- 7 hours ago
Three Beastmen Regret, One Dragon Claims
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My name is Kira, the only daughter of Vaughn, the High Chieftain of the Isles.
00:05I had three mates.
00:09Ashclaw, a snow leopard.
00:11He lost half an ear to a fox, just to bring me the rarest silver fox pelt in the far
00:16north.
00:16Redmoor, a wolf.
00:18He broke three ribs crossing a snow mountain, just to pick me an iceberry from the edge of a cliff.
00:24Fenris, a tiger.
00:25He fought through bloodshed, just to win me the biggest piece of gold.
00:29And the whole tribe.
00:33Everyone said I was spoiled.
00:34I had the best of everything.
00:37My three mates put me above all else.
00:40Then Ivy came to the Isles from the mainland.
00:42She was gentle, independent, and didn't rely on anyone.
00:47Alone with her cub, she looked so vulnerable and pitiable.
00:50Countless beast men were drawn to her.
00:52My mates too.
00:54Kira, you're too fussy.
00:56No one will keep putting up with you forever.
00:58Not long after that, Redmoor left too.
01:01I looked at Fenris.
01:03Fenris, do you think I have a bad temper too?
01:06Don't overthink it.
01:09They're assholes.
01:10Losing you was their loss.
01:12I believed him.
01:13Until that evening, I saw him shift into a little tiger and follow closely behind Ivy.
01:18He rubbed submissively against her hand, clutching my aching chest.
01:22I turned and ran, only to slip and fall off the cliff.
01:26Later that night, covered in wounds, I burst into Vaughn's room.
01:30Dad!
01:31Dad, I'll go.
01:32I'm willing to enter a marriage alliance in the polar abyss.
01:40Kira, have you lost your mind?
01:42Vaughn's cup hit the floor.
01:43His eyes widened, his voice trembling.
01:45That's the polar abyss.
01:47The dragon's territory.
01:49Every other woman prays not to be chosen.
01:51And you're volunteering to go there?
01:52The polar abyss is a frozen land at the end of the world.
01:55Dragons had no females of their own.
01:57Every year, they relied on marriage alliances with other tribes to continue their bloodline.
02:02Their power was terrifying.
02:04Their possessiveness even more so.
02:05They never shared a mate with any beast folk.
02:08No woman would willingly go there.
02:10Did your mates cause trouble again?
02:11I'll go teach them a lesson myself!
02:14Vaughn's voice turned cold as he got to his feet.
02:16I lunged, grabbing his arm.
02:18Don't!
02:19Dad, please!
02:21Don't go!
02:22Don't stand up for me anymore!
02:24When Ashclaw and Redmoor left, I cried to Dad.
02:28That woman, Ivy, had been moving farther away.
02:31Yet they never came back to me.
02:32They grew colder toward me.
02:35Kira, quit it.
02:36Ivy did nothing wrong.
02:37She almost got exiled from the tribe because of you.
02:40Without your chieftain, Dad, you're nothing.
02:43I can't believe I ever liked you.
02:45They tore my place apart and smashed everything I owned to pieces.
02:49That night, I held Fenris and cried for a long time.
02:52And now, even he's gone.
02:54In the silence, Vaughn exhaled.
02:56The drawing's in three days.
02:58Think it over.
02:59When you know what you want, come find me.
03:02I stepped outside and immediately spotted Fenris.
03:05He was leaning against the doorpost, staring down at a tiny flower in his hand.
03:09It was the one he'd begged Ivy for today, tail wagging.
03:12Seeing me, he put the flower away.
03:14Kira, what did you tell the chieftain?
03:16Did you badmouth Ivy again?
03:18I wiped my eyes and kept walking past him without a word.
03:21Kira, say something!
03:23Did you smear Ivy again?
03:25I didn't look back.
03:26After a few steps, the sound behind me suddenly stopped.
03:30I whipped around.
03:31I've had enough of you.
03:33I'm going to Ivy!
03:35My heart lurched.
03:36Fenris, are you leaving me too?
03:39He didn't answer.
03:40He turned and walked toward Ivy's house.
03:43I ran up and grabbed his arm, but he shoved me off.
03:46I stumbled, my knee slamming onto the gravel road.
03:49Blood seeped out slowly.
03:51Fenris, it hurts.
03:53He didn't even glance back.
03:54Stop faking it, Kira.
03:55Your acting is awful.
03:56I went back home.
03:57The house was cold as an ice cave.
04:00The hearth still had the fire Fenris had started this morning, but it was dying.
04:04I reached for more wood, but a spark burned my finger.
04:07I pouted without thinking, waiting for someone to care.
04:10I waited a long time.
04:12All I could hear was the crackle of the fading fire.
04:15No one would come.
04:16I ran to Ivy's house, falling and getting back up all the way.
04:19My knees were shredded, blood soaking through.
04:22The door swung open, not Fenris.
04:24It was Ashclaw.
04:25He froze for a moment.
04:27His eyes flicked to my injuries, unreadable.
04:30What are you here for?
04:31He was my first mate.
04:32He used to call me reckless and worry I'd get hurt, always following behind me to clean up my messes.
04:38When he scolded me, he never held back.
04:40But after every cold glare, he'd sneak to my bed and brush away my stubborn tears with his fingertips.
04:46I didn't look at him.
04:47I only scanned the room, desperate for Fenris.
04:51Ashclaw's fingers gripped the doorframe.
04:53A bitter laugh escaped him.
04:55Fenris, guess you missed a spot.
04:58Someone came after you.
04:59Fenris stepped out.
05:01Clothes disheveled, hair messy.
05:03A fresh bite mark scarred the side of his neck.
05:05He shot Ashclaw an annoyed look.
05:07Then his gaze landed on me.
05:08There was irritation in his eyes.
05:10I instinctively stepped back.
05:13Suddenly, a fur blanket was draped over me.
05:15I looked up.
05:16Ashclaw's jaw was tight.
05:18Fenris came closer, that familiar softness returning.
05:21Kira, what happened?
05:22I bit my lip and forced the words out.
05:24I won't cause trouble anymore.
05:26Won't nag you when your fur isn't soft enough or cling to you when you're tired.
05:29I just want you as my mate.
05:32Please, don't leave me, okay?
05:34I reached for his hand.
05:36He dodged it.
05:38It's freezing outside.
05:39Come in first.
05:41I sat on a wooden chair in Ivy's house.
05:43Everything in the room was perfectly in place.
05:45I thought of my own freezing house and the roof I could never fully patch.
05:49When it got too cold, I never dared complain.
05:52I'd just inch closer and curl up against Fenris.
05:56Feeling soft-hearted, huh?
05:57Just so you know, if you regret it, don't even think about coming back.
06:01No, I just don't want her running to the chieftain crying again, causing trouble for Ivy.
06:07Don't worry.
06:09She's easy to soothe.
06:10Ashclaw chuckled softly.
06:11Footsteps faded away.
06:13Someone crouched in front of me.
06:15Fenris lowered his gaze, carefully dabbing the blood from my knees with a cloth.
06:19Kira, from now on, I'm Ivy's mate.
06:21You're the chieftain's daughter.
06:23You can choose any of the finest beastfeek in the tribe.
06:25Wasn't that what you always said?
06:28That you'd throw the three of us out and choose other mates?
06:32That's not what I meant.
06:34His expression darkened.
06:36He wiped away my tears, then stood to get water.
06:39Suddenly, something heavy slammed into me.
06:41I turned around.
06:43You bully!
06:44You hurt mom!
06:46Get out!
06:47I threw up my arm to block it.
06:49The scalding water splashed.
06:51A few drops hit the child's bare hand.
06:53The wooden door burst open from outside.
06:55A hand clamped down on my neck.
06:58Bullying Ivy wasn't enough for you?
07:00Now you're hurting a child too?
07:02Kira, you really are something.
07:04I couldn't breathe, clawing at his fingers desperately.
07:08Red Moor!
07:09He jerked and let go.
07:11I hit the ground hard and doubled over.
07:14Fenris rushed up, reached for me.
07:16Then Ivy pushed the door open and stepped out.
07:19Without thinking, he shoved me further away.
07:22I rolled across the ground, the pain so sharp it turned numb.
07:25Ashclaw followed her out.
07:27He hesitated for half a beat, then just stood there frozen.
07:30They stood against me, all for her child.
07:32I got up by myself.
07:34My forearm was an awful red, covered in blisters.
07:37I only said one word.
07:39Apologize.
07:40He's just a child.
07:42You're seriously gonna hold that against a child?
07:44Ivy murmured something to the child.
07:46Sorry.
07:47Kira, he apologized.
07:48That burn can't wait.
07:50Let me treat it for you.
07:52No need.
07:53I stumbled into the freezing wind.
07:56On the way, I ran into some clan guards.
07:58They looked at me, then looked away.
08:00Everyone knew.
08:01The chieftain's daughter had been abandoned by her three mates.
08:04By the time I reached my door, my legs just gave out.
08:07I slid down against the doorframe.
08:09My burned arm brushed against the rough wood, and I sucked in a sharp breath.
08:13But that pain was nothing compared to the one in my chest.
08:16I buried my face in my knees.
08:18I didn't cry.
08:19I had no tears left.
08:20I shut myself inside for two full days.
08:23On the third night, I dug a wooden box out from under the bed.
08:26I opened it.
08:27Inside was a necklace strung with three fangs.
08:30My three mates had pulled out their own sharpest fangs and made them into a necklace for me.
08:34I picked it up.
08:35My fingers brushed over it lightly.
08:37Then I raised it high above my head and smashed it into the stone floor.
08:41A sharp crack rang through the empty room.
08:43It shattered.
08:44Shards flew everywhere.
08:46One sliced my ankle.
08:47I looked down at the broken pieces that would never be whole again.
08:50I didn't hesitate.
08:52I picked up the bundle I'd already packed and pushed the door open.
08:55Vaughn was already waiting by the carriage.
08:57His eyes red-rimmed.
08:58You sure?
08:59I'm sure.
09:00He draped a heavy fur cloak over my shoulders.
09:02There's medicine in there.
09:04And food.
09:05Take care of yourself.
09:07The carriage began to move.
09:08I didn't look back.
09:10The carriage hadn't even left the tribe yet.
09:12I heard hurried footsteps behind us.
09:14Redmoor got there first and stepped in front of the carriage, blocking the way.
09:18Kira!
09:19What did you say to the chieftain this time?
09:21Fenris was right behind him.
09:22His gaze fell on the travel pack in the carriage, and he frowned.
09:25Ashclaw hung back, silent, staring at me.
09:28Before, if they'd accused me like that, I would have jumped up and argued until Dad
09:32took my side.
09:33But now, I was just tired.
09:35Well?
09:36Say something!
09:37Redmoor snapped impatiently, disgust written all over his face.
09:40What, are you trying to use the chieftain's power to drive Ivy out again?
09:42I'm telling you!
09:43Yes.
09:44I cut him off.
09:45All three of them froze.
09:47Yes.
09:48I want Ivy gone.
09:49I tightened my grip on the fur and gave a cold laugh.
09:52I'm jealous of her.
09:53I hate that she took you from me.
09:55So I went to Dad.
09:57Dad loves me most, doesn't he?
09:58If I cry and beg, he gives me whatever I want.
10:00The veins on the red wolf's forehead bulged.
10:03Kira!
10:04Don't you dare!
10:06I do.
10:07You'll find out tomorrow anyway.
10:09The three of them turned and left, their faces dark with fury.
10:12I watched their backs disappear.
10:14Then I looked down and pulled the silver fox fur vest Ashclaw had hunted for me out of
10:18my pack.
10:19I folded it carefully and set it on the stone step by the door.
10:22Dad was still waiting by the carriage, his eyes red.
10:25The fur around my shoulders was still warm, and the bag he'd given me weighed heavy in
10:28my hand.
10:29Take care of yourself.
10:31He said again.
10:32I climbed into the carriage and gave the tribe one last look in the morning light.
10:35When I opened my eyes again, there was nothing left in them but resolve.
10:39I will.
10:40Before dawn, the square was already crowded.
10:43Females without maids stood together in tight clusters.
10:45Their families pressed in around them.
10:48Three beast men pushed into the crowd, searching for me in a panic.
10:51Once through.
10:52Then again.
10:54Still nowhere.
10:55Sweat broke out across Fenris' forehead as he grabbed a woman he knew.
10:58Have you seen Kira?
10:59No.
11:00Why would she be here?
11:01Didn't she already have the three of you?
11:03Someone beside her lowered their voice.
11:05Did you forget?
11:07Kira doesn't have any mates anymore.
11:08Ashclaw shoved his way in front of Vaughn.
11:11Vaughn's gaze swept over the three of them.
11:13Chieftain, where's Kira?
11:15Kira isn't here.
11:16The color drained from their faces.
11:18Then Vaughn turned to the crowd and said in a low voice.
11:21As for the marriage alliance with the polar abyss, the drawing of Suns is cancelled.
11:25A stir ran through the crowd.
11:29Who?
11:30Who would volunteer for that?
11:31Is she out of her mind?
11:33Vaughn looked at the three men, his eyes full of disappointment.
11:36My daughter.
11:37Kira.
11:38Ashclaw reacted first.
11:39He spun and bolted.
11:41Redmoor and Fenris were right behind him.
11:43They vaulted over the fence and charged up the mountain path leading out of the tribe.
11:47Fenris ran the hardest.
11:49He almost shifted into his beast form.
11:51After a few strides, he shifted back.
11:53His legs gave out beneath him.
11:55Tears hit the ground.
11:56Ashclaw stared at the winding trail disappearing beyond the mountain, his hands trembling.
12:01It's been a whole night.
12:03We won't catch her.
12:04Redmoor drove his fist through the tree trunk beside him.
12:07Blood dripped everywhere.
12:09It was us.
12:10We drove her away.
12:12Redmoor crouched on the ground, his voice hoarse.
12:15The truth was absurd.
12:16The three of them had never truly chosen Ivy.
12:18It had all been planned.
12:20They thought Kira was too spoiled.
12:22She didn't value what she had.
12:23So they went to Ivy.
12:25They asked her to help them put on a show.
12:27The three of them would pretend to leave Kira and become Ivy's mates.
12:30They wanted Kira to taste loss and learn independence.
12:33In exchange, they'd take turns testing the herbs Ivy made.
12:37Ashclaw left first.
12:39He acted the coldest.
12:40Redmoor played the cruelest role.
12:42He even grabbed Kira by the throat.
12:44Fenris went last.
12:46He made it look like even the gentlest one had abandoned her.
12:49Ivy had warned them back then.
12:50If you want her to learn independence, that's not wrong.
12:53But to her, this won't feel like a lesson.
12:57It'll feel like the people she trusted most.
13:00They just shoved her off a cliff together.
13:03No one listened.
13:04They thought Kira would cry for a few days.
13:06Then she would start acting sensible.
13:08She would cherish them more.
13:10She would love them more.
13:11But they forgot one thing.
13:13They were the ones who made her that way.
13:15They spoiled her little by little.
13:17They indulged her.
13:19They favored her.
13:20They made her believe the world should revolve around her.
13:23Then suddenly, they took it all away.
13:25You were wrong.
13:26We don't want you like this.
13:28Redmoor was the first to fall apart.
13:30He stared at the hands that had gripped Kira's throat.
13:32And night after night, they kept shaking.
13:35The three of them went back to Kira's cabin.
13:37The door wasn't locked.
13:39The woodshed was empty.
13:41The hole in the roof was still dripping.
13:43On the stone bed, there was nothing but a thin fur blanket.
13:47Fenris' eyes fell on the wooden table.
13:49A basket of ice berries.
13:51They were crawling with worms.
13:52He walked over and sent the basket crashing to the floor.
13:56Every berry had been bitten twice.
13:58Like she hadn't wanted to eat them, but had no choice.
14:01Ashclaw suddenly grabbed Fenris by the throat and slammed him to the ground.
14:06There's no food left!
14:08You left her alone in this freezing cabin?!
14:11Redmoor crouched in front of the basket of rotten berries.
14:14If I'd known, I should have stayed.
14:18I should have been the last one to walk away.
14:21Fenris slowly got to his feet and walked outside.
14:24There was an out-of-the-way spot beside the woodshed.
14:27It was piled high with split firewood.
14:29You!
14:31I came every night.
14:33I chopped wood.
14:35Left food at her door, but I never went inside.
14:38You chopped the wood, so why was her place still empty?!
14:41Because I left the wood outside.
14:43I thought she'd come out and get it.
14:46But she never even opened the door.
14:48The three remained silent for a long time.
14:51Three years later,
14:53Ashclaw threw himself into every mission outside the tribe.
14:57He didn't dare stay in the tribe.
14:59One familiar sight, and he'd think of Kira.
15:02Redmoor had picked up countless new wounds on top of old scars.
15:06His temper got worse and worse.
15:08And when he got drunk, he sat outside Kira's house and talked to himself.
15:13Fenris just stayed outside Kira's empty house, like a ghost that had lost its soul.
15:17Day after day, he chopped wood, patched the roof, and wiped away the dust.
15:22As if she might push open the door tomorrow and say,
15:25Why is this place so dirty?
15:27Ivy's true mate was a beast man from another tribe named Ray.
15:30He finally found the tribe, and the two were reunited.
15:34People are saying they saw Kira?
15:37The young beast man at the gate rubbed his eyes, thinking he must have seen wrong.
15:41But the woman in polar abyss clothing was indeed standing at the gate.
15:45She was leaner than three years ago, but far more composed.
15:49Kira, you're back!
15:50One of the older guards blurted out.
15:52Others nearby leaned out to look.
15:53It really is her.
15:55Didn't she go to the polar abyss?
15:56She looks... completely different.
15:59I nodded to them and walked straight to my father's house.
16:02Vaughn had already heard the news.
16:04The moment he stepped outside, he ran straight into me.
16:07His eyes instantly reddened.
16:09Kira.
16:10Is it really my Kira?
16:13Fighting back tears.
16:14I threw my arms around his body, now bent with age.
16:18His arms tightened around me.
16:19It took him a long while before he finally let go.
16:22Then he cupped my face and looked at me carefully.
16:25Did they treat you well over there in the polar abyss?
16:28I took his rough hand and let him inside.
16:30Dad.
16:31I have a mate.
16:32His name is Azephal.
16:34He's a dragon warrior from the polar abyss.
16:36We have a child too.
16:38Riven.
16:38Vaughn's eyes lit up at once.
16:40A little one?
16:42Where is the child?
16:43Hurry!
16:43Bring them here!
16:44They're outside the tribe.
16:45I poured Vaughn a cup of water.
16:48Azial and Riven can't stay away from water too long.
16:51I had them wait by the creek.
16:53There was another reason.
16:55I just didn't mention it.
16:57Azazel was ridiculously possessive.
16:59On the way here, he stayed glued to me and Riven.
17:02If another beast man looked at me too long, he drove them off.
17:05He wouldn't let anyone come within ten yards of me.
17:08When we reached the tribe gates, he lowered his voice.
17:11I don't like the smell here.
17:13What smell?
17:15Three bugs.
17:16I knew exactly who he meant.
17:18I'd never hidden my past from him.
17:20After hearing it all, he pulled me into his arms.
17:23They don't deserve you.
17:24I poked his chest.
17:26That's all in the past.
17:27Yeah, but I don't forget.
17:28Now, in front of Vaughn, I kept it casual.
17:31Azar likes being alone, but he's good to me and the child.
17:35Vaughn studied my face for a moment.
17:37After you left, those three bastards were like lost souls.
17:40Ashclaw and Redmoor stay away most of the year.
17:43As for Fennis, he's a wreck.
17:46I froze.
17:46I didn't even get to ask.
17:48A furious shout suddenly came from outside.
17:51Chieftain!
17:52I heard Kira's back.
17:54Is it true?
17:55It was Redmoor.
17:56My fist clenched.
17:58Vaughn's face darkened.
18:00Dad, let me handle this.
18:02He looked like he wanted to speak.
18:04But in the end, he sat back down.
18:07Then the door was shoved open.
18:09Redmoor rushed in first.
18:10He was much thinner than he'd been three years ago.
18:13A few ugly scars now cut across his face.
18:16Fenris and Ashclaw pushed past him and came in.
18:18Fenris had changed the most.
18:20Ashclaw had changed too.
18:22He already had a few gray strands at his temples.
18:25Kira, is that really you?
18:27I looked at them calmly.
18:29Three years in the polar abyss and Azazel's indulgent love had transformed me.
18:33I gave a soft laugh and tucked the loose hair behind my ear.
18:37A bite mark showed at my neck.
18:39Azazel had left it there before I came back.
18:41I quickly lifted a hand to cover it.
18:44All three of them were already staring at that spot.
18:46Their breathing turned heavy.
18:48Long time no see.
18:50I came back to see Dad.
18:52I'll stay a few days, then leave.
18:54Leave?
18:55You're still going back?
18:56Back to that hellhole?
18:57Kira, we were wrong.
18:58The polar abyss is my home.
19:00Why wouldn't I go back?
19:02Dad, is my old room still there?
19:05I'll take Azazel and Raiden over.
19:08You're staying in that room?
19:11Is that a problem?
19:14I checked the time.
19:15If I didn't get back soon, little Riven would start crying.
19:18I said goodbye to Vaughn and walked between the three of them.
19:22When I reached the tribe gate...
19:23How long are you planning to follow me?
19:25Kira, give us a chance to explain!
19:29Explain?
19:32Weren't you happy with Ivy?
19:34So how did you end up like this?
19:36We were never with Ivy.
19:39It's not what you think.
19:42I frowned.
19:43Then why did you leave me?
19:44We thought you were too spoiled.
19:47So we made you taste loss and cherish what you had.
19:51We brought Ivy in on it.
19:53Pretended to be her mates.
19:54In return, we took turns testing her medicine.
19:58Then I laughed.
19:59That laugh made all three beast folks step back.
20:02So choking me was an act.
20:04Shoving me to the floor was an act.
20:06Calling me disgusting and saying you regretted ever putting me first?
20:09We're all part of the act too?
20:11I'm warning you.
20:13Stop following me.
20:15My mate has a bad temper.
20:18He especially hates other males getting close to his mate.
20:21You don't want to bring trouble to the tribe, do you?
20:24The three of them stayed where they were.
20:28I'll go beg the chieflin.
20:30It's no use.
20:33What if her mate wasn't around anymore?
20:40You've lost your mind.
20:43She has a child.
20:45You really want that kid growing up without a father?
20:48Fenmis, get a grip.
20:53I know exactly what I'm doing.
20:55I can take that dragon's place and become her child's father.
20:58I found Azazel and Riven by the river.
21:01A tiny body launched itself at me and wrapped around my leg.
21:05Riven's eyes were still wet with tears.
21:08His silver blue hair was a mess.
21:10You were gone forever.
21:12I counted so many bubbles.
21:15But I came back, didn't I?
21:19I counted two.
21:21Azazel rested his chin on my shoulder, looking ridiculously pouty.
21:25I looked at him.
21:26Counted what?
21:27Every second you were gone.
21:29I couldn't help laughing.
21:31That was when I realized something was off.
21:33I reached up and touched his cheek.
21:35Dry and a little rough.
21:36A few pale blue scales were lifting at the edges.
21:39He'd been away from the water too long.
21:41Why weren't you soaking in the river?
21:43You weren't back.
21:45I didn't want to go anywhere.
21:46My heart clenched.
21:48I frowned and quickly led him and Riven to the river.
21:51The second they hit the water, Riven perked right up.
21:53He started swishing his tail like crazy.
21:56Azazel loosened up too.
21:58He sank half beneath the water, leaving only his slit pupils fixed on me.
22:04Those three beast fangs came to see you?
22:06They did.
22:07His pupils narrowed.
22:09I handled it.
22:10I crouched by the water.
22:12I scooped up a handful and poured it over his lifted scales.
22:17Trust me.
22:19Azazel was quiet for a moment.
22:21Then he grabbed my wrist and hauled me straight into the water.
22:24Riven let out a delighted shriek and splashed over to join in.
22:27Two dragon tails wrapped around me at once.
22:30I couldn't move.
22:31I was annoyed, but I was laughing too.
22:33The next day, I formally introduced Azazel and Riven to Vaughn.
22:37Little Riven was curious about everything on land.
22:40His tiny hands were everywhere.
22:42He even crawled onto the stone steps outside Vaughn's place and studied them forever.
22:46The second Vaughn saw him, he couldn't look away.
22:49Vaughn crouched down.
22:50He looked like he wanted to touch that silver blue hair, but he was afraid of startling the
22:55child.
22:55However, Riven was bold.
22:57He tilted his head and studied his grandfather for a moment.
23:00Then he suddenly grabbed Vaughn's finger and blew a little bubble.
23:04The bubble popped right on Vaughn's nose.
23:06The old chieftain froze for a second.
23:08Then he laughed until his eyes watered.
23:10This kid!
23:11Where'd he get that nerve?
23:13I stood there watching, my throat tightening.
23:16But with Azazel, Vaughn was much more cautious.
23:18He looked him over from head to toe.
23:21This dragon stood a full head taller than an ordinary beast folk male.
23:24Vaughn's gaze paused for a moment on the scale scars along his arms, marks left behind by
23:28battle.
23:29So you're Azazel.
23:31Azazel gave a slight nod.
23:32Around me, he was endlessly talkative.
23:35Around other people, he barely spoke at all.
23:38Vaughn looked at him for a long time.
23:40I'll only ask once.
23:43Can you keep my daughter safe?
23:44Azazel answered in a low voice.
23:46I'll protect her with my life.
23:48Vaughn nodded.
23:49He said nothing else.
23:51He just turned back and started playing with Riven again.
23:54Grandfather and grandson were giggling together in no time.
23:58Azazel stood nearby, a faint smile touching his lips.
24:01It was an expression he almost never showed in front of others.
24:04I leaned closer and lowered my voice.
24:07My dad's stubborn, but he accepts you now.
24:09Azazel looked down at me.
24:11Then he glanced at Vaughn again, who was feeding Riven bits of dried fruit.
24:15Your father is a good man.
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