bleak.
04:49Later, I took a carriage to the hospital, alone.
04:52The doctor saw how severe my injury was, and immediately began stitching and bandaging the wound.
04:58By the time they finished treating me, I had lost so much blood that I was dizzy, and could barely
05:02stand.
05:03I had just stumbled out of the examination room when someone grabbed my wrist roughly.
05:08Elise, Cecilia almost miscarried, yet you still wouldn't stop.
05:14You followed us to the hospital, to cause more trouble.
05:17Kieran's voice was tight with rage.
05:19His brow was furrowed deeply, and his eyes held a bone-chilling coldness.
05:23He still carried Cecilia's suffocating perfume scent on his clothes.
05:27I came to the hospital, but not for her.
05:30I pointed to my freshly bandaged forehead.
05:33I was injured too, and I couldn't treat it myself.
05:36Kieran's expression froze.
05:37He finally noticed the strong scent of blood on me, masked by antiseptic and the thick gauze still seeping red.
05:47Kieran, you said that once she delivered the pup, you'd take me away.
05:51I said, looking at him as my nose began to sting.
05:54But now, do you even see me anymore?
05:57Kieran's frown deepened as he reached out tenderly to touch my wound.
06:00What happened here?
06:02You pushed me.
06:03I said calmly, dodging his touch.
06:05I hit the bookshelves.
06:09To you, it was just a casual shove, wasn't it?
06:11But Kieran's pupils contracted as he recalled the force he had used in his moment of rage.
06:16For a human, it could have been fatal.
06:19He pulled me into his arms, guiltily.
06:21Elise, I'm sorry.
06:22I didn't mean to.
06:24I was just afraid something would happen to Cecilia.
06:26She's carrying the pack's future.
06:28If anything went wrong, the Elder's Council would never forgive us.
06:31And our departure would be delayed again.
06:33I let him hold me while staring blankly at the sterile white ceiling.
06:37I had heard these excuses too many times before.
06:39I understand.
06:40I said, pushing him away.
06:42Go take care of her.
06:44I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist again.
06:47Elise, no matter what, you have to believe that I only love you.
06:52Everything I do is to help us escape this prison as quickly as possible.
06:57Kieran released my hand and, as he walked away, said,
07:00When I get home, I'll bring you your favorite cranberry cupcakes.
07:03With that, he headed toward the private healing chamber at the end of the corridor,
07:08where Cecilia was being cared for by the pack's finest healers.
07:12I stood there, watching him disappear into the distance.
07:15Suddenly, I laughed and tears began streaming down my face.
07:18I don't believe you anymore.
07:20I whispered to the empty air and to my own dying heart.
07:23Kieran, I will never believe any of your promises ever again.
07:31Kieran was gone for three days straight.
07:33During those three days, Cecilia sent me taunting letters every single day.
07:39Cecilia, what the hell do you want from me?
07:42My voice shaking with barely contained rage.
07:44I could almost hear her soft, mocking laugh through the ink.
07:48Oh, nothing much.
07:49I just thought you should see how happy your husband is without you.
07:52Three days, and he hasn't even mentioned your name once.
07:55The letter ended there abruptly.
07:57In my mind's eye, I saw Kieran gently coaxing Tyra with toys,
08:01while Cecilia leaned intimately against his shoulder,
08:04smiling sweetly as she watched the father-daughter interaction.
08:08I endured the heartache, and read every letter she sent.
08:11She wrote about him keeping watch by her hospital bed deep into the night,
08:15feeding her soup, and holding Tyra with nothing but adoration in his eyes.
08:19Each word felt like a needle piercing my heart.
08:23The pain kept coming until suddenly, I realized I could not feel it anymore.
08:26Perhaps my heart had already died the moment I was locked in that ice cell.
08:30I was about to burn her letters when a servant brought another package.
08:33Inside was a sketch of my mom's crystal bracelet being toyed with in Cecilia's hands.
08:38Want your mother's keepers safe?
08:39Then come get it.
08:42I shot to my feet so fast that my vision went black from the lingering blood loss.
08:48Yet, I did not care.
08:49I grabbed my coat and rushed out.
08:52In the hospital room, Cecilia was holding Tyra and humming a lullaby softly.
08:56Daddy loves you the most, doesn't he?
09:00Daddy's alpha power will be passed down to you someday.
09:04She looked up when she saw me, her smile deepening.
09:06You came.
09:07Did you know that during my stay here, Kieran hasn't even gone on his territory patrols.
09:12He's been right here, using his pheromones to comfort me.
09:17And our future heir.
09:19She deliberately emphasized the word heir.
09:22My nails dug deep into my palms as I asked coldly,
09:25Where's the bracelet?
09:26Cecilia leisurely picked up the antique crystal bracelet from the bedside table,
09:30and dangled it from her fingertips.
09:32You mean this?
09:33She flashed a cruel smile.
09:35Here's the deal.
09:36With your human body.
09:38Bow to me, Kieran's future Luna.
09:41And I'll consider giving it back.
09:43I trembled with rage.
09:45Don't go too far.
09:48Step away from me.
09:49The crystal bracelet shattered on the floor, breaking into several pieces.
09:54Cecilia covered her grin with a look of mock surprise.
09:57Oh my!
09:58How careless of you!
09:59You couldn't even catch it!
10:01I trembled, and had just lunged forward to gather the pieces,
10:04when Cecilia suddenly screamed and fell backward against the wall.
10:08At that moment, the door was violently pushed open.
10:11Kieran and Lucian stood in the doorway, with grim expressions,
10:15followed by several other elders.
10:17What are you doing?
10:21Lucian demanded sternly,
10:23his voice carrying alpha authority that made me feel suffocated.
10:27Cecilia threw herself into Kieran's arms, crying.
10:29Kieran!
10:30My stomach hurts so much!
10:33Oh, and check Tyra quickly!
10:35I just saw Elise pinching and hitting her!
10:37Kieran frantically picked up the pup to examine her,
10:40lifting her clothes to reveal tender skin covered in purple bruises from pinching.
10:44I stared in disbelief.
10:47I didn't!
10:48I never even touched her!
10:51I shook my head desperately,
10:52as Lucian glared at me with venom in his eyes.
10:55Suddenly, a blow heavy with werewolf strength struck me across the face.
11:00My vision went black, my ears rang,
11:02and blood dripped from the corner of my mouth.
11:04You vile woman!
11:06Lucian's voice sounded like an echo.
11:08You dare harm a pregnant she-wolf and an innocent pup!
11:13Another elder said coldly,
11:15The last punishment was too lenient.
11:17Guards, drag her to the punishment chamber and give her twenty flamshies.
11:22Kieran clenched his fists tightly and stepped forward.
11:25Elders, you still want to protect her?
11:28Lucian interrupted harshly.
11:30She harmed your own bloodline.
11:32Even if you plan to run away with her,
11:34it doesn't change that this pup carries your blood!
11:39I trembled, instinctively looking toward Kieran.
11:42He still stood there with his knuckles white from clenching.
11:45In the punishment chamber, wolfguards pinned me down,
11:48forcing me to kneel on the stone slab in the center.
11:51The first lash came down, and my vision went black.
11:55In a daze, I remembered when I had broken up with Kieran,
11:58on the day he decided to rebel against his family, to be with me.
12:01That night it poured rain, and he stood outside my window,
12:05letting the storm drench him until he burned with a high fever.
12:08When I woke up again, I was lying face down on a bed.
12:12Even the slightest movement sent searing pain across my back.
12:17Kieran immediately rushed over, his eyes bloodshot with exhaustion.
12:25I silently pulled my hand away, unwilling to look at him.
12:28Kieran stiffened for a moment before speaking again to explain.
12:32Elise, it's not that I didn't want to stop them,
12:35but in that situation, the more I resisted,
12:38the harsher the Elder's punishment would have been.
12:41Elder Lucian even considered executing you.
12:43Cutting through my last shred of hope,
12:46with reddened eyes, I slowly said,
12:48I'll ask you just one question.
12:50Kieran Wolf, in the name of the moon and our mate bond,
12:54do you believe me?
12:57Kieran frowned, anger creeping into his voice.
13:00Elise, there are bruises on Tyra,
13:02and Cecilia named you herself.
13:05There's a witness and evidence.
13:07How do you expect me to believe you?
13:09Didn't I tell you that everything would be fine once this was all over?
13:12Why did you have to provoke Cecilia?
13:15My tears suddenly started falling.
13:17I thought I would not feel pain anymore,
13:19but my chest still felt like it was being viciously torn apart.
13:22I hurriedly turned my head away,
13:24not wanting him to see me looking so pathetic and weak.
13:28Go.
13:28I whispered so quietly it was barely audible.
13:31Just wait a little longer, okay?
13:34His voice softened as he tried to approach me again.
13:36Soon, once Cecilia gives birth to this pup,
13:39we'll definitely be able to leave.
13:41I swear,
13:43I'll take you to see the southern seas that never freeze.
13:47We would go back to how things were?
13:49I closed my eyes,
13:50my throat tightening.
13:51I knew well that we could never go back.
13:54After all,
13:55he had Cecilia now,
13:56and two pups.
13:57For their sake,
13:58he had hurt me again and again,
14:00choosing others over me time after time.
14:03I slowly turned over,
14:04to face away from him,
14:05not wanting to say another word.
14:10It's pouring rain outside.
14:11I packed my belongings,
14:13and stood at the hospital entrance,
14:15watching Kieran's carriage slowly approach.
14:18As soon as I opened the carriage door,
14:20I saw Cecilia holding Tyra in the passenger seat.
14:23Kieran.
14:24Cecilia saw me,
14:25and immediately shrank closer to him.
14:27I...
14:29I haven't recovered from the shock yet.
14:32Kieran had promised to come back for me,
14:34but he never did.
14:35My communication crystal had lost its glow,
14:37and I called out to him repeatedly through our mind link.
14:40Yet, there was only blocked silence on the other end.
14:43Seeing the sky grow darker with no sign of the storm letting up,
14:46I had no choice but to open the heavy umbrella and walk home.
14:51The fierce wind nearly snapped the umbrella frame,
14:54as I stumbled forward.
14:56Suddenly, my foot slipped,
14:57and I fell hard into a muddy puddle.
15:00The umbrella cracked with a sharp sound,
15:02and rain instantly soaked through my entire body.
15:04By the time I finally made it home in my messy state,
15:07it was already deep into the night.
15:10As I stood dripping wet in the entryway,
15:12I heard Cecilia's tearful voice coming from the living room.
15:15Her voice was soft and trembling.
15:17Kieran,
15:18I know you only have a lease in your heart,
15:22but this really is a special situation.
15:25My milk ducts are blocked,
15:26and it hurts so much,
15:28and Tyra keeps crying for milk.
15:29She sobbed.
15:30The usual methods don't work.
15:33And the healer said,
15:34perhaps the pup's father has to help.
15:38Just think of it as for Tyra's sake.
15:40Please help me.
15:42Don't worry.
15:43Elise will never know.
15:44I froze at the doorway,
15:46and it felt like all the blood in my body had run cold.
15:49In the living room,
15:50I could not see his expression,
15:52only his tense back.
15:53After a long silence,
15:55I watched Kieran's left hand slowly rise,
15:57his fingertips parting Cecilia's clothing,
16:00as his right hand slid over her pale skin.
16:03Then,
16:03right before my eyes,
16:05he lowered his head,
16:06and pressed his lips against that softness.
16:10I was struck motionless,
16:12like lightning had hit me directly.
16:14Time seemed to stretch endlessly,
16:16each second feeling like a knife
16:18stabbing into my eyes,
16:19and carving into my soul.
16:21I watched helplessly as Kieran leaned down.
16:24I watched as his lips touched Cecilia's chest,
16:27and I certainly watched as he sucked gently,
16:30over and over again.
16:32Cecilia let out a satisfied moan,
16:34threading her fingers through his hair,
16:36this side needs attention too.
16:38Kieran frowned slightly.
16:39But that side isn't blocked, is it?
16:41Cecilia did not answer with words.
16:43Instead,
16:44she wrapped her arms around his neck,
16:46and pressed his face against her.
16:47After a moment of silence,
16:49he lowered his head again.
16:50I could not watch anymore,
16:52and bolted into the rain.
16:53The storm poured down on me,
16:55but I felt no cold.
16:57My mind was filled with memories of our first time together,
17:00how careful Kieran had been,
17:02how he had treasured me,
17:04and how he had whispered in my ear
17:05with that husky voice.
17:07Elise, you're my first,
17:09and you'll be my last.
17:10Now, those same lips were on another woman.
17:13My heart ached,
17:14and it hurt worse than the lashes.
17:16I bent over and crouched in the rain
17:18until my legs went numb,
17:20waiting until the mansion's lights
17:21finally went out,
17:22before stumbling back like a lost soul,
17:25and collapsing in an empty room.
17:28The fever hit hard and fast in the middle of the night.
17:31Half conscious,
17:32I heard Kieran's deep, gentle voice from the master bedroom.
17:36He was humming an old werewolf lullaby,
17:38one used to soothe their young.
17:40Of course,
17:41he was doing prenatal bonding with the pup in...
17:45I did not know how long had passed
17:47before I heard someone calling me.
17:49Elise!
17:51Elise!
17:52I struggled to open my eyes
17:54and saw Kieran sitting by the bed
17:55with a bowl of medicine.
17:57How did you get this sick?
17:59He touched my forehead
18:00with the same gentle care as before.
18:02However,
18:03when he got close,
18:04all I could see was what I had witnessed in that bedroom.
18:07I turned away,
18:08refusing his touch.
18:10Elise,
18:11I'll leave the medicine and water here.
18:13He paused,
18:14his voice strained.
18:16Cecilia is sick and carrying my pup.
18:18Plus,
18:18she has Tyra to care for,
18:20so she'll be staying in our house for now.
18:23The master bedroom will be theirs for the time being.
18:26You'll stay in this room for the next few days and should...
18:28Alright,
18:29come here.
18:31You're such a baby.
18:32They shared candlelit dinners in the living room,
18:35just like the surprises he used to cook for me every month.
18:37The clink of wine glasses,
18:39and their quiet laughter carried clearly to my room.
18:42Later that night,
18:43their voices turned softer,
18:45more tender,
18:46as they talked about the future.
18:47It's a boy,
18:48I want to name him Fenlaw.
18:50Strong,
18:50just like his father.
18:52What do you think?
18:53Fenlaw sounds perfect.
18:54And if it's a girl?
18:56Serafina.
18:57She'll be as beautiful as you.
18:58I curled up on the bed,
19:00biting the blanket hard,
19:01refusing to let myself cry out loud.
19:06After three full days of fever,
19:09I finally recovered.
19:10The day I walked out of my room
19:12happened to be Tyra's official pack recognition ceremony,
19:15the Moonlight Ritual.
19:16The ceremony was held at the pack's sacred ground,
19:19a moonlit grove surrounded by ancient oak trees.
19:23A bonfire blazed bright while the scent of roasted venison filled the air,
19:27and the werewolves drank honey mead as the atmosphere grew festive.
19:31Lucian and several elders beamed with joy as they held the swaddled Tyra,
19:36while she received blessings from the pack members.
19:39Exquisite jewelry and precious toys were piled high like a small mountain.
19:43Ciaran, this is for Cecilia.
19:45Lucian smiled as he handed over a wooden box.
19:49Inside was a ring set with an enormous milky white gem
19:52that seemed to pulse with moonlight.
19:55It was the tear of the moon goddess.
19:57She has given the wolf family a healthy bloodline!
20:02Ciaran slipped the ring onto Cecilia's finger and whispered gently,
20:05You've done so well.
20:07Cecilia blushed and leaned into his arms,
20:09and the family of three looked blissfully happy.
20:14Alpha aura until I sleep.
20:17I closed my eyes wearily, not wanting to listen or argue.
20:20We are ready.
20:21Just wishing it to end quickly.
20:23The moment the magical recording crystal clicked and captured the image,
20:26the massive totem pole behind us,
20:28a symbol of the pack's history,
20:30gave a sharp crack.
20:31Watch out!
20:34As the totem pole collapsed,
20:36Ciaran rushed over and grabbed me.
20:38The huge wooden column crashed to the ground,
20:40scraping past my back and raising a cloud of dust.
20:44Meanwhile, Cecilia was struck by splintered wood
20:46and the impact force of the collapse.
20:49She screamed as she fell,
20:50with a shocking pool of bright red blood spreading beneath her.
20:53Cecilia!
20:54Ciaran released me and rushed to her like a madman.
20:57Outside the operating room,
20:59Ciaran paced anxiously.
21:00Watching his restless state,
21:02I remembered how he had kept watch by my bedside all night
21:05when I was injured while gathering herbs in the mountains.
21:08Alpha Ciaran!
21:09The healer suddenly burst through the curtain.
21:11Miss Donati is hemorrhaging badly.
21:13The blood reserves don't have her blood type.
21:15We need an immediate donation.
21:17Take mine.
21:18That won't work.
21:18You're type A.
21:19And Miss George's type O.
21:21Given her weakened state after the injury,
21:23she might not be able to handle the violent energy in an alpha's blood.
21:26It has to be human blood.
21:28After hearing this,
21:29Ciaran's gaze snapped to me.
21:31At that moment,
21:32I felt like I had been struck by lightning.
21:36I stepped back abruptly,
21:38my voice trembling.
21:39I won't do it.
21:41My blood,
21:41the one thing they saw as special in this body they deemed a lowly humans,
21:45was now supposed to be used as a tool to save his heir.
21:49Elise!
21:49Ciaran grabbed my wrist,
21:51his eyes sharp.
21:52This isn't the time for your tantrum.
21:55She's carrying the pack's heir.
21:56If something happens,
21:57we'll never be able to leave.
21:58Do you understand?
21:59My heart clenched painfully.
22:01I wondered if he was afraid we could not leave,
22:03or that something would happen to their pup.
22:05What if I refuse?
22:07Ciaran's face darkened.
22:08I saved you,
22:09and that was what caused Cecilia's injury.
22:12You owe her this.
22:13Is giving a little blood really so hard?
22:16He looked at me with disappointment.
22:18Ilysses,
22:19how did you end up doing this?
22:21My heart stabbed with pain.
22:23Had I changed?
22:24He was the one who had pursued me relentlessly,
22:27saying I was his only possible mate.
22:29He was the one who promised to recognize only me for life,
22:32who stood in the rain begging me to trust that he could handle everything.
22:36Now he was saying I had changed?
22:38Now he was saying I had changed?
22:39My voice shook as I replied,
22:41So,
22:42you regret saving me.
22:44If you could do it over,
22:45you'd slave Cecilia and your pup first, wouldn't you?
22:48Ciaran froze.
22:49What are you talking about?
22:50Something's wrong.
22:51Ms. Donati is in critical condition.
22:54The healer urged anxiously.
22:56Any more delay and we'll lose both mother and pup.
22:58Alpha,
22:59make a decision quickly.
23:01Ciaran's eyes hardened.
23:03Without further hesitation,
23:04he ordered the guards at the door.
23:06Take her to the blood drawing chamber.
23:08I was forced into the chair,
23:09as a hollow silver needle pierced my vein,
23:12and my blood flowed out,
23:14drop by drop.
23:15Throughout it all,
23:16Ciaran never once looked back at me.
23:18When they had drawn two vials,
23:20the healer hesitated.
23:21Alpha,
23:23Ms. George is too weak.
23:24If we draw more, I'm afraid.
23:27Continue.
23:28Ciaran said without turning around.
23:29When they reached three vials,
23:31in my delirium,
23:32I seemed to see Ciaran from when we first met,
23:35standing outside the herb shop,
23:37smiling at me.
23:38I'm Ciaran Wolfe,
23:39and I'll be back tomorrow.
23:41In the final moment,
23:42I completely lost consciousness.
23:46When I woke up again,
23:48Ciaran was sitting by the hospital bed.
23:50I thought he would coax me gently like before,
23:53begging for my forgiveness.
23:54Yet, when I opened my eyes,
23:57I met his cold gaze instead.
23:59Did you ruin the totem pole?
24:00My mind went completely blank.
24:02What are you talking about?
24:03Ciaran's eyes were sharp.
24:05The elders' council investigated,
24:07and found that someone had soared
24:09halfway through the totem pole's face.
24:11If it wasn't you,
24:13who else would be scheming so hard to harm Cecilia?
24:16A chill spread through me.
24:18I'll say it again.
24:19It wasn't me.
24:21Not this time.
24:22Not this time.
24:23Not the last time.
24:25Not the time before that.
24:26Do you believe me?
24:28Ciaran?
24:30Swear on your wolf's soul,
24:31and tell me if you sense through our bond.
24:35That I'm lying!
24:37My voice rose into a scream,
24:39with the last words.
24:40You're still denying it!
24:42Ciaran's eyes turned cold.
24:44You always ask me to believe you,
24:46but what have you done?
24:48Cecilia ends up hurt,
24:50while the pups are in danger.
24:53I told you.
24:54I only treat her well because of the air.
24:57Why do you insist on making a scene,
24:59if she loses the pup?
25:01What good does that do for us?
25:04My chest heaved violently,
25:06as countless grievances and anger clogged my throat.
25:09I wanted to question him.
25:10To argue back.
25:11To scream at the top of my lungs,
25:13that I had never hurt anyone.
25:14I wanted to ask if he had forgotten his promise,
25:17to always believe me unconditionally,
25:19and never doubt me.
25:20In the end,
25:21I just looked at him wearily,
25:22my voice trembling,
25:24as I said,
25:25Fine.
25:27Since you don't trust me,
25:28let's end this.
25:30You can break the mate on between us.
25:32I'll step aside,
25:33so you can live happily as a family of four.
25:36Ciaran froze instantly.
25:37His golden pupils contract in shock.
25:40What did you say?
25:41An uncontrolled werewolf growl spilled from his throat.
25:45I glared at him with bloodshot eyes.
25:47Wasn't I clear enough?
25:48I renounced the bond between us.
25:51I'm willingly stepping aside for you and Cecilia.
25:55Ciaran punched the nearby table,
25:57shattering it,
25:57as wood splinters flew everywhere.
25:59He grabbed my wrist,
26:01fury rolling in his eyes.
26:03Elise!
26:05What are you saying?
26:07I've always loved you,
26:09yet you want me to be with another woman.
26:11I stared back at him stubbornly with teary eyes,
26:14saying nothing.
26:16After a long standoff,
26:18Ciaran took a deep breath.
26:19He forcibly suppressed his anger
26:21and pulled me into his arms,
26:23holding me so tight
26:24it felt like he wanted to merge me into his bones.
26:26This matter ends here.
26:29Cecilia has already forgiven you,
26:31and I won't hold it against you either.
26:33But remember this.
26:34He tightened his arms,
26:36his voice hoarse as he said,
26:37Don't ever mention breaking the bond
26:39or leaving again, never!
26:41Everything I'm doing is for our future.
26:43I did not tell him that to hell with the future.
26:45I had already decided to leave.
26:47She forgave me that easily.
26:49No conditions.
26:50I asked softly,
26:52my voice numb.
26:53Ciaran's body stiffened,
26:54and he was silent for a moment
26:56before releasing me.
26:57She wants to hold a moonlight vow ceremony.
27:01Cecilia says she wants the pups
27:02to know their parents once loved each other,
27:04are blessed by the moon goddess,
27:06to give...
27:06My lips trembled,
27:07but I could not say a word.
27:09My heart felt like it was being squeezed
27:11by an icy hand,
27:13each beat bringing tearing pain and absurdity.
27:16Ciaran, oh Ciaran.
27:17You already have children with her,
27:19and now you're even having...
27:26What am I supposed to be to you?
27:28Ciaran kept talking,
27:29his voice fading in and out,
27:31as he explained the necessity of the ceremony,
27:33and promised we would leave together afterward.
27:36I watched his moving lips
27:37and suddenly felt utterly exhausted.
27:40I slowly closed my eyes.
27:41However,
27:42after taking me home from the healer's chamber,
27:44he immediately began preparing for the vow ceremony.
27:47To prevent me from causing trouble,
27:49he even confiscated my communication crystal
27:52and posted guards at the door
27:53to watch me 24-7.
27:55In the huge mansion,
27:57only one housekeeper was left to look after me.
28:00I did not resist
28:00and quietly packed my luggage.
28:02On the day of the vow ceremony,
28:05my communication crystal was returned to me,
28:07filled with magical projections Cecilia had sent.
28:11Ciaran, in formal attire,
28:13tenderly placing a ring on Cecilia's arm,
28:14both of them kissing passionately amid everyone's blessings,
28:19their little family happily cutting a ceremonial bread together.
28:22Every projection was a blade carving deeper
28:25into my already broken heart.
28:27Every projection was a blade carving deeper
28:30into my already broken heart.
28:32Just as I was about to put the crystal away,
28:34the door suddenly opened.
28:36Lucian stood in the doorway and said,
28:38Everything's been arranged.
28:40He handed me a ship ticket and said,
28:42I guarantee that once you leave,
28:44he'll never find you.
28:45I silently took the ticket
28:47and picked up my packed leather trunk.
28:48As I walked out of the mansion,
28:50the sun was shining.
28:52I did not look back,
28:53walking toward the carriage waiting by the roadside.
28:55I did not say goodbye to Ciaran.
28:57For the rest of my life,
28:59as long as the mountains rise and the rivers run,
29:01we would never meet again.
29:04I took a deep breath and forced myself
29:07to keep a calm expression.
29:08This is only temporary.
29:10Everything I'm doing is for Elise.
29:12The altar was already crowded
29:13with werewolf guests wearing traditional attire,
29:16their eyes filled with respect for the ancient ritual.
29:19Though this was merely a fake wedding,
29:21the elders' council had made it grand and solemn.
29:24I knew I should step forward to greet my bride,
29:26but my legs felt heavy.
29:27The alpha and his mate will swear in blood,
29:30nourishing the bond and uniting their honor.
29:33I looked down at the cold dagger
29:35and reached out,
29:36my fingertips trembling slightly.
29:37Just as my fingertips were about to touch the dagger,
29:40a violent burning pain from deep within my soul
29:42suddenly shot up from my heart.
29:44The sudden, soul-deep agony
29:46made me jerk my hand back,
29:48and I seemed to hear Elise's desperate voice in my ears.
29:51Ciaran, are you really going to take a blood oath with her?
29:54What about me?
29:55What do our vows mean?
29:56The voice was distant,
29:58yet unbearably real.
30:00I shook my head and forced myself to calm down.
30:03Lucien told me,
30:04Elise is waiting to complete the final step of the vow.
30:07Cheers and wolf howls suddenly erupted like a tidal wave.
30:11In the crest of the noise,
30:12I stiffly lowered my head,
30:13moving closer to Cecilia.
30:15The closet hung bare.
30:17The vanity sat stripped.
30:18Elise.
30:21Elise!
30:22Panic surged through me.
30:23I spun around and tore through the estate,
30:25the library, the lounge, even the armory.
30:27I grabbed the trembling housekeeper.
30:29Where is she?
30:31I told you to watch her!
30:33I had locked her door,
30:35increased the guards,
30:36ordered the servants to monitor her every move.
30:39A human like Elise couldn't leave pack territory alone.
30:42So why was she gone?
30:44The housekeeper was too terrified to speak.
30:46Lucien emerged from the shadows.
30:48Stop looking, Ciaran.
30:49She's already gone.
30:50I whipped around.
30:51Gone where?
30:52Somewhere you'll never find her.
30:54The moonlight vow is done.
30:55Focus on being alpha
30:57and stay with Cecilia and your pups.
30:59Gone.
30:59That sounded absurd.
31:01Elise would only leave with me,
31:03just as she'd promised.
31:04She loved me.
31:05She had waited for everything.
31:07If she wanted to leave,
31:09she would have done it
31:09when I agreed to have pups with Cecilia.
31:12Did you force her to leave?
31:13My alpha aura burst out,
31:15making the walls vibrate.
31:18I agreed to have pups with Cecilia.
31:20I went through the moonlight vow.
31:23I gave you everything.
31:25Why did you still drive her away?
31:28Lucien stepped forward and handed me a letter.
31:30We didn't drive her away.
31:32She left on her own.
31:34Read this.
31:35I looked down.
31:36On the parchment,
31:38in Elise's handwriting,
31:39to Ciaran.
31:40My fingers trembled as I took the letter.
31:42The paper tore.
31:44Inside was a letter.
31:45Her script, beautiful and neat.
31:47By the time you read this,
31:49I'll be gone.
31:50You won't find me.
31:52I'm leaving because I don't want to wait anymore.
31:55First you said you just needed an heir.
31:58I believed you.
31:59Then Tyra was born,
32:00and you said you needed more time.
32:02I believed that too.
32:04Then you said you needed a son.
32:06I tried to believe.
32:09But now you're taking a blood oath with her
32:11under the moon goddess witness.
32:13Ciaran, how much longer was I supposed to wait?
32:16I'm human.
32:17My life is short.
32:18I can't endure endless waiting.
32:21When the moonlight vow echoed through the sacred grounds,
32:24everything between us ended.
32:26The mate bond is severed.
32:28We will never see each other again.
32:30Elise.
32:32Only then did I understand.
32:34The pain during the vow.
32:36My wolf's restless howling
32:37it had come from the mate bond severing.
32:39I destroyed our love with my own hands.
32:41I read the letter again.
32:43The paper shook in my trembling fingers.
32:45A metallic taste surged up my throat.
32:48The world twisted and spun.
32:50Colors bled away.
32:51The floor collapsed in the way.
32:53My entire world plunged into darkness.
32:56Alpha Ciaran, get the healer.
32:58Now!
32:59Overnight, the entire north buzzed with gossip
33:02about the wolf family's humiliation.
33:04I stood in the destroyed room,
33:05glaring at Lucian and at Cecilia,
33:07who clutched Tyra while sobbing.
33:09I tightened my grip on the knife against my wrist.
33:11Let me go find her,
33:13or we'll all die together.
33:15I still believed Lucian, or Cecilia,
33:17had driven Elise away.
33:19The moment I woke up,
33:20I planned to find her and run away.
33:22But the elders drugged me
33:23and brought Cecilia and Tyra
33:25to convince me to stay.
33:26If Elise was still here,
33:27I might have hesitated.
33:29But now she was gone.
33:30So was my weakness.
33:32I had nothing to lose.
33:35Put the knife down!
33:36You're disgracing this pack!
33:38Ciaran, please, stay for our pups.
33:42Everyone pressured me to stay
33:43with someone I didn't love.
33:45Raise pups born from duty.
33:46No one considered my feelings.
33:48No one considered Elise's.
33:50You've already destroyed me once!
33:52I didn't want to sleep with her.
33:55You drugged me!
33:57I never wanted the pups!
33:59My voice trembled with fury.
34:02Back then, the elders' council
34:03had conspired with Cecilia to drug her.
34:05When I woke up,
34:06I wanted to strangle her,
34:07then kill myself.
34:09The elders begged me.
34:10We just want an heir.
34:12You are the heir we raised
34:14for over 20 years!
34:16They wouldn't let me run away
34:17with Elise without leaving them anything.
34:19Even Cecilia knelt in front of me
34:20and begged.
34:21Ciaran, I've loved you
34:23for so many years.
34:24I've always loved you.
34:25Please give me a chance.
34:27Her voice trembled
34:28as she looked up at him
34:29with tear-filled eyes.
34:30I'm willing to carry your pup.
34:32Once the baby is born,
34:33I'll personally help you
34:34leave with Elise.
34:35I won't stand in your way anymore.
34:37Just please accept me.
34:39I gave in,
34:39but their greed kept growing.
34:41After Tyra was born,
34:43they demanded a son.
34:44They kept forcing me to compromise.
34:46Now that I'd finally found freedom,
34:48they'd driven Elise away.
34:50I couldn't accept it.
34:51Suddenly,
34:52Cecilia bent over,
34:53clutching her stomach.
34:55It hurts!
34:58Blood stained the white fabric
34:59under Cecilia's dress.
35:00Quick!
35:01Get help!
35:02After chaos,
35:03the elders rushed
35:04the miscarrying Cecilia
35:05to the healer's chamber.
35:06Cecilia's mother,
35:07Helena Graymark,
35:08slapped me across the face.
35:10Blood trickled
35:10from the corner of my mouth,
35:12but I stood like
35:13a soulless puppet.
35:14Mrs. Donati,
35:15this was our fault.
35:16Once Cecilia recovers,
35:17I'll make sure
35:18Kian takes care of her.
35:19Take care of her.
35:20Kian is ready to run off
35:21with another woman.
35:22Cecilia has sacrificed
35:23everything for him,
35:24bore him one pup
35:25carrying another,
35:26and this is how
35:26you treat her.
35:28Apologize, now!
35:29I didn't move.
35:30I hadn't done anything wrong.
35:31Screaming, pleading,
35:33chaos,
35:33all crushing me.
35:35Then an angry roar echoed.
35:36This is a healer's chamber!
35:38Keep it down!
35:39The patient is coming out!
35:40The healer's chamber doors opened.
35:43Cecilia lay on the bed,
35:44face pale,
35:45magical breathing mask on.
35:47She just finished
35:48post-partum recovery
35:49and is pregnant again.
35:50Her body is extremely weak.
35:52She needs three months
35:53of strict bed rest.
35:54If she loses this pup too,
35:55it'll be much harder
35:56for her to conceive again.
35:57The elders' faces fell.
35:59They hurried after the healer.
36:00The corridor emptied.
36:01I snapped back to reality.
36:03Elise,
36:04I have to find her.
36:05I wheeled toward the exit,
36:07but Lucian's guards
36:08blocked my path.
36:09Alpha,
36:10you should see your Luna first.
36:12Get lost!
36:13Sorry, Alpha.
36:14If you won't go willingly,
36:16we'll escort you.
36:17She's carrying your pup.
36:19At least see the pup.
36:20I froze.
36:21Even though I couldn't stand Cecilia,
36:23she was carrying my child.
36:26Soon,
36:26I was wheeled to her isolation chamber.
36:28Just as the guard was about to knock,
36:30voices drifted out.
36:31Mom,
36:32your fake misbearage plan
36:33was brilliant.
36:35It worked perfectly
36:36to keep Kian here again.
36:37Her voice was slick with calculation.
36:39I had never heard her speak like that.
36:41Do you think if I make the pups
36:43have little accidents
36:44from time to time,
36:45Kieran will eventually
36:46stay for good?
36:50Those words slithered
36:51into my ears like venom.
36:53My entire body went rigid.
36:54Bone-deep cold
36:55shot up from my feet.
36:56The guard quickly stepped aside.
36:59Helena's smug voice
37:00came from inside.
37:01Of course,
37:02Elise is gone,
37:04but these tricks
37:04will keep Kian in your hands.
37:06My eyelids twitched.
37:08But don't go too far.
37:09With Tyra,
37:10just give her a little fever.
37:11Make her cry.
37:12Never poison her
37:13or drop her again.
37:15And the one in your belly?
37:17Don't risk too much.
37:18Don't worry,
37:19I know my limits.
37:20But I already promised Kylan
37:21I'd let him leave
37:22after the ceremony.
37:23Even with this fake miscarriage,
37:24what about later?
37:25He'll still want to find Elise.
37:27Relax.
37:27I've already worked it out
37:28with Elder Lucian.
37:29We've sent her far, far away.
37:31She'll never come back.
37:32Focus on your pregnancy.
37:34Once this pup is born,
37:36all the Wolf family's assets
37:37will be yours.
37:38Veins bulged
37:39on the back of my hands.
37:40So that was it.
37:41All those times
37:42Tyra got sick,
37:43I thought it was Elise.
37:44It was Cecilia
37:45and her mother.
37:46They did it themselves.
37:48All those nights
37:49I abandoned Elise,
37:50letting her get punished
37:51while I sat by Cecilia's
37:53or Tyra's bedside.
37:54Every moment
37:55had been part of their plan.
37:57The world went silent.
37:58No potion smell.
38:00No distant murmurs.
38:02Only the thunderous roar
38:03of blood in my ears.
38:05A metallic taste
38:06surged into my throat.
38:08Lucian approached
38:09with a bag of herbs.
38:10Ciaran,
38:11why are you standing there?
38:12Why haven't you gone in?
38:14He moved to open the door.
38:15I never expected
38:16your dad to give me a name.
38:18But you must fight
38:19to marry into the Wolf family.
38:22Otherwise,
38:22your pup will be like you.
38:24Born a bastard!
38:25Forced to live
38:26like a rat in the gutter!
38:28He never imagined
38:28the mother of the heir
38:29he'd adored for years
38:30was actually
38:31an illegitimate daughter.
38:45You despicable liars!
38:48How dare you deceive me!
38:50Screams erupted.
38:51Things were thrown
38:52and smashed.
38:53I wheeled inside.
38:55Cecilia panicked.
38:56Tried to get up.
38:57Collapsed to the floor.
38:58She crawled tearfully
38:59to my feet.
39:00Ciaran,
39:01let me explain.
39:02I never meant
39:03to hurt our pups.
39:04I did it because
39:04I love you.
39:06Please don't send me away.
39:08Until today,
39:09Cecilia had felt blessed.
39:10She thought
39:11she'd won me over.
39:12Gotten to bear children
39:13for the man she adored.
39:14But now,
39:15everything was ruined.
39:16I knew the truth.
39:17Lucian knew.
39:18Soon the entire
39:19Wolf family would know.
39:21Orion had his
39:22legitimate wife and daughter.
39:23Attending Cecilia's wedding
39:24had been his final courtesy.
39:26Her only sharp pain
39:28shot through
39:28her lower abdomen.
39:29She looked down
39:30at her dress
39:31in disbelief.
39:32Warm blood
39:33gushed from beneath
39:34her gown.
39:35No!
39:37Another rainy day.
39:38After the devastating blow,
39:40Lucian was bedridden.
39:41I took over
39:42the entire Wolf family,
39:43both the pack
39:44and its estates
39:45and businesses.
39:46While managing the empire,
39:47I kept searching
39:48for Elise.
39:49After one week,
39:50exhaustion was etched
39:51across my face.
39:52Still nothing.
39:53The guard stayed silent,
39:55lowering his head.
39:56Lucian and the elders
39:57had finally agreed
39:58to let me bring
39:59Elise in as my Luna.
40:00Even without
40:01their approval,
40:02I would have found
40:03Elise and overcome
40:03every obstacle
40:04to be with her.
40:05Now I had the pack's blessing,
40:07so I increased
40:08the search efforts.
40:09But a week passed.
40:10Nothing.
40:11Lucian had bought
40:11Elise a ship ticket
40:12to Hindland.
40:13But when my people
40:14tracked her there,
40:15she had never arrived.
40:16She had changed ships
40:17mid-journey.
40:18Then she had boarded
40:19a local carriage.
40:20Where she went
40:21from there,
40:22no one knew.
40:23The trail had gone cold.
40:24Then my assistant,
40:26Jacob Terrell,
40:27entered.
40:28Mr. Wolf,
40:28Ms. Donati,
40:29Cher has returned.
40:31Cher refuses to leave.
40:34Boss,
40:35Cecilia,
40:35I ask kneeling
40:36in the lobby again
40:36with the child.
40:38Tyra has been crying
40:38for ver-
40:39Come back!
40:39I'll be good!
40:41I swear I'll never
40:42cause trouble again!
40:43Tyra needs her father!
40:45I looked at the small
40:46figure in her arms.
40:47Once,
40:48I felt some paternal
40:49love for Tyra.
40:50But now,
40:51all I could think about
40:52was how she carried
40:53how-
40:55Why is it you?
40:56Where's Cyan?
40:58Jacob looked at her
40:59blankly.
41:00Mrs. Donati,
41:01Mr. Weil has made
41:01everything clear.
41:02Since you enjoy
41:03tormenting pups so much,
41:05you don't need
41:06to raise Tyra anymore.
41:07Cecilia's expression
41:08changed.
41:09She hugged Tyra tighter.
41:10What do you mean?
41:12Healed leather boots
41:13clicked behind her.
41:14Her half-sister,
41:15Giselle Donati,
41:16snatched Tyra
41:17from her arms.
41:19Since you can't
41:20take care of her,
41:21I will.
41:22I can't have pups
41:23anywhere.
41:24I'll raise her
41:26like she's my own.
41:28No, Donati!
41:29She tried to grab Tyra back.
41:31Giselle's armed guards
41:33knocked her unconscious
41:33and dragged her away.
41:35Tell Mr. Wolf
41:36we've taken her away.
41:37She won't be coming back.
41:38Also,
41:39congratulations
41:40on acquiring that field aid
41:41in the Northern Territory.
41:43Trading land for a pup
41:44an extremely profitable deal
41:45for both sides.
41:46That was the last mercy
41:48I would show the child.
41:50news of the major
41:52leadership changes
41:53in the Northern Pax
41:54Wolf family
41:55spread quickly.
41:56Within just a few days,
41:57I caught up on
41:58Ciaran and Cecilia's
41:59aftermath
42:00through parchment scrolls
42:01brought by a
42:02travelling merchant
42:03while hiding out
42:04in a small mountain village
42:05in neutral territory
42:06working as a teacher.
42:08My heart filled
42:09with mixed emotions
42:10at this outcome.
42:11After all,
42:12in my memory,
42:13even though Ciaran
42:14did not love Cecilia,
42:15he had still cared for her
42:17somewhat for the sake
42:18of their two pups.
42:19Yet in such a short time,
42:21they had reached
42:22this kind of ending.
42:23Still,
42:24none of this
42:24concerned me anymore.
42:26I had my own life
42:27to live now.
42:28I pushed the wooden gate open
42:29and watered the herbs
42:31growing in the yard.
42:32When I finished,
42:33I set down the watering can
42:35and settled onto
42:36the wooden bench,
42:37gazing peacefully
42:38at the orphanage
42:39surrounded by mountains.
42:40A soft voice
42:41suddenly called out
42:42from behind me.
42:44Miss Elisa,
42:45are you looking
42:46at the mountains again?
42:47Will the big bad wolves
42:49from the north
42:49come here?
42:50The little rabbit-eared girl
42:52climbed onto my lap,
42:53hugging my arm tightly.
42:54Teacher,
42:55you look sad today.
42:57Did someone bully you?
42:59Don't worry,
43:00I'll protect you.
43:01I smiled
43:02and gently stroked
43:03her fluffy ears.
43:04No one bullied me, Mia.
43:06I'm just thinking.
43:08Some people's stories
43:09have ended
43:10and mine
43:11has only just begun.
43:13Then will you stay
43:14with us forever?
43:16Don't leave, okay?
43:18We all like you the most.
43:20I hugged
43:20the little girl closer,
43:22feeling the warmth
43:23in my chest.
43:24Yes,
43:25I'll stay.
43:28This is my home now.
43:33It was currently
43:34summer break,
43:35so only a few teachers
43:37remained to watch
43:38over the small facility,
43:39and I was one of them.
43:41One day,
43:42a few new teachers
43:43invited me
43:43to go up the mountain
43:44to gather herbs
43:45and mushrooms.
43:47On the way,
43:47Kelly linked arms with me
43:49and chatted excitedly.
43:50I heard Mrs. Lott
43:51secured another investor
43:52from up north.
43:54They're coming to inspect
43:55next week.
43:56Elise?
43:57Will you be there
43:58to welcome them?
43:59I politely declined.
44:01I won't be going.
44:02I have other things
44:03to handle.
44:05Oh,
44:05Kelly said
44:06with some regret.
44:07I heard the Wolf family air.
44:09Alpha Kieran
44:10is incredibly handsome
44:12and rich.
44:14If he's the one coming.
44:15I smiled
44:16and said nothing.
44:17I had worked
44:18so hard to move on.
44:20I didn't want
44:20to see Kieran again.
44:22Margaret also tried
44:23to persuade me,
44:24but I firmly refused.
44:25Mrs. Lott,
44:27please help cover for me
44:28when the time comes.
44:29Margaret sighed,
44:30but eventually
44:31respected my decision.
44:33But I never expected
44:34to see Kieran again
44:35so soon.
44:37Late that night,
44:37when I finally returned
44:39to the orphanage
44:39with the other teachers,
44:40I immediately spotted
44:42Kieran's familiar
44:43black carriage
44:43bearing the Wolf family crest.
44:45My heart tightened.
44:47As I was about
44:48to walk past it,
44:49the carriage door opened.
44:50The door opened
44:51without warning,
44:52and the two people
44:53who thought they would
44:54never see each other again
44:55suddenly came face to face.
44:57Time froze at that moment.
44:59The earthy smell
45:00of rain-soaked soil vanished,
45:02and the distant sounds
45:03of children playing
45:04in the woods disappeared,
45:05leaving only the wild beating
45:07of Kieran's heart
45:08and his rapid breathing.
45:10Kieran had not expected
45:12to actually see me here either.
45:13I looked at Kieran as well,
45:16never having imagined
45:17I would encounter him here.
45:18The moment I saw him,
45:19the grief buried deep
45:21in my heart
45:21surged back up my throat,
45:23and memories rewound
45:25like sand falling backward
45:26in an hourglass,
45:27with those painful scenes
45:29replaying one by one
45:30in my mind.
45:31Kieran,
45:32why do you still
45:33keep coming for me?
45:35I want to take you home.
45:37He sat across from me,
45:38his voice low and hoarse
45:40as he finally spoke.
45:41I found out the truth
45:42about Cecilia.
45:43Everything.
45:44How she schemed.
45:46How she lied.
45:47How she tried
45:48to destroy you.
45:48I saw her true nature
45:50with my own eyes.
45:51He paused,
45:52swallowing hard.
45:53I dealt with her.
45:54She won't ever appear
45:55in front of you again.
45:57Tyra,
45:57I sent her to a remote
45:59pack orphanage.
46:00She'll be raised
46:01far away from all of this.
46:02His eyes reddened
46:03and his voice cracked slightly.
46:05The elders and I,
46:06we all regret
46:07what we did to you,
46:08deeply.
46:09We were blind, Elise.
46:11I was blind.
46:12He reached out
46:13as if wanting to touch me,
46:15but stopped halfway
46:16and clenched his fist.
46:17These past months
46:18while searching for you,
46:20I almost went mad.
46:22I couldn't eat,
46:23couldn't sleep.
46:24My fingers clutched
46:25the parchment
46:26that my whole body trembled.
46:27It was not relief
46:28or grief.
46:29It was the sudden,
46:31brutal,
46:32tearing away of a scar.
46:33A truth too long delayed,
46:35now ripping open
46:36a scab
46:36that had never really healed,
46:38revealing the festering wound
46:40still raw beneath.
46:41It was too late.
46:42Everything was too late.
46:43I had long past
46:44the point of needing
46:45the truth exposed
46:46and I no longer needed
46:48Ciaran's attempts
46:48at reconciliation
46:49or his regret.
46:51Ciaran,
46:51I can't go back with you
46:52and we can't return
46:53to how things were.
46:55When I saw you
46:56being intimate with her,
46:57I kept wondering
46:58if I was the other woman.
47:00No, Elise.
47:01You weren't the other woman.
47:03You're the person I woman.
47:05You're the person
47:06I love most.
47:07Ciaran repeatedly
47:08denied this.
47:10He instinctively
47:10reached for my hand
47:11but I dodged aside.
47:13But that was exactly
47:14how it was for me.
47:15You had pups with her.
47:17Sealed a vow
47:18under the moon goddess
47:19and lived like a true pair
47:21in every way.
47:22To everyone else,
47:24she was your mate.
47:25So why did you
47:26come looking for me?
47:27There was already
47:28an impossibly wide distance
47:29between us
47:30that neither of us
47:31could cross
47:31and I did not want
47:32to try crossing it again.
47:34Go back.
47:35Ciaran,
47:36this isn't where you belong.
47:37No, thunder rumbled
47:39across the horizon.
47:40I refused to argue further
47:42and turned toward my door.
47:43The second I reached my room,
47:45torrential rain
47:46began pouring outside.
47:47However,
47:48he still stood motionless
47:50in the storm.
47:51I frowned
47:51and was about to pull
47:53the curtains closed
47:54when someone began
47:55pounding frantically
47:56on my door.
47:57Mrs. George,
47:58come out quickly!
47:59A child is missing!
48:01I immediately joined
48:03the search.
48:03Together with another teacher,
48:05Miss Lena,
48:06we hurried through
48:07the heavy rain
48:07toward the missing boy
48:08Elliot's home.
48:10The downpour was so heavy
48:11we could barely see
48:12the path ahead.
48:13Suddenly,
48:14distant rumbling sounds
48:15echoed from the mountain valley.
48:17Miss Lena grabbed my arm,
48:18her voice shaking.
48:19Elise!
48:20Did you hear that?
48:21That sound!
48:26It's a landslide!
48:27We have to turn back!
48:28I clenched my teeth
48:29and kept running.
48:30We can't!
48:31Elliot is still there!
48:34We're almost at his house!
48:35We have to get him!
48:37We exchanged
48:37terrified glances
48:38but pushed forward,
48:40running faster.
48:41Sure enough,
48:42we found the trembling
48:43Elliot hiding under the bed,
48:45clutching a pile of toys
48:46that belonged
48:47to his late mother.
48:48No!
48:49I don't want to go!
48:51My mum's still here!
48:53I'm not leaving
48:54without her toys!
48:56Tears streamed down
48:57his small face
48:58as he hugged
48:58the toys tighter.
48:59Elliot,
49:01listen to me.
49:02I promise I'll bring
49:03every single one
49:04of your mum's toys
49:05back safely.
49:07But right now,
49:08you have to go
49:09with Miss Lena.
49:10It's dangerous here!
49:11You swear?
49:13You really promise?
49:14I swear.
49:16Now go!
49:17I quickly handed him
49:18to Miss Lena.
49:19Take him and run!
49:20Don't stop
49:21until you reach high ground!
49:22After they disappeared
49:23into the rain,
49:24I grabbed a sack
49:25and frantically stuffed
49:27all the toys inside.
49:28Just as I slung
49:30the heavy bag
49:30over my shoulder,
49:31the rumbling turned
49:32into a deafening roar.
49:34The landslide exploded
49:35through the window
49:36in a surge of mud,
49:37rock and debris.
49:39Time froze.
49:41Terror gripped me.
49:42My vision was filled
49:43only with that murky
49:44thick sludge
49:45mixed with broken wood
49:46and debris.
49:47It roared
49:48as it poured
49:48over the windowsill
49:49like the gates of hell
49:50opening wide.
49:51The putrid,
49:52earthy stench
49:53instantly flooded
49:55my nostrils.
49:56My mind went blank.
49:57No!
49:58No!
49:59I slumped helplessly
50:01against the wall,
50:02watching the wave of death
50:03crash toward me.
50:05Just then,
50:06a massive white wolf
50:07burst through
50:07the churning mud and caves,
50:09lunging straight at me.
50:11My eyes flew wide open.
50:13Kieran,
50:14what are you?
50:15The moment he charged in,
50:16his golden wolf eyes
50:18locked onto me
50:19with fierce intensity.
50:20Kieran,
50:21deep,
50:21urgent growl
50:22through mind link.
50:23Hold on tight,
50:24don't let go.
50:25With a deep growl,
50:26he lowered his head
50:27and slammed his powerful shoulder
50:28into my stomach,
50:29lifting me clean
50:30off the ground.
50:31The world spun
50:32as he tossed me
50:33across his broad back
50:34like luggage.
50:35Kieran,
50:36wait!
50:37He barreled
50:37toward the wooden door
50:38that led to the slope beyond
50:40and smashed through it
50:41with bone-rattling force.
50:46The door shattered,
50:47but a sickening crack followed.
50:50Kieran's entire body
50:51jolted violently.
50:52A muffled,
50:53pained groan
50:54tore from between
50:54his clenched teeth.
50:56I froze in horror
50:57and looked down.
50:58My heart seemed to stop.
51:00A jagged,
51:01wooden shard
51:01from the broken frame
51:02had pierced deep
51:04into his right side.
51:05Kieran!
51:06Oh God!
51:07No!
51:07You're hurt!
51:08My hands scrambled
51:09desperately to the wound.
51:11Hot, sticky blood
51:12instantly soaked my palms.
51:14Put me down,
51:15Kieran, please!
51:16You're bleeding too much!
51:17Stop!
51:18I pressed hard
51:19against the gash,
51:20but nothing could stop
51:21the steady rush of crimson
51:22pouring out
51:23between my fingers.
51:24Yet Kieran acted
51:25as if the pain
51:26did not exist.
51:27He kept charging up
51:28the steep slope,
51:29powerful muscles
51:30straining beneath me.
51:31Hold on.
51:33Don't let go.
51:34I'm getting you out of here.
51:36The overwhelming
51:37mudslide roared behind us,
51:39sweeping up trees
51:39and boulders
51:40like they were nothing,
51:41chasing us relentlessly.
51:42Kieran, you're going
51:44to die like this!
51:45Please stop!
51:46I can run on my own!
51:47Kieran!
51:48Kieran!
51:49He didn't answer.
51:50His breathing grew heavier,
51:51but his pace never slowed.
51:53I didn't know
51:54how long it lasted.
51:55But finally,
51:56the deafening roar
51:57of the landslide
51:58faded into the distance.
52:02We were safe,
52:03or so I thought.
52:05Suddenly,
52:05the world tilted again.
52:07Kieran,
52:08who had been carrying me,
52:09could no longer hold on.
52:10His massive body
52:12collapsed heavily
52:13toward the ground,
52:14but he still carefully
52:15protected me
52:16in his embrace.
52:18Kieran!
52:20Just then,
52:21I heard the sharp roar
52:22of a rescue horn
52:23echo in the distance.
52:24I tore off my cloak
52:25and waved it frantically.
52:27Soon after,
52:28Kieran and I
52:28were rushed by carriage
52:29to the nearest infirmary.
52:31Kieran was rushed
52:32straight to the healer's
52:33emergency room.
52:34After signing all the forms,
52:36exhaustion and shock
52:37finally hit me.
52:38Everything went black.
52:39When I came to,
52:41it was already
52:42the next day.
52:42The healer's apprentice
52:44looked at me
52:44with a heavy sigh
52:45and said,
52:46The treatment was
52:46a complete success,
52:48but due to massive
52:49blood loss
52:49and an old condition,
52:51Kieran has fallen
52:52into a coma.
52:53He might wake up tomorrow,
52:55or he might never
52:56wake up at all.
52:57My knees buckled.
52:58I covered my mouth
52:59as tears instantly
53:00spilled down my face.
53:01No matter what had
53:02happened between us,
53:04he had saved my life.
53:05I pushed open the door
53:06to his room
53:07and sat beside his bed,
53:09staring at his
53:09unconscious face.
53:12On the third day,
53:13Lucian arrived.
53:14He looked exhausted
53:15and for the first time
53:16bowed his head,
53:17apologizing before
53:18handing me a worn journal.
53:20After you left,
53:21Kieran recorded in this
53:22with a quill every single day.
53:25He wanted to show it
53:26to you himself.
53:27I slowly opened the journal.
53:29Wolf calendar year 818,
53:31month of Thaw.
53:32Today, Elise and I
53:33made it official.
53:34This journal is her
53:35first gift to me.
53:36I'm so happy.
53:37I'll treasure her
53:38and I'll never let her down.
53:40For the next three years,
53:42every page overflowed
53:43with his deep love for me.
53:44Then the entries stopped
53:45after the elders
53:46threatened mass suicide.
53:48Two pages were torn through
53:49with massive letters.
53:50The journal stayed blank
53:52for a year and a half.
53:53The final entries were written
53:55after he came looking for me.
53:56Elise, I'm so sorry.
53:58I kept asking you
53:58to wait just a little longer.
54:00At first,
54:01I thought I could finish it quickly.
54:02But after Tyra was born,
54:04my heart started changing.
54:05I got soft again and again.
54:07Every moment of weakness
54:08turned into knives
54:10stabbing your heart.
54:11If I hadn't given in that day,
54:13we could have married,
54:13had pups of our own
54:15and traveled anywhere you wanted.
54:16But I know it's too late now.
54:18I closed the journal.
54:20Medical staff wheeled Kieran out
54:22on a gurney.
54:23Lucian planned to take him north
54:25for better treatment.
54:26I handed the journal back to Lucian
54:28with steady hands.
54:29If he ever wakes up,
54:31please tell him that everything
54:32from the past ends here.
54:34From now on,
54:35we're like two parallel lines
54:36that will never cross again.
54:38Elise,
54:40are you really sure?
54:41After everything he did for you
54:42in the landslide?
54:43I'm sure.
54:44My voice was calm and firm,
54:46though my throat felt tight.
54:48Tell him he doesn't owe me
54:49anything anymore.
54:50We're even now.
54:52This is goodbye.
54:53Without another glance at Lucian
54:55or the unconscious Kieran,
54:56I turned and walked firmly
54:58in the opposite direction.
55:00I was ready to start my new life.
55:02This was our final goodbye.
55:04We would never see each other again.
55:07Three months had passed
55:08since that day.
55:09I thought I had finally buried
55:11the past in this quiet mountain village.
55:13The children's laughter
55:14filled my days
55:15and the simple rhythm
55:16of grading parchment scrolls
55:18under a dim oil lamp
55:19brought me a fragile peace.
55:21Until that stormy night,
55:24frantic knocking
55:25shattered the silence.
55:26Before I could answer,
55:27the door burst open
55:29with a violent band.
55:30A tall, blood-soaked figure
55:32stumbled in Kieran.
55:34His healer's linen tunic
55:35hung in tatters,
55:36bandages across his chest
55:37already soaked crimson.
55:39Rain and blood streaked his face.
55:41Those once familiar golden eyes,
55:43now wild and bloodshot,
55:44locked onto me.
55:45Kieran.
55:46He didn't speak.
55:47He staggered forward
55:48and dropped heavily to his knees,
55:50forehead slamming against
55:52the wooden floor
55:52with a dull thud.
55:54I'm sorry.
55:56Alys!
55:56His voice was raw,
55:57broken,
55:58repeating over and over
55:59as tears mixed with rain
56:01and blood dripped onto my feet.
56:03I stood frozen,
56:04ice spreading through my veins.
56:08He crawled forward on his knees
56:09and clutched the hem of my dress
56:11like a dying man,
56:12his burning forehead
56:13pressed against my legs.
56:14I woke up
56:15and the first thing
56:16I thought of was you.
56:18I read the journal,
56:20every word.
56:21His voice cracked.
56:22I was wrong.
56:24I should have chosen you
56:25from the beginning.
56:26I should have fought the elders,
56:27the whole pack,
56:28everything.
56:28I never should have made you suffer alone.
56:30Come back with me.
56:32I disbanded the council.
56:33Sevilia and Tyre are gone.
56:34There's nothing between us anymore.
56:36I'll give you everything.
56:37My title,
56:37my power,
56:38my life.
56:38Just don't leave me.
56:40Please.
56:40My heart twisted painfully
56:42as his blood soaked through my dress.
56:44I tried to step back,
56:46but he rose abruptly
56:47and crushed me into his arms.
56:49His kiss was fierce,
56:51tasting of blood,
56:52rain,
56:52and desperate regret.
56:54He pressed me against the wall,
56:56body burning and trembling.
56:58I love you, Elise.
56:59More than my own life.
57:01If you won't forgive me,
57:01kill me right here.
57:02Tear out my heart.
57:03I'd rather die by your hand
57:04than live without you.
57:05I pushed him away
57:06with all my strength,
57:08my voice shaking but resolute.
57:09Kieran Wolfe,
57:11I once loved you enough
57:11to die for you,
57:13but you killed that love
57:14piece by piece.
57:16Every time you chose them over me,
57:18every broken promise,
57:19every night I waited in pain,
57:21it died slowly.
57:22He staggered back,
57:24face deathly pale,
57:25blood seeping from reopened wounds.
57:27I don't hate you anymore,
57:29I whispered,
57:30but I will never go back to you.
57:32Silence swallowed the room,
57:34broken only by the rain.
57:36He knelt again,
57:37pressing his forehead to the floor.
57:38Then let me stay here.
57:39Let me guard you from afar.
57:43Even if you never look at me again,
57:45I only ask to love you
57:46for the rest of my life,
57:48even if it's one-sided.
57:49He raised his bloodied hand
57:51and swore fiercely
57:52under the moon goddess.
57:54His fingers were still curled
57:55gently around it,
57:56as if even in death
57:58he couldn't let go.
57:59I read the letter once,
58:00then burned it.
58:02I didn't cry.
58:04I didn't cry.
58:04I had already cried
58:05all my tears for him years ago.
58:07Some love,
58:08no matter how deep,
58:09can only end in silence.
58:12Perhaps this was the mercy
58:13we both needed.
58:14I could go over to you
58:14and ask me if you
58:14are on the side.
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