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The Alpha's Widow：I Seduced My Dead Mate's Brother to Survive New
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00:00To survive. Three days after the funeral, I seduced my late mate's brother at his coffin.
00:07I wore only thin mourning linen, my back pressed to cold oak. I needed a child, one Luna Morrigan
00:14would believe was the last bloodline of her dead eldest son. I needed to survive. In fact,
00:21I lied. I trembled because I was just reborn. In my first life, Silverstone Pack sent me
00:27to Blackstone as a peace bride. My mate Alistair died three days after our wedding. He and his
00:33father fell in battle, slain by my own people. Three months later, his mother Luna Morrigan
00:39gave me poisoned wine in this same hall. Daughter of the enemy, a cursed widow. Your death will
00:45break the alliance and spark war. My soul was trapped, forced to watch it all.
01:01I stared at Cassian. For three years, he drowned Silverstone in blood.
01:06Today, we remind the world who rules it.
01:11Yeah! Today!
01:17Forcing all packs to bow to his rule, I watched him point a dagger at his own mother's throat
01:22for a grey-eyed shepherd girl. As they clashed, the family locket flew right through my ghostly
01:28heart. Then light swallowed everything.
01:43Candlelight flickered.
01:44If you're the one coming to me. His fingers sank into my jaw.
01:49Why are you shaking?
01:51I was watching the snow outside. It's cold.
01:55Fragile thing.
01:56The man above me bit out, impatient.
02:01Focus.
02:03Cassian.
02:05Then be rougher.
02:07Warm me up.
02:09His breath caught.
02:10He froze for half a heartbeat, clearly surprised that I dared.
02:17The coffin against my back was cold, but his palm against my chest was hot.
02:22Then he cupped the back of my head firmly and kissed me deeper and harder.
02:27I climbed onto his shoulders, letting my mourning gown slip down one arm.
02:31Then I felt his teeth grazed the pulse point in my throat.
02:35Our ragged breathing filled the hall.
02:39I needed a child.
02:41One Luna Morrigan would believe was the last bloodline of her dead eldest son.
02:45I needed to survive.
02:49That night after, I tempted him in every place we met.
02:53Beside Alistair's coffin.
02:56The garden.
02:59In the snow.
03:02My side chamber.
03:04By the bookshelf.
03:05I memorized his scent.
03:07Learned when his guard slipped.
03:09And learned to wrap my legs tighter.
03:11Driving him to take me with desperate force.
03:14Every time he fell asleep beside me,
03:16I would take out a moon bloom leaf and press it to my belly.
03:20I'd close my eyes and pray in silence.
03:24Moon goddess above, tell me the result.
03:29After a moth, I opened my eyes to see the moon bloom leaf glowing silver in the moonlight.
03:39The poisoned cup arrived as I sat beside Alistair's coffin.
03:43Luna Morrigan wore morning black and held the silver cup.
03:47Alistair has been gone three months.
03:49Now it's time you joined him.
03:51The liquid in the cup was clear.
03:53I knew the taste well.
03:55I can't.
03:57I knelt, my hand moving to my stomach.
04:00I carry his child.
04:02Impossible.
04:03Her hand froze.
04:05Alistair never marked you before his death.
04:07He marked me.
04:09I looked up, pointing her eyes directly.
04:11Our wedding night.
04:13Don't you remember?
04:14I was gambling.
04:16Gambling that a mother would choose to believe her son had left behind blood.
04:20Gambling that she would not kill her own grandchild right now.
04:23She stared at me for a long time.
04:25Summon the moon priest.
04:27Her voice icy.
04:28Verify.
04:31Priest, verify whether the child in her womb carries my son's blood.
04:37Madam Fecilia.
04:40Swear by the moon goddess, and any lie shall find no shelter under her gaze.
04:47The priest held the moon bloom leaf, his gaze cold and piercing.
04:51Witnessed by the moon goddess.
04:53I, Cassilia Silverstone, swear that the child in my womb is Blackstone Blood, Luna Morius' grandchild.
05:00The moon bloom leaf in the priest's hand burst into silver light.
05:03The moon bloom tree confirms.
05:05It is true.
05:07How conveniently time this child's arrival is.
05:11I held my breath.
05:12Go.
05:13Rest.
05:16I stood up, my legs trembling.
05:19But I steadied myself, walked calmly out of the morning hall.
05:23I stepped into the sunlit corridor.
05:26For the first time, the air tasted sweet.
05:29Then darkness crashed over me.
05:31Suffocation seized my throat.
05:33Cassian pinned me against a corridor pillar, his fingers ironed around my neck.
05:37You calculated me.
05:41Not a question, but a verdict.
05:44His eyes blazed with the same fury I'd seen in my past life.
05:50Three months.
05:52You schemed to approach me.
05:54All for this child.
05:58My back pressed against the cold pillar.
06:01Yes.
06:01I looked up at him.
06:03He faltered.
06:04Perhaps he had expected denial.
06:07Wait for death or fight to live.
06:11Which would you choose?
06:14You expect me to bow quietly to my fate.
06:17I cut him off.
06:18You know I was the Silverstones' sacrifice.
06:21You know I had nowhere to run.
06:22You know your mother, Luna Morian.
06:24Once the war between Blackstone and Silverstone fully abropes,
06:27she'll kill me to set a battle banner.
06:29You know-
06:30You know nothing.
06:34You think I watched coldly from the side?
06:36You have no idea what merciful arrangement I made for you.
06:40I froze.
06:41Fine.
06:41He stared at me.
06:42Since you deem me an accomplice,
06:46let me show you what an accomplice is capable of.
06:49He seized my wrist.
06:52Dragged me down the corridor.
06:56I fell onto the bed.
06:58His shadow fell over.
06:59He breathed against my ear.
07:00You schemed against me.
07:02Then scheme this through to the end.
07:04His teeth grazing my earlobe.
07:08His teeth sank into my shoulder.
07:12My nails raked deep furrows down his back.
07:16He drove into me like a man unraveling.
07:24That night, he had no gentleness left.
07:27Yet his hands held my belly with desperate tenderness.
07:31Near dawn, he fell asleep.
07:33In sleep, he looked almost harmless.
07:35Moonlight poured through the window,
07:37gilding his lashes,
07:39softening the hard lines of his face.
07:43I rose quietly.
07:47Where are you going?
07:50Where are you going?
07:52His voice came from behind me,
07:54sharp and cold.
07:56Luna Moralek will send someone to check.
07:58I did not turn.
08:00I can't be found here.
08:03I prepared a deathfall straight for you.
08:05He sat up in bed.
08:06A cabin in the north.
08:08A new name.
08:09His eyes bright in the darkness.
08:11You could have lived freely.
08:12Not as my brother's widow.
08:14Not as...
08:15Not as the woman who schemed against me.
08:17I walked over.
08:18His voice was low, almost hollow.
08:21Cassian.
08:22His eyes bright in the darkness.
08:23Are you going to planning to defy your mother, Luna Moran?
08:27To set me free?
08:28He looked at me for a long time.
08:31Come here.
08:31He pulled my hand,
08:32dragged me into his arms.
08:34I plan to hide you away.
08:35His heartbeat was fast,
08:37matching mine.
08:38Make you mine.
08:40And mine alone.
09:07The Blackstone's secret dreft.
09:10False death.
09:11New identity.
09:14You will be mine.
09:15Not my brother's widow.
09:17Not Blackstone's young mistress.
09:19Just...
09:19He lowered his head.
09:21Kissed my forehead.
09:23Mine.
09:24Mistress in the dark.
09:28Cassian.
09:31The idea detonated in my skull.
09:39This is your mercy.
09:41What?
09:41False death.
09:43New identity.
09:45Hidden away.
09:46To be your secret mistress.
09:48Cecilia.
09:51Cecilia.
09:52What difference is there from waiting to die?
09:54I grabbed my clothes,
09:55walked toward the door.
09:56The difference is,
09:58you would live.
09:59His voice chased from behind.
10:00I stopped at the door,
10:01hand on the latch.
10:03Live!
10:04As your pet!
10:05Until I die unknown!
10:07I pulled the door open and walked out.
10:12Morning light stabbed my eyes.
10:20After that day,
10:22Cassian left for battle.
10:25Luna Morrigan never spoke of the poisoned cup again.
10:37Yet by her silent command,
10:39the servants ignored all my requests for daily necessities.
10:45Cold leftovers.
10:47Thin worn winter clothes.
10:49Time passed.
10:50Day by day.
10:51I needed a new path.
10:53I began appearing at Luna Morrigan's side.
10:56Morning herbal tea.
10:58Afternoon walks.
11:00Evening dinner.
11:01I did not speak.
11:03Only kept her company.
11:04One week passed.
11:06Two weeks passed.
11:08One day.
11:09She spoke to me.
11:13You are a quiet child.
11:17Quieter than I thought.
11:20Also smarter than I thought.
11:23I was gambling.
11:24Gambling on a grieving mother's need to fill the void left by her lost son.
11:28Cecilia.
11:30You are finding a way to live?
11:32My heart raced.
11:33But I only nodded.
11:34Prove your worth to me.
11:39Her eyes hardened into icy slits.
11:43Cassian needs a mate.
11:50Help him pick a suitable one.
11:52I lowered my eyes.
11:57Yes, Luna Moria.
12:02The day Cassian returned, I waited for him at the manor gates.
12:06He led a column of blackstone wolf warriors.
12:08A long line of war spoils trailing behind him.
12:11Cassian, on horseback.
12:12His gaze swept over the crowd, locked onto mine.
12:15Then drifted down to my faintly rounded belly.
12:18Then he rode past me without a word.
12:20I stepped forward to block his path.
12:25Cecilia, long time no see.
12:27I have a surprise for you.
12:29Tomorrow, the back garden.
12:32What surprise?
12:34Come and you'll know.
12:35He straightened, lips pressed thin, deigning to nod.
12:38I exhaled.
12:39He had agreed.
12:40Then he pointed to a carriage behind him.
12:42Find her some work.
12:43I picked her up on the road.
12:44She knows sheep.
12:48I turned.
12:49The carriage curtain lifted.
12:51A grey-eyed girl looked at me.
12:53Timid.
12:54My blood turned to ice.
12:56Aayla.
12:57The shepherd girl from my first life.
13:00Of course, Cassius brings back such a pretty girl.
13:04She must be well arranged.
13:05Cassian's expression turned playful as he watched me.
13:08Was this.
13:09His warning not to mistreat Aayla.
13:10She must be his true love from his past life.
13:13I'll arrange it personally.
13:15How about some simple banquet service work?
13:21Cassian dropped a...
13:22Whatever.
13:23...and left.
13:27The next day, Cassian came to the back garden.
13:30He wore a deep blue formal coat.
13:32His hair tied back.
13:34He smiled.
13:35Striding toward me with a bouquet of white roses.
13:38He looked at me.
13:39Lips curving.
13:41His gaze making my heart skip.
13:43Then he looked past my shoulder.
13:45Then he glanced past my shoulder.
13:47Wolf maidens gathered.
13:50Silk.
13:50Gems.
13:51Laughter all around.
13:53Twelve pairs of eyes fixed eagerly on him.
13:56His steps faltered.
13:58Then the smile froze on his face.
14:01Luna Morgan stepped out from the pavilion.
14:04Satisfaction rare on her features.
14:08Well done.
14:09You've made thorough arrangements.
14:12Cassian even got all dressed up.
14:14He's brought gifts to please the ladies.
14:18Cassian's expression changed.
14:20Excuse us for a moment.
14:22He seized my hand.
14:23Dragged me into the shadow of the corridor pillar.
14:26White rose petals crushed between his fingers.
14:30This is your carefully prepared surprise.
14:33Bringing me here to pick a noble mate.
14:37This was Luna Morena's demise.
14:41He stared at me.
14:42Eyes burning.
14:43Then he laughed dangerously.
14:45Fine.
14:46Fine.
14:47Fine.
14:48Fine.
14:52Cassian pulled me back to the garden center.
14:55Stopping before the assembled guests.
14:59Mom.
15:00There is already someone in my heart.
15:02He gripped my hand tightly.
15:04I struggled.
15:06I tried to shake him off, but he would not release.
15:08Do not jest.
15:12No jest.
15:13My heart pounded wildly.
15:15I feared he would speak madness.
15:17I wrenched at his fingers with all my strength.
15:20His hand finally torn from mine.
15:22His eyes on me.
15:23The one I desire.
15:26The one I desire.
15:27The one I desire is her.
15:28All gazes followed his pointing finger.
15:30To me, I froze.
15:32Screaming inwardly.
15:35Crash behind me.
15:36Porcelain shattered.
15:37I turned.
15:38Bowls and plates scattered across the floor.
15:41Who is this girl?
15:44Cassian fell silent.
15:46Aayla only looked at him timid.
15:48Cecilia.
15:49You tell me.
15:51Luna Morrigan's voice cut.
15:52A shepherd girl I brought back.
15:54Cassian spoke suddenly.
15:58Aayla.
15:59Luna Morrigan's expression shifted.
16:02She looked past me.
16:03The girl behind me.
16:05A lowborn woman who bewitches Blackstone's future alpha.
16:10Aayla should die.
16:12I could not tell which of us she meant.
16:19Aayla is my beloved.
16:22I exhaled.
16:24My heartbeat dropped from my throat back to my chest.
16:26He had chosen her.
16:28Just as in the first life, history was repeating itself.
16:31And I was standing beside.
16:33Luna Morrigan's expression did not change.
16:35She only waved her hand.
16:37The ball is dismissed.
16:40The twelve wolf maidens exchanged glances, then lowered their heads and withdrew.
16:45Aayla remained standing, eyes on the shattered porcelain.
16:49You stay.
16:51And you.
16:52She did not look at me.
16:53She looked at Aayla.
16:55The door closed behind us.
16:59Luna Morrigan sat in the master's seat.
17:02Kassian stood.
17:04Kassian stood.
17:04Aayla knelt.
17:05I stood by the corridor pillar.
17:08Kill her.
17:09Tonight.
17:10Who?
17:11The shepherd girl.
17:14Impossible.
17:16Kassian, you are the future alpha.
17:19Your mate must be the Pax Luna, not some roadside shepherd girl.
17:23My mate.
17:23I choose myself.
17:26You choose?
17:29Do you choose a mate or do you choose rebellion?
17:32Kassian's shoulders tensed.
17:34I knew this stance.
17:36In my first life, before he pressed the dagger to her throat, he had stood just so.
17:44You're obsessed with control.
17:46When will it end?
17:47When you become alpha.
17:49I am alpha now.
17:51You are merely the heir.
17:52Since your father died, since your brother died, until I allow it, you are nothing but Kassian.
17:58My son.
18:00The heir forms.
18:01Aayla's knees trembled.
18:02I looked at her, remembering myself kneeling in the morning hall.
18:05We were both chips, both tools.
18:08I choose the one I desire as my mate.
18:11She cannot become Luna.
18:13I do not need Luna!
18:15Every alpha needs a Luna.
18:17Otherwise, the Pax splits, bleeds, falls to-
18:20Falls to what?
18:21He cut through her words.
18:22Like father?
18:23Like brother?
18:25Dying under silverstone blades?
18:26Her expression finally changed.
18:28You hate me because you believe I drove them to their deaths.
18:32Did you not?
18:33They chose the battlefield themselves, not I.
18:36Kassian looked at her for a long time.
18:39Then he glanced at me.
18:41He turned.
18:43Took Aayla's hand.
18:44She will not die.
18:45Unless you kill me first.
18:48Kassian passed by me without another look.
18:51You saw.
18:52This is the future alpha.
18:55Weak.
18:56Bewitched.
18:57Taken by-
18:58By what?
18:58She paused.
19:00She only waved her hand, dismissing me.
19:02As I turned, I heard her whisper,
19:05By love.
19:08After that night, Kassian brought Aayla into his quarters.
19:12I heard he gave her the finest chamber, silk gowns, and ate with him.
19:16Luna Morrigan said nothing.
19:18She was waiting.
19:19As was I.
19:21My belly grew rounder.
19:23The moonbloom leaf glowed in my palm.
19:27The priest pronounced the child healthy, the bloodline pure.
19:30But she only nodded, her eyes on the window toward Kassian's quarters.
19:36Cecilia, how long do you think Aayla will live?
19:39My hand stilled.
19:40Once, Alistair hated me, because I forced him to marry a stranger.
19:45You.
19:47But I was right.
19:48At least this preserved his bloodline.
19:51Don't you agree?
19:52Now Kassian hates me.
19:55History repeats.
19:57What should I do?
19:59I looked at her.
20:00What do you wish me to do?
20:02She smiled.
20:03The same smile when she handed me the poisoned wine before.
20:06She produced the same silver cup.
20:09I was not surprised.
20:11Aayla must die, or you join her, after you deliver the child.
20:19I cannot kill an innocent.
20:22Then you are useless.
20:24Useless people should not consume Blackstone's resources.
20:28After she left, the poisoned cup remained on the table.
20:31My days returned to what they had been.
20:34Cold meals, thin clothes.
20:36The servants contempt.
20:37This time, I knew it was Luna Morrigan's order.
20:40She was forcing me to move against Aayla.
20:43I could not.
20:44Harming the innocent was not my way.
20:46Let alone, Aayla was Kassian's chosen beloved.
20:50If harm came to Aayla, in the future he would make me pay in blood.
20:54Yet I could not defy Luna Morrigan.
20:56If I did not act against Aayla, she would make my life unbearable.
21:00What could I do?
21:01Trapped between the two of them, I have no path to survival.
21:05Then, the thought struck.
21:07Leave this place.
21:08No longer be the enemy's daughter, nor the widow who brought curse upon the family heir.
21:13But how to escape the heavily guarded Blackstone Manor?
21:15I needed the death false draft.
21:17Cassian had spoken of it.
21:20I infiltrated Cassian's quarters.
21:25A few maids passed.
21:27I hid behind a corridor pillar.
21:30Aayla is so fortunate.
21:32Prince Cassian visits her every night.
21:33I watched Cassian enter Aayla's chamber.
21:36The lamp burned for a long while.
21:39Good.
21:40Their world of two.
21:41Time for me.
21:43Study.
21:44Hidden compartment.
21:45Secret chamber.
21:46I searched every place.
21:48At last I found a plain white porcelain bottle by his bed.
21:52My hands trembled as I opened it.
21:54The smell was sharp.
21:56But I could not tell if it was what I need.
21:58I took out the moonbloom leaf.
22:00Pressed it to the bottle.
22:01Closed my eyes.
22:03Moonbloom tree above.
22:04Reveal the truth.
22:06The leaf glowed images.
22:07Flooded in.
22:08Not the draft ingredients.
22:10Cassian.
22:11Standing bathed in the moonlight.
22:13Leaf in hand.
22:14Eyes closed.
22:16Murmuring.
22:17The vision shifted.
22:18He looked at me.
22:19In the morning hall.
22:20In the study.
22:22In the garden.
22:23His heart racing.
22:24His temperature rising.
22:25His wolf spirit restless.
22:27Not Aayla.
22:28Me.
22:33Every time he entered Aayla's chamber.
22:35He stood at the window.
22:36Looking toward my direction.
22:39Every time he said.
22:40My beloved.
22:42His fingers clenched.
22:43As if enduring pain.
22:45The moonbloom leaf does not lie.
22:48You saw.
22:48My eyes flew open.
22:51You came to steal the death false drought?
22:54I stepped back.
22:55My spine hitting the wall.
22:58Uncertain if it was real?
23:00Luna ordered me to kill Aayla or die with her.
23:03He entered.
23:04Closed the door.
23:06Then die.
23:07False death.
23:09I will help you.
23:10Why?
23:12Why help me?
23:13He approached.
23:14Hand covering mine on the leaf.
23:15Because I love you.
23:16The moonbloom tree bears witness.
23:18The moonbloom leaf burst into light.
23:21He drew closer.
23:22Hands on my shoulders.
23:23The death false drought.
23:24The northern cabin.
23:25New identity.
23:26Freedom.
23:26You still want me as your secret mistress?
23:28Never.
23:28It's only temporary.
23:30Until I'm free of my mother's coercion.
23:31Until she is no longer a threat to you.
23:33One hand tangled in my hair.
23:35The other took the porcelain bottle from my grasp.
23:38The real draft is in a safer place.
23:40In three days, it is mother's birthday banquet.
23:42I'll slip it to you amid the chaos.
23:46Why help me?
23:47He paused.
23:48Did not turn.
23:49Because you are mine.
23:54The morning of the banquet, Luna summoned me at the tower.
23:57Cecilia.
23:59You have been restless these days.
24:02I said nothing.
24:03My heart tightened.
24:05Cassian and you.
24:06Did you think I did not know?
24:07My blood turned to ice.
24:09Isla is merely a shield.
24:10He thinks he has won.
24:12But he is only my son.
24:14Luna Morrigan, I do not understand what misunderstand-
24:16What misunderstanding that my second son fell for his elder brother's widow and got her with child?
24:21I collapsed.
24:22But I clung to hope.
24:24The child I missed is your grandchild.
24:27Enemy blood.
24:28Bastard born of adultery.
24:31Unfit to taint the family line.
24:33She waved her hand.
24:34Deal with her.
24:37The banquet is in full wish tonight.
24:39Let us stoke the flames further.
24:41Fire spread beyond the tower window.
24:43I fell to the tower floor, watching her turn to leave.
24:47I shielded my belly.
24:48My child was only three months.
24:50The door burst open.
24:51Cassian stood in the doorway, blood stricken his face.
24:54Not his.
24:55Behind him lay two fallen lawyers.
24:57He seized and dragged me through running corridors.
25:00Heat lit in our backs.
25:02Wooden beams crashed through my head.
25:06The death falls Drost.
25:08Drink it now.
25:09I'll carry you out and bury you on the edge of the manor.
25:12Wait three days.
25:13I'll come dig you up.
25:14He pressed a porcelain bottle into my hand.
25:16My hand shook around the bottle.
25:18Why should I trust you?
25:19You may not too.
25:20But you have no choice.
25:24Luna knows everything.
25:25She knows Isla is a fraud.
25:27Knows the child is mine.
25:28Knows...
25:29Knows he paused.
25:31Knows I love you.
25:34The bottle burned in my palm.
25:36Drink.
25:37Or die.
25:38Fire swallowed the tower.
25:40Cassian's palm burned hot.
25:41The bottle in my hand felt cold.
25:43I pulled the stopper.
25:44The smell was sharp.
25:46I tilted my head back and drank it all.
25:48The liquid scorched my throat.
25:49Bitterness flooded my mouth.
25:51Then numbness spread from my tongue to my limbs.
25:53My vision blurred.
25:54His face swam amid the firelight.
25:56Lie down.
25:57He pressed me onto the burning foot.
25:58Hold your breath.
25:59Three days.
26:00I will come for you.
26:01He bent to press one last kiss to my forehead.
26:04You want mine?
26:05Darkness swallowed my consciousness.
26:07I heard beams crash.
26:08His footsteps fade.
26:09And Luna Morgan's cold laughter beyond the fire.
26:15Darkness.
26:16Suffocation.
26:17The weight of earth pressed my chest.
26:18I opened my eyes and my mouth to scream.
26:21But I couldn't.
26:23I clawed upward into my fingertips touching cold air.
26:28A hand seized me.
26:30The sword glanced behind him.
26:31Moonlight blinded.
26:32Cassian knelt at the grave's edge.
26:34Mud caked.
26:35Eyes bloodshot.
26:36Behind him stretched the northern border wasteland.
26:38I looked down at my belly.
26:40The swell remained.
26:41Trembling.
26:42I touched it and felt a faint flutter.
26:44The child lived.
26:45Cassian.
26:47Don't speak.
26:48He lifted me onto the horse's back.
26:50Luna believes you dead.
26:51Wrapped me in his cloak.
26:52Now, you are a dead woman.
26:54The horse galloped north.
26:56I looked back.
26:59Blackstone Manor left behind us.
27:02The northern cabin.
27:04A new identity.
27:07Freedom.
27:08I leaned against his back and smelled blood.
27:10To get me out.
27:11Why are you wounded?
27:12How many had he killed?
27:14It did matter.
27:14But I was too tired.
27:17It doesn't matter.
27:18The horse stopped before dawn.
27:20A wooden cabin.
27:21Embers dying in the hearth.
27:23He placed me on the bed.
27:24Turned to tend his wounds.
27:27Cassian.
27:28Is this prison?
27:30Or freedom?
27:32Both.
27:32Then laughed.
27:33The door locked.
27:35The cabin was more comfortable than expected.
27:38Hearth.
27:38Blankets.
27:39And stored food.
27:41Beyond the window lay a frozen wasteland.
27:43Wolf howls.
27:45Echoing through the night.
27:46Cassian came every three days.
27:48Brought medicine.
27:49Food.
27:50And books.
27:51He never touched me.
27:52Only sat by the hearth.
27:54Watching my belly grow rounder by the day.
27:57A name for the child.
27:58Not yet chosen.
28:02If a boy.
28:04Perhaps.
28:05Not yours.
28:06His eyes darkened.
28:07Like the moon hidden by clouds.
28:10I know.
28:11He rose.
28:12Walked to the door.
28:13Luna is purging dissenters.
28:15I must return.
28:17How long?
28:17Until she no longer suspects.
28:20Or until her suspicion costs nothing.
28:22He left.
28:25I counted days.
28:27Seven.
28:28Fourteen.
28:29Twenty-one.
28:31The food dwindled.
28:32The medicine ran out.
28:34One snowy night.
28:36Pain flared in my belly.
28:38The lock clicked open from outside.
28:41It was not Cassian who entered.
28:43A border wanderer.
28:45Drawn by the cabin's smoke.
28:47He saw me.
28:48Then my belly.
28:49His eyes were greed.
28:51Silver wolf blood glowed in the dark.
28:54My pupils turning silver.
28:58Big fortune.
28:59He raised his hunting knife.
29:00For my baby.
29:02I seized the fire toms.
29:04The struggle was weak.
29:06He fell.
29:07Blood soaked the floor red.
29:09I dragged his corpse outside.
29:11Then returned to find the pain worsening.
29:13I pressed moonbloom leaf to my belly.
29:16Closed my eyes.
29:17Prayed.
29:18The leaf glowed.
29:20The pain eased.
29:21By dawn.
29:22I made a decision.
29:24I packed my belongings.
29:26Took all the medicine.
29:27And walked north.
29:29Three days later.
29:30I reached a border town.
29:31A mixed land.
29:32Where wolves traded with other races.
29:35I hung out my sign.
29:36Healer.
29:38I had studied medicine.
29:39And my skills are peerless.
29:42But no one came for treatment.
29:44Until a blood soaked wolf warrior.
29:47Collapsed at my door.
29:51He collapsed at the clinic door.
29:53I dragged him inside and cut open his armor.
29:56Wounds covered his body.
29:58The deadliest lay at the back of his skull.
30:00Blunt force trauma.
30:02A depressed fracture.
30:04I spent the night in surgery.
30:06He woke up three days later.
30:08Blue eyes empty.
30:12Who are you?
30:14Healer.
30:16Who am I?
30:17I froze amnesia.
30:19Retrograde memory loss from skull damage.
30:22I do not know.
30:23Only that you collapsed at my door.
30:26He looked down at his hands.
30:28Large, rough, warrior's hands.
30:31He tried to make a fist.
30:33I am a warrior.
30:35It would seem so.
30:36He was silent for a long time.
30:38Then looked at me.
30:40Eyes suddenly soft.
30:41You saved me.
30:43Yes.
30:44Why?
30:45Because you collapsed at my door.
30:48He laughed.
30:49That pure, simple laugh made me freeze.
30:53I will repay you.
30:55With my life.
30:56He reached out.
30:57Gently touched my rounded belly.
30:59He stayed.
31:00Not as patient as guard.
31:02He said he would repay.
31:04So he never left my side.
31:06I treated patients.
31:08He stood at the door like a statue.
31:10Someone tried to cheat on payment.
31:12One look from him.
31:14And they paid obediently.
31:16Nights, I studied herbs.
31:19He sat by the hearth, polishing an old sword.
31:22A name for the child?
31:23He asked suddenly.
31:25No.
31:27Why?
31:29Not yet chosen.
31:34He sat down the sword and came to my side.
31:37He knelt.
31:38His eyes level with mine.
31:40The gesture made my heart skip.
31:41Cassian never knelt.
31:43He always looked down.
31:44May I suggest one?
31:46He asked.
31:47For temporary use.
31:51Go ahead.
31:52He placed his hand gently on my belly.
31:54The child moved.
31:55Kicked his palm.
31:56He laughed.
31:58Star.
31:58Little star for temporary use.
32:01I turned away.
32:02Afraid he would see my tears.
32:05Leah.
32:05You may call me by this new name from now on.
32:08He smiled and thought for a while.
32:10Liam.
32:11After yours.
32:14Blackstone Manor.
32:16Cassian stood in a pool of blood.
32:18Luna Morrigan was locked in the tower.
32:20Dissenting elders were hanged at the gates.
32:22He had spent three months purging all opposition in blood.
32:25He entered the study.
32:26A map hung on the wall.
32:28The border town circled in red.
32:30Found her?
32:31He asked the shadow.
32:32No, Alpha.
32:34The north is too vast.
32:35She may have...
32:36Continue searching.
32:38He sat, fingers tapping the desk.
32:41My brother's death.
32:42What did the investigation find?
32:44He said suddenly.
32:46The shadow was silent.
32:48Speak.
32:48The battlefield that year.
32:50Traces of a third party.
32:52Not Silverstone.
32:54Not Blackstone.
32:55Someone did not want the air to come back.
32:58Cassian's fingers stopped.
32:59Continue the investigation.
33:01After the door closed,
33:03he took out a plain white porcelain bottle.
33:05Inside lay a moonbloom leaf carved with a name.
33:08Cecilia.
33:10You are mine.
33:11He said to the empty room.
33:12Dead or not.
33:15The border town's winter passed.
33:17Liam learned to identify herbs.
33:18To brew medicines.
33:19To gently massage my shoulders when I grew tired.
33:22You had nightmares again last night.
33:24Calling a name.
33:27What name?
33:29What name?
33:29Cassian.
33:30Somewhat familiar to me.
33:33My hand stilled.
33:34Was he your husband?
33:35Was he your husband?
33:36He asked concernly.
33:37No.
33:39Did he hurt you?
33:40I looked at him.
33:41This man had lost his memory.
33:43Yet he showed such fatherly tenderness toward my baby.
33:46If I told him the whole truth, would he leave?
33:48Would he lock me away like Cassian?
33:50He is the past.
33:51Unimportant.
33:53Liam looked at me long.
33:55Then reached out, gently wiped my tear.
33:57I will protect you and Little Star.
33:59No matter what the past holds, your future is with me.
34:03He kissed my forehead.
34:04Like a family.
34:06I closed my eyes.
34:07Outside, a black horse halted at the corner.
34:10Its rider cloaked in blackstone-pack hues.
34:13I smelled it.
34:14Black cedar.
34:15Blood.
34:16And Cassian.
34:17I pushed Liam away.
34:18Seized the moon-bloom leaf.
34:20Glowed in my palm.
34:21Warning.
34:21We must leave.
34:23I told Liam.
34:24Out the back door.
34:25Why?
34:27Just go.
34:31The door burst open.
34:32Cassian stood in the doorway.
34:34Thinner than three months passed.
34:35Colder.
34:36He looked at me.
34:36At my belly.
34:37Then at Liam.
34:38You found a new guard.
34:40A replacement, eh?
34:41He is not.
34:42Liam stepped before me without hesitation.
34:44Cassian's gaze shifted from ice to scrutiny.
34:47He stared at Liam's face.
34:49An aged, battle-worn mirror.
34:51My brother.
34:51Liam frowned.
34:52What are you calling me?
34:53Cassian stepped forward.
34:55Alistair.
34:56Alistair Blackstone!
34:57Liam shook his head.
34:59You are familiar, but I do not remember.
35:01Impossible!
35:02I saw you die!
35:04Speak.
35:05Who are you?
35:06Why wear his face?
35:08Cassian!
35:08He has lost his memory!
35:10He remembers nothing!
35:12Cassian looked at me, too much in his gaze, anger, pain, and fear.
35:16You defend him!
35:20He flung Liam to the ground, then came toward me.
35:23Very well.
35:24An amnesiac.
35:26Taking my woman.
35:27Keeping my child.
35:29Your child.
35:30Liam spoke suddenly.
35:31What child?
35:32He turned to look at me.
35:33My wife.
35:35Naturally my child.
35:36How could you speak so to your brother's wife, Cassian?
35:39You are...
35:40Yes.
35:40I remember now.
35:41I am Alistair Blackstone.
35:43Your husband.
35:44You may not recall our wedding night.
35:46Cassian's face changed into pale.
35:48Alistair turned to Cassian.
35:49The battlefield last year.
35:51Third party signs.
35:53Delayed reinforcements.
35:55Cassian, was it you?
36:06You deliberately delayed the rescue, because I was the heir, because...
36:10Because I hated you from birth.
36:12You had everything.
36:14I had nothing.
36:15Even her.
36:16Alistair looked at me, at the swollen belly.
36:18How long was I absent?
36:22Seven months, not to me, to my belly.
36:25His hand trembled as he touched.
36:27Cassian laughed.
36:28Touching.
36:29But she is mine.
36:31The child is mine.
36:33She is my wife.
36:35So is the child.
36:37The brothers faced each other.
36:39They're two wolves in confrontation.
36:40I refuse.
36:42But the whole room shook.
36:43His wolf spirit awakening.
36:45Blackstone packs alpha power.
36:47You have no right, brother.
36:50You were absent seven years.
36:52The pack is mine.
36:53The army is mine.
36:54She...
36:55I'm not anyone's.
36:57I spoke.
36:58They both looked at me.
36:59I stood, belly heavy, but spine straight.
37:03The moon-bloom leaf blowed in my palm.
37:06You fight for the pack.
37:07For power.
37:08For me.
37:09But no one ever asked what I want.
37:11I stepped forward.
37:12Silver wolf blood boiled long, so fast in my veins.
37:18Cecilia.
37:20Do not touch me.
37:23Silver light burst.
37:25My pupils turn pure silver.
37:28Hair moving without wind.
37:30The moon-bloom tree pattern emerging in my belly.
37:33This is the power of the silver stone pure blood.
37:37You thought me as a sacrifice, a pawn, an accessory.
37:40But I am silver wolf.
37:42I can heal, can sense, can make warriors of two packs lay down their blades on the battlefield,
37:48or drive them to slaughter each other.
37:51I raised my hand, light gathered.
37:54Alistair, you were absent seven months, but your duty remains.
37:59Return and be alpha, but not for me, for the pack.
38:03Cassian, your love is far too heavy.
38:05Heavy enough to break me.
38:06I want no cage.
38:08I want no cage, not even a gilded one.
38:10The light peaked, and receded.
38:13I returned to normal, but something had changed forever.
38:18I choose neither.
38:19I choose myself, and the child.
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