- 6 hours ago
Marrying the Mad Wolf King in Place of His Sister
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:12You should have thought of this when you planted that curse into me.
00:17I bound Silas Sterling to my bed with a blood curse for five brutal years.
00:21Every night was a war of feral snarls and desperate skin-on-skin heat.
00:25He hated me with every fiber of his wolf, yet his body craved mine like an addiction.
00:32When I was dying in labor, the curse drained him dry as he gave his alpha heart blood to save
00:37me.
00:37Our pup's first cry echoed through the room, but Silas never heard it.
00:41His eyes faded to a dull gray as his inner wolf drew its final breath.
00:47In the next life, let me find Chloe. Please.
00:51He begged for my half-sister, the one who had never spared him a single glance.
00:55My heart shattered as the mate bond tore itself apart inside my chest.
00:59The sterling pack threw me out like garbage the second his pulse stopped.
01:03Driven mad by the severed bond, I let the curse worms devour me from the inside.
01:09But when I opened my eyes, the world was bright and violent.
01:12Silas had me pinned against the wall, his fingers bruising my throat.
01:16You toxic bitch!
01:19Last life, while I married Silas as I wanted, my sister Chloe was forced to marry Alpha Case and ended
01:25up dying within three days.
01:27You cursed me just to keep me from Chloe?!
01:29I stared at his youthful rage, twisted face, and felt a cold, sharp clarity.
01:33I won't let her marry Alpha Case.
01:39Big words. Do you even believe them yourself?
01:41I mean every word, Silas.
01:43Then break the curse. Now. Chloe's safety is none of your concern.
01:47I'll break it, and I'll take Chloe's place as Case's mate.
01:50You? Playing the mortal now? What's the scheme this time?
01:56No scheme. I'm giving you what you want.
01:59What I want is for you to disappear from my life.
02:02Alpha Case ruled the Northern Territories with an iron claw.
02:05A warlord who'd buried three mates already.
02:07Every pack with an unwed daughter trembled at his name.
02:10Days ago, Case had demanded a daughter from my family.
02:13My parents couldn't refuse, leaving only Chloe to be dragged to Case's bed.
02:18This time, I would set Silas free.
02:21I tracked down the rogue witch who'd sold me the curse.
02:25Can it be broken? Break it.
02:26Heartblood. From the blivin' one each of you truly loves.
02:30But the cost is steep.
02:31Tell me.
02:31Feed the worm until it turns crimson.
02:33Then swallow it whole.
02:34The one I loved was Silas.
02:36The one Silas loved was Chloe.
02:38I rode through the night and burst into the estate with the lacquered box clutched against my chest.
02:43Silas! I found the cure!
02:45We need your heartblood and Chloe's...
02:46He struck my hand away before I could finish.
02:48The box hit the stone floor, and the worm vanished into the night-blooming roses.
02:55Heartblood. Only you could dream up something so monstrous.
02:58It's not what you think!
02:59The curse is between us. Why does Chloe's blood have anything to do with it?
03:03Because the worm needs blood from the one each of us loves.
03:06I love you. You love Chloe.
03:08What an absurd excuse!
03:10Silas, please!
03:11Stop talking!
03:12I dove into the rose bushes, thorns shredding my arms.
03:15Have you lost your mind? Get out of there!
03:16For one breath, his hold felt like it used to.
03:19Like he still cared.
03:20Then Chloe's name flippered across his eyes.
03:23I thrashed free and hit the ground.
03:25My palm landed squarely on the fleaing worm.
03:27You're broken.
03:29Utterly broken.
03:31So I had no choice but to go find Chloe myself.
03:34I'll take your place and mate with Alpha Case.
03:36But I need your heartblood.
03:38You might as well ask me to slit my own throat.
03:40Silas and I are poisoned by the blood curse.
03:43Break it, and the two of you can finally be together.
03:46And you'd really throw yourself into Cakes' bed just for that?
03:49Yes.
03:55The moment the healer raised the silver needle to her chest, the door exploded inward.
04:00Get away from her!
04:04Chloe!
04:06Are you alright?
04:07What did she do to you?
04:08You shouldn't have come.
04:09You actually believed her?
04:11Do you want to die?
04:12So that is what he looks like when he loves someone.
04:16Listen to me carefully.
04:18If you have a problem, you bring it to me.
04:20Don't you dare touch Chloe again.
04:22Silas, I wasn't.
04:23I don't want your excuses.
04:25Why can't you trust me just once?
04:27The witch told me.
04:28Trust you?
04:29After everything you've done?
04:30Once long ago, he used to defend me with that same snarl.
04:33Now I was the outsider he was warning off.
04:36Over his shoulder, I caught Chloe watching me.
04:38With the faintest, smug smile curving her lips.
04:41She'd brought him here on purpose.
04:42I didn't have time to play her games.
04:44I yanked a silver dagger from my belt.
04:46And pressed the blade against Chloe's throat.
04:49Leah, put it down!
04:50She's your sister!
04:51Do you have no fear of the moon goddess' wrath?
04:53I don't.
04:54Have you truly lost every shred of humanity?
04:57Maybe I have.
04:59I want your heart blood, Silas.
05:01For Chloe's sake, he didn't hesitate for a breath.
05:04Fine.
05:05Remember what you promised.
05:06The healer drove the hollow needle into Silas's chest.
05:10And the memory surged up without warning.
05:14It's enough.
05:15Let Chloe go now.
05:18I picked up the second needle and drove it toward Chloe's chest.
05:21Your sister, Silas!
05:24Save me!
05:25Leah, stop!
05:26If you hurt her, I will never take you as my mate.
05:29Not even in death!
05:30The needles barely threw the skin.
05:32Let the healer finish, or I'll do it myself.
05:34He shoved the healer toward me at once.
05:41The moment the blood was drawn, I released Chloe and dropped the worm into the mingled heartblood.
05:47Why is she still bleeding?
05:49This is your doing!
05:51He unsheathed his silver longsword and leveled it directly at my heart.
05:55Simus.
05:56Don't speak my name.
05:58You don't understand what I just did for you.
06:00You attacked her!
06:01She did nothing to deserve this!
06:03What did I ever do to you?
06:05You've been given more love than I ever had!
06:07Why must you torment me?
06:09I said nothing.
06:09It is alright.
06:11After the mating ceremony, they'll both understand.
06:13I held out the worm now, glowing a deep, pulsing crimson.
06:16This really is the cure.
06:18Taste it and you'll see.
06:20And what if it's some new curse you've cooked up?
06:22Silas, it isn't!
06:24I don't have time for your games!
06:26Then take my life too, if that's what you want.
06:28I clenched my fists and hurled myself forward onto the blade.
06:32The steel pierced my chest.
06:34The pain only dragged me into unconsciousness.
06:36Leah!
06:38I clenched my teeth and pressed the worm against the blood wound that I made.
06:44To break the blood curse, you need the heart blood of the one each of us loves.
06:48I love you.
06:49You love Chloe.
06:50Direct enough for you now?
06:51Leah.
06:52Take it.
06:53Swallow it.
06:54I can't!
06:55Do it, Simus!
06:56Let this end!
06:57He tried to step toward me.
06:59Don't come any closer.
07:02Just take it.
07:03This time he obeyed.
07:05He placed it on his tongue and swallowed.
07:09Relief crashed over me.
07:11It's done.
07:12We're done.
07:13The debt I had owed him for my last life.
07:16I had finally repaid it.
07:18But the moment I exhaled, my body gave out.
07:21A searing pain tore through my chest, as if something inside was devouring me alive.
07:25The mother worm, sensing the death of its offspring.
07:30Leah, look at me!
07:32I'm sorry.
07:35Silas was holding me now, his mouth moving frantically.
07:38But I couldn't hear a single word.
07:40My consciousness slipped away fast.
07:45Finally awake.
07:47Do you have any idea, child?
07:49You had one foot through death's door.
07:52Is that sterling boy truly worth this?
07:55Father, mother.
07:57I want to mate with Alpha Case.
08:00What?
08:01Listen to me.
08:02I had a dream.
08:03A long, terrible dream of another life.
08:05A dream?
08:09In that dream, Simus died for me.
08:13And Chloe was sent to Case.
08:15She lasted only seven days before she tried to flee.
08:19She scaled the fortress wall.
08:21She fell.
08:21She died the moment she hit the rocks.
08:24Daughter, that was only a dream.
08:26It doesn't change the truth.
08:28Simus doesn't love me.
08:29He loves Chloe.
08:30Let me be the one to go to Case.
08:32Case is a death sentence.
08:34And if none of us answer his summons, do you think an Alpha like him will let our pack survive?
08:40Trust me.
08:41I won't walk Chloe's path.
08:43Not long after they left, Silas appeared in my chambers carrying a small lacquered dish.
08:49Honey glazed meat dumplings.
08:51My favorite.
08:52Just like the old days, he picked up the spoon to feed me.
08:54But this time, I didn't open my mouth.
08:57The curse is broken.
08:59Thank you, Leah.
09:01You're welcome.
09:02But I truly cannot take you as my mate.
09:04I cannot stand by and watch Chloe be thrown into the fire.
09:08Then what do you intend to do, Silas?
09:11Are you going to try to stop the ceremony?
09:14Whatever you're planning, don't.
09:18I'm sorry, Leah.
09:19I have to.
09:20He set the bowl aside and left without another word.
09:23Living this second life, I had finally seen the difference between me and Chloe with bone-deep clarity.
09:28Love and the absence of it.
09:29How starkly obvious it truly was.
09:31There was nothing left in me now that could ache.
09:34Three days later, I would mate with the monster.
09:39You don't have to do this, daughter.
09:41My mother's hands gripped mine until her knuckles went white.
09:44I do, mother.
09:46This is the only way.
09:48Then at least let your father send an escort.
09:50No.
09:52It must be me, alone.
09:54Alpha Case didn't come for me himself.
09:57Band of elite warriors armed to the teeth.
09:59It was a hunting party.
10:01I stepped into the sealed carriage as drums thundered and warhorns howled across our territory.
10:06The carriage jolted violently.
10:08Steel screamed against Steel outside.
10:11The door tore open and a clawed hand seized my arm.
10:14Chloe!
10:14Come with me!
10:15Now!
10:17Silas, what are you doing?
10:18Saving you!
10:19Hold on to me!
10:21Let me go!
10:23So this was his plan.
10:25An abduction.
10:26Don't fight me!
10:27I have this under control.
10:29His arm locked around my waist and wrecked me from the carriage.
10:32The instant my feet hit the ground, a hundred silver-tipped arrows drew totals.
10:36Young Sterling, you mean to steal my mate?
10:39Alpha Cake!
10:40Chloe doesn't want this union.
10:42Release her!
10:42Is that so?
10:43Whether she wants it or not?
10:45I don't believe that's your call, pup.
10:47Silas' grip tightened on my arm.
10:50I'm not leaving without her!
10:53Then you'll die here.
10:55Chloe, don't be afraid.
10:57Say it out loud.
10:57Whatever comes after, I'll bear it.
11:00I raised my hand to the veil.
11:02Not Chloe, Simus.
11:03Me.
11:05I am willing to mate with Alpha Case.
11:08Leah!
11:09The words fell like stones into a pond, rippling outward.
11:14Silas made a sound like I'd stabbed him.
11:16How can you say that?
11:17You know what he is!
11:19I know exactly what he is.
11:20Do you?
11:21I said quietly.
11:22Come, bride.
11:23Let's not keep the guests waiting.
11:25Case's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
11:29I placed my hand in his, feeling the controlled strength there.
11:32He pulled me close, lifting me onto his massive black stallion.
11:37Comfortable?
11:38He murmured against my ear.
11:39Not even a little.
11:40He laughed, a sound like distant thunder.
11:43Good.
11:44Honesty is refreshing.
11:46He looked down at Silas, who was still kneeling in the dirt.
11:52You're welcome to attend the ceremony, Sterling.
11:56Watch me claim what's mine.
12:00Leah!
12:02Then we rode away, leaving Silas and his failed rescue behind.
12:15The Valerius estate was a fortress carved from black stone.
12:19Towers pierced the sky like claws, and gargoyles leered from every corner.
12:23It should have been terrifying.
12:25Instead, I felt a strange sense of coming home.
12:29Case carried me over the threshold himself.
12:31Eager?
12:33Strategic.
12:34If I put you down, you might bolt.
12:38I gave my word.
12:40I don't bolt.
12:42We'll see.
12:44He set me down in a chamber that was clearly meant for me.
12:46Silk curtains, plush furs, a bed the size of a small battlefield.
12:50Rest.
12:51The ceremony is in two hours.
12:53What if I don't want to rest?
12:54Then don't.
12:55But you'll need your strength for tonight.
12:58Heat flooded my cheeks, and he laughed again.
13:01Such an innocent reaction for someone who spent five years cursing her lover's bed.
13:06I looked away, embarrassed and angry.
13:08How do you know about that?
13:10I know everything about you, Leah Blackwood.
13:13He crossed to a desk and pulled out a stack of letters.
13:16My letters, the ones I'd written to Silas during his training.
13:21How did you get those?
13:23Your messenger ravens were intercepted.
13:25A clerical error, really.
13:28I've been reading about you for months, little wolf.
13:31Your favorite foods, your fears, your dreams.
13:35That's why I sent the blood price.
13:38I wanted the girl who wrote these letters.
13:41Those letters weren't for you.
13:42They are now, just like you are.
13:46I didn't know whether to be flattered or horrified.
13:49Before I could respond, he was gone, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
13:55The ceremony was held in the estate's great hall.
13:59Hundreds of guests filled the space nobles, warriors, merchants.
14:04Poor thing.
14:05She'll be dead within the month.
14:07I could hear their whispers.
14:08I heard the last one jump from the tower.
14:11No, she was pushed.
14:13By him.
14:15I kept my head high, refusing to show weakness.
14:18Case was waiting for me at the altar, dressed in black and silver.
14:22Brave little wolf.
14:24He murmured, too quiet for others to hear.
14:26The ceremony began.
14:28Traditional words about bonds and blood and forever.
14:31I repeated my vows mechanically.
14:33My mind elsewhere.
14:36Bella is mine, Sterling.
14:38Accept it.
14:39Not if she doesn't want to be!
14:41Tell him.
14:42Tell him.
14:43He'd rather be with me.
14:45I looked between them.
14:47Silas, desperate and loving too late.
14:50Case, dark and dangerous, but oddly honest.
14:53Let go, Silas.
14:55No!
14:55I love you!
14:56I finally understand that I love you!
14:59You love the idea of me.
15:01You love what you can't have.
15:04Let her go, or I'll make you.
15:06She's made her choice, boy.
15:08Honor it!
15:09Silas' hand fell away, his expression shattered.
15:11I'm ready to finish the ceremony.
15:13He studied my face for a long moment.
15:16No.
15:17You're not.
15:19Then to everyone's shock, he swept me into his arms and carried me out of the hall.
15:23What are you doing?
15:24Taking my bride to bed.
15:26The ceremony can wait.
15:29Scandalized gasps followed us out, but all I could focus on was the heat of his body and
15:34the predatory gleam in his eyes.
15:36I was about to become his in every way that mattered.
15:40Case carried me to his private chambers, kicking the door shut behind us.
15:44He set me down carefully like I was something precious.
15:50You're shaking.
15:51He observed.
15:53I'm fine.
15:55Leah.
15:56He circled me slowly, a wolf appraising his prey.
16:01Tell me the truth, little wolf.
16:03Are you afraid of me?
16:05I admitted.
16:07Yes.
16:07But not the way you think.
16:13I'm afraid of wanting this.
16:15Of wanting you.
16:16Good.
16:18Fear is honest.
16:19His fingers traced the line of my jaw, my throat.
16:22Last chance.
16:23Say the word, and I'll let you go.
16:26Where would I go?
16:28Anywhere.
16:29Back to the Blackwood estate.
16:30To Sterling, if you want him.
16:33I could never hold you here against your will, Leah.
16:36That's not who I am.
16:37I believed him, which was the strangest part.
16:40I want to stay.
16:44Because you read my letters and still wanted me.
16:47Because you gave me a choice when no one else would.
16:50Because I am tired of loving someone who can't love me back.
16:55Still afraid?
16:56He asked, his voice rough.
16:58Terrified.
16:59I admit it.
17:01Perfect.
17:03Then he showed me exactly what it meant to be claimed by an alpha.
17:07I woke to sunlight streaming through massive windows.
17:10My body ached in unfamiliar ways.
17:13And my skin was marked with bites and scratches.
17:16Evidence of a very thorough claiming.
17:18Case was already awake, propped on one elbow and watching me.
17:22Morning, Leah.
17:22He said, his tone lazy and satisfied.
17:26Don't hide.
17:27I like looking at you.
17:28He commanded, pulling the pillow away.
17:30You're shameless.
17:31He traced one of the bite marks on my shoulder, looking pleased with himself.
17:35Absolutely.
17:37Does it hurt?
17:39A little.
17:41Good.
17:42That means you'll remember who you belong to.
17:44I should have been offended by his possessiveness.
17:47Instead, something warm unfurled in my chest.
17:50Alpha.
17:51There's a situation.
17:52A knock at the door interrupted us.
17:53What kind of situation?
17:55The sterling boy is at the gates.
17:56He says he won't leave until he speaks with Lady Leah.
17:59I groaned, pulling the sheets up to my chin.
18:02Tell him to go away.
18:04You heard her.
18:05She's busy being thoroughly debuaged.
18:08Don't say that!
18:10Why not?
18:12It's true.
18:13The guard cleared his throat awkwardly.
18:15He's causing quite a scene, Alpha.
18:17Should we remove him by force?
18:19Your call, little wolf.
18:21Want me to break his legs?
18:22Or just scare him off?
18:23I considered it, then sighed.
18:25Let me talk to him.
18:26One last time.
18:28You're too kind.
18:29Bring him to the garden.
18:31Under guard.
18:32If he tries anything, kill him.
18:34Leah dresses quickly.
18:36Soar all over.
18:38Case refuses to leave her side.
18:41Case speaks his true thought, bluntly.
18:44I don't trust him.
18:45They have the same idea.
18:46Neither do I.
18:48That's why you're here.
18:49Silas waits with his guards by the fountain.
18:52He looks exhausted and sleepless.
18:55Leah.
18:57Thank the goddess.
18:58Leah asks Silas directly.
19:00What do you want, Silas?
19:01Easy.
19:02Let him speak.
19:03It'll be his last chance.
19:04I made a mistake.
19:05The biggest mistake of my life.
19:06You've made several.
19:07I know, but this is different.
19:08I remember everything now.
19:09How we were before the curse.
19:10How much I loved you, even if I was too stupid to admit it.
19:13Careful, Sterling.
19:13You're confessing love to another man's mate.
19:15She's not your mate.
19:16Not really.
19:16You forced this ma-
19:17I gave her a choice.
19:18Something you never did.
19:19Silas begs Leah.
19:21Leah, please.
19:22Come home with me.
19:23I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you.
19:25Leah makes her firm refusal.
19:27No.
19:28No?
19:29I'm staying with Case.
19:30This is where I belong now.
19:32You don't mean that.
19:33He's a monster, Leah.
19:36Everyone knows what he's done.
19:38Case laughs darkly and dangerously.
19:42If I'm such a monster, why did she scream my name last night?
19:48Leah turns bright red, mortified.
19:53You bastard!
19:54He lunged forward.
19:56Case caught Silas by the throat, lifting him off the ground.
20:00Listen very carefully.
20:02Leah is mine.
20:03My wife, my mate, my property by law and bond.
20:05If you come near her again, I will remove your head and mount it on my wall.
20:08Do we understand each other?
20:09Let him go.
20:09Lucky she's merciful.
20:10Go home, Sterling.
20:11Forget about her.
20:12Or don't.
20:13I don't actually care.
20:13But if I see you on my land again, you're dead.
20:16The guards drag Silas away furious and breathless.
20:20Case and Leah are alone at last.
20:23You're angry with me.
20:24You could have killed him.
20:25I could have.
20:26I didn't.
20:27You're welcome.
20:29You're impossible.
20:31Yes.
20:32But I'm yours.
20:35Case holds Leah and confesses his devotion.
20:37Don't leave me for him, little wolf.
20:39I'm not good at sharing.
20:42Leah promises sincerely from her heart.
20:44I won't.
20:46Three months passed in relative peace.
20:49Then, one morning, everything shattered.
20:53Case stands by the window.
20:55A letter in his hand.
20:56His expression was carved from ice.
20:59I woke to find Case standing by the window.
21:01What's wrong?
21:03How long have you been fucking Silmas strandling?
21:06I was shocked and tried to defend myself.
21:10What?
21:10I haven't.
21:11I haven't.
21:13Leah must have been trust her layup.
21:15Don't lie to me.
21:16This is a crude drawing by Silas and me.
21:19This isn't real.
21:21Someone drew these.
21:24They're not real.
21:25He doesn't believe.
21:26They look pretty fucking real to me.
21:29Case, I swear to you, I haven't seen Silas since that day in the garden.
21:34Then explain the drawings.
21:36I can't because I didn't do this!
21:40I warned you, Leah.
21:42I told you what would happen if you betrayed me.
21:44Terror and rage ward in my chest.
21:46You don't actually believe this, do you?
21:49He doubts the truth, which gives me hope.
21:52Get dressed.
21:53We're going to your father's estate.
21:55Because we're going to find out who did this.
21:57And if I find proof you've been unfaithful,
21:59I will rain holy hell on everyone you've ever loved.
22:02We were all silent in the car, and he was very angry.
22:05Leah?
22:07Alpha Case?
22:09What brings you here?
22:10Father was very angry after seeing it.
22:12Where did you get these?
22:14Case's tone was icy cold.
22:16I think you know what this means.
22:18The style, it's similar to Chloe's work.
22:23She used to draw constantly.
22:25Where is she?
22:26I did not wait for his reply, and ran to find her at once.
22:30Going somewhere?
22:33Leah, I was just-
22:34Cut the shit, Chloe.
22:35You drew those pictures, didn't you?
22:37So what if I did?
22:39You deserve it after stealing Silas from me.
22:41That monster is my husband, and you just tried to get me killed.
22:45Chloe finally realized the terrible danger she was in.
22:48I just wanted you to hurt the way you hurt me.
22:50Oh, I have several ideas.
22:53Want to hear them?
22:54Is it true?
22:55Did you create those drawings?
22:57I just wanted her to know what it felt like.
22:59She gets everything!
23:00You have nothing because you've earned nothing.
23:02Send her away to the border territories.
23:05She stays here.
23:06You can decide what happens to her when you're ready.
23:08He showed kindness.
23:10Don't thank me yet.
23:12I'm still furious.
23:14I will punish you later.
23:16Two weeks after the incident with Chloe, I woke up violently and...
23:20I barely made it to the chamber pot before emptying my stomach.
23:23Case was beside me immediately, holding my hair back gently.
23:27He asked me anxiously what was wrong with my body.
23:30What's wrong?
23:31I don't know.
23:32Bad meat?
23:33Maybe?
23:34He finally called a doctor.
23:36Yes, my lord.
23:37The pack physician examined me thoroughly and carefully.
23:41After the examination, the physician smiled.
23:43Congratulations, Alpha.
23:45Your mate is with your child.
23:47I am shocked and can't believe it.
23:49What?
23:50About six weeks along, I'd estimate.
23:52The pup is healthy and strong.
23:54A pup?
23:56We're having a pup.
23:57Are you happy?
23:59Happy?
24:00Leah, I'm terrified.
24:02What if I'm like my father?
24:03What if I heard it?
24:04Or you?
24:05You won't.
24:07You're nothing like him.
24:09Because you're here, panicking about being a good father.
24:12That alone makes you better than him.
24:15I'm going to keep you safe.
24:17Both of you.
24:18Nothing will touch you while I draw breath.
24:21Case became impossibly more protective.
24:23After learning about the pregnancy, he barely let me out of his sight.
24:27Hovering like an anxious shadow.
24:29I want to be alone.
24:32I can walk to the garden by myself.
24:35No.
24:36I complained that he was too overprotective of me.
24:39Case.
24:41I'm pregnant, not dying.
24:44Same thing to me.
24:46I pretended to be annoyed, but secretly loved his devoted attention.
24:50One night, I was woken by a sharp and sudden stomach pain.
24:54I gasped sharply and clutched my belly in pain.
24:57Case woke up instantly, the moment he felt something was wrong.
25:01What's wrong?
25:02Is it the pup?
25:03I don't know.
25:04It hurts.
25:05He carried me to the physician personally and let no one else touch me.
25:09The pup is fine, just some cramping from growth.
25:11Perfectly normal.
25:12But Lady Leah needs to rest.
25:14No stress.
25:15No exertion.
25:16For how long?
25:17At least a month.
25:18Maybe more.
25:19I groaned, knowing Case would be even more protective after this.
25:23A month?
25:24She's confined to bed for a month?
25:26Then that's what we'll do.
25:28Case stayed with me every day, and it became the happiest month of my life.
25:34At eight months pregnant, I was enormous and uncomfortable.
25:37Case thought I was beautiful, which helped.
25:41You're glowing.
25:42He said one morning, running his hand over my swollen belly.
25:46I'm sweating.
25:48It's not the same thing.
25:51He laughed, pressing a kiss to my stomach.
25:54The pup kicked in response, and his eyes lit up.
25:59She knows my voice.
26:03How do you know it's a she?
26:08Father's intuition.
26:09That night was the full moon gathering.
26:11A mandatory event for all pack alphas.
26:15Case didn't want to go, but I insisted.
26:18You can't avoid your duties because I'm pregnant.
26:22Watch me.
26:23Case.
26:25Go.
26:26I'll be fine for a few hours.
26:28Reluctantly, he agreed, but he left me surrounded by guards,
26:31with strict orders to summon him if anything happened.
26:33I settled in with a book, enjoying the rare moment of solitude.
26:37Then I heard a commotion in the hallway.
26:39Voices raised in anger.
26:41The sound of a scuffle.
26:44Before I could call for help, my chamber door burst open.
26:48Silas stood there, wild.
26:50Eyed and desperate.
26:57I stared at Silas, my hand instinctively going to my belly.
27:03How did you get in here?
27:05I bribed a guard.
27:07Doesn't matter.
27:08Lea, you're in danger.
27:15From what?
27:17From him!
27:20Don't you see?
27:21He's going to kill you just like he killed the others!
27:25Silas!
27:25Silas!
27:25I'm eight months pregnant with his child.
27:28If he wanted me dead, he's had plenty of opportunities.
27:31No, you don't understand.
27:33The full moon gathering.
27:35It's a trap!
27:37While he's gone, assassins are coming for you.
27:41To destroy his bloodline.
27:44How do you know this?
27:47He reached for me.
27:49I have sources in the pack.
27:51People who hate him as much as I do.
27:58Don't touch me!
28:00Lea, please.
28:01I know you don't trust me, but I'm trying to save your life.
28:10My lady, should we...
28:13Silas spun, drawing a blade.
28:18I screamed as blood sprayed across the floor.
28:27I'm sorry.
28:29But you're not leaving me a choice.
28:33He advanced on me, and I realized with horror what he intended.
28:43You're going to kill me yourself, aren't you?
28:46No.
28:47Never.
28:48But I will take you away from here, even if I have to drag you.
28:52Before he could reach me, a massive black wolf crashed through the window.
28:56Case.
28:57He must have felt my terror through our bond.
29:00He shifted mid-leap.
29:14Get.
29:15Away.
29:16From my, my mate.
29:21Case moved like death incarnate.
29:23All controlled violence and lethal grace.
29:25Silas barely had time to raise his blade before Case was on him.
29:29The fight was brutal and one-sided.
29:32Case's claws tore through Silas' defenses like he would paper.
29:43Case, stop!
29:45Don't kill him!
29:48He paused, his hand wrapped around Silas' throat.
29:51Give me one good reason why not.
29:54Because he's not worth it.
29:57He's pathetic and desperate, but he's not worth your time.
30:03Case's grip tightened, and Silas' face started turning purple.
30:15Finally, grudgingly, Cas released him.
30:19Silas collapsed to the floor, gasping.
30:30Get him out of my sight.
30:32Take him to the border and make sure he understands.
30:35If he ever comes back, I will skim him alive.
30:40As they dragged Silas away, Cas turned to me.
30:43His fury melted into concern as he saw my tears.
30:56Are you hurt?
30:58Is the pup?
31:04We're fine.
31:06Just scared.
31:09I could have lost you.
31:11Both of you.
31:12He pulled me into his arms, trembling with the effort of controlling his wolf.
31:17But you did it.
31:19You came back.
31:26I'll always come back for you.
31:30He carried me to our bed, checking me over obsessively.
31:40The physician is on her way.
31:42Just to be safe.
31:49Kesa, I'm...
31:50My words cut off as a sharp pain lanced through my belly.
31:57Case went pale.
32:07The pup.
32:08It's coming.
32:09The labor lasted 18 hours.
32:1218 hours of pain and blood and screaming.
32:17Case never left my side.
32:19Even when the physician tried to make him leave.
32:25I'm staying.
32:26End of discussion.
32:28He held my hand through every contraction.
32:31Let me squeeze hard enough to break bones.
32:37I can't do this.
32:39I can't do this.
32:40It hurts too much.
32:43Yes, you can.
32:44You're the strongest person I know.
32:47You fought a blood curd, survived my darkness, and still chose to stay.
32:54You can do this, little wolf.
32:57His faith in me was the only thing that kept me going.
33:00Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the most beautiful sound in the world.
33:05A baby's cry.
33:08It's a girl.
33:10A healthy, perfect girl.
33:17Kesa's face transformed with wonder as they placed our daughter in my arms.
33:22She had his mismatched eyes.
33:24One silver, one gold.
33:37I looked down at our daughter.
33:39This tiny miracle we'd created.
33:42And I felt the weight of my past life finally lift.
33:44This was what happiness felt like.
33:52We named her Aurora after the dawn.
33:54Case was completely besotted, spending hours just watching her sleep.
34:06She's so small.
34:08How is she so small?
34:18All babies are small, Case.
34:22Not this small.
34:27She's tiny.
34:30Fragile.
34:31She's your daughter.
34:33She's anything but fragile.
34:38As if to prove my point, Aurora grabbed his finger and squeezed with surprising strength.
34:54I love her so much.
34:56It terrifies me.
35:08The full moon blessing was held when Aurora was one month old.
35:12The entire pack gathered to witness her presentation.
35:16Case held her up to the moon, his voice ringing out.
35:24Moon goddess, I present my daughter, Aurora Valerius.
35:29May she be strong.
35:31May she be wise.
35:32May she know she is loved.
35:38The pack held their approval, and Aurora laughed.
35:42She actually laughed, delighted by the sound.
35:51She's going to be troubled.
35:59Absolutely.
36:01Case agreed, grinning.
36:08Aurora was three months old when Silas appeared at our gates again.
36:12I was in the garden with her, enjoying the spring sunshine.
36:20The guards brought him to me, keeping weapons trained on him the entire time.
36:27Five minutes.
36:29And then you leave, and never come back.
36:32She's beautiful.
36:34Yes, she is.
36:42I'm here to apologize.
36:44For everything.
36:50Isn't it a little late for that, don't you think?
36:54I know.
36:56But I need you to understand.
36:58I loved you.
37:02I still do.
37:05I was too stupid.
37:07Too stubborn.
37:09And by the time I realized, it was too late.
37:14I looked at him, this man I'd once loved so desperately.
37:18And I felt, nothing.
37:20No anger, no love, not even pity.
37:23Just indifference.
37:28I forgive you, Simus.
37:31Not for you, but for myself.
37:39I've carried that burden long enough.
37:42He looked gutted, like he'd hoped for something different.
37:49I...
37:50Could I at least know her name?
38:01Aurora.
38:03Aurora.
38:19I thought I made myself clear.
38:27Look, my movie matter to even just hurting my friend.
38:29He was just leaving.
38:31He was just leaving.
38:37Then he was gone, and I never saw him again.
38:39Be happy, Lea.
38:43You deserve it.
38:45You deserve it.
39:09But Case's words echoed in my mind, that I'd regret it if I didn't give her a chance.
39:14So I went to the Blackwood estate, bringing Aurora with me.
39:18Chloe was waiting in the garden, looking thin and tired.
39:39She pulled out a small package and handed it to me.
39:45Inside was a drawing, but not like the ones before.
39:48This one showed me and Aurora captured with love and skill.
39:51I want to be better.
39:52She said.
39:53To be the sister you deserved all along.
39:55I don't expect forgiveness.
39:57But I wanted you to know I'm trying.
39:59I looked at the drawing, then at her tear-stained face.
40:03Okay.
40:04I said finally.
40:05We can try.
40:05Her relieved smile was worth the risk.
40:09My first wedding anniversary with Case was nothing like I'd imagined.
40:12He'd planned an elaborate celebration, inviting half the kingdom.
40:16But the night before, Aurora came down with a fever.
40:19Case immediately cancelled everything, focusing entirely on our daughter.
40:23He said firmly.
40:25The party doesn't matter, he said firmly.
40:28She does.
40:30We spent our anniversary taking turns holding Aurora, cooling her fever with damp cloths.
40:42By morning, she was better, smiling and babbling like nothing had happened.
40:47Case looked exhausted but happy.
40:53He said, half-joking.
40:55Best anniversary ever.
40:57I kissed him softly.
41:01Agreed.
41:02Even without the grand celebration?
41:04Especially without it.
41:06This is what matters.
41:07You, me, Aurora.
41:09Our little family.
41:10I never thought I'd have this.
41:11A mate who loves me.
41:12A daughter who lights up my world.
41:14You saved me, Leah.
41:15From my darkness.
41:16From my past.
41:16From myself.
41:17We saved each other.
41:22And it was true.
41:23We'd both been broken.
41:25Both been lost.
41:26But together we'd found our way home.
41:29When Aurora was two years old, the Pax Seer requested an audience.
41:34The blood moon rises.
41:36And with it, a prophecy.
41:39What kind of prophecy?
41:41One of power and peril.
41:42Your daughter carries the bloodline of two great houses, Valerius and Blackwood.
41:47She will be tested, challenged, hunted for her power.
41:50But if she survives, she will unite the Pax and bring an era of peace.
41:55I held Aurora tighter.
41:56How do we protect her?
41:58By teaching her to be strong.
42:01To be brave.
42:02To know she is loved.
42:05The rest will come in time.
42:07After she left, Case and I sat in silence.
42:10I finally said,
42:12She's two years old.
42:13This is too much.
42:15I know.
42:16But we'll face it together.
42:18We've survived worse.
42:21We'll keep her safe.
42:23I looked at Aurora, playing happily with her toys.
42:26Oblivious to the destiny waiting for her.
42:28We'll keep her safe.
42:30Whatever it takes.
42:31I vowed.
42:31Case's hand found mine.
42:32Our fingers intertwining.
42:34Whatever it takes.
42:35He agreed.
42:36Aurora's third birthday brought an unexpected guest.
42:39Silas Sterling appeared at the celebration.
42:42Looking older and wiser.
42:43He was accompanied by a woman.
42:45I know I'm not welcome.
42:47But I wanted Aurora to have this.
42:49He held out a small wooden box.
42:51Inside was a carved wolf.
42:53Exquisite in its detail.
42:54I made it myself.
42:55I want her to know.
42:57I'm sorry.
42:58For everything I put you through.
43:01Case looked like he wanted to refuse.
43:03But I touched his arm.
43:07Thank you, Silas.
43:08It's beautiful.
43:10I'm Elena.
43:11Silas has told me so much about you.
43:13All good things.
43:16We talked for a while.
43:17Awkward but genuine.
43:18I learned that Silas had finally found peace.
43:21Had finally let go of the past.
43:23I'm happy for you.
43:24You deserve that.
43:27I told him sincerely.
43:29He smiled.
43:30And it looks like you found it.
43:31After they left, Case pulled me aside.
43:33You're really okay with that?
43:35Him being here?
43:37I am.
43:37Because he's not a threat anymore.
43:39He's just someone I used to know.
43:41Case kissed me, deep and claiming.
43:43Good.
43:43Because you're mine.
43:44And I don't share.
43:45I know.
43:46You've made that very clear.
43:48When Aurora was five, I received a letter that changed everything.
43:52The merchant who'd sold me the blood curse was dying.
43:55He wanted to see me one last time.
43:57Case insisted on coming with me, of course.
43:59We found the merchant in a small cottage.
44:02Withered and frail.
44:03Lady Blackwood, I have a confession.
44:05He wheezed.
44:06The forget-me-not worm.
44:08It doesn't work the way I said.
44:09My blood ran cold.
44:10What do you mean?
44:11The curse wasn't broken.
44:14Just transferred.
44:16How do we break it?
44:17Truly break it.
44:18Case's hand tightened on mine.
44:19This.
44:20The final worm.
44:21It requires the blood of your greatest love.
44:24Feed it.
44:25And the curse ends forever.
44:26Aurora.
44:27I breathed.
44:27He nodded, understanding immediately.
44:30Our daughter was our greatest love.
44:31More than each other.
44:32More than anything.
44:34We brought her to the merchant's cottage.
44:36She was scared, clinging to Case's leg.
44:38It's okay, little Dawn.
44:39Just a tiny prick.
44:41The physician drew a single drop of Aurora's blood.
44:43It fell onto the worm, which immediately turned from white to brilliant gold.
44:48Case and I split it, each swallowing half.
44:50The effect was immediate.
44:51I felt the curse dissolve.
44:53Years of poison finally leaving my body.
44:56Case gasped beside me, experiencing the same relief.
44:59It is done.
45:00You are free.
45:01The merchant said, smiling.
45:03He died that night, peaceful and content.
45:06And we buried him with honors, grateful for the gift he'd given us.
45:10Years passed in a blur of happiness.
45:12Aurora grew strong and fierce.
45:14Every inch her father's daughter.
45:17She united the packs at age 18.
45:19Just as the prophecy foretold.
45:22Chloe became a trusted advisor.
45:24Her artistic talents put to better use.
45:26Silas and Elena had three children.
45:29Living peacefully in the Sterling Territory.
45:32My parents grew old together, content with their granddaughter's success.
45:36And Case and I, we grew old too, but never grew apart.
45:40One night, as we sat in the garden watching the moon rise, I leaned against his shoulder.
45:45Do you ever regret it?
45:46Marrying me instead of finding someone easier?
45:49He laughed, the sound warm and familiar.
45:52Every day.
45:53I smacked his arm, and he caught my hand, kissing it.
45:56But I wouldn't change a single moment.
45:58Not one.
45:59The curse.
46:00The blood.
46:01The pain.
46:02It all led us here.
46:03To this garden.
46:04This moment.
46:05This life we built together.
46:07I smiled.
46:08Content and complete.
46:11I love you, Kale Various.
46:15I love you too, Leah Blackwook.
46:17Though technically you're Leah Valerius now.
46:21Don't ruin the moment.
46:22He grinned, pulling me closer.
46:24Wouldn't dream of it.
46:25We sat there as the stars came out.
46:27Two wolves who'd found their way home.
46:29And lived happily ever after.
46:31There he is.
46:31A test.
46:31To you today.
46:31Don't ruin the moment.
46:31Goodbye.
Comments