A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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FunTranscript
00:00Every wolf in the silver crown pack could see it.
00:03The death countdown hovering over my older sister Selena's head.
00:07They all knew she'd be gone the moment she turned 16.
00:10Since her birth, that flickering number has hung above her head like a ghost,
00:15counting down endlessly.
00:17Naturally, she became the center of everyone and everything.
00:21The best venison was hers.
00:23The new dress, even mom's bedtime stories, all belonged to her.
00:28I felt for her, but I also hated her for it.
00:32Finally, the day of her 16th birthday arrived.
00:35That very night my parents had been dreading for 16 years.
00:39To make sure I wouldn't ruin anything,
00:41they locked me in the storage room with a magic seal
00:44while I was burning up with blood fever.
00:48Dad! Mom! Let me out!
00:51I'm burning up! My bones hurt so bad!
00:54Every wolf knows what that means.
00:56My wolf spirit was waking up.
00:58Through the door, I heard mom hiss through gritted teeth.
01:02Enough, Amber!
01:03Your sister is gonna die after today, can't you just endure this last day?
01:08But I feel so bad.
01:10Before I could finish, the footsteps faded.
01:14Then it went silent.
01:15My wolf spirit whimpered,
01:17struggling to stand and trying to save me.
01:20But in the room, there was no moonlight,
01:23no fresh air,
01:24and no one.
01:25Slowly, the whimpering faded.
01:27So did my breath.
01:30My body suddenly felt light.
01:32I drifted right through the door
01:33and floated into the warm glow of the living room.
01:36The fireplace was crackling.
01:38My parents were huddled close to my sister on the sofa.
01:42Mom was gently patting her back.
01:44Selena was wearing that blue dress,
01:46the gift from Luna.
01:47It was moonlit blue with delicate silver stars
01:51dusted across the hem.
01:53Her face was deathly pale
01:54and her lips drained of all color.
01:57Mom, Dad?
01:59Is Amber really alright?
02:01I heard her crying out that her body hurt.
02:04Ignore her.
02:06Mom agreed to it
02:07as she reached out to touch Selena's cheek,
02:09fixing her hair.
02:10She's just pretending to be sick, honey.
02:13You know how she is.
02:14Jealous,
02:15always trying to draw everyone's attention to herself.
02:18But she sounded so scared.
02:20Selena,
02:21you only have one single day left.
02:24Selena,
02:25I'm begging you,
02:26please don't let her ruin this for you.
02:29I knew she felt guilty.
02:32Ever since I could remember,
02:33all the love and attention in the family
02:36seemed to belong to her.
02:38Selena tried to make it up to me.
02:40She'd hide the venison in my pockets
02:42and sneak her new wool socks under my pillow.
02:45When Dad tried to hit me,
02:47she'd throw herself in front of me
02:48without a second thought.
02:50She always said the same.
02:51I'm sorry, Amber.
02:53It's all my fault.
02:55But our parents thought otherwise.
02:57Mom sighed,
02:58her eyes filled with pity.
03:00Don't defend her, Selena.
03:01That child has been jealous of you
03:03since she could walk
03:04and hates to see you happy.
03:06Don't you remember your 14th birthday?
03:09I ruined everything on her 14th birthday.
03:12And it was also the first time
03:13I truly realized that my sister was dying.
03:16Dad traded that day's hunt for a small cake,
03:19white frosting and 14 candles.
03:21Mom lit them one by one
03:23while Dad held his old camera,
03:25trying to capture her while she was still here.
03:29I watched her make wishes from behind the door,
03:31the candlelight flickering on her face
03:33and the tears in our parents' eyes.
03:37Above her head, the countdown number read
03:40730 days.
03:43Two years.
03:44Something inside me snapped.
03:46I rushed out.
03:47I didn't know what I was thinking at the time.
03:50Maybe it was jealousy,
03:51or maybe I just couldn't accept the fact
03:53that my sister,
03:54who had always been so kind to me,
03:56was about to die.
03:57I flipped the cake over.
03:59Cream splattered all over the floor
04:01and the candles rolled into the corner,
04:02quickly burning out.
04:04I don't want to see you celebrating her birthday!
04:08I screamed like every other naughty kid.
04:10I still remember the way my parents looked at me.
04:13I didn't dodge at all when Dad slapped me.
04:16One slap and two and three.
04:18Mom stood there crying,
04:19but she didn't stop him.
04:21It was Selena who threw herself over me,
04:23like a mother wolf protecting her cub.
04:26Stop hitting sister, Dad!
04:28Please stop!
04:29It's my fault!
04:30It's all my fault!
04:31That night, she sneaked into my room
04:33and placed half a piece of candy
04:34she'd saved into my palm.
04:36There was a red mark on her wrist,
04:38scratched by the chair
04:40when she had rushed over to protect me.
04:42I'm sorry.
04:44She whispered,
04:45touching my swollen cheek.
04:47I'm leaving soon.
04:49From now on,
04:50no one will compete with you for things anymore.
04:52Right then, in the living room,
04:54Mom was stroking Selena's cheek
04:55with aching tenderness,
04:57her fingers brushing through her hair.
04:59Selena, don't pay attention to her.
05:01That child has always been jealous of you,
05:04you know that.
05:05I froze.
05:06Yes, she was right.
05:07I really am jealous of Selena.
05:09I was jealous that she had all their love,
05:11jealous that she got to wear new dresses,
05:14jealous that when she was sick,
05:16Mom would stay by her side all night,
05:17jealous that even if she only had one day left to live,
05:20she was still the golden child.
05:23I drifted toward my sister,
05:25reaching out to grab her hand.
05:27I wanted to tell her that I really was burning up,
05:30and it hurt like my body was on fire,
05:32but my hand went right through her body,
05:34like it was passing through a cloud of mist.
05:37I hovered there,
05:39staring at my transparent fingers.
05:42Then, I looked back at the locked door
05:44of the storage room.
05:45A faint light seeped through the crack.
05:47I drifted through the door
05:49and saw my own body on the ground.
05:51My skin looked deathly pale against the cold ground.
05:54My spirit wolf was huddled around my heart,
05:56still and frozen.
05:57There are still a few hours left
05:59on the death clock above Selena's head.
06:01It turned out that death came to me first before her.
06:06Memories flooded back like a relentless tide.
06:09When I was young,
06:10I really did hate Selena.
06:12If there was only one piece of candy in the house,
06:15it was hers.
06:16But the only apple in the house went to my sister Selena.
06:20She was always the first to get new clothes.
06:22I wore her old ones,
06:24with patches layered over patches.
06:26Even the bedtime stories belonged to her.
06:29Mom's voice is very gentle,
06:30but she only read those stories to Selena.
06:33I'd huddle outside the door,
06:34hugging my knees,
06:36listening to those beautiful tales,
06:38while my heart twisted in my chest.
06:41Why just her, but not me?
06:44The summer I turned seven,
06:46a neighboring pack sent a chicken as a peace offering.
06:49At dinner, she pulled out two golden drumsticks
06:51and put both into Selena's bowl.
06:54Eat up, sweetheart.
06:55You need to grow strength.
06:57I stared at my own bowl.
06:58Why does she get both?
07:00I want one!
07:01Amber Blackbill!
07:02How can you be so selfish?
07:04Your sister is sick, don't you know?
07:06Why is everything hers?
07:07Why don't you just die already?
07:09Give them back to me!
07:11All of them!
07:15She has to learn.
07:17She needs to know the boundaries
07:18and watch her mouth in this house.
07:20The next day,
07:21I overheard my parents in the kitchen.
07:25Only nine years left.
07:27I know.
07:29Nine years!
07:30Only nine years left!
07:32That's all she has left.
07:34That was when I realized.
07:36Those numbers above Selena's head
07:38were never some kind of a game.
07:39They were a countdown to the end of her life.
07:43In the living room,
07:44Mom and Dad's eyes were swollen
07:46as they carefully took Selena back to her room.
07:48As I watched,
07:49something sour and painful
07:51suddenly welled up inside me.
07:53Maybe we should let Amber out.
07:54Dad whispered,
07:55um, remained silent for a while.
07:57Let her suffer a little longer.
07:59Let Selena have a perfect birthday.
08:02Just this one day, the last...
08:04We will definitely make it up to her.
08:06At least, let Selena have a perfect birthday.
08:11Just this one day, the last day.
08:14Amber will understand us.
08:16Dad didn't say another word.
08:18He simply went to the kitchen,
08:20took a slice of stale bread from the cupboard,
08:22and walked toward the storage room door.
08:24Dad whispered to the door,
08:26Amber, Daddy brought you bread.
08:29Will you eat a little?
08:31I was drifting right in front of him.
08:33His eyes were all red,
08:34and his hair was already graying.
08:36He's only 38,
08:37but he looked like 50.
08:39Daddy, I'm here.
08:41I'm dead.
08:42Will you open the door and see me?
08:46Amber?
08:46He called out again.
08:47I reached out to touch his face,
08:49but my hand went straight through him.
08:51Not a sound from the room.
08:54He sighed and pushed the bread under the door.
08:56Be angry if you want.
08:58When your sister is gone,
09:00Daddy will make it all up to you.
09:02I swear.
09:03He turned and walked away.
09:05He didn't open the door to check on me.
09:07Watching his back,
09:08I said softly,
09:09No need, Daddy.
09:10You don't have to compensate me anymore.
09:12You will never have the chance.
09:17A moment later,
09:18Mom came.
09:19Amber, don't blame Mom, okay?
09:23Your sister only has one day left.
09:25Just let her have her way.
09:30She wiped her tears,
09:32almost as if she were embarrassed,
09:34like crying was something to be ashamed of.
09:37After she's gone,
09:39I'll cook all your favorite foods,
09:40buy anything you want,
09:42and take you wherever you want to go.
09:46I'll do all of it.
09:47I swear.
09:49I swear.
09:50So just for today,
09:51please,
09:53stop acting out,
09:55okay?
09:56She waited for a while,
09:57but the other side of the door remained deathly silent.
10:00The grief on her face...
10:04You ungrateful brat!
10:05You can't even hold it together for one night!
10:09She muttered,
10:10her voice cracking with a sob.
10:12You don't care about us at all.
10:14We raised you all these years for nothing.
10:18She turned around and walked away.
10:21I drifted in the dark,
10:22staring at the spot where her tears dropped.
10:23It's okay, Mom.
10:24You don't need to keep those promises anymore.
10:27By dusk,
10:28the light outside was fading.
10:30Mom was putting up the birthday decorations,
10:32and just as she finished sticking the birthday banner on the wall,
10:35someone knocked at the door.
10:37Three slow knocks.
10:38Only Grandma knocks like that.
10:43Grandma Maeve stood on the porch.
10:44She was tiny,
10:46wrapped in a dark wool shawl,
10:47holding a stuffed bag.
10:49What are you doing here?
10:51To see Selena.
10:52Her voice was low and gravelly,
10:54like stones grinding together.
10:56She didn't wait for an invite.
10:57She just walked right in,
10:58as always.
10:59She set the bag on the table.
11:01Apples.
11:01Four of them.
11:02Bright red and perfectly round.
11:04A small pouch of candied fruit.
11:06A jar of blackberry jam.
11:08It's her birthday tomorrow.
11:09I wanted to be with her.
11:13She's resting.
11:14I'll tell her you stopped by.
11:16Where is Amber?
11:18The question sliced the air.
11:20Mom stopped.
11:24She's, she's in her room,
11:26doing her homework.
11:27Grandma said nothing.
11:28She just stared at Mom with those pale gray eyes.
11:31She had once been the Pax Luna,
11:33and those eyes had seen things others couldn't.
11:35Homework.
11:36Grandma repeated flatly.
11:39I'll go see her.
11:41Mom, wait!
11:43Mom blocked the hallway,
11:44standing in Grandma's way.
11:45She, she's been acting out lately.
11:48I put her in the cellar to calm down,
11:50just for a little while.
11:52Mom's voice went up,
11:53just like when she lied.
11:54Grandma stood perfectly still.
11:56Just until tomorrow.
11:57You know how she is.
11:58She's just jealous of Selena.
12:00She always tries to ruin everything.
12:02Especially on a night like tonight.
12:05You locked that child in the cellar.
12:09Mom wanted to explain, but said nothing.
12:12Grandma's face darkened, inch by inch.
12:15She took a step forward, and Mom flinched.
12:18Eleanor.
12:19Grandma's voice was very, very soft,
12:21but even louder than screaming.
12:23Amber is your daughter, too.
12:25I know, but Selena.
12:27Yes, I know about Selena.
12:29I have known since the day she was born,
12:31the day that cursed clock appeared above her head.
12:34I know you love her.
12:35I know you want to give her everything before she leaves.
12:38I know every minute with her is like water in your palms,
12:41ready to slip away at any moment.
12:44But what about Amber?
12:46What has Amber ever had?
12:48Selena's handy-downs patched and repatched.
12:51Two pairs of shoes for the entire year.
12:54Even your love.
12:55You couldn't bear to give that.
12:59You measured it out like it was something that would run dry.
13:03You gave Selena the river and left Amber only the drops.
13:07It's not like that.
13:08I didn't-
13:09Now, now on the last night, you won't even let them see each other?
13:13Selena is dying, and Amber is her only sister.
13:16Her only sister, Eleanor!
13:18The only person in this house that Selena ever chose to love.
13:23Not out of duty, not because of the clock, but because she wanted to.
13:30She grabbed Mom by the shoulders, her fingers digging in.
13:34Do you really think Selena can rest in peace knowing her little sister is locked in a cellar?
13:40Is this the last memory, Amber, you want her to have and die along with it?
13:47Mom slid down the wall and collapsed on the floor, curling into a ball.
13:51I just-
13:51I just wanted Selena to be happy tonight.
13:54I didn't want Amber to ruin it.
13:57I just wanted one night.
13:59A perfect night.
14:02Night deepened.
14:03In the living room, no one moved.
14:06Mom sat on the floor with face buried in her knees.
14:10Dad sat in his chair, staring into space, his hands hanging limp.
14:14Grandma sat on the sofa, her back straight, eyes fixed on the cellar door at the end of the hallway.
14:20Go get some sleep.
14:22She finally said, her voice hoarse.
14:25I just couldn't.
14:26Dad didn't even react.
14:28Grandma sighed.
14:30She stood up slowly, walked to the storage room door, and sat down on the floor.
14:35Amber.
14:36Grandma's here.
14:37Don't be afraid.
14:38My tears fell like rain.
14:40Time passed by.
14:41The fire in the hearth died out.
14:44Moonlight crept through the window.
14:46The sky brightened.
14:48From black to charcoal.
14:49From charcoal to slate.
14:51Grandma walked to Selena's door.
14:53She raised her hand to knock.
14:55Hesitated.
14:56Then stopped.
14:57Finally, she spoke in a whisper.
14:59Selena, it's time to wake up.
15:01There were sounds inside, and the door opened.
15:04Selena stood there.
15:05Alive.
15:06I looked at the clock above her head.
15:09The numbers had hit zero.
15:13The numbers had hit zero, but she was standing there breathing.
15:17Her face was flushed with life, which I'd never seen in years.
15:21Grandma?
15:22Mom?
15:23Dad?
15:23She looked down at her hands, turning them over, flexing her fingers.
15:29I'm still here.
15:31Mom was laughing and sobbing and howling all at once.
15:34She lunged at Selena, clinging her tightly.
15:37Dad stumbled over, trembling, burying his face in Selena's hair.
15:40You're alive.
15:42You're alive.
15:44Above Selena's head, the death clock was gone.
15:46There was nothing but air.
15:48The countdown vanished.
15:49But Grandma, standing behind them all, her face suddenly went deathly pale.
15:54She whipped around, staring at the cellar door.
15:56Amber!
15:57Open the cellar!
15:58Now!
15:59She said in panic.
16:00Right!
16:01Amber's still in there!
16:03Let her out!
16:03Selena's alive!
16:04This is...
16:05Oh, it's amazing!
16:06We have to tell her!
16:08Dad strode down the hall, a smile breaking through his tear-stained face.
16:12Selena followed barefoot.
16:14Amber?
16:15Amber, did you hear?
16:17I'm okay now!
16:18The clock, it's gone!
16:19I'm not going to die!
16:20Dad walked to the cellar door.
16:22He grabbed the iron handle, pulled it open, and stopped dead.
16:26His entire body froze.
16:27The joy drained from his face in an instant.
16:30He backed away, hand-flying to Amber's mouth.
16:36No, no, no.
16:38What is it?
16:40Mom pushed past me.
16:42Thomas, what's wrong?
16:43Move!
16:44Let me-
16:44She stepped over the threshold and looked inside.
16:46I was curled in the corner, wedged between a broken rocking chair and a pile of firewood.
16:51My eyes were squeezed shut.
16:53The bread Dad shoved under the door is still there, untouched.
16:57Amber.
17:02Amber, wake up.
17:03Baby, open your eyes.
17:06Mom's voice broke.
17:07She knelt beside me, her trembling hand reaching out.
17:10She gave my shoulder a little nudge.
17:12My body was limp.
17:13I just swayed a little as she pushed me.
17:15Her hand slid from my shoulder to my cheek.
17:17No.
17:18No.
17:19No.
17:21Thomas!
17:22Amber, she's just-
17:23She's just cold.
17:24She's just sleeping.
17:25We need to warm her up.
17:27Her fingers jerked back as if they'd been burned.
17:30She threw herself backward, collapsing onto the floor.
17:35Amber.
17:36Amber.
17:37Amber, baby.
17:37Mom's here.
17:38Wake up.
17:39Look at me.
17:40Mom will make you roast rabbit.
17:42A whole one.
17:43Just for you.
17:44I'll buy you that dress with the bow, remember?
17:46The one at the trading post?
17:48We'll go tomorrow.
17:49First thing.
17:51Please open your eyes.
17:53You can hit me.
17:55You can scream at me.
17:56I don't care.
17:57Just open your eyes.
18:00Dad knelt beside her.
18:02He pressed two fingers against the side of my neck.
18:04The pulse point.
18:06The only place that matters.
18:07His fingers stayed for five seconds.
18:09Ten seconds.
18:10Fifteen.
18:11Then his hand dropped to his side, and he let out a sound I'd never heard.
18:16She's gone.
18:19Eleanor.
18:20She.
18:21Amber.
18:22Don't say it!
18:27She gathered my cold, rigid frame into her arms, rocking me.
18:31She didn't.
18:31She couldn't.
18:32She was yelling last night.
18:34She was calling for me.
18:35She's right here.
18:36Selene stood in the doorway.
18:38She gripped the door frame, shaking all over.
18:40She saw her parents huddled and weeping.
18:43She saw that tiny, cold body in the corner.
18:45Her lips trembled.
18:48Amber?
18:49She whispered.
18:50Then her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed.
18:53Selene!
18:54The cellar room was a total mess.
18:58Selene woke up at noon.
19:00Mom sat by her bed, her eyes swollen red.
19:03Thank the goddess.
19:04You're okay.
19:05You're finally okay.
19:08Selene opened her eyes.
19:09She stared at the ceiling for a long time.
19:11Where's Amber?
19:12Mom's lips trembled.
19:14Fresh tears welled up instantly, spilling down cheeks already raw from crying.
19:19She couldn't finish the sentence.
19:21Selene bolted upright, throwing off the covers.
19:25Wait!
19:25Selene, you just blacked out.
19:27You need to rest.
19:28Where's she?
19:30Ah!
19:31Her scream tore through the small house.
19:33In the living room, your father is holding her.
19:39Selene pushed her aside and ran barefoot down the hallway.
19:42In the living room, Dad was sitting on the floor, with me in his arms.
19:47He wasn't crying anymore.
19:48He just stared into space with hollow eyes.
19:51He held me stiffly, like I was fragile glass, or a lifeline he couldn't let go of.
19:57Selene saw it, and her feet skidded to a halt.
19:59She stood there in the middle of the living room, looking at me, then at Dad, just taking
20:04in the whole farce.
20:08Amber has a fever.
20:10She had a bad fever last night, but I am cooling her down.
20:16See?
20:17She is less hot already.
20:20She is cooling down.
20:21She just needs a sleep, and she will be fine.
20:26By tonight, she will be running around again.
20:28You know her.
20:29Cannot keep still for a moment.
20:33Dad.
20:35Dad, look at me.
20:36I am Selene.
20:40No.
20:42You are Amber?
20:43Amber is feeling much better, and will wake up soon.
20:46Dad!
20:47Amber is dead!
20:48She is dead!
20:49Do you hear me?
20:51You are lying!
20:53She is not dead!
20:54She is sleeping!
20:56She is just tired from the fever, and she needs rest.
20:59And if you wake her up, I swear by the goddess!
21:12Grandma stepped out of the kitchen with a glass of water.
21:15She went over to Dad, crouched down, and held out the glass of water.
21:21Drink some water.
21:23Dad looked at her, but didn't move.
21:26She set the glass down, and gently began to pry his arm open.
21:35Let go, Thomas.
21:39Dad's hands were shaking, but he didn't loosen his grip.
21:43Mom.
21:44He choked out.
21:47Amber is not dead.
21:48She was just...
21:49Grandma cut him off.
21:50She is dead.
21:51Heavy tears streaming down.
21:53Your daughter is dead.
21:54You locked her in the cellar for a whole night.
21:57She got blood fever.
21:58She needed moonlight, open space, someone to hold her during her first transformation.
22:03But she died alone in the dark on the cold floor.
22:06Every word hit him like a physical blow.
22:09Dad's face contorted as tears burst from his eyes, his whole body shaking violently.
22:14He shook his head.
22:15I don't know.
22:17I thought she was faking.
22:19I just wanted Selina to have a quiet night.
22:22I don't know.
22:24You know.
22:29She called.
22:30She said she hurt.
22:31She said she had a fever.
22:32You heard her.
22:35Eleanor heard her too.
22:36You just didn't believe her.
22:38Mom stumbled out of the bedroom, frozen in the hallway.
22:41She told you.
22:43She banged on the door to tell you she was burning up.
22:45She said she had a headache.
22:47She begged you to let her out.
22:49She stopped for a beat.
22:51You all heard her.
22:52You just didn't believe her.
22:55A knock sounded through the afternoon.
22:57A sharp, rapid rapping.
23:00Mom opened the door with swollen eyes.
23:02There stood Margaret Thorne, the pack's biggest gossip, a basket of herbs on her arm, and blatant
23:09curiosity written all over her face.
23:11Oh my Eleanor, what's all that noise?
23:13Half the pack can hear the crying.
23:14She peeked past Mom into the dim room.
23:17Don't tell me.
23:18It's Selina.
23:19The clock.
23:20Get out.
23:21But Margaret stretched her neck and stood on tiptoe, trying to see past the hallway at
23:26Grandma, sitting in the living room, holding something wrapped tightly in a blanket.
23:30Oh poor thing, I knew she wouldn't live through the night.
23:32Sure enough.
23:33Grandma spoke flatly from the sofa, her voice void of all emotion.
23:36It's not Selina.
23:38Margaret blinked in confusion.
23:40Not Selina?
23:41She drew closer, squinting at the small shape held in Grandma's arms.
23:44Who is it?
23:45Then she caught sight of my face.
23:46Her eyes widened in shock.
23:48That's the little one?
23:50Amber?
23:51Amber's dead?
23:52How could Amber die?
23:54Wasn't Selina the one who was dying?
23:56Mom suddenly snapped.
23:57She stepped forward, grabbed Margaret by the collar, and pushed her hard.
24:00The herb basket went flying, spilling dried lavender and wolfsbane all across the porch.
24:05Get out!
24:06Get out of my house!
24:09I didn't say anything wrong.
24:11It's Selina who's going to die anyway.
24:14Doesn't your whole family revolve around her?
24:16Good food, nice clothes, all for her.
24:19Now look, the one who died isn't the one who deserved it.
24:24It's the one who shouldn't have.
24:25Shut up!
24:26Selina stepped out into the hallway, barefoot, eyes red and puffy, trembling from head to toe.
24:32You dare say her name?
24:33You dare talk about my sister?
24:35Faced with the wild, heart-wrenching grief on Selina's face, Margaret was instantly frightened.
24:41She wisely held her tongue and hurried away with her scattered herbs.
24:45Quietness settled heavily over the cottage.
24:48Grandma handled everything.
24:50She washed me with warm, pine-infused water, an old ritual practiced by the earliest wolf packs for the departed.
24:58She dressed me in funeral clothes, brought from the old lands, soft white linen embroidered with delicate silver blossoms along
25:05the collar.
25:06It was the most beautiful garment I had ever worn.
25:09The fabric felt gentle against my skin, softer than anything I had known in life.
25:15As Grandma carried me outside, those silver flowers glistened faintly in the light.
25:20Let me do it.
25:21It should be me.
25:23Don't touch her.
25:25Grandma never lifted her eyes.
25:26You do not deserve to touch her now.
25:28Mom leaned weakly against the wall and sank slowly to the ground.
25:32The farewell ceremony took place at an altar, hidden deep within the territory, encircled by dense oak woods.
25:39I rested inside a tiny pine coffin, clad in the white burial gown Grandma had prepared.
25:44The tiny silver flowers on the collar shimmered faintly beneath the dull daylight.
25:48Kneeling beside the altar, Mom stretched out her hand, longing to touch my face for the very last time.
25:54Grandma gently held her back.
25:56The pack elder walked over, leaning on his wooden staff.
26:00Dressed in faded ceremonial robes, his white hair drifted like wispy smoke amid the misty rain.
26:06He took the torch, glanced up at the overcast sky, without a single glance at anyone present, and murmured an
26:12ancient blare under his breath.
26:14After that, he held the flame to the edge of the pine wall.
26:18Flames flapped at the wood timidly.
26:21Mom lunged for the fire.
26:23Don't go!
26:24Amber!
26:25Don't go!
26:26Mommy's coming with you!
26:27Three pack members held her back tightly.
26:29She thrashed, kicked, and screamed until her voice barely sounded human.
26:34Dad was slamming his head against the ground.
26:36Once.
26:37Twice.
26:38Again.
26:39Blood oozed from his forehead, blending with the rain and staining the mud beneath him pink.
26:45Selena stood apart from them all.
26:47She did not cry.
26:48She simply watched the flames devour the small box that held me, little by little.
26:53I hovered in midair, witnessing everything.
26:56I gazed at my elder sister.
26:59I gazed at my elder sister.
26:59That damned countdown was gone for good, her face pale, yet full of life.
27:04There was nothing there, then glanced above her head.
27:06It was all right.
27:08It was all right.
27:08My sister was alive.
27:10My death had not been in vain.
27:11At the very least, she survived.
27:14The old wolves always said a life for a life, and this time, the goddess had taken mine in exchange
27:19for hers.
27:20When the farewell ritual ended, Grandma took hold of my ash urn.
27:24She wrapped it gently in the soft inner fleece of her shawl, and held it close to her heart.
27:29Mother, where are you taking her?
27:31Home.
27:32To the old territory.
27:34You can't.
27:35She's our daughter.
27:36We want her here.
27:37With us, so we can visit her.
27:39Mom dropped her music right now.
27:40Please!
27:41I'll visit her grave every day!
27:44I'll leave flowers every full moon!
27:46I need her with me!
27:47I need to be close to her!
27:48You need her now?
27:50Grandma stared down at the woman, clinging desperately to her legs.
27:54Her toe was cold as ice.
27:55Where was this need when she was alive?
27:58I was quiet when I was posted.
28:00I'm sorry!
28:03I know I'm sorry!
28:07Sorry?
28:08Grandma laughed.
28:09She's dead, Eleanor.
28:10Dead in the cellar, and now you want to talk to me about sorry?
28:15She pried Mom's hands off her.
28:17These ashes are mine.
28:18You and Thomas will never touch them.
28:20You lived with a living, breathing child for sixteen years who loved you, who only wanted
28:25a little of your attention, and you threw her away.
28:29Now she's gone, and you don't deserve to have her.
28:31She turned toward the path.
28:32Dad chased after her.
28:33Mother!
28:34Grabbing her arm.
28:35Please, give her back to us!
28:37I'm begging you!
28:38Grandmother stopped in her tracks and slowly turned around.
28:41She looked at her son, at his bleeding forehead, his shattered face.
28:44For a second, a flash of pity crossed her eyes.
28:47Then it vanished.
28:49Let go, Thomas.
28:50Mother!
28:51Mother!
28:52I said let go!
28:54Grandma pulled away, adjusted the box in her shawl, and disappeared into the rain.
28:59She didn't look back.
29:01Not once.
29:02Mom collapsed on the bed.
29:03Dad fell beside her.
29:05They clung to each other and howled.
29:07Real, more foul.
29:08Crimal, beastly, and completely broken.
29:10Selina stood under the ash tree, watching Grandmother's small figure vanish into the gray woods.
29:16She looked up at the weeping clouds, and for a moment, I thought she was looking right
29:21at me.
29:22Selina sat on the ground, hugging herself tight, and buried her face in her knees.
29:29The rain fell harder.
29:31Grandmother returned to the old land by carriage.
29:33It was a three-hour journey through dense forests, following a river that smelled of moss and cold
29:39stone.
29:40I drifted beside her the whole way, watching her face.
29:43She didn't cry.
29:45Her jaw was set, eyes fixed straight ahead, her hands steady on the reins.
29:49She looked like who she used to be.
29:51A luna.
29:52The wolf that had led a pack through three years of famine and a territory war.
29:57But I could see her thumb stroking the wooden box, hidden beneath her shawl, a bottomless
30:02grief tucked away inside.
30:04It was dark when we returned.
30:05Her cottage was small and weathered, a single room with a stone fireplace, a narrow bed, a
30:12table, and two chairs.
30:14It was the kind of place that smelled of dried sage, pine sap, and the trace of decades of
30:19living.
30:20She started a fire.
30:22The flames caught quickly, casting a warm glow against the walls.
30:25She placed the box on the table, right in the center.
30:29Then she lit three white candles, the old-fashioned kind, made of beeswax that burned slowly.
30:35The flames held steady.
30:37Grandmother stood before the table for a long time.
30:39And then, she looked up, directly at me.
30:42Ambie, come here, sweetheart.
30:44I froze.
30:47I froze.
30:48Grandmother?
30:49I mouthed.
30:50You can see me?
30:51She nodded.
30:52I've always been able to, she said.
30:54Since I was a girl, the moon touched me when I was born, or that's just what people always
30:59said.
31:00I see things others don't.
31:03She reached out her arms.
31:05Come, child.
31:06Come to grandmother.
31:08Tears I thought were long gone welled up.
31:10I drifted toward her, rushing so fast that my body passed right through her.
31:15I stood in front of her, looking down at my transparent, useless hands.
31:19She held the air where I was supposed to be.
31:22It's all right, she whispered, little one, her voice growing husky.
31:27I can feel you, right here.
31:29She closed her eyes.
31:31A drop of tear escaped from her wrinkled eyelids, sliding down her cheek to splash against the
31:36floor.
31:36I drifted back into the space of her embrace, even though I could not be held.
31:40I curled myself, head against her shoulder, and there we stayed for a long, long time.
31:46The candles burned an inch shorter.
31:48Outside the window, the moon rose, full and silver-white.
31:52Grandmother spoke first.
31:53Tell me, Amber.
31:55She pulled back slightly, her hands still cupping my face.
31:58Are you all right?
31:59After, after what happened?
32:02Was I all right?
32:03I was a dead child.
32:05I pointed to my chest, then toward the ceiling.
32:08Then I made a small, drifting motion with my fingers, like a falling leaf.
32:15Grandmother understood immediately.
32:17Unmoored.
32:17Unfloated.
32:18She whispered.
32:19Nowhere to land.
32:21I nodded.
32:22She reached out, trying to stroke my hair.
32:24Her fingers passed through my head, and she slowly lowered her hand back.
32:28I know, sweetheart.
32:30I know.
32:30She stood up, her knees creaking, and walked to a small cupboard in the corner.
32:35She came back holding an apple.
32:37A whole apple.
32:38Here, eat, sweetheart.
32:39I don't have much, but this is a sweet apple.
32:42I picked it from the tree behind the house this morning.
32:45I've been saving it for you.
32:47I stared at that apple.
32:48In my eight years of life, I had never had a whole apple to myself.
32:52There was always Selena.
32:54Always a knife slicing it in two.
32:56The larger half going to her.
32:58A thin slice going to me.
32:59I'm not really hungry, Amber.
33:00She always trying to give me bites of hers.
33:04Have mine.
33:06Trying to make up for what others had stolen from me.
33:09But I had never, ever had a whole apple.
33:11A complete, perfect, uncut one.
33:14All mine.
33:15I drifted toward the table.
33:16I couldn't eat it, but I could smell it.
33:19Its sweet scent filled the space around me.
33:22Is it sweet?
33:23I nodded.
33:24Even though she couldn't see me clearly, she smiled.
33:27And then that smile broke into a sob.
33:29She whispered.
33:30Great, that's great.
33:32Wiping her eyes with her shell, as if she were angry at herself for coffee.
33:36Then, she sat down across from me.
33:40She talked all night.
33:41She told me when I was three.
33:43When she came to see me.
33:44Asked for a story.
33:45Asked for a story.
33:47I climbed into her lap and asked for a story.
33:49So she told me the tale of the mother wolf and the falling star until I fell asleep in her
33:54arms.
33:55When I was four, it was winter.
33:57I caught my first fever.
33:58She stayed up for three nights, pressing damp cloths to my forehead and humming ancient moon hymns until the fever
34:05was gone.
34:05When I was five that summer, my parents finally let her take me to the old territory for a week.
34:10Just me, without Selena.
34:12I had run wild through the meadows chasing rabbits, returning to the cottage filthy and stained with grass, laughing until
34:18I was breathless.
34:19Your laughter lasted the whole week, grandmother said.
34:22Just after that week, I never heard you laugh like that again.
34:27I remembered every single thing.
34:30She kept talking and talking.
34:32Her voice grew softer and her eyes heavier.
34:34The candles burned until turned into a small pools of wax.
34:39Outside, the sky began to brighten.
34:42The edge of the horizon turned a dull gray, then silver, then the palest gold.
34:47Grandmother stopped talking.
34:48She looked at me, and I knew she couldn't see me clearly anymore.
34:51My edges were blurring.
34:52Amber.
34:53She whispered.
34:54You're leaving, aren't you?
34:55I nodded.
34:56She closed her eyes.
34:57When she opened them again.
34:58That's good, you've suffered enough.
35:00They were wet, and she was smiling.
35:02Listen to me.
35:02When the moon goddess sends you out again, choose better parents.
35:06Find someone who will hold you when you have a fever.
35:09Find a father who will give you the whole apple.
35:11Don't come back to this house.
35:12There is nothing left for you.
35:13Find a family who will truly want you from the very first day.
35:17Grandma?
35:17I said soundlessly, I love you.
35:21I'm right here, sweetheart.
35:23I love you too, my Amber.
35:25You were the best child.
35:27The first ray of sunlight pierced through the window.
35:29It fell on me.
35:30They had almost vanished.
35:31I reached out, trying one last time to touch her cheek, her wrinkled skin, her tears.
35:36Grandmother buried her face in her hands and began to sob.
35:39I turned toward the window.
35:40My body drifted uncontrollably toward the light.
35:43Higher and higher.
35:44Further and further away.
35:48The cottage became smaller.
35:50The forest covered the whole land.
35:52The entire land shrinking into a tiny patch.
35:56Then, I passed through it all.
35:57The world turned soft white.
35:59An ancient, solemn voice resounded.
36:01Little wolf, do you want to try again?
36:05I thought of grandmother's apple.
36:07The whole one.
36:08Mine.
36:08I thought of Selina's thin arms shielding me.
36:11The shining candy in her palm.
36:13Amber.
36:14Her voice saying.
36:15I'm sorry.
36:15I'm sorry, Amber.
36:16I thought that teardrop mom left on the cellar's floor.
36:20Mom holding my cold body.
36:21She couldn't laugh.
36:22Howling beside the altar.
36:24I thought of grandmother closing her arms to embrace the void.
36:28Yes, Ed.
36:29I want to try again.
36:30The warmth wrapped around me like a blanket.
36:33As I closed my eyes, I felt it.
36:36Grandmother lifted her head.
36:37Run free, little wolf.
36:39She smiled.
36:41Goodbye, grandma.
36:42In the next life, I promise.
36:44I will find a pack that loves me from the start.
36:46And I will have the whole apple.
36:48Every. Single. Time.
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