- 8 hours ago
Betrayal and Rebirth ARS
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My younger sister, Selina, a delicate Omega.
00:02Seven years ago, my parents adopted daughter.
00:05My younger sister, Selina, a delicate Omega.
00:07Got drunk, caused a hit and run, and left blood spilled across the human territory border.
00:12My alpha father, my luna mother, and my biological younger sister all came to me with the same patronizing plea.
00:18Selina is an Omega. She's too fragile for prison.
00:21If she goes to Silvermoon Penitentiary, her wolf won't survive it.
00:24Lyra, take her place.
00:26I refused, but on a stormy night filled with thunder.
00:29My father used absolute alpha command.
00:32He crushed my will, took control of my mind, and personally delivered me to the prison transport.
00:36My fiancé, my fated mate, Kalen, the strongest alpha in the pack, held back his raging wolf era and said
00:41to me,
00:42Lyra, when you get out, we'll complete the mate bond.
00:45Endure these seven years for now.
00:49Seven years later.
00:50Lyra, once you leave Silvermoon Penitentiary, keep your wolf under control and do not look back.
00:56I took the mold-smelling canvas bag from the guard's hand and limped through the iron gates,
01:01dragging the leg that had been ruined by four silver shackles.
01:03A black military SUV waited outside the territory.
01:06The window rolled down revealed Kalen's sharp, striking face.
01:09Seven years had passed, and he looked exactly the same.
01:11The suffocating pressure of a top-tier alpha still radiated from him.
01:14Lyra.
01:15Instinctively, I shrunk back before forcing myself in the passenger seat.
01:18In the rearview mirror, I caught sight of my own reflection.
01:21Pale.
01:21So, gaunt, my neck covered in burn scars left by silver weapon.
01:25You've suffered these past seven years.
01:27I'll keep my promise.
01:28Kalen said.
01:29At the next full moon night, I'll officially mark you and make you my Luna.
01:33He reached over and covered my rough hand with his.
01:35There was no spark, no shiver, no bond.
01:38I looked into his golden-green eyes, where my withered reflection stared back at me and slowly pulled my hand
01:43away.
01:44Even the wolf inside me could not be bothered to wimpy.
01:47Okay.
01:49Seven years in Silvermoon Penitentiary.
01:512,557 days soaked in blood and violence.
01:54Long enough to see Kalen and my family for what they truly were.
01:57They had never loved me, and I no longer wanted to be his mate.
01:59Sensing my indifference, Kalen let out a low, irritated sound.
02:02Selina knows you're coming back today.
02:04Her trauma response disorder is acting up again.
02:07Your parents and your sister are all at Pact Medical Center calming her down.
02:11I closed my eyes.
02:12The SUV drove into the heart of Crescent Moon Pack territory.
02:16An hour later, we arrived at my home.
02:18Only the Beta Butler and a few Omega Solvents were inside the manor.
02:22They caught the cheap, sour prison smelt clinging to me, and the disgust in their eyes was impossible to hide.
02:26My parents loved only Selina.
02:28To the servants, I had never been the eldest daughter of this house.
02:32The Beta Butler bowed respectfully to Kalen first.
02:34Only then did he turn to me.
02:36Miss Lyra, Luna says that now you've returned, you are to stay inside your own scent circle.
02:40Do not wander around and disgrace the pack.
02:42Disgrace.
02:43I had endured seven years of silver burns in Salud's place.
02:46How had I become the shameful one?
02:48But my expectations had died seven years ago, on that storm-filled night when they used Alpha Command to force
02:54my confession.
02:55I understand.
02:55I turned toward the side entrance.
02:57Then Kalen stiffened, receiving an urgent mind link.
03:00His pupils sharpened into slits.
03:03Lyra, Selen's scent is weakening.
03:05She needs me.
03:06Go rest.
03:07He did not wait for a reply.
03:08He turned at once and disappeared into the night.
03:11I limped back to the storage room that belonged to me and curled up on the narrow wooden bed.
03:19Late that night, drifting between sleep and exhaustion, I heard voices downstairs in the living room.
03:25It was my beta sister, Chloe.
03:27Alpha father, Luna mother.
03:29Selenna is in terrible shape mentally.
03:31Shouldn't we move Lyra out of the manor?
03:33If Selenna catches her scent, she'll have another episode.
03:36My father sighed but said nothing.
03:37My mother answered first.
03:38She carries our blood.
03:39If we throw her out the moment she gets back from prison, what will the other packs say?
03:43Then what are we supposed to do?
03:44Chloe paced the room.
03:46Agitation sharpened her voice.
03:47My father finally spoke.
03:48When Selenna returns, order Lyra to suppress every trace of her scent.
03:53She is not to appear in front of Selen.
03:55She is not to leave her room for any reason.
03:57My eyes stayed shut.
03:59But a burning ache rose behind them.
04:01Then the custom comm device hidden beneath my pillow began to vibrate.
04:05An encrypted message.
04:06Miss Lyra, congratulations.
04:08You have passed the evaluation for the Global Institute for Werewolf and Supernatural Secrecy.
04:12Once you accept the contract, you will depart in ten days, on the night of the full moon,
04:16under a new identity for Sanctum Isle on Dominica Island.
04:19Your pack identity will be permanently erased.
04:22You may not contact any outside wolves for five years.
04:25I did not hesitate.
04:26On the holographic display, I signed my name.
04:29Lyra.
04:30I had passed the Institute's selection process seven years ago.
04:34Before I could take the oath and join, my parents sent me to Silvermoon Penitentiary.
04:38Shortly before my release, I applied again.
04:41As expected, I passed.
04:43Ten days.
04:44If I could endure ten more days, I would sever the pack bond tying me to this frozen family forever.
04:51The next morning, I washed up and pushed open the warped door.
04:56A rich, sugary omega scent flooded the hallway.
05:27Selina was back.
05:29My parents and Chloe each presented expensive gifts.
05:32Selina was reaching for his own, when his sharp gaze found me standing in the shadows.
05:39Lyra, you're awake.
05:40Come here, celebrate with us.
05:42Selina turned toward me, releasing a cloud of innocent pheromones.
05:45Sorry, sis.
05:46My nerve pain flared up yesterday, so I couldn't come pick you up.
05:49You're not mad, are you?
05:50Before I could answer, Kaelin spoke for me.
05:53Lyra isn't petty.
05:55She wouldn't blame you.
05:56At that, Selina boldly slipped her arm through his and looked straight at me.
06:00Since it's my awakening day, give me a present too.
06:04She smiled.
06:05I want Kaelin as my mate.
06:06Stealing another wolf's mate was one of the greatest taboons in pack law.
06:10Yet after she said it openly, no one in the room object.
06:13Every wolf there stayed silent.
06:15Their status, their pressure, their authority all pushed toward one thing.
06:18My surrender.
06:20Rage surged through my blood.
06:21I clenched my fists.
06:23And if I say no?
06:26Selina froze for half a second, then switched to French and whimpered dramatically.
06:31I was only joking.
06:32I didn't realize my sister's feral instinct was this savage.
06:36My Luna mother answered her in the same flawless French.
06:39Don't be afraid, Selina.
06:41Lyra spent too long out in the wild.
06:43Her bloodline is beneath yours.
06:45My alpha father released the calming scent of pine.
06:47Blood means nothing.
06:49Your mother and I have only one true daughter.
06:51Chloe joined in without hesitation.
06:53That's right, Selina.
06:54You're my only sister.
06:56I forced down the bitterness rising in my chest and pretended not to understand a word.
07:00And instead, I turned to Kaelin.
07:01What are they saying?
07:03His throat tightened before he answered.
07:06Selina said she was joking.
07:07Everyone just thinks you're being too sensitive.
07:10The room reeked of lies.
07:12What none of them knew was that I had understood every word.
07:15My Luna mother was a world-renowned painter.
07:18My alpha father had once ruled the business world.
07:21But ever since they brought me back from St. Mary's home, they despised the habits I had picked up surviving
07:26on my own.
07:27Every resource, every ounce of love, they gave it all to Selina.
07:32Ten years ago, when Selina was accepted into Elite Art Academy, the entire pack celebrated her.
07:37What they never knew was that I had been admitted to the most prestigious university in the country.
07:41I had also taught myself French, Italian, and Spanish.
07:44None of it mattered now.
07:45Soon I would be gone from this territory for good.
07:47I just got out of Silvermoon Penitentiary.
07:49I want some air outside the territory.
07:51You all enjoy the party.
07:52Under their contemptuous stares, I dragged my damaged leg towards the door.
07:56Behind me, their laughter and French mockery tangled together.
08:00Not one of them remembered.
08:02Today was my awakening day too.
08:04Once I left the territory, I suppressed my wolf aura and took a bus to downtown Seattle.
08:08Because of my prison record, the pack had erased my education and every official file tied to my name.
08:12With a ruined leg and no history, I could only find work at a run-down roadside diner.
08:17It would be enough to survive the next ten days.
08:23The irony was almost funny.
08:25Ever since they brought me back at 15, they had resented me for not being as accomplished as Selina and
08:30cut me off completely.
08:31I had paid for school, food, and survival by working in the human world.
08:35At 11.30 that night, I finished washing the last dish.
08:39When I stepped outside, freezing rain hit my face.
08:43Then another scent cut through the storm.
08:45Cold fur.
08:46Powerful.
08:47A top-tier alpha.
08:48Kalen stepped out of a black SUV and strode straight toward me.
08:52Lyra, why have you been gone so long?
08:56He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to the car.
08:59The rear door was already open.
09:01Lyra, happy awakening day.
09:03The words hitting like a blow.
09:05I stood there, frozen.
09:07Kalen's pack and mine had been allied for generations.
09:10Our territories shared a border, and our families had been bound by an old promise long before either of us
09:15was born.
09:16Even after I went missing in Blackwood Forest at the age of two and was not found again until I
09:21was 15, bruised and scarred, that ancient agreement never changed.
09:27I still remember the first time I saw Kalen after I was brought back.
09:31He stood in the sunlight wearing a white shirt, powerful enough to command submission, yet somehow warm at the same
09:38time.
09:39In that cold territory, he was the only one who never recoiled from the wild scent clinging to me.
09:44He used his alpha pressure to shield me.
09:47He brought me prey and gifts on holidays.
09:49He was the only person in that steel and stone world who had ever been kind to me.
09:54And when he was ambushed by a rival pack and left gravely empty, I gave him my kidney.
09:59I poured the core of my wolf vitality into him without hesitation.
10:02Yet in the end, he was also the one who used alpha authority to send me to Silvermoon Pennipotentiary with
10:08his own hands.
10:10Lyra, what is it?
10:11Kalen's deep voice pulled me back to the present.
10:14Did you think I forgot your awakenation day?
10:16I answered evenly, thank you.
10:18Then he handed me another beautifully wrapped box.
10:20When I opened it, I found a custom-made red wedding gown for a bonding right.
10:27Do you remember telling me as a child that you wanted to wear a red dress when we completed our
10:32mate bond?
10:32I had it made early.
10:35Do you like it?
10:36Bitterness filled my throat.
10:38Alpha, you remembered wrong.
10:40I don't like wedding dresses.
10:42And I hate red.
10:43The headmistress at St. Mary's home once told me she had found me abandoned outside a bridal shop.
10:48At the time, I had been wearing an expensive red dress.
10:51After I was old enough to remember, every full moon night I would return to bridal shop windows by instinct.
10:57Wearing red clothes so my people could follow my scent signature and bring me home.
11:03Kalen's eyes tightened.
11:05Just like he had years ago, he reached over and ruffled my hair.
11:08I'm sorry.
11:09I remembered wrong.
11:10Come on.
11:10I'll take you to dinner.
11:11On the drive back, he kept my hand clasped tightly in his.
11:15Lyra, why is your scent so faint?
11:18Why are you thinner than before?
11:19And your leg, he never finished.
11:22A shrink ringtone cut through the car.
11:24The screen flashed one name, Selina.
11:27The moment he answered, panic flooded his face.
11:30Turn around.
11:31Now, back to the territory.
11:33The whole drive back, he spoke into the calm division non-stop, trying to soothe her.
11:37When we rushed into the manor grounds, I looked up.
11:41Selina stood on the rooftop in a white dress, swaying at the edge.
11:45The moment she caught our scent, Selina looked down at us from above.
11:48Her face was pale as paper.
11:50My sister is back, she whispered.
11:52A worthless Omega like me should step aside now.
11:57Goodbye?
11:58Then she jumped.
11:59The Pac-Manon was only one story high.
12:01The roof was barely 30 feet above the ground.
12:03But when Selina fell, every one of my so-called family moved on instinct.
12:07My father, my mother, Chloe, even Kaylin.
12:09All of them lodged forward in a frenzy to save the weaker wolf.
12:13That night, the scream of ambulance sirens echoed over the territory.
12:20After they all left for the hospital, I dragged my ruined leg back to the storage room and collapsed onto
12:25the hard wooden bed.
12:26I turned on my comm device.
12:2812.20 AM, the top-tier alpha had broken his promise.
12:31He had not stayed to celebrate my awakening day.
12:33But my wolf made no wounded cry.
12:35Inside me, there was only emptiness.
12:37I closed my eyes and fell into a heavy sleep.
12:39Eight days left.
12:40For the next five days, I hid my scent and worked at the diner.
12:43My parents and Chloe stayed at the hospital,
12:45wrapping Selina in layers of protective scent.
12:47Not once did they return home.
12:48Then, on the 5th, the television above the counter played a news report.
12:52Alpha Keen announces his engagement to Selim of Crescent Moonpack.
12:55My pupils snapped into slits.
12:57That night, I pushed open the wooden door and returned to the territory.
13:00The thick scent of a gathering hit me immediately.
13:03My parents were there.
13:04Chloe was there.
13:05Selina was there.
13:06Kaylin's cold fur scent filled the living room.
13:09My Luna mother caught the smell of grease and dirt clinging to me
13:12and began criticizing me sharply in French.
13:16My father silenced her with a hard look.
13:18Only then did she force a smile.
13:20Lyra, you're finally home.
13:23My father released a wave of alpha pressure and spoke like a judge delivering sentence.
13:26The healers say Selina's omega depression syndrome is getting worse.
13:30So we made a decision for you.
13:31Your mate bond will be transferred to Selina.
13:33You have no objection, do you?
13:35I listened in silence to the verdict they had already decided.
13:37They had used power to cut away everything that was mine.
13:39Now they pretended to ask for my opinion.
13:41I turned to Kaylin.
13:42And you agreed to this too?
13:44He crossed the room in a few strides and seized my cold hand.
13:48Selina's only obsession right now is completing the bonding right with me.
13:52Don't worry, little wolf.
13:54I would never betray you.
13:55I'm only going through the motions.
13:57He was going to mark another she-wolf.
13:58How could that be anything but betrayal?
14:01I ripped my hand from his grasp.
14:03Fine.
14:03Do whatever you want.
14:05Something in Kaylin's chest seemed to tighten.
14:07And he reached for me again.
14:12Then Selina released a flood of sorrowful pheromones.
14:15If you don't want this, sister, then forget it.
14:17Her voice broke.
14:18She dug her nails into the back of her own hand until blood welled up,
14:21filling the room with the metallic smell of it.
14:22Chloe rushed to stop her from hurting herself.
14:24Lyra!
14:25Then she turned on me, baring her fangs.
14:27Can't you smell how sick Selina is?
14:30Do we all have to get on our knees and beg before you'll finally say yes?
14:33My own blood sister had long since been twisted by this diseased pack.
14:37Chloe's furious shout dragged me back into old memories.
14:40When I first returned to the territory,
14:43they forced me to give my best den to Selina.
14:46Later, they took away my chance for higher education and handed it to her instead.
14:50Then seven years ago, Selina broke the pack's highest law.
14:53The memories crashed over me like a tidal wave and set my anger ablaze.
14:57I met Chloe's hostile blares with a cold smile.
14:59Fine.
15:00If every one of you gets on your knees and submits to me,
15:03I'll agree to give Selina the mate contract.
15:05The living room fell silent.
15:06They had never expected the obedient Lyra to say something so defiant.
15:10I dragged my damaged leg back to my cramped room.
15:13Late that night, my comm device vibrated.
15:15Kaylin.
15:19Lyra, Selina once saved my life.
15:20She even gave me her kidney, the core of her wolf vitality.
15:23That's why I have to complete the bonding right with her this time.
15:26It felt as if a silver hammer had smashed straight into my chest.
15:29Alpha, when you were injured, I was the one who saved you.
15:32I gave you my kidney.
15:33Silence answered me.
15:34Then Kaylin spoke, his voice colder than ice.
15:36When did you learn to lie, Lyra?
15:37Selina saved me.
15:38Your parents and the healers can swear to it in the pack's name.
15:42I'm disappointed in you.
15:43The blood in my body turned to ice.
15:45I laid there on the cold bed, unable to speak.
15:47Eight years ago, when Kaylin was nearly killed in that ambush, I never hesitated.
15:51I was tested as a match.
15:52I gave away a piece of self to save him.
15:55Now my devotion had become a wedding gift for another Omega.
15:57And I, a discarded wolf with no records and no standing, did not even have the right to
16:01defend my own truth.
16:02After a long time, I spoke softly.
16:05Believe whatever you want.
16:06I had already decided to abandon you completely.
16:08I ended the call and closed my eyes.
16:12The second to last day.
16:14After finishing another shift of miserable labor, I stepped out of the diner.
16:18That familiar black SUV was parked outside the shopping center.
16:20Then fireworks explode over Grand Avenue District.
16:23Hundreds of drones rose into the sky and formed a glowing message.
16:25Alpha Kaylin will love Lyra forever.
16:27I stared upward for a long time, unable to move.
16:29Kaylin strode toward me, his voice low and gentle.
16:32What happened yesterday was my fault.
16:34But you have to believe me.
16:35The one I truly love, deep in my soul, is you.
16:38So you don't need to lie just to claim someone else's credit.
16:41For a moment, I wanted to throw back my head and howl.
16:45Not because I was touched.
16:46Because he was absurd.
16:47How could he join hands with my own family?
16:49To tear me apart again and again?
16:51Then look me in the eye and call it love?
16:52He pinched my hollow cheek, lightly.
16:54You're too thin.
16:56Why aren't you eating proper, Lily?
16:57I lifted my eyes sharply.
16:59I survived seven years in Silvermoon Penitentiary surrounded by silver.
17:03My wolf barely stayed alive.
17:04Did you think I was going to come out healthy and whole?
17:06Kaylin's massive brain stiffened.
17:08Maybe only now did he remember that he had personally sent me into that hell.
17:12He opened his mouth to speak.
17:13Before he could, the SUV door swung open.
17:15Salona's sugary voice drifted out.
17:17Kaylin, Lyra, don't stand out there in the cold.
17:20Bad weather is hard on a wolf.
17:22The last trace of warmth inside me died.
17:24Kaylin explained quickly.
17:25Selene followed my scent here because she wanted to see you.
17:28She said she appreciates your generosity for stepping aside.
17:32He ushered me into the vehicle.
17:33Inside the enclosed cabin, Selene glanced at my stained, worn uniform.
17:38Lyra, don't our parents send supplies through the butler every month?
17:41Why are you doing menial labor in a human restaurant?
17:45It embarrasses the pack.
17:46She removed a jeweled bracelet from her wrist and held it out to me.
17:49If you need resources, this bracelet is worth three million dollars.
17:53That should keep you fed for a while.
17:55Three million dollars.
17:56A casual toy for an Omega was worth more than everything I had ever been given.
18:02I still remembered begging my Luna mother for tuition when I first wanted to attend a human high school after
18:07returning to the territory.
18:08It was only three thousand dollars.
18:10She had blared her fangs and answered coldly.
18:12Resources.
18:13Resources.
18:14Do I owe you something?
18:16I gave you life.
18:18You should be grateful for that alone.
18:20Why are you never satisfied?
18:22After that day, I never asked this territory for another scrap of meat.
18:26The story about the butler delivering supplies had always been a lie.
18:30Their hearts were never with me, I said.
18:32Look at your expensive perfume.
18:34Your polished fur.
18:35Your perfect life.
18:36Then look at me.
18:37Covered in scars.
18:38I slapped the bracelet from her hand.
18:40Keep your Omega pheromones to yourself.
18:42Stop pretending in front of me.
18:43I'm not that naive 15-year-old pup anymore.
18:46When I was 15, I had desperately wanted to form a true pact bond with Selene.
18:49Instead, she framed me again and again.
18:51Every wrong thing she did became my crime.
18:53By the time I understood what was happening, the entire pack already saw me as an outsider.
18:56My outburst sent tears spilling down her face.
18:59The air filled with the heartbreaking scent of distress.
19:01The instant Kaylin caught it, his protective instinct exploded.
19:04He stepped in front of Selene, shielding her against his chest, and snarred at me.
19:07Lyra, she was trying to be kind.
19:09If you don't want the bracelet, fine.
19:11But there was no reason to speak to her like that.
19:13I almost laughed.
19:14This was the male who swore that deep in his soul, he loved me most.
19:18Whenever Selene and I stood on opposite sides, he chose her.
19:22Always.
19:22Alpha, I said, staring directly at him.
19:25If a starving wolf is thrown rotten meat as charity,
19:30is she supposed to swallow it gratefully and wag her tail at the one who tossed it?
19:35Even if you grind me into the dearth, my wolf still has pride.
19:37Kaylin had no answer.
19:39Beside him, Selene's breathing suddenly turned racked.
19:41She whimpered weakly.
19:43I'm sorry.
19:44This is my fault.
19:45Don't blame Lyra.
19:46Kaylin's protective instincts ignited completely.
19:48He barked at the driver.
19:49Turn around, now.
19:50Take us to Pac Medical Center.
19:51Then he looked at me with icy contempt.
19:53Lyra, your behavior just now was vicious.
19:55You can walk home yourself.
19:58The door slammed shut.
20:00I was left alone on the freezing street.
20:01As I watched the taillight disappeared, I realized I felt nothing.
20:04No pain.
20:05No heartbreak.
20:06No grief at being abandoned by my mate.
20:07At some point, white snow began drifting from the sky.
20:11The first snowfall of the year.
20:13The last one I would ever smell before I escaped.
20:15I limped all the way back to Pac Manor.
20:17The house was decorated lavishly for the coming bonding rite.
20:20My Luna mother smiled brightly.
20:21The full moon is the day after tomorrow.
20:23An auspicious day.
20:25Selimi's ceremony must be magnificent.
20:27My alpha father sighed with pride.
20:28Our greatest daughter is about to become someone else's Luna.
20:31I stood in the shadows and watched them.
20:33They had truly given all their love to that Omega.
20:36The extraction vehicle would arrive at 9 o'clock the night after tomorrow.
20:40After that, the open wilderness would be mine.
20:42I would run free.
20:43And I would never beg for the scraps of bloodlines again.
20:46The day after tomorrow was Selene and Kaylin's bonding rite.
20:50Chloe threw them a wild pre-wedding party.
20:53By the next morning, the manor still reeked of alcohol and hormones from the night before.
20:58There was no running water in my storage room, so I had to limp across the house to wash up.
21:02As I passed the living room, I saw a crowd of young wolves playing games.
21:05Selene and Kaylin sat in the center, surrounded like royalty.
21:08One spoiled young alpha shouted,
21:10Alpha, you lost.
21:11Truth or dare?
21:11Kaylin leaned back lazily.
21:13Dare.
21:13Kiss Selene in front of everyone for one full minute.
21:15Then the young alpha spotted me nearby and grinned coolly.
21:18Actually, better idea.
21:19Kiss any she-wolf here for one minute.
21:20He pointed straight at me.
21:22Lyra, weren't you always obsessed with alpha?
21:24He's about to mark someone else.
21:25Why not give her one last kiss and leave her with something hopeless to remember?
21:28Kaylin rose to his feet at once and started walking toward me.
21:31One step, then another.
21:32But when he was less than three feet away, Selene's trembling voice stopped him cold.
21:37Kaylin!
21:39He froze.
21:41He looked back at Selene, then turned to me and lowered his voice.
21:44There are too many people here.
21:46Tomorrow I'm making Selene my Luna.
21:48I can't humiliate her in front of everyone.
21:51You understand, don't you?
21:52I answered calmly.
21:53Sure.
21:54Then I turned and walked toward the washroom.
21:56Behind me I heard the sound of Kaylin kissing Selene.
21:58Then came the excited howls of the pack.
22:00In this game where I was always the one left behind, I almost wanted to thank him.
22:03At last, he had let me go.
22:04Night fell.
22:05Kaylin lit the entire sky above the territory with fireworks for Selene.
22:08He followed my scent and pulled me into the shadows.
22:11Lyra, once tomorrow's full moon is over,
22:13once Selene and I finish this fake bonding writ,
22:16we can finally be together the way we should be.
22:18My throat felt dry and raw.
22:20I'm sorry.
22:21I won't.
22:22Before I could finish, Chloe came running over.
22:24Come on, future brother-in-law.
22:26We're starting another game.
22:28Kaylin glanced back at her, then at me.
22:31What were you saying?
22:32I gave him a faint, bitter smile.
22:34Nothing.
22:35Go celebrate with your pack.
22:37He squeezed my cold fingers.
22:40After tomorrow's ceremony, everything will be over.
22:42Then he turned and walked back into the light and noise.
22:46I watched his back in silence.
22:48He was right.
22:48Everything was over.
22:50Every wolf in the house crowded into Selene's lavish room.
22:53I walked alone into the shadows of the Manon and checked my comm device.
22:567.15 p.m.
22:58One hour and 45 minutes left.
22:59I washed myself with cold water, scrubbing away every trace of the territory sent from my skin and fur.
23:04The body in the mirror was covered in burn scars and whip marks left by Silvermoon Penitentiary.
23:08I changed into the cleanest clothes I owned and waited.
23:11The final hour.
23:15I looked around the room that had trapped me for years.
23:19A few worn out clothes.
23:21A thin blanket.
23:22A journal on the table.
23:24A framed photograph.
23:26I threw away the old clothes and picked up the frame.
23:28It was a family photo taken 12 years ago.
23:31Shortly after I was brought back to the territory.
23:33Both families stood together, smiling.
23:35That picture had once carried every hope I had for belonging.
23:38Now I tore it into pieces and dropped it in the trash.
23:41Then I opened the journal.
23:43December 6, 2016.
23:44Sunny.
23:45I came home today.
23:46I met my Alpha and Luna.
23:48I have a family now.
23:49I'm not a stray anymore.
23:50April 1, 2017.
23:52Cloudy.
23:53I wasn't given food or money.
23:54I'll have to hunt for myself.
23:56July 7, 2018.
23:58Sunny.
23:58I traded prey for a necklace.
24:00My sister didn't like it.
24:01I need to earn more money so I can buy her something better.
24:05I turned to the final page.
24:06The night before prison, there was only one sentence.
24:10This pack never loved me.
24:11A familiar burn sting behind my eyes.
24:14I picked up a pen and wrote one final message in French.
24:17I'm leaving, Alpha and Luna.
24:19Before I go, my wolf still cannot understand one thing.
24:22If my scent disgusted you so much, why did you search for me in Blackwood Forest at all?
24:26Why do other strays find their parents and receive endless love while the day you found me was the day
24:30I truly lost mine?
24:31Chloe, you said Selina was your only sister.
24:34Today you get your wish.
24:35Kaylin, you said we would be together after your fake bonding rile.
24:38I'm sorry.
24:39My wolf is dead.
24:40I won't wait for you anymore.
24:41May your bond last forever.
24:43I abandon this territory forever.
24:45We will never meet again.
24:46When I finished, I slapped the journal onto the table.
24:49Then I pulled out my prison medical records and placed them on top.
24:52The scan clearly showed one undeniable fact.
24:55I had only one kidney.
24:58The clock struck nine.
25:00I grabbed my canvas bag and limped out of the territory.
25:03Behind me, the manor blazed with light, and the wolves' celebration shook the night.
25:09Ahead of me, several black armored tactical vehicles waited in silence.
25:14Without hesitation, I crossed the territory border and walked toward a new life.
25:18Engines roared.
25:20The convoy sped away, carrying me into the endless dark.
25:24The next day, as a long wolf howl pierced the sky, Selina and Kaylin's mating ceremony officially began.
25:28My Luna mother looked around the gathering, searching the air for Lyla's scent.
25:31When she found nothing, she surrounded.
25:33Chloe, where is Lyra?
25:34If she is absent today, the other packs will start talking about division in our bloodline again.
25:38Go drag her out here.
25:39Chloe said, stopping the servants.
25:40I'll get her myself.
25:41Which room does she sleep in?
25:42The servant hesitated.
25:43The storage room.
25:44Every alpha in the room went still.
25:46Why would Lyra be sleeping in the storage room?
25:48When Miss Lyra was first brought back, she smelled like dirt and wilderness.
25:53There was no suitable room prepared.
25:56Luna said she would stay there temporarily.
25:59Temporary.
26:00That temporary arrangement had lasted 12 years.
26:02A flush of embarrassment crossed my mother's face, and she immediately covered it with a burst of pressure.
26:07Selina, dressed in white silk, released a sweet cloud of pheromones.
26:10Our storage room was still better than the forest where she fought stray dogs for scraps.
26:13I'm sure she wasn't suffering.
26:14A strange discomfort flickered through Chloe.
26:17Frowning, she headed down the hallway to the sunless corner at the far end.
26:20She pushed open the heavy wooden door.
26:22No warmth of family lingered inside.
26:24Only dust.
26:25Only mildew.
26:26The cramped room was packed with discarded junk.
26:28Lyra's bed sat beside rusted shelves.
26:30Next to it stood an abandoned water tank that served as a table.
26:33On top of it rested an old lamp, a yellowed journal, and a stack of medical records.
26:38Lyra was gone.
26:39Chloe's heart began to pound.
26:40She rushed to the tank and picked up the journal and documents with shaking hands.
26:43Alpha Father!
26:44Luna Mother!
26:45Her voice rang through the hall.
26:48Lyra isn't in the territory, but she left these behind.
26:53Before my father could look at them, the roar of an engine came from outside.
26:57Then came the pressure of a top-tier Alpha.
27:00Kaylin had arrived.
27:01My Luna Mother spoke first.
27:03She's probably throwing a tantrum and ran off to the border.
27:06Chloe, put those down and come out.
27:08Alpha is here for Selina.
27:10My father hesitated, then forced down his doubts and turned toward the front hall.
27:15Kaylin stood in the center of the manor holding a bouquet.
27:18There was no joy on his face.
27:20His senses swept through the air again and again.
27:23Nothing.
27:23No trace of Lyra.
27:25His brows drew tight.
27:28Where is Lyra?
27:29Jealousy flashed in Selina's eyes, but her scent turned weak and soft.
27:32Kaylin, Lyra probably couldn't handle it and ran out of the territory.
27:35My Luna Mother quickly added,
27:37Alpha, we failed to tame Lyra's wild nature.
27:40Kaylin's wolf growled restlessly inside him.
27:42Irritated, he pulled out his comm device and sent Lyra a message.
27:46Why are you acting so childish?
27:47Where did you go?
27:49No reply.
27:50Whether through mind link or text, Lyra answered nothing.
27:53Chloe came into the hall still clutching the journal and medical file.
27:56She had only skimmed the report, but one thing had already shaken her.
27:59How could Lyra's body be in such terrible condition?
28:02Why did she have only one kidney?
28:03She had already ordered her deputy date everything Lyra endured during those seven years in Silver Moon.
28:08Alpha, the mating ceremony was starting.
28:10Selina said brightly, breaking the silence as she wrapped herself around Kaylin's arm.
28:14If Lyra left, then she left.
28:16Selina did not seem concerned about Lyra at all.
28:18Chloe and my father both frowned.
28:20This fake bond doesn't need all this.
28:22Kaylin's voice turned cold.
28:24You wanted to wear a wedding dress and walk into Moon Goddess Temple.
28:28Fine. We'll do that and nothing more.
28:33He pulled his arm free and walked out first, carrying Winter Cold with him.
28:37Moon Goddess Temple.
28:38Because it was only a false ceremony, Kaylin invited no guests.
28:42Inside the temple were only the Alpha Lineage families and the Elder presiding over the right.
28:46This is nothing like I imagined.
28:48Selina finally broke.
28:49Lyra left? So what? You still have me.
28:52Am I really worth less than that stray wolf?
28:53She's an ex-convict. How could she ever deserve you?
28:56Kaylin's patience was gone.
28:58All that remained was growing panic over Lyra's disappearance.
29:02Selina, you threatened to die.
29:03You jumped from the roof.
29:04That is the only reason I agreed to this sham ceremony.
29:06Everything you wanted has been done.
29:07I'm going to find Lyra.
29:08Then he fixed her with a hard stare.
29:10And don't forget, Lyra went to Silvermoon Penitentiary in your place.
29:13Every wolf in the temple froze.
29:15Selina suddenly let out a shrill cry.
29:17No one saw where she got it, but a silvered blade was suddenly at her throat.
29:20I don't care.
29:21How am I less than Lyra?
29:22When you were dying, I was the one who gave you my kidney.
29:25My Luna mother lunged toward her.
29:26Selina, don't do this.
29:27Stay back.
29:28Selina swung wildly and the silver blade sliced open my mother's arm.
29:31Her eyes burned red as she muttered like someone possessed.
29:34I only want Kaelin.
29:35Why can't I have the one mate I want?
29:37It's all Lyra's fault.
29:38She should have died.
29:39Her hysterical curses echoed through the temple as everything descended into chaos.
29:43The scene ended only when ambulances arrived.
29:46Kaelin wrestled the blade from her barehanded and badly burned his palms in the process.
29:50He sat in the ambulance like a man losing his mind, calling and messaged Lyra again and again.
29:54Lyra, the fake ceremony is over.
29:56Where are you?
29:57Don't let anger cloud your judgment.
30:00Let me come find you.
30:02But Lyra's message screen remained completely silent.
30:07Pack Medical Center.
30:08Outside the operating room.
30:10My Luna mother ignored the blood still seeping from her own wound as she anxiously grabbed the healer's arm.
30:16My daughter is a fragile omega.
30:18She has depression and she's missing a kidney.
30:20Be gentle when you stitch her up.
30:22The nurse blinked in confusion.
30:23Ma'am, we completed a full body scan.
30:26She is in excellent health and she is not missing a kidney.
30:28What did you say?
30:29My alpha father released a blast of pressure so sharp it made the nurse flinch.
30:33Shaken, she repeated herself.
30:34Both leaders stared in stunned disbelief.
30:37At that same moment, Chloe was reading the files her deputy had just sent her.
30:43They matched the medical report Lyra had left behind.
30:46There were also two blurry surveillance videos.
30:49The first showed Lyra and Kaelin being wheeled side by side into surgery for an organ transplant.
30:59The second came from inside Silvermoon Penitentiary.
31:04In the dark footage, several large female wolves tore into Lyra, beating and torturing her without mercy.
31:11Chloe's eyes instantly turned red.
31:13How dare they treat the leader's bloodline like this?
31:16My father had supposedly made arrangements.
31:19Kaelin had supposedly sent supplies.
31:21Then why did Lyra look so thin?
31:23So broken?
31:24So helpless in those recordings?
31:25Her comm device rang.
31:27When the call ended, Chloe collapsed to the floor.
31:31The one behind everything!
31:33It was Selena!
31:35She could not hold herself together any longer.
31:37Then she realized, our parents were already gone.
31:41Clutching the journal, she ran through the halls and slammed open Selene's hospital room.
31:50Alpha father.
31:51Luna mother.
31:52Read Lyra's journal first.
31:54She flipped to the final pages.
31:56Lyra always understood French.
31:58Every cruel thing we said to exclude her, she understood all of it.
32:02The blood in both leaders seemed to freeze.
32:05My father snatched the journal from her hands and read line by line,
32:09his breathing growing heavier with every page.
32:11Chloe turned to Selena, her voice cold as steel.
32:14Were you ever the one who gave Kaelin your kidney?
32:17Selena froze.
32:18That guilty pause destroyed the last hope Chloe had left.
32:21Why did you cut off the supplies meant for Lyra?
32:24Why did you bribe prison guards to torture her?
32:26Selena released a weak wave of pheromones and played innocent.
32:30Little sister, what are you talking about?
32:34By then, both leaders stepped first after finishing the journal.
32:38Chloe gave an order to her deputy.
32:40Bring them in.
32:41Five minutes later, the deputy entered with prison guards, a finance officer, and a heaviest female inmate.
32:47At the same moment, another presence entered the room.
32:50Kaelin, the freezing scent of fur rolled off him like winter death itself.
32:56His face looked carved from ice.
32:59His gaze pinned to Selene's pale face.
33:01As Lyra's mate, I have every right to uncover the truth behind this.
33:06Selene's face drained of all color.
33:08Kaelin, what truth?
33:10I don't understand anything you're saying.
33:12Chloe snapped.
33:14Still lying?
33:14Even now?
33:15How many times did you frame Lyra over the years?
33:18Do I need to expose every filthy thing you've done in front of Alpha himself?
33:23Selene collapsed to the floor, eyes red with tears.
33:26Chloe, I'm your real sister.
33:27How can you speak to me like this?
33:28Chloe laughed bitter.
33:29Have you forgotten?
33:30Lyra is the one who shares my blood.
33:32Selene began breathing hard, pretending to swirl into another episode.
33:38That's enough.
33:39My Luna mother stepped forward again, blind protectness rising in her voice.
33:43Are you trying to drive your sister to death?
33:45Mom, you're still protecting her?
33:49Chloe's voice cracked.
33:52Do you even know which child is truly yours?
33:55She lifted the medical reports high.
33:57Lyra only has one kidney.
33:59She was the one who saved Kaelin.
34:00The critical condition reports from Silvermoon Atentury show she was nearly beaten to death.
34:04She lived in our territory for 12 years and we gave her nothing.
34:07We hated her because of Selene's lies.
34:08We exiled her while loving the wolf who betrayed us.
34:11Selene's depression was fake.
34:12Then Chloe revealed the final evidence.
34:14A scan showing both of Selene's kidneys intact.
34:16And a psychological evaluation describing her as emotionally stable, manipulative, and displaying antisocial traits.
34:21Kaelin, who had stood silent stone, finally moved.
34:23A terrifying wave of Alpha pressure flooded the room.
34:26Chloe, give me Lyra's records.
34:29He took them with shaking hands.
34:31Critical condition notices, x-rays.
34:33Photographs stained with blood.
34:34He turned each page one by one.
34:36Then he reached the chart documenting Lyra's injuries.
34:39Arms, abdomen, back.
34:40Eyes.
34:40There was almost no unmarked skin left.
34:42Only bite wounds.
34:43Only scars from silver burns.
34:45Something inside the top tier.
34:47Alpha snap.
34:47He leaned toward Selene and towered over her.
34:49Tell me, what did you do to my mate?
34:51How dare you torture her?
34:53Unable to hide any longer, Selene twisted into a smile and turned to my Lena mother.
34:57Mom, I'm hurting.
34:58Chloe stepped in front of her.
34:59Enough with the act.
35:00For years, you used our sympathy.
35:02You used our mother's love and turned her into a knife that stabbed her own daughter in the heart.
35:06Selene, do you understand what you've done?
35:08You've condemned this entire family to a lifetime of regret.
35:11Selene turned to my father instead.
35:13Dad, you always loved me most.
35:15My father gripped the journal so tightly his knuckles whitened.
35:18He could not meet her eyes.
35:19In that moment, Selene lost everything.
35:21Her expression went empty.
35:22Then she spoke in a flat, weightless voice.
35:24I only wanted Lyra dead.
35:25That's all.
35:28Selene!
35:29You will confess every crime.
35:32Every single one.
35:33Kaylin's voice tore out of him like it came through shredded flesh.
35:37My father spoke heavily.
35:38Kaylin, you will have justice.
35:41But first, read what Lyra left for you.
35:44Kaylin took the journal in a daze and opened to the final page.
35:48There, in neat and rude of French handwriting, were the last words I had left behind.
35:52At last, I am gone.
35:54From this moment on, we'll never meet again.
35:56So that was when she had truly given up.
35:59The day he kissed Selene in front of everyone.
36:02While he still imagined he could reclaim her after the fake bonding right.
36:07Lyra had already cut every tie in that mold-filled room.
36:11Kaylin crushed the journal against his chest.
36:14Under the eyes of everyone present, the coldest alpha among them finally looked shattered.
36:22A single tear of regret slipped quietly from his golden green eyes.
36:27Selene was still crying.
36:28I didn't mean for any of this.
36:30I was just afraid of losing you.
36:32There was no mercy left in Kaylin's gaze.
36:34You didn't mean it?
36:36Then who did?
36:37Lyra, the one you framed and sent to prison?
36:39Or me, the fool you played for years?
36:42Selene, you had everything.
36:44The leaders favored you.
36:46The entire pack treasured you.
36:49Lyra's return never threatened your place.
36:52Selene's face twisted.
36:54And what about you?
36:55Didn't her return threaten my place in your heart?
36:58The question stole the air from his lungs.
37:00She gave a bitter laugh.
37:02See?
37:03Your wolf answered for you.
37:06After Lyra came back, you changed.
37:10The way you looked at her was full of possession.
37:15As the balance slowly tipped toward her, how was I supposed not to hate her?
37:19How was I supposed not to be jealous?
37:21So I had to make her disappear.
37:23I had to let her rot in that filthy prison.
37:25Kaylin stared at the stranger before him.
37:28All that remained in his eyes was despair.
37:30Selene laughed and cried at once.
37:32It's all Lyra's fault.
37:34Why did she have to come back?
37:37Every time I saw her, I was reminded that I was nothing but a cheap replacement.
37:42Selene, Chloe's eyes overflowed.
37:45Selene, how did you become this?
37:48We always stood beside you.
37:50And you turned the protection of your own family into a weapon.
37:53Selene wiped away her tears.
37:55I was always like this.
37:57I was born rotten.
37:59Is that what you wanted to hear?
38:01Chloe shook with grief.
38:02No one ever said you did not belong here.
38:04Even after Lyra returned, we still protected you.
38:08And Lyra never once tried to take anything from you.
38:11A broken laugh escaped her.
38:15We really were fools beyond saving.
38:18A house full of sinners.
38:21Smack.
38:22The crack of a violent slap rang through the room.
38:26Selene clutched her swollen cheek and stared in disbelief at the Alpha Father who had once treated her like treasure.
38:32His face was hard as stone, but remorse flooded his eyes.
38:36Alpha Father.
38:37She whispered, reaching for whatever pity might still remain.
38:41You do not deserve to use that title again.
38:43His voice shook with fury.
38:45You have stained the honor of this family.
38:47What we owe Lyra, we will repay.
38:49What you owe her, you will repay in blood.
38:53Chloe looked at the sister she had lived beside for years.
38:56You stole someone else's life.
38:59You betrayed your pack.
39:00I will never forgive you.
39:02Then she turned and ran from the room.
39:05Kaylin, I...
39:06Selene faced him next.
39:08Quiet.
39:09His voice was colder than death.
39:10You do not deserve to say my name.
39:13Her lips trembled.
39:15So there's no fixing this?
39:17Kaylin gave a hollow laugh.
39:19You still think this is something small?
39:21Isn't it?
39:22Selene screamed.
39:23Lyra only spent seven years in prison.
39:26She didn't die.
39:27Every trace of restraint vanished from him.
39:30She was covered in scars from the wolves you sent to tear her apart.
39:33So what?
39:34Selene shrieked.
39:35She deserved it.
39:36She lunged for him, trying to wrap her arms around his neck.
39:40Crack.
39:40The snap of bone cut through the room.
39:43Kaylin's wolf claws locked around her wrist.
39:45With one brutal twist, he shattered the bones beneath his grip.
39:49Selene's scream was inhuman.
39:51At that same moment, aboard a flight bound for Dominina Island,
39:55I stared through the window into the dark sky.
39:58All that gray misery had become dust behind me.
40:01This aircraft will arrive in Dominina in five minutes.
40:04The announcement echoed through the cabin.
40:06I let the past fall away, completely.
40:09Ahead, the coastline grew brighter and brighter.
40:11A small smile touched my lips.
40:14Wild.
40:15Free.
40:16Dominanica had arrived.
40:18So had my new life.
40:21Six years passed in the blink of an eye.
40:24Kaylin and Kristen Moonpack still found no trace of me.
40:28When a soul chooses to vanish from its old life,
40:31even the moon goddess cannot easily find it.
40:34And I had been erased completely by the Global Institute for Werewolf and Supernatural Secrecy.
40:40Kaylin had grown visibly thinner.
40:41The sharp, aggressive scent of fur that once defined him was now shadowed by constant gloom.
40:47The calm device on his desk began to ring.
40:49He rubbed his tired brow and answered.
40:52Alpha, Selene's mental state has fully collapsed.
40:54She attacks herself every day and has entered feral collapse.
40:57The doctors recommend transferring her to a psychiatric facility.
41:00Kaylin's voice was glacial.
41:02This time, is it real?
41:04Or another act?
41:06It's real.
41:06Her wolf has withered from prolonged fear.
41:09Good.
41:10I'll send a vehicle.
41:12He ended the call without emotion.
41:14For six years, he had arranged special treatment for Selene in prison.
41:18Every ounce of suffering I endured in Silvermoon Penitentiary, she had repaid in full.
41:24Crescent Moonpack maintained a silence as cold as death.
41:27The night the truth came out, they had abandoned the wolf they could never tame.
41:31Kaylin lowered his gaze to the photograph on his desk.
41:34It was a picture of me the day I left prison, thin as bone.
41:39Expressionless.
41:40He traced the features in the photo with his fingertips, drowning in regret.
41:44Where are you hiding, Lyra?
41:45I know apologies mean nothing, unless those who hurt you feel the same pain they gave you.
41:49But if you never come back, how am I supposed to return the soul I owe you?
41:57Here we go.
41:58Here we go.
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