No Longer Yours, My Alpha

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00:00:00The Alpha Heir could never bond with a human girl.

00:00:02The Northern Pack had one unbreakable rule.

00:00:05The Alpha Heir could never bond with a human girl.

00:00:08Despite that, Alpha Kieran Wolf still formed a mate bond with me.

00:00:11To be with me, he openly defied the Elder's Council.

00:00:15He endured 99 lashes and was forced to kneel at the altar for three days and nights.

00:00:20Even as blood soaked through his shirt, he smiled at me and said,

00:00:24Elise, don't be afraid. I only want you.

00:00:28Eventually, the Elder's Council finally relented and agreed to let Kieran leave with me.

00:00:33However, there was one condition.

00:00:35He had to leave a pure-blood heir behind for the pack.

00:00:39From that moment on, the phrase I heard most from Kieran was,

00:00:42Wait.

00:00:43The first time, Kieran asked me to wait while he got another she-wolf to carry his pup.

00:00:48He slept with Cecilia Donati 33 times until she was carrying his pup.

00:00:53The second time, he told me to wait again because the first pup was a female and the elders wanted

00:00:59a male.

00:01:00So, Kieran slept with Cecilia 99 more times until she was carrying his pup again.

00:01:05Just when I thought our ordeal was finally over,

00:01:07their daughter, Tyra Wolf, accidentally ate Wolfsbane at her Meet the Pup party.

00:01:13Everyone was convinced I had poisoned her.

00:01:15When they threw me into the freezing cold storage room, Kieran stood at the doorway with bloodshot eyes.

00:01:20I told you to wait.

00:01:22You know what wolfpate means to our kind!

00:01:26Why would you hurt my pup?

00:01:27My fingernails dug deep into my palms as the pain tore through me.

00:01:31When the storage room door opened again, I loosened my bloodied hands.

00:01:35This time, I was not going to wait anymore.

00:01:41I pushed open the heavy doors of the Elders' Council, forcing myself to keep my voice steady.

00:01:46I said, I'm willing to leave Kieran Walss, but I have one condition.

00:01:51I want you to send me somewhere he'll never find me.

00:01:54Elder Lucian Pierce let out a satisfied laugh.

00:01:57If only you had been this sensible sooner.

00:02:00Spending one night in the cold storage truly showed you your place.

00:02:03A human like you was never worthy of our noble alpha bloodline.

00:02:08His voice dripped with contempt as he said,

00:02:10On the night of the full moon in ten days, we'll arrange everything to send you away.

00:02:16And when that time comes, you'd better never show your face in front of Kaiman again.

00:02:20The heavy doors slammed shut abruptly, and I leaned against the mansion's cold wall.

00:02:25In the main hall, Kieran had shifted into his massive wolf form,

00:02:29and was gently letting his daughter, Tyra Wolf, tug at his thick fur.

00:02:34Cecilia was curled against his warm belly, smiling with tender satisfaction.

00:02:38The perfect family of three looked so blissfully happy together.

00:02:42Cecilia Donati noticed me first, and immediately sat up with alert eyes.

00:02:47She instinctively pulled Tyra behind her protectively.

00:02:50Mrs. George, you're back.

00:02:52Kieran almost reflexively shifted back to human form,

00:02:56and handed Tyra to a servant to take upstairs.

00:02:58Their wary looks cut into me like knives.

00:03:01I'll only acknowledge pups that come from your belly.

00:03:04Now watched me like I was a murderer.

00:03:09After Tyra was taken away, Kieran approached and reached out to check my frostbitten body.

00:03:14You're back.

00:03:15Did you get hurt in the cold storage?

00:03:17As I looked at this man who had once taken 99 lashes for me,

00:03:21my heart ached with bitterness as I turned away from his touch.

00:03:25He frowned slightly.

00:03:26Elise George, given last night's situation,

00:03:30the more I defended you, the harsher the elders' punishment would have been.

00:03:34With your human body, they might have even executed you.

00:03:38We're leaving soon anyway, and I don't want any more complications.

00:03:42Also, Tyra is innocent.

00:03:44Why would you-

00:03:45I told you it wasn't me!

00:03:47I growled, my eyes burning with tears.

00:03:50Wolf bath is a deadly poison.

00:03:52How could I possibly use something like that to hurt anyone?

00:03:55Kieran seemed startled by my intense reaction,

00:03:58and paused before softening his tone.

00:04:00All right, fine.

00:04:02It doesn't matter now.

00:04:04Tyra is fine now.

00:04:05His dismissive words felt like ice picks stabbing into my heart.

00:04:09He still did not believe me.

00:04:11Just as the atmosphere grew tense,

00:04:13Cecilia approached while rubbing her slightly rounded belly.

00:04:15Mrs. George, I owe you an apology too.

00:04:18I was too panicked at the time.

00:04:20You're not a wolf,

00:04:21so you probably don't understand a mother's instinct to protect her pup.

00:04:25She raised her hand to brush her hair back,

00:04:27and the delicate crystal bracelet on her wrist glowed with a soft luster.

00:04:31My eyes widened as I grabbed her wrist.

00:04:33Where did you get this bracelet?

00:04:36I gave it to her.

00:04:38Cecilia likes antique pieces.

00:04:40I looked at Kieran with deep disappointment,

00:04:43my heart aching as if it were being cut by a knife.

00:04:46It was you.

00:04:49Kieran said matter-of-factly,

00:04:51as he pulled my hand away.

00:04:53Consider it your apology gift to her.

00:04:55Besides, it's just a bracelet.

00:04:57My voice trembled with rage.

00:04:59This is the only thing my mother left me.

00:05:01How could you give it away?

00:05:03You know how much it means to me.

00:05:05I reached to snatch the bracelet back,

00:05:07but Cecilia suddenly staggered backward

00:05:09and clutched her stomach in apparent pain.

00:05:12She moaned weakly.

00:05:13My belly.

00:05:15Kieran immediately shoved me away roughly,

00:05:17his eyes turning frighteningly cold.

00:05:20Elise!

00:05:21She's carrying my pup!

00:05:23He was so strong that I crashed hard into the bookshelf behind me.

00:05:27Haven't you caused enough trouble?

00:05:28My head struck against it heavily,

00:05:30and warm blood immediately began trickling down my neck.

00:05:33Yet,

00:05:35Kieran did not even look back,

00:05:36as he swept Cecilia into his arms and rushed out.

00:05:40Kieran!

00:05:41Cecilia sobbed weakly against his chest.

00:05:44Will our pup be okay?

00:05:47Don't be afraid.

00:05:49I'm here.

00:05:50He replied,

00:05:50his voice tenderly reassuring,

00:05:53each word piercing my ears.

00:05:55You'll be fine,

00:05:56and so will the pup.

00:05:57When Kieran carried Cecilia out of the mansion,

00:06:00I was still slumped on the floor with blood trickling down my neck from the back of my head.

00:06:04I watched his retreating figure,

00:06:06so urgent,

00:06:07and panicked.

00:06:08Yet,

00:06:09he never looked back once.

00:06:12I looked down at the pool of blood beneath me and suddenly laughed,

00:06:16and the sound was bleak.

00:06:18Later,

00:06:19I took a carriage to the hospital,

00:06:20alone.

00:06:21The doctor saw how severe my injury was,

00:06:23and immediately began stitching and bandaging the wound.

00:06:26By the time they finished treating me,

00:06:28I had lost so much blood that I was dizzy,

00:06:30and could barely stand.

00:06:32I had just stumbled out of the examination room when someone grabbed my wrist roughly.

00:06:37Elise,

00:06:38Cecilia almost miscarried,

00:06:40yet you still wouldn't stop.

00:06:42You followed us to the hospital,

00:06:44to cause more trouble.

00:06:46Kieran's voice was tight with rage.

00:06:48His brow was furrowed deeply,

00:06:50and his eyes held a bone-chilling coldness.

00:06:52He still carried Cecilia's suffocating perfume scent on his clothes.

00:06:56I came to the hospital,

00:06:57but not for her.

00:06:59I pointed to my freshly bandaged forehead.

00:07:01I was injured too,

00:07:03and I couldn't treat it myself.

00:07:05Kieran's expression froze.

00:07:07He finally noticed the strong scent of blood on me,

00:07:10masked by antiseptic and the thick gore still seeping red.

00:07:16Kieran,

00:07:17you said that once you delivered the pup,

00:07:19you'd take me away.

00:07:20I said,

00:07:21looking at him as my nose began to sting.

00:07:23But now,

00:07:24do you even see me anymore?

00:07:26Kieran's frown deepened as he reached out tenderly to touch my wound.

00:07:29What happened here?

00:07:31You pushed me.

00:07:32I said calmly,

00:07:33dodging his touch.

00:07:34I hit the bookshelves.

00:07:38To you,

00:07:39it was just a casual shove,

00:07:40wasn't it?

00:07:41Kieran's pupils contracted as he recalled the force he had used in his moment of rage.

00:07:46For a human,

00:07:47it could have been fatal.

00:07:48He pulled me into his arms guiltily.

00:07:50Elise,

00:07:51I'm sorry.

00:07:52I didn't mean to.

00:07:53I was just afraid something would happen to Cecilia.

00:07:56She's carrying the pack's future.

00:07:57If anything went wrong,

00:07:59the Elder's Council would never forgive us.

00:08:01And our departure would be delayed again.

00:08:03I let him hold me while staring blankly at the sterile white ceiling.

00:08:06I had heard these excuses too many times before.

00:08:09I understand.

00:08:10I said,

00:08:11pushing him away.

00:08:12Go take care of her.

00:08:13I turned to leave,

00:08:14but he grabbed my wrist again.

00:08:16Elise,

00:08:17no matter what,

00:08:18you have to believe

00:08:20that I only love you.

00:08:21Everything I do is to help us escape this prison

00:08:24as quickly as possible.

00:08:26Kieran released my hand and,

00:08:28as he walked away,

00:08:29said,

00:08:29When I get home,

00:08:30I'll bring you your favorite cranberry cupcakes.

00:08:33With that,

00:08:34he headed toward the private healing chamber

00:08:36at the end of the corridor,

00:08:37where Cecilia was being cared for

00:08:39by the pack's finest healers.

00:08:41I stood there,

00:08:42watching him disappear into the distance.

00:08:44Suddenly,

00:08:45I laughed,

00:08:46and tears began streaming down my face.

00:08:48I don't believe you anymore.

00:08:49I whispered to the empty air

00:08:51and to my own dying heart,

00:08:52Kieran,

00:08:53I will never believe any of your promises ever again.

00:09:01Kieran was gone for three days straight.

00:09:03During those three days,

00:09:05Cecilia sent me taunting letters every single day.

00:09:09Cecilia,

00:09:09What the hell do you want from me?

00:09:12My voice shaking with barely contained rage.

00:09:14I could almost hear her soft,

00:09:16mocking laugh through the ink.

00:09:18Oh, nothing much.

00:09:19I just thought you should see

00:09:20how happy your husband is without you.

00:09:22Three days,

00:09:22and he hasn't even mentioned your name once.

00:09:25The letter ended there abruptly.

00:09:26In my mind's eye,

00:09:28I saw Kieran gently coaxing Tyra with toys,

00:09:31while Cecilia leaned intimately against his shoulder,

00:09:34smiling sweetly

00:09:35as she watched the father-daughter interaction.

00:09:37I endured the heartache

00:09:39and read every letter she sent.

00:09:41She wrote about him keeping watch

00:09:42by her hospital bed deep into the night,

00:09:45feeding her soup,

00:09:46and holding Tyra with nothing but adoration in his eyes.

00:09:49Each word felt like a needle piercing my heart.

00:09:52The pain kept coming until suddenly,

00:09:54I realized I could not feel it anymore.

00:09:56Perhaps my heart had already died

00:09:58the moment I was locked in that ice cell.

00:10:00I was about to burn her letters

00:10:01when a servant brought another package.

00:10:03Inside was a sketch of my mom's crystal bracelet

00:10:05being toyed with in Cecilia's hands.

00:10:08Want your mother's keepsake?

00:10:09Then come get it.

00:10:12I shot to my feet so fast

00:10:14that my vision went black

00:10:16from the lingering blood loss.

00:10:18Yet, I did not care.

00:10:20I grabbed my coat and rushed out.

00:10:22In the hospital room,

00:10:23Cecilia was holding Tyra

00:10:25and humming a lullaby softly.

00:10:27Daddy loves you the most, doesn't he?

00:10:30Daddy's alpha power

00:10:31will be passed down to you someday.

00:10:34She looked up when she saw me,

00:10:36her smile deepening.

00:10:37You came.

00:10:38Did you know that during my stay here,

00:10:40Kieran hasn't even gone on his territory patrols.

00:10:43He's been right here

00:10:44using his pheromones to comfort me

00:10:48and our future heir.

00:10:50She deliberately emphasized the word heir.

00:10:52My nails dug deep into my palms

00:10:54as I asked coldly,

00:10:55Where's the bracelet?

00:10:56Cecilia leisurely picked up

00:10:58the antique crystal bracelet

00:10:59from the bedside table

00:11:00and dangled it from her fingertips.

00:11:02You mean this?

00:11:03She flashed a cruel smile.

00:11:05Here's the deal.

00:11:06With your human body,

00:11:08bow to me,

00:11:10Kieran's future Luna,

00:11:11and I'll consider giving it back.

00:11:13I trembled with rage.

00:11:15Don't go too far.

00:11:19Cecilia's eyes were full of disdain,

00:11:21her arrogance on full display.

00:11:23So what if I do?

00:11:25Elise,

00:11:25you're nothing but a fragile,

00:11:27short-lived human,

00:11:28while I possess the purest alpha bloodline.

00:11:31What right do you have to compete with me

00:11:33for Kieran's affection?

00:11:35Bowing to me is an honor.

00:11:37She pretended to loosen her grip.

00:11:39I'll count to three.

00:11:40If you don't get on your knees,

00:11:42I'll drop it.

00:11:43Two,

00:11:44one.

00:11:45I bit my lip so hard

00:11:46I nearly drew blood.

00:11:47My knees felt like

00:11:48they were filled with lead,

00:11:50but they finally crashed heavily

00:11:51onto the cold floor

00:11:52as I bowed down

00:11:54with my forehead touching the ground.

00:11:56Cecilia burst out laughing.

00:11:58Look at you.

00:12:00You really do look like a pathetic dog.

00:12:03She raised her hand

00:12:04and I reached out to catch it.

00:12:06However,

00:12:06she released her fingers

00:12:08just half a step away from me.

00:12:10The crystal bracelet

00:12:11shattered on the floor,

00:12:12breaking into several pieces.

00:12:14Cecilia covered her grin

00:12:16with a look of mock surprise.

00:12:17Oh my!

00:12:19How careless of you!

00:12:20You couldn't even catch it!

00:12:22I trembled

00:12:22and had just lunged forward

00:12:24to gather the pieces

00:12:25when Cecilia suddenly screamed

00:12:27and fell backward against the wall.

00:12:29At that moment,

00:12:30the door was violently pushed open.

00:12:32Kieran and Lucian

00:12:33stood in the doorway

00:12:34with grim expressions,

00:12:36followed by several other elders.

00:12:37What are you doing?

00:12:42Lucian demanded sternly,

00:12:44his voice carrying alpha authority

00:12:46that made me feel suffocated.

00:12:48Cecilia threw herself

00:12:49into Kieran's arms, crying.

00:12:51Kieran!

00:12:52My stomach hurts so much!

00:12:54Oh,

00:12:55and check Tyra quickly!

00:12:56I just saw Elise pinching

00:12:58and hitting her!

00:12:58Kieran frantically picked up the pup

00:13:00to examine her,

00:13:01lifting her clothes

00:13:02to reveal tender skin

00:13:03covered in purple bruises

00:13:05from pinching.

00:13:06I stared in disbelief.

00:13:08I didn't!

00:13:10I never even touched her!

00:13:12I shook my head desperately

00:13:13as Lucian glared at me

00:13:15with venom in his eyes.

00:13:16Suddenly,

00:13:17a blow heavy with werewolf strength

00:13:19struck me across the face.

00:13:21My vision went black,

00:13:22my ears rang,

00:13:23and blood dripped

00:13:24from the corner of my mouth.

00:13:25You vile woman!

00:13:27Lucian's voice sounded

00:13:28like an echo.

00:13:29You dare harm

00:13:31a pregnant she-wolf

00:13:32and an innocent pup!

00:13:34Another elder said coldly,

00:13:36The last punishment

00:13:37was too lenient.

00:13:39Guards,

00:13:39drag her to the punishment chamber

00:13:41and give her 20 flamshies.

00:13:44Kieran clenched his fists tightly

00:13:45and stepped forward.

00:13:47Elders,

00:13:47you still want to protect her?

00:13:49Lucian interrupted harshly,

00:13:51She harmed your own bloodline,

00:13:53even if you plan

00:13:54to run away with her,

00:13:55It doesn't change

00:13:56that this pup

00:13:57carries your blood!

00:14:00I trembled,

00:14:02instinctively looking

00:14:03toward Kieran.

00:14:04He still stood there

00:14:05with his knuckles

00:14:06white from clenching.

00:14:07In the punishment chamber,

00:14:09wolf guards pinned me down,

00:14:10forcing me to kneel

00:14:11on the stone slab

00:14:12in the center.

00:14:13The first lash came down

00:14:14and my vision went black.

00:14:17In a daze,

00:14:17I remembered

00:14:18when I had broken up

00:14:19with Kieran

00:14:20on the day he decided

00:14:21to rebel against his family

00:14:22to be with me.

00:14:23That night it poured rain

00:14:25and he stood outside my window,

00:14:27letting the storm drench him

00:14:28until he burned

00:14:29with a high fever.

00:14:30When I went to see him,

00:14:32he was delirious with fever.

00:14:33Yet,

00:14:34he still grabbed my hand

00:14:35and said,

00:14:36Elise,

00:14:37remember,

00:14:38even if it means

00:14:39fighting the whole world,

00:14:41I want only you

00:14:42as my mate.

00:14:43At the fifteenth lash,

00:14:44I seemed to hear

00:14:45his gentle voice

00:14:46from years ago

00:14:47when I was injured.

00:14:48How did you get hurt again?

00:14:50Let me lick it.

00:14:52It won't hurt

00:14:53for much longer.

00:14:54Finally,

00:14:54the last lash struck

00:14:55and I could not

00:14:56hold on anymore.

00:14:57My vision went black

00:14:58as I completely passed out.

00:15:00Just before losing consciousness,

00:15:02I saw Kieran

00:15:03anxiously pulling me

00:15:04into his arms.

00:15:07When I woke up again,

00:15:08I was lying face down

00:15:10on a bed.

00:15:10Even the slightest movement

00:15:12sent searing pain

00:15:13across my back.

00:15:15Elise!

00:15:16Kieran immediately

00:15:17rushed over,

00:15:18his eyes bloodshot

00:15:19with exhaustion.

00:15:21You're awake.

00:15:22Does it still hurt?

00:15:24I silently pulled

00:15:25my hand away,

00:15:26unwilling to look at him.

00:15:27Kieran stiffened

00:15:28for a moment

00:15:29before speaking again

00:15:30to explain.

00:15:31Elise,

00:15:32it's not that I didn't

00:15:33want to stop them,

00:15:33but in that situation,

00:15:35the more I resisted,

00:15:36the harsher

00:15:37the Elder's punishment

00:15:38would have been.

00:15:39Elder Lucian

00:15:40even considered

00:15:40executing you.

00:15:41I had to protect

00:15:42your life first.

00:15:44So,

00:15:45I said with a hoarse voice,

00:15:47you also believe

00:15:48I hurt your pup?

00:15:49Kieran's Adam's apple

00:15:50bobbed once.

00:15:51Ultimately,

00:15:52he chose silence.

00:15:53This moment of silence

00:15:55was like a dull blade,

00:15:56brutally cutting through

00:15:57my last shred of hope.

00:15:59With reddened eyes,

00:16:00I slowly said,

00:16:01I'll ask you

00:16:02just one question.

00:16:03Kieran Wolf,

00:16:04in the name of the moon

00:16:06and our mate bond.

00:16:07Do you believe me?

00:16:11Kieran frowned,

00:16:12anger creeping into his voice.

00:16:14Elise,

00:16:15there are bruises on Tyra

00:16:16and Cecilia named you herself.

00:16:19There's a witness and evidence.

00:16:21How do you expect me to believe you?

00:16:23Didn't I tell you that everything

00:16:24would be fine once this was all over?

00:16:26Why did you have to provoke Cecilia?

00:16:28My tears suddenly started falling.

00:16:31I thought I would not feel pain anymore,

00:16:33but my chest still felt like

00:16:34it was being viciously torn apart.

00:16:36I hurriedly turned my head away,

00:16:38not wanting him to see me

00:16:40looking so pathetic and weak.

00:16:41Go.

00:16:42I whispered so quietly

00:16:43it was barely audible.

00:16:45Just wait a little longer, okay?

00:16:48His voice softened

00:16:48as he tried to approach me again.

00:16:50Soon,

00:16:51once Cecilia gives birth to this pup,

00:16:53we'll definitely be able to leave.

00:16:55I swear,

00:16:57I'll take you to see

00:16:59the southern seas

00:16:59that never freeze.

00:17:01We would go back to how things were?

00:17:03I closed my eyes,

00:17:04my throat tightening.

00:17:05I knew well that we could never go back.

00:17:08After all,

00:17:09he had Cecilia now

00:17:10and two pups.

00:17:11For their sake,

00:17:12he had hurt me again and again,

00:17:14choosing others over me

00:17:15time after time.

00:17:17I slowly turned over

00:17:18to face away from him,

00:17:19not wanting to say another word.

00:17:25Ciaran looked at me,

00:17:26his face twisted with pain.

00:17:27In the end,

00:17:28he only reached out

00:17:29to brush my hair,

00:17:31whispering,

00:17:31Sleep.

00:17:32I'll stay here with you.

00:17:33Before he even finished,

00:17:35the door was violently pushed open

00:17:36and a beater stood there frantically.

00:17:39Alpha,

00:17:40Miss Donati has been crying

00:17:41and calling for you.

00:17:42The healer says emotional fluctuations

00:17:44may hurt the pup.

00:17:45Ciaran frowned.

00:17:46He glanced at my turned back

00:17:48and hesitated for a moment.

00:17:49Then he stood up,

00:17:51Elise,

00:17:53I...

00:17:53I let out a self-mocking laugh

00:17:55and murmured,

00:17:57Go.

00:17:58Wait for me.

00:17:59I'll go check on them.

00:18:00Then come right back

00:18:01to take care of you.

00:18:02Watching his retreating figure,

00:18:04I smiled bitterly.

00:18:05You're a liar,

00:18:07Ciaran.

00:18:08You won't be coming back.

00:18:10Sure enough,

00:18:11he never returned that night.

00:18:12I was discharged the next day

00:18:14and it was pouring rain outside.

00:18:16I packed my belongings

00:18:17and stood at the hospital entrance,

00:18:20watching Ciaran's carriage

00:18:21slowly approach.

00:18:22As soon as I opened

00:18:23the carriage door,

00:18:24I saw Cecilia holding Tyra

00:18:26in the passenger seat.

00:18:27Ciaran.

00:18:28Cecilia saw me

00:18:29and immediately shrank closer to him.

00:18:31I...

00:18:33I haven't recovered from the shock yet.

00:18:37She covered her lower abdomen,

00:18:39her voice trembling.

00:18:40She can hurt me if she wants,

00:18:41but she can't hurt Tyra.

00:18:44Can you...

00:18:45give me a little more time?

00:18:47Please don't make me ride in the same carriage with her for now.

00:18:49I froze as I stared at the seat that used to belong to me.

00:18:54Ciaran was silent for a long time,

00:18:56then finally pushed his door open

00:18:57and handed me a large umbrella.

00:18:59Elise,

00:19:00wait here for a while.

00:19:01I'll take Cecilia home first

00:19:03and come right back to pick you up.

00:19:05With that,

00:19:06he closed the window

00:19:07and the black carriage sped away.

00:19:09I stood there motionless,

00:19:11watching the carriage carrying the family of three

00:19:13disappear at the end of the road.

00:19:14I closed my eyes,

00:19:16feeling like there was a huge hole in my chest

00:19:18that could never be filled

00:19:19with cold wind rushing through it.

00:19:21I waited for a long time

00:19:23until the rain grew heavier

00:19:24and the sky turned completely dark.

00:19:27Ciaran had promised to come back for me,

00:19:28but he never did.

00:19:29My communication crystal had lost its glow

00:19:32and I called out to him repeatedly through our mind link.

00:19:35Yet,

00:19:35there was only blocked silence on the other end.

00:19:38Seeing the sky grow darker

00:19:39with no sign of the storm letting up,

00:19:41I had no choice but to open the heavy umbrella

00:19:43and walk home.

00:19:46The fierce wind nearly snapped the umbrella frame

00:19:49as I stumbled forward.

00:19:51Suddenly,

00:19:52my foot slipped

00:19:53and I fell hard into a muddy puddle.

00:19:57The umbrella cracked with a sharp sound

00:20:00and rain instantly soaked through my entire body.

00:20:02By the time I finally made it home in my messy state,

00:20:05it was already deep into the night.

00:20:07As I stood dripping wet in the entryway,

00:20:10I heard Cecilia's tearful voice coming from the living room.

00:20:13Her voice was soft and trembling.

00:20:16Ciaran,

00:20:17I know you only have a lease in your heart,

00:20:20but this really is a special situation.

00:20:23My milk ducts are blocked

00:20:24and it hurts so much

00:20:25and Tayara keeps crying for milk,

00:20:27she sobbed.

00:20:28The usual methods don't work

00:20:30and the healer said,

00:20:32perhaps the pup's father has to

00:20:35help.

00:20:36Just think of it as for Tyra's sake.

00:20:38Please help me.

00:20:40Don't worry.

00:20:41Elise will never know.

00:20:42I froze at the doorway

00:20:43and it felt like all the blood in my body had run cold.

00:20:47In the living room,

00:20:48I could not see his expression,

00:20:50only his tense back.

00:20:51After a long silence,

00:20:53I watched Ciaran's left hand slowly rise,

00:20:55his fingertips parting Cecilia's clothing

00:20:58as his right hand slid over her pale skin.

00:21:01Then,

00:21:01right before my eyes,

00:21:03he lowered his head

00:21:04and pressed his lips

00:21:05against that softness.

00:21:08I was struck motionless,

00:21:10like lightning had hit me directly.

00:21:12Time seemed to stretch endlessly,

00:21:15each second feeling like a knife

00:21:16stabbing into my eyes

00:21:18and carving into my soul.

00:21:20I watched helplessly

00:21:21as Ciaran leaned down.

00:21:22I watched as his lips

00:21:23touched Cecilia's chest

00:21:25and I certainly watched

00:21:26as he sucked gently,

00:21:28over and over again.

00:21:30Cecilia let out a satisfied moan,

00:21:33threading her fingers

00:21:33through his hair.

00:21:34This side needs attention too.

00:21:36Ciaran frowned slightly.

00:21:38But that side isn't blocked, is it?

00:21:40Cecilia did not answer with words.

00:21:42Instead,

00:21:43she wrapped her arms around his neck

00:21:44and pressed his face against her.

00:21:46After a moment of silence,

00:21:48he lowered his head again.

00:21:49I could not watch anymore

00:21:50and bolted into the rain.

00:21:52The storm poured down on me,

00:21:54but I felt no cold.

00:21:56My mind was filled with memories

00:21:57of our first time together,

00:21:59how careful Ciaran had been,

00:22:01how he had treasured me,

00:22:02and how he had whispered in my ear

00:22:04with that husky voice,

00:22:05Elise, you're my first

00:22:07and you'll be my last.

00:22:09Now, those same lips

00:22:10were on another woman.

00:22:12My heart ached

00:22:13and it hurt worse than the lashes.

00:22:14I bent over

00:22:15and crouched in the rain

00:22:16until my legs went numb,

00:22:18waiting until the mansion's lights

00:22:20finally went out

00:22:21before stumbling back

00:22:22like a lost soul

00:22:23and collapsing

00:22:24in an empty room.

00:22:27The fever hit hard and fast

00:22:29in the middle of the night.

00:22:31Half conscious,

00:22:32I heard Ciaran's deep,

00:22:33gentle voice

00:22:33from the master bedroom.

00:22:35He was humming

00:22:35an old werewolf lullaby,

00:22:37one used to soothe their young.

00:22:39Of course,

00:22:40he was doing prenatal bonding

00:22:41with the pup in Cecilia's belly,

00:22:43using a method reserved

00:22:45only for the closest of kin.

00:22:47Just like he had once promised me,

00:22:49saying,

00:22:49When we have our pup,

00:22:51I'll sing our ancestors' songs

00:22:53to help him sleep every night.

00:22:54I did not know

00:22:55how long had passed

00:22:56before I heard someone calling me.

00:22:58Elise!

00:23:00Elise!

00:23:01I struggled to open my eyes

00:23:03and saw Ciaran sitting by the bed

00:23:04with a bowl of medicine.

00:23:06How did you get this sick?

00:23:08He touched my forehead

00:23:09with the same gentle care as before.

00:23:11However,

00:23:12when he got close,

00:23:13all I could see

00:23:14was what I had witnessed

00:23:15in that bedroom.

00:23:16I turned away,

00:23:17refusing his touch.

00:23:19Elise,

00:23:21I'll leave the medicine and water here.

00:23:22He paused,

00:23:23his voice strained.

00:23:25Cecilia is sick

00:23:26and carrying my pup.

00:23:27Plus,

00:23:28she has Tyra to care for,

00:23:29so she'll be staying

00:23:30in our house for now.

00:23:32The master bedroom

00:23:33will be theirs

00:23:34for the time being.

00:23:35You'll stay in this room

00:23:36for the next few days

00:23:37and shouldn't leave

00:23:38in case they catch

00:23:39something from you.

00:23:40I'll have the door

00:23:40locked from the outside

00:23:41and Brad will bring you

00:23:43food and medicine.

00:23:46Without waiting

00:23:46for my response,

00:23:48Ciaran practically fled

00:23:49the room

00:23:49to go care for Cecilia and Tyra.

00:23:51The lock clicked shut

00:23:53and my tears fell instantly.

00:23:55How ridiculous.

00:23:56I had once been the treasure

00:23:58he held in the palm of his hand,

00:24:00but now I had become

00:24:01nothing but a danger

00:24:02that needed to be locked away.

00:24:04Maybe it was Cecilia's doing,

00:24:06but over the next few days,

00:24:07no one brought me water

00:24:08or food on schedule.

00:24:10My fever would not break,

00:24:12leaving me dizzy

00:24:13and lightheaded

00:24:13while I constantly heard

00:24:15laughter and joy

00:24:16from outside.

00:24:17From the living room

00:24:18came the sound

00:24:19of a familiar,

00:24:20magical projection,

00:24:21playing one Ciaran

00:24:22used to watch with me

00:24:23wrapped in his arms.

00:24:25Cecilia's soft voice

00:24:26drifted through the door,

00:24:27sweet and intimate.

00:24:29This scene always makes me cry.

00:24:31Hold me tighter,

00:24:32just like this.

00:24:34Ciaran chuckled warmly.

00:24:36All right, come here.

00:24:38You're such a baby.

00:24:40They shared candlelit dinners

00:24:41in the living room,

00:24:42just like the surprises

00:24:43he used to cook for me

00:24:44every month.

00:24:45The clink of wine glasses

00:24:46and their quiet laughter

00:24:48carried clearly to my room.

00:24:50Later that night,

00:24:51their voices turned softer,

00:24:52more tender,

00:24:53as they talked about the future.

00:24:55It's a boy,

00:24:55I want to name him Fenlaw.

00:24:57Strong,

00:24:58just like his father.

00:24:59What do you think?

00:25:00Fenlaw sounds perfect.

00:25:01And if it's a girl,

00:25:03Serafina.

00:25:04She'll be as beautiful as you.

00:25:06I curled up on the bed,

00:25:07biting the blanket hard,

00:25:08refusing to let myself

00:25:09cry out loud.

00:25:14After three full days of fever,

00:25:16I finally recovered.

00:25:18The day I walked out of my room

00:25:19happened to be Tyra's

00:25:21official pack recognition ceremony,

00:25:23the moonlight ritual.

00:25:24The ceremony was held

00:25:25at the pack's sacred ground.

00:25:27A moonlit grove

00:25:29surrounded by ancient oak trees.

00:25:31A bonfire blazed bright

00:25:32while the scent of roasted venison

00:25:34filled the air,

00:25:35and the werewolves drank honey mead

00:25:37as the atmosphere grew festive.

00:25:39Lucian and several elders

00:25:41beamed with joy

00:25:42as they held the swaddled Tyra

00:25:44while she received blessings

00:25:45from the pack members.

00:25:47Exquisite jewelry and precious toys

00:25:49were piled high

00:25:50like a small mountain.

00:25:51Kieran,

00:25:51this is for Cecilia.

00:25:53Lucian smiled

00:25:54as he handed over a wooden box.

00:25:56Inside was a ring set

00:25:58with an enormous milky-white gem

00:26:00that seemed to pulse with moonlight.

00:26:02It was the tear of the moon goddess.

00:26:04She has given the wolf family

00:26:07a healthy bloodline!

00:26:09Kieran slipped the ring

00:26:11onto Cecilia's finger

00:26:12and whispered gently,

00:26:13You've done so well.

00:26:14Cecilia blushed

00:26:16and leaned into his arms

00:26:17and the family of three

00:26:18looked blissfully happy.

00:26:23The guests circled Tyra,

00:26:25praising her endlessly.

00:26:26Tyra's cry is so strong!

00:26:27She'll definitely be

00:26:29a powerful warrior.

00:26:30Her eyes are like Cecilia's

00:26:32with the color of moonlight.

00:26:33What a union of powerful bloodlines!

00:26:35Long live the Alpha,

00:26:36Kieran and Miss Donati!

00:26:37I stood in the corner

00:26:39watching it all.

00:26:40My nails dug deep into my palms,

00:26:42but I felt no pain.

00:26:43I didn't expect that it would be

00:26:44to pose for a portrait.

00:26:46Cecilia suddenly walked toward me

00:26:47with a wine glass,

00:26:49her smile sweet.

00:26:50The artist carefully prepared

00:26:52his magical recording crystal.

00:26:54Miss George,

00:26:54which Mrs. Donati,

00:26:55please stand a little closer.

00:26:57Cecilia looked unbothered though.

00:26:58She directly pulled me

00:26:59towards the artist's easel.

00:27:01Don't worry Miss George,

00:27:02this magical recording crystal

00:27:04won't harm you.

00:27:04It will just record

00:27:05your current state.

00:27:07Look how good Kieran

00:27:08is to me now.

00:27:10Every night he stays with me,

00:27:12wrapping me in his Alpha aura

00:27:14until I sleep.

00:27:15I closed my eyes wearily,

00:27:17not wanting to listen or argue.

00:27:18We are ready.

00:27:19Just wishing it to end quickly.

00:27:21The moment the magical recording crystal

00:27:23clicked and captured the image.

00:27:24The massive totem pole behind us,

00:27:26a symbol of the pack's history,

00:27:28gave a sharp crack.

00:27:29Watch out!

00:27:32As the totem pole collapsed,

00:27:35Kieran rushed over and grabbed me.

00:27:36The huge wooden column

00:27:38crashed to the ground,

00:27:39scraping past my back

00:27:41and raising a cloud of dust.

00:27:43Meanwhile,

00:27:43Cecilia was struck by splintered wood

00:27:45and the impact force of the collapse.

00:27:47She screamed as she fell,

00:27:49with a shocking pool of bright red blood

00:27:51spreading beneath her.

00:27:52Cecilia!

00:27:53Kieran released me

00:27:54and rushed to her like a madman.

00:27:56Outside the operating room,

00:27:57Kieran paced anxiously.

00:27:59Watching his restless state,

00:28:00I remembered how he had kept watch

00:28:02by my bedside all night

00:28:04when I was injured

00:28:04while gathering herbs

00:28:05in the mountains.

00:28:07Alpha Kieran!

00:28:08The healer suddenly burst

00:28:09through the curtain.

00:28:10Miss Donati is hemorrhaging badly.

00:28:12The blood reserves

00:28:13don't have her blood type.

00:28:14We need an immediate donation.

00:28:15Take mine.

00:28:16That won't work.

00:28:17You're type A

00:28:18and Miss George's type O.

00:28:20Given her weakened state

00:28:21after the injury,

00:28:22she might not be able to handle

00:28:23the violent energy

00:28:24in an alpha's blood.

00:28:25It has to be human blood.

00:28:26After hearing this,

00:28:28Kieran's gaze snapped to me.

00:28:30At that moment,

00:28:31I felt like I had been struck

00:28:32by lightning.

00:28:35I stepped back abruptly,

00:28:37my voice trembling.

00:28:39I won't do it.

00:28:40My blood.

00:28:41The one thing they saw

00:28:42as special in this body

00:28:43they deemed a lowly humans

00:28:44was now supposed to be used

00:28:46as a tool to save his heir.

00:28:49Elise!

00:28:49Kieran grabbed my wrist,

00:28:50his eyes sharp.

00:28:51This isn't the time

00:28:52for your tantrum.

00:28:54She's carrying the pack's heir.

00:28:56If something happens,

00:28:57we'll never be able to leave.

00:28:58Do you understand?

00:28:59My heart clenched painfully.

00:29:01I wondered if he was afraid

00:29:02we could not leave

00:29:03or that something would happen

00:29:04to their pup.

00:29:05What if I refuse?

00:29:06Kieran's face darkened.

00:29:07I saved you

00:29:09and that was what caused

00:29:10Cecilia's injury.

00:29:11You owe her this.

00:29:13Is giving a little blood

00:29:14really so hard?

00:29:15He looked at me

00:29:16with disappointment.

00:29:18Ilysses,

00:29:18how did you end up like this?

00:29:20My heart stabbed with pain.

00:29:22Had I changed?

00:29:23He was the one

00:29:24who had pursued me relentlessly,

00:29:26saying I was his only possible mate.

00:29:28He was the one

00:29:29who promised to recognize

00:29:30only me for life,

00:29:32who stood in the rain

00:29:33begging me to trust

00:29:34that he could handle everything.

00:29:35Now he was saying I had changed?

00:29:39My voice shook as I replied,

00:29:41So,

00:29:42you regret saving me.

00:29:44If you could do it over,

00:29:45you'd slave Cecilia

00:29:46and your pup first,

00:29:47wouldn't you?

00:29:48Kieran froze.

00:29:49What are you talking about?

00:29:50Something's wrong.

00:29:51Miss Donati

00:29:52is in critical condition.

00:29:54The healer urged anxiously,

00:29:56Any more delay

00:29:56and we'll lose

00:29:57both mother and pup.

00:29:58Alpha,

00:29:59make a decision quickly.

00:30:01Kieran's eyes hardened.

00:30:03Without further hesitation,

00:30:04he ordered the guards at the door.

00:30:06Take her to the blood drawing chamber.

00:30:08I was forced into the chair

00:30:09as a hollow silver needle

00:30:11pierced my vein

00:30:12and my blood flowed out,

00:30:14drop by drop.

00:30:15Throughout it all,

00:30:16Kieran never once

00:30:17looked back at me.

00:30:18When they had drawn two vials,

00:30:20the healer hesitated.

00:30:21Alpha!

00:30:22Miss George is too weak.

00:30:24If we draw more,

00:30:25I'm afraid.

00:30:26Continue.

00:30:27Kieran said

00:30:28without turning around.

00:30:29When they reached three vials,

00:30:31in my delirium,

00:30:32I seemed to see Kieran

00:30:33from when we first met,

00:30:35standing outside the herb shop,

00:30:37smiling at me.

00:30:38I'm Kieran Wolfe

00:30:39and I'll be back tomorrow.

00:30:41In the final moment,

00:30:43I completely lost consciousness.

00:30:47When I woke up again,

00:30:49Kieran was sitting

00:30:49by the hospital bed.

00:30:51I thought he would coax me

00:30:52gently like before,

00:30:53begging for my forgiveness.

00:30:55Yet,

00:30:55when I opened my eyes,

00:30:57I met his cold gaze instead.

00:30:59Did you ruin the totem pole?

00:31:01My mind went completely blank.

00:31:03What are you talking about?

00:31:04Kieran's eyes were sharp.

00:31:05The elders' council investigated

00:31:07and found that someone

00:31:08had soared halfway

00:31:10through the totem pole's base.

00:31:12If it wasn't you,

00:31:13who else would be scheming

00:31:15so hard to harm Cecilia?

00:31:17A chill spread through me.

00:31:18I'll say it again.

00:31:20It wasn't me.

00:31:21Not this time.

00:31:22Not this time.

00:31:24Not the last time.

00:31:25Not the time before that.

00:31:27Do you believe me?

00:31:28Kieran?

00:31:30Swear on your wolf's soul

00:31:32and tell me

00:31:33if you sense through our bond

00:31:35that I'm lying.

00:31:37My voice rose into a scream

00:31:39with the last words.

00:31:41You're still denying it!

00:31:43Kieran's eyes turned cold.

00:31:45You always ask me

00:31:46to believe you,

00:31:47but what have you done?

00:31:49Cecilia ends up hurt

00:31:50while the pups are in danger.

00:31:53I told you.

00:31:55I only treat her well

00:31:56because of the air.

00:31:58Why do you insist

00:31:58on making a scene

00:31:59if she loses the puff?

00:32:02What good does that do for us?

00:32:05My chest heaved violently

00:32:07as countless grievances

00:32:08and anger clogged my throat.

00:32:09I wanted to question him,

00:32:11to argue back,

00:32:12to scream at the top of my lungs

00:32:14that I had never hurt anyone.

00:32:15I wanted to ask

00:32:16if he had forgotten his promise

00:32:18to always believe me unconditionally

00:32:19and never doubt me.

00:32:21In the end,

00:32:22I just looked at him wearily,

00:32:23my voice trembling,

00:32:25as I said,

00:32:26Fine.

00:32:27Since you don't trust me,

00:32:29let's end this.

00:32:31You can break the maeton between us.

00:32:33I'll step aside

00:32:34so you can live happily

00:32:35as a family of four.

00:32:37Kieran froze instantly.

00:32:38His golden pupils

00:32:40contractly sharply.

00:32:41What did you say?

00:32:42An uncontrolled werewolf growl

00:32:44spilled from his throat.

00:32:45I glared at him

00:32:46with bloodshot eyes.

00:32:48Wasn't I clear enough?

00:32:49I renounced the bond between us.

00:32:52I'm willingly stepping aside

00:32:54for you and Cecilia.

00:32:56Kieran punched the nearby table,

00:32:58shattering it,

00:32:58as wood splinters flew everywhere.

00:33:01He grabbed my wrist,

00:33:02fury rolling in his eyes.

00:33:04Elise!

00:33:06What are you saying?

00:33:08I've always loved you,

00:33:10yet you want me to be

00:33:11with another woman.

00:33:12I stared back at him stubbornly

00:33:14with teary eyes,

00:33:15saying nothing.

00:33:17After a long standoff,

00:33:19Kieran took a deep breath.

00:33:20He forcibly suppressed his anger

00:33:22and pulled me into his arms,

00:33:24holding me so tight

00:33:25it felt like he wanted

00:33:26to merge me into his bones.

00:33:28This matter ends here.

00:33:30Cecilia has already

00:33:31forgiven you,

00:33:33and I won't hold it

00:33:34against you either.

00:33:35But remember this.

00:33:36He tightened his arms,

00:33:37his voice hoarse

00:33:38as he said,

00:33:39Don't ever mention

00:33:40breaking the bond

00:33:41or leaving again.

00:33:42Never!

00:33:42Everything I'm doing

00:33:43is for our future.

00:33:45I did not tell him

00:33:45that to hell with the future.

00:33:47I had already decided to leave.

00:33:49She forgave me that easily.

00:33:51No conditions.

00:33:52I asked softly,

00:33:54my voice numb.

00:33:55Kieran's body stiffened,

00:33:56and he was silent for a moment

00:33:58before releasing me.

00:33:59She...

00:34:00wants to hold

00:34:01a moonlight vow ceremony.

00:34:02Cecilia says she wants

00:34:03the pups to know

00:34:04their parents once loved each other,

00:34:06are blessed by the moon goddess,

00:34:07to give them

00:34:08a legitimate background.

00:34:09After a pause,

00:34:10he turned to look at me.

00:34:11But this vow is fake.

00:34:13I'm just going through the motions

00:34:15to give the pack and pups

00:34:16an explanation.

00:34:17Don't overthink it.

00:34:20My lips trembled,

00:34:21but I could not say a word.

00:34:23My heart felt like

00:34:24it was being squeezed

00:34:25by an icy hand,

00:34:27each beat bringing

00:34:28tearing pain and absurdity.

00:34:30Kieran, oh Kieran,

00:34:31you already have children with her,

00:34:33and now you're even having

00:34:35the pack's most sacred

00:34:36moonlight vow ceremony.

00:34:38What part of this is fake?

00:34:40What am I supposed to be

00:34:41to you?

00:34:42Kieran kept talking,

00:34:43his voice fading in and out,

00:34:45as he explained the necessity

00:34:46of the ceremony,

00:34:47and promised we would leave

00:34:49together afterward.

00:34:50I watched his moving lips

00:34:51and suddenly felt utterly exhausted.

00:34:54I slowly closed my eyes,

00:34:55letting those words turn to dust,

00:34:57and settle on my already dead heart.

00:35:00I never spoke another word.

00:35:02Kieran stayed with me

00:35:03at the healer's chamber

00:35:04for three full days,

00:35:05caring for me meticulously.

00:35:07When feeding me medicine,

00:35:09he would always blow on it

00:35:10gently first,

00:35:11then carefully bring it

00:35:12to my lips.

00:35:13At night,

00:35:14if I made the slightest movement,

00:35:16he would wake up startled

00:35:17and frantically grab my hand

00:35:19until he was sure I was okay.

00:35:21When the healer gave me

00:35:22magical healing needles,

00:35:23he would hold me in his arms,

00:35:25his fingers gently covering my eyes

00:35:27while he whispered soothingly,

00:35:29Don't look.

00:35:30It'll be over soon.

00:35:34However,

00:35:35after taking me home

00:35:36from the healer's chamber,

00:35:37he immediately began preparing

00:35:39for the vow ceremony.

00:35:40To prevent me from causing trouble,

00:35:42he even confiscated

00:35:43my communication crystal

00:35:44and posted guards at the door

00:35:46to watch me 24-7.

00:35:48In the huge mansion,

00:35:49only one housekeeper

00:35:50was left to look after me.

00:35:52I did not resist

00:35:53and quietly packed my luggage.

00:35:55On the day of the vow ceremony,

00:35:57my communication crystal

00:35:58was returned to me,

00:36:00filled with magical projections

00:36:01Cecilia had sent.

00:36:03Kieran,

00:36:04in formal attire,

00:36:05tenderly placing a ring

00:36:06on Cecilia's finger,

00:36:07both of them kissing passionately

00:36:09amid everyone's blessings.

00:36:11Their little family

00:36:12happily cutting

00:36:13a ceremonial bread together.

00:36:15Every projection

00:36:15was a blade

00:36:17carving deeper

00:36:17into my already broken heart.

00:36:19Every projection

00:36:20was a blade

00:36:21carving deeper

00:36:22into my already broken heart.

00:36:24Just as I was about

00:36:25to put the crystal away,

00:36:26the door suddenly opened.

00:36:28Lucian stood in the doorway

00:36:30and said,

00:36:30Everything's been arranged.

00:36:32He handed me a ship ticket

00:36:33and said,

00:36:35I guarantee that once you leave,

00:36:37he'll never find you.

00:36:38I silently took the ticket

00:36:39and picked up

00:36:40my packed leather trunk.

00:36:41As I walked out of the mansion,

00:36:43the sun was shining.

00:36:44I did not look back,

00:36:45walking toward the carriage

00:36:46waiting by the roadside.

00:36:48I did not say goodbye to Kieran.

00:36:49For the rest of my life,

00:36:51as long as the mountains rise

00:36:53and the rivers run,

00:36:54we would never meet again.

00:36:57I took a deep breath

00:36:59and forced myself

00:37:00to keep a calm expression.

00:37:01This is only temporary.

00:37:03Everything I'm doing

00:37:04is for Elise.

00:37:05The altar was already crowded

00:37:06with werewolf guests

00:37:07wearing traditional attire,

00:37:09their eyes filled with respect

00:37:11for the ancient ritual.

00:37:12Though this was merely

00:37:13a fake wedding,

00:37:14the elders' council

00:37:15had made it grand

00:37:15and solemn.

00:37:16I knew I should step forward

00:37:18to greet my bride,

00:37:19but my legs felt heavy.

00:37:20The alpha and his mate

00:37:22will swear in blood,

00:37:23nourishing the bond

00:37:24and uniting their honor.

00:37:26I looked down

00:37:27at the cold dagger

00:37:28and reached out,

00:37:29my fingertips trembling slightly.

00:37:30Just as my fingertips

00:37:31were about to touch the dagger,

00:37:33a violent burning pain

00:37:34from deep within my soul

00:37:35suddenly shot up

00:37:36from my heart.

00:37:37The sudden,

00:37:38soul-deep agony

00:37:39made me jerk my hand back

00:37:40and I seemed to hear

00:37:42Elise's desperate voice

00:37:43in my ears.

00:37:49The voice was distant,

00:37:51yet unbearably real.

00:37:54I shook my head

00:37:55and forced myself

00:37:56to calm down.

00:37:57Lucian told me,

00:37:58Elise is waiting for me

00:37:59in the mansion

00:38:00and she won't go anywhere.

00:38:01Don't scare yourself.

00:38:03Throughout the entire process,

00:38:04I was like a puppet.

00:38:06Now the alpha may kiss his mate

00:38:08to complete the final step

00:38:10of the vow.

00:38:11Cheers and wolf howls

00:38:12suddenly erupted

00:38:13like a tidal wave.

00:38:14In the crest of the noise,

00:38:15I stiffly lowered my head,

00:38:17moving closer to Cecilia.

00:38:19The ceremony is complete.

00:38:21Congratulations to both of you

00:38:22for becoming mates

00:38:23under the moon goddess's witness.

00:38:25May your bloodline thrive!

00:38:27Beyond the grove,

00:38:28magical floors

00:38:29shot into the sky,

00:38:31exploding in the shape

00:38:32of wolf hats.

00:38:33The grand ceremony

00:38:34was finally over.

00:38:36After that,

00:38:37I violently tore off

00:38:38the gorgeous ceremonial robes

00:38:39and burst forth

00:38:41with incredible speed,

00:38:42shooting out of

00:38:43the sacred ground

00:38:43at impossible speed.

00:38:45Faster!

00:38:46Faster!

00:38:48Elise!

00:38:49Wait for me!

00:38:51I slammed through

00:38:52the heavy doors

00:38:53in my massive wolf form,

00:38:55charging forward

00:38:55at breakneck speed,

00:38:57leaving destruction

00:38:57in my wake.

00:38:58The moment I shifted back

00:39:00to human form,

00:39:01I sprinted toward Elise's room

00:39:02with desperate urgency.

00:39:04Elise!

00:39:04The ceremony's over!

00:39:06We can leave now!

00:39:07Right now!

00:39:08The next moment

00:39:09the smile on my face froze.

00:39:10It was empty.

00:39:13The closet hung bare.

00:39:15The vanity sat stripped.

00:39:17Elise!

00:39:19Elise!

00:39:20Panic surged through me.

00:39:21I spun around

00:39:22and tore through the estate,

00:39:24the library,

00:39:24the lounge,

00:39:25even the army was.

00:39:26I grabbed the trembling housekeeper.

00:39:28Where is she?

00:39:30I told you to watch her!

00:39:32I had locked her door,

00:39:33increased the guards,

00:39:35ordered the servants

00:39:35to monitor her every move.

00:39:37A human like Elise

00:39:38couldn't leave

00:39:39packed territory alone.

00:39:40So why was she gone?

00:39:42The housekeeper

00:39:43was too terrified to speak.

00:39:44Lucien emerged

00:39:45from the shadows.

00:39:46Stop looking, Kieran.

00:39:47She's already gone.

00:39:49I whipped around.

00:39:50Gone? Where?

00:39:50Somewhere you'll never find her.

00:39:52The moonlight vow is done.

00:39:54Focus on being alpha

00:39:55and stay with Cecilia

00:39:57and your pups.

00:39:57Gone?

00:39:58That sounded absurd.

00:39:59Elise would only leave with me

00:40:01just as she'd promised.

00:40:03She loved me.

00:40:04She had waited for everything.

00:40:06If she wanted to leave,

00:40:07she would have done it

00:40:08when I agreed to have pups

00:40:09with Cecilia.

00:40:10Did you force her to leave?

00:40:12My alpha aura burst out,

00:40:13making the walls vibrate.

00:40:17I agreed to have pups

00:40:18with Cecilia.

00:40:19I went through

00:40:20the moonlight vow.

00:40:22I gave you everything.

00:40:24Why did you still

00:40:25drive her away?

00:40:27Lucien stepped forward

00:40:28and handed me a letter.

00:40:29We didn't drive her away.

00:40:31She left on her own.

00:40:33Read this.

00:40:34I looked down.

00:40:35On the parchment,

00:40:37in Elise's handwriting,

00:40:38to Kieran.

00:40:39My fingers trembled

00:40:40as I took the letter.

00:40:42The paper tore.

00:40:43Inside was a letter.

00:40:44Her script beautiful and neat.

00:40:46By the time you read this,

00:40:48I'll be gone.

00:40:49You won't find me.

00:40:51I'm leaving because

00:40:52I don't want to wait anymore.

00:40:54First you said

00:40:55you just needed an heir.

00:40:57I believed you.

00:40:58Then Tyra was born

00:40:59and you said

00:41:00you needed more time.

00:41:01I believed that too.

00:41:03Then you said

00:41:04you needed a son.

00:41:05I tried to believe.

00:41:08But now you're taking

00:41:09a blood oath with her

00:41:10under the moon goddess witness.

00:41:13Kieran,

00:41:13how much longer

00:41:14was I supposed to wait?

00:41:15I'm human.

00:41:16My life is short.

00:41:18I can't endure

00:41:19endless waiting.

00:41:20When the moonlight vow

00:41:21echoed through

00:41:21the sacred grounds,

00:41:22everything between us

00:41:23ended.

00:41:25The mate bond

00:41:26is severed.

00:41:27We will never see

00:41:28each other again.

00:41:30Elise

00:41:32Only then did I understand.

00:41:34The pain during the vow.

00:41:35My wolf's restless howling

00:41:37it had come from

00:41:37the mate bond severing.

00:41:39I destroyed our love

00:41:40with my own hands.

00:41:41I read the letter again.

00:41:42The paper shook

00:41:43in my trembling fingers.

00:41:45A metallic taste

00:41:46surged up my throat.

00:41:48The world twisted and spun.

00:41:50Colors bled away.

00:41:51The floor collapsed

00:41:52in the way.

00:41:53My entire world

00:41:54plunged into darkness.

00:41:55Alpha Kieran!

00:41:56Get the healer!

00:41:58Now!

00:41:59Overnight,

00:42:00the entire north

00:42:00buzzed with gossip

00:42:01about the wolf family's

00:42:02humiliation.

00:42:03I stood in the destroyed room,

00:42:05glaring at Lucian

00:42:06and at Cecilia,

00:42:07who clutched Tyra

00:42:08while sobbing.

00:42:08I tightened my grip

00:42:10on the knife

00:42:10against my wrist.

00:42:11Let me go find her,

00:42:12or we'll all die together.

00:42:15I still believed Lucian,

00:42:16or Cecilia,

00:42:17had driven Elise away.

00:42:19The moment I woke up,

00:42:20I planned to find her

00:42:21and run away.

00:42:21But the elders drugged me

00:42:23and brought Cecilia and Tyra

00:42:24to convince me to stay.

00:42:25If Elise was still here,

00:42:27I might have hesitated.

00:42:28But now she was gone.

00:42:30So was my weakness.

00:42:31I had nothing to lose.

00:42:35Put the knife down!

00:42:37You're disgracing this pack!

00:42:38Kieran, please,

00:42:40stay for our pups.

00:42:42Everyone pressured me

00:42:43to stay with someone

00:42:44I didn't love.

00:42:45Raised pups born from duty.

00:42:46No one considered my feelings.

00:42:48No one considered Elise's.

00:42:50You've already destroyed me once!

00:42:53I didn't want to sleep with her.

00:42:55You drugged me!

00:42:57I never wanted the pups!

00:42:59My voice trembled with fury.

00:43:02Back then,

00:43:02the elders' council

00:43:03had conspired with Cecilia

00:43:05to drug her.

00:43:05When I woke up,

00:43:06I wanted to strangle her,

00:43:08then kill myself.

00:43:09The elders begged me.

00:43:10We just want an heir.

00:43:12You are the heir

00:43:13we raised for over 20 years!

00:43:16They wouldn't let me run away

00:43:17with Elise

00:43:17without leaving them anything.

00:43:19Even Cecilia

00:43:19knelt in front of me

00:43:20and begged.

00:43:21Kieran,

00:43:22I've loved you

00:43:23for so many years.

00:43:24I've always loved you.

00:43:26Please give me a chance.

00:43:27Her voice trembled

00:43:28as she looked up at him

00:43:29with tear-filled eyes.

00:43:30I'm willing to carry your pup.

00:43:32Once the baby is born,

00:43:33I'll personally help you

00:43:34leave with Elise.

00:43:35I won't stand in your way anymore.

00:43:37Just please accept me.

00:43:39I gave in,

00:43:39but their greed kept growing.

00:43:41After Tyra was born,

00:43:43they demanded a son.

00:43:44They kept forcing me

00:43:45to compromise.

00:43:46Now that I'd finally found freedom,

00:43:48they'd driven Elise away.

00:43:50I couldn't accept it.

00:43:51Suddenly,

00:43:52Cecilia bent over,

00:43:54clutching her stomach.

00:43:55It hurts!

00:43:58Blood stained the white fabric

00:44:00under Cecilia's dress.

00:44:01Quick!

00:44:02Get help!

00:44:02After chaos,

00:44:03the elders rushed

00:44:04the miscarrying Cecilia

00:44:06to the healer's chamber.

00:44:07Cecilia's mother,

00:44:08Helena Graymark,

00:44:09slapped me across the face.

00:44:10Blood trickled

00:44:11from the corner of my mouth,

00:44:12but I stood like

00:44:13a soulless puppet.

00:44:14Mrs. Donati,

00:44:15this was our fault.

00:44:16Once Cecilia recovers,

00:44:18I'll make sure

00:44:18Kian takes care of her.

00:44:20Take care of her.

00:44:21Kian is ready to run off

00:44:22with another woman.

00:44:23Cecilia has sacrificed

00:44:24everything for him,

00:44:25bore him one pup carrying

00:44:26another and this is

00:44:27how you treat her?

00:44:28Apologize!

00:44:29Now!

00:44:29I didn't move.

00:44:30I hadn't done anything wrong.

00:44:32Screaming,

00:44:33pleading,

00:44:34chaos,

00:44:34all crushing me.

00:44:35Then an angry roar echoed,

00:44:37This is a healer's chamber!

00:44:39Keep it down!

00:44:40The patient is coming out!

00:44:41The healer's chamber doors opened.

00:44:44Cecilia lay on the bed,

00:44:45face pale,

00:44:46magical breathing mask on.

00:44:48She just finished

00:44:49post-partum recovery

00:44:50and is pregnant again.

00:44:51Her body is extremely weak.

00:44:53She needs three months

00:44:54of strict bed rest.

00:44:55If she loses this pup too,

00:44:57it'll be much harder

00:44:57for her to conceive again.

00:44:59The elders' faces fell.

00:45:00They hurried after the healer.

00:45:01The corridor emptied.

00:45:02I snapped back to reality.

00:45:04Police!

00:45:05I have to find her!

00:45:06I wheeled toward the exit,

00:45:08but Lucian's guards

00:45:09blocked my path.

00:45:10Alpha,

00:45:11you should see your Luna first.

00:45:13Get lost!

00:45:14Sorry, Alpha.

00:45:15If you won't go willingly,

00:45:17we'll escort you.

00:45:18She's carrying your pup.

00:45:20At least see the pup.

00:45:21I froze.

00:45:23Even though I couldn't

00:45:24stand Cecilia,

00:45:25she was carrying my child.

00:45:27Soon,

00:45:27I was wheeled

00:45:28to her isolation chamber.

00:45:29Just as the guard

00:45:30was about to knock,

00:45:31voices drifted out.

00:45:32Mom,

00:45:33your fake misbearage plan

00:45:34was brilliant.

00:45:36It worked perfectly

00:45:37to keep Kian here again.

00:45:39Her voice was slick

00:45:40with calculation.

00:45:41I had never heard

00:45:41her speak like that.

00:45:42Do you think

00:45:43if I make the pups

00:45:44have little accidents

00:45:45from time to time,

00:45:46Kieran will eventually

00:45:48stay for good?

00:45:52Those words slithered

00:45:53into my ears like venom.

00:45:55My entire body

00:45:55went rigid.

00:45:56Bone-deep cold

00:45:57shot up from my feet.

00:45:58The guard quickly

00:45:59stepped aside.

00:46:00Helena's smug voice

00:46:02came from inside.

00:46:03Of course,

00:46:04Elise is gone.

00:46:05But these tricks

00:46:06will keep Kian

00:46:07in your hands.

00:46:08My eyelids twitched.

00:46:10But don't go too far.

00:46:11With Tyra,

00:46:12just give her a little fever.

00:46:13Make her cry.

00:46:14Never poison her

00:46:15or drop her again.

00:46:17And the one in your belly?

00:46:19Don't risk too much.

00:46:20Don't worry,

00:46:21I know my limits.

00:46:21But I already promised

00:46:23Kylan I'd let him

00:46:23leave after the ceremony.

00:46:25Even with this

00:46:25fake miscarriage,

00:46:26what about later?

00:46:27He'll still want

00:46:27to find Elise.

00:46:28Relax.

00:46:29I've already worked it out

00:46:30with Elder Lucian.

00:46:31We've sent her far,

00:46:32far away.

00:46:33She'll never come back.

00:46:34Focus on your pregnancy.

00:46:36Once this pup is born,

00:46:37all the Wolf family's

00:46:38assets will be yours.

00:46:40Veins bulged

00:46:41on the back of my hands.

00:46:42So that was it.

00:46:43All those times

00:46:44Tyra got sick,

00:46:45I thought it was Elise.

00:46:46It was Cecilia

00:46:47and her mother.

00:46:48They did it themselves.

00:46:49All those nights

00:46:50I abandoned Elise,

00:46:52letting her get punished

00:46:53while I sat by Cecilia's

00:46:55or Tyra's bedside.

00:46:56Every moment

00:46:57had been part

00:46:57of their plan.

00:46:59The world went silent.

00:47:01No potion smell.

00:47:03No distant murmurs.

00:47:04Only the thunderous roar

00:47:06of blood in my ears.

00:47:08A metallic taste

00:47:09surged into my throat.

00:47:10Lucian approached

00:47:11with a bag of herbs.

00:47:13Ciaran,

00:47:13why are you standing there?

00:47:15Why haven't you gone in?

00:47:16He moved to open the door.

00:47:18I never expected

00:47:18your dad to give me a name.

00:47:21But you must fight

00:47:22to marry into

00:47:22the Wolf family.

00:47:24Otherwise,

00:47:25your pup will be like you.

00:47:26Born a bastard!

00:47:28Forced to live

00:47:28like a rat in the gutter!

00:47:30He never imagined

00:47:31the mother of the heir

00:47:32he'd adored for years

00:47:33was actually an illegitimate

00:47:34daughter with no status.

00:47:35The Wolf family

00:47:36was a century-old dynasty.

00:47:38Every Luna

00:47:39had been born

00:47:40into noble bloodlines.

00:47:41If their Luna

00:47:42was a bastard,

00:47:43they'd be the laughingstock

00:47:44of every pack.

00:47:45Cecilia had been

00:47:46Lucian's carefully

00:47:47chosen candidate

00:47:48from the equally

00:47:49prestigious Donati family.

00:47:51She was beautiful,

00:47:52charming,

00:47:53and had lowered herself

00:47:54to carry my pups

00:47:55before marrying in.

00:47:56Lucian had treasured her.

00:47:57But now?

00:47:58She was worse

00:47:59than Elise's human status.

00:48:03It finally hit us

00:48:04why Cecilia's father,

00:48:06Alpha Orion Donati,

00:48:07hadn't been seen

00:48:08since the ceremony.

00:48:10Lucian burst through the door.

00:48:12You despicable liars!

00:48:14How dare you deceive me!

00:48:17Screams erupted.

00:48:18Things were thrown

00:48:19and smashed.

00:48:20I wheeled inside.

00:48:21Cecilia panicked,

00:48:23tried to get up,

00:48:24collapsed to the floor.

00:48:25She crawled tearfully

00:48:26to my feet.

00:48:27Kieran, let me explain.

00:48:28I never meant

00:48:29to hurt our pups.

00:48:30I did it because

00:48:31I love you.

00:48:32Please don't send me away!

00:48:34Until today,

00:48:35Cecilia had felt blessed.

00:48:37She thought

00:48:37she'd won me over.

00:48:38Gotten to bear children

00:48:39for the man she adored.

00:48:40But now,

00:48:41everything was ruined.

00:48:42I knew the truth.

00:48:44Lucian knew.

00:48:45Soon the entire

00:48:46wolf family would know.

00:48:47Orion had his

00:48:48legitimate wife and daughter.

00:48:50Attending Cecilia's wedding

00:48:51had been his final courtesy.

00:48:52Her only path

00:48:53was to cling

00:48:54to the wolf family.

00:48:55Pups.

00:48:56My voice was cold.

00:48:58In your eyes,

00:48:59they're just tools.

00:49:01What right do you have

00:49:02to mention them?

00:49:03I'll give you

00:49:0410 million gold coins.

00:49:05Don't ever appear

00:49:06in front of me again.

00:49:08As I turned to leave,

00:49:10Cecilia tried to chase after me.

00:49:14Sharp pain shot

00:49:15through her lower abdomen.

00:49:17She looked down

00:49:18at her dress

00:49:18in disbelief.

00:49:20Warm blood

00:49:20gushed from beneath

00:49:22her gown.

00:49:22No!

00:49:24Another rainy day.

00:49:25After the devastating blow,

00:49:27Lucian was bedridden.

00:49:29I took over

00:49:29the entire wolf family,

00:49:31both the pack

00:49:31and its estates

00:49:32and businesses.

00:49:33While managing the empire,

00:49:34I kept searching

00:49:35for Elise.

00:49:36After one week,

00:49:37exhaustion was etched

00:49:38across my face.

00:49:40Still nothing.

00:49:41The guard stayed silent,

00:49:42lowering his head.

00:49:44Lucian and the elders

00:49:45had finally agreed

00:49:45to let me bring Elise in

00:49:47as my Luna.

00:49:48Even without their approval,

00:49:49I would have found Elise

00:49:50and overcome

00:49:51every obstacle

00:49:52to be with her.

00:49:53Now I had the pack's blessing,

00:49:54so I increased

00:49:55the search efforts.

00:49:56But a week passed.

00:49:57Nothing.

00:49:58Lucian had bought Elise

00:49:59a ship ticket to Hinland.

00:50:00But when my people

00:50:01tracked her there,

00:50:02she had never arrived.

00:50:04She had changed ships

00:50:05mid-journey.

00:50:06Then she had boarded

00:50:07a local carriage.

00:50:08Where she went from there,

00:50:09no one knew.

00:50:10The trail had gone cold.

00:50:12Then my assistant,

00:50:13Jacob Terrell,

00:50:14entered.

00:50:15Mr. Wolf,

00:50:16Mr. Narty,

00:50:17Cher has returned.

00:50:18Cher refuses to leave.

00:50:22Ever since the falling out,

00:50:23Cecilia had miscarried

00:50:24and Helena had fallen

00:50:25seriously ill.

00:50:27Both women's status

00:50:28had plummeted.

00:50:29Jacob walked into my office

00:50:30with a troubled expression.

00:50:32Boss,

00:50:33Cecilia,

00:50:33I ask kneeling in the lobby

00:50:34again with the child.

00:50:35Tyra has been crying

00:50:36through Verunhauer.

00:50:37The guards don't dare

00:50:39drag them away

00:50:39because of the pup.

00:50:41What do you want us to do?

00:50:42Cecilia's tearful voice

00:50:43echoed from the doorway

00:50:44as she shouted

00:50:45toward my office.

00:50:46Kieran, please!

00:50:47I know I was wrong.

00:50:49I've learned my lesson.

00:50:50For Tyra's sake,

00:50:51don't abandon us.

00:50:53She's your daughter, too.

00:50:55Stay with us.

00:50:56Just come back.

00:50:57I'll be good.

00:50:59I swear I'll never

00:51:00cause trouble again.

00:51:01Tyra needs her father.

00:51:03I looked at the small

00:51:04figure in her arms.

00:51:05Once,

00:51:06I felt some paternal love

00:51:08for Tyra.

00:51:08But now,

00:51:09all I could think about

00:51:10was how she carried

00:51:11half of Cecilia's blood.

00:51:13She might grow up

00:51:14to be just as malicious

00:51:14as her mother.

00:51:15My last trace of pity

00:51:17completely evaporated.

00:51:18I kept scrolling

00:51:19for news about Elise.

00:51:21When Jacob waited too long

00:51:22and was about to take matters

00:51:23into his own hands,

00:51:24I finally spoke.

00:51:25If you ever dare

00:51:26bother me with this again,

00:51:28you can roll out

00:51:29of here with her.

00:51:30Jacob stiffened

00:51:31and hurried out.

00:51:32Downstairs,

00:51:33Cecilia was still on her knees

00:51:34holding Tyra.

00:51:35Her face was deathly pale.

00:51:37The pup had cried

00:51:38herself hoarse.

00:51:39Cecilia's eyes

00:51:40were fixed desperately

00:51:41on the Lord's

00:51:42private lift clacked her.

00:51:44Finally,

00:51:44the elevator moved.

00:51:45It descended.

00:51:46The doors opened.

00:51:47Cecilia scrambled

00:51:48to her feet.

00:51:49Karen!

00:51:49Her hand stopped midair.

00:51:51Her smile froze.

00:51:56Why is it you?

00:51:58Where's Karen?

00:52:00Jacob looked at her blankly.

00:52:02Mrs. Donati,

00:52:03Mr. Weil has made

00:52:03everything clear.

00:52:04Since you enjoy

00:52:05tormenting pups so much,

00:52:07you don't need

00:52:07to raise Tyra anymore.

00:52:09Cecilia's expression changed.

00:52:10She hugged Tyra tighter.

00:52:12What do you mean?

00:52:14Healed leather boots

00:52:15clicked behind her.

00:52:16Her half-sister,

00:52:17Giselle Donati,

00:52:18snatched Tyra

00:52:19from her arms.

00:52:21Since you can't

00:52:22take care of her,

00:52:22I will.

00:52:23I can't have pups anyway.

00:52:26I'll raise her

00:52:27like she's my own.

00:52:30No, Donati!

00:52:31She tried to grab Tyra back.

00:52:33Giselle's armed guards

00:52:34knocked her unconscious

00:52:35and dragged her away.

00:52:37Tell Mr. Wolf

00:52:38we've taken her away.

00:52:39She won't be coming back.

00:52:40Also,

00:52:41congratulations

00:52:41on acquiring that field aid

00:52:43in the Northern Territory.

00:52:44Trading land for a pup

00:52:46an extremely profitable deal

00:52:47for both sides.

00:52:48That was the last mercy

00:52:50I would show the child.

00:52:53Muse of the major

00:52:54leadership changes

00:52:55in the Northern Pax Wolf family

00:52:57spread quickly.

00:52:58Within just a few days,

00:53:00I caught up on

00:53:01Ciaran and Cecilia's aftermath

00:53:02through parchment scrolls

00:53:04brought by a travelling merchant

00:53:05while hiding out

00:53:06in a small mountain village

00:53:08in neutral territory

00:53:09working as a teacher.

00:53:10My heart filled

00:53:11with mixed emotions

00:53:12at this outcome.

00:53:14After all,

00:53:15in my memory,

00:53:16even though Ciaran

00:53:17did not love Cecilia,

00:53:18he had still cared for her

00:53:19somewhat for the sake

00:53:20of their two pups.

00:53:22Yet in such a short time,

00:53:23they had reached

00:53:24this kind of ending.

00:53:25Still,

00:53:26none of this

00:53:27concerned me anymore.

00:53:28I had my own life

00:53:29to live now.

00:53:30I pushed the wooden gate open

00:53:31and watered the herbs

00:53:33growing in the yard.

00:53:34When I finished,

00:53:35I set down the watering can

00:53:37and settled onto

00:53:38the wooden bench,

00:53:39gazing peacefully

00:53:40at the orphanage

00:53:41surrounded by mountains.

00:53:42A soft voice

00:53:44suddenly called out

00:53:45from behind me.

00:53:46Miss Elisa,

00:53:47are you looking

00:53:48at the mountains again?

00:53:50Will the big bad wolves

00:53:51from the north

00:53:52come here?

00:53:53The little rabbit-eared girl

00:53:54climbed onto my lap,

00:53:55hugging my arm tightly.

00:53:57Teacher,

00:53:57you look sad today.

00:53:59Did someone bully you?

00:54:01Don't worry.

00:54:02I'll protect you.

00:54:03I smiled

00:54:04and gently stroked

00:54:05her fluffy ears.

00:54:06No one bullied me,

00:54:08Mia.

00:54:08I'm just thinking.

00:54:10Some people's stories

00:54:12have ended

00:54:12and mine has only

00:54:14just begun.

00:54:16Then will you stay

00:54:17with us forever?

00:54:18Don't leave, okay?

00:54:20We all like you the most.

00:54:22I hugged the little girl

00:54:23closer,

00:54:24feeling the warmth

00:54:25in my chest.

00:54:26Yes,

00:54:27I'll stay.

00:54:30This is my home now.

00:54:36It was currently

00:54:37summer break,

00:54:38so only a few teachers

00:54:40remained to watch

00:54:40over the small facility,

00:54:42and I was one of them.

00:54:44One day,

00:54:44a few new teachers

00:54:46invited me

00:54:46to go up the mountain

00:54:47to gather herbs

00:54:48and mushrooms.

00:54:49On the way,

00:54:50Kelly linked arms with me

00:54:52and chatted excitedly.

00:54:53I heard Mrs. Lott

00:54:54secured another investor

00:54:55from up north.

00:54:57They're coming

00:54:57to inspect next week.

00:54:59Elise,

00:55:00will you be there

00:55:01to welcome them?

00:55:02I politely declined.

00:55:03I won't be going.

00:55:05I have other things

00:55:06to handle.

00:55:08Oh,

00:55:08Kelly said

00:55:09with some regret.

00:55:10I heard the Wolf family heir,

00:55:12Alpha Kieran,

00:55:13is incredibly handsome

00:55:15and rich.

00:55:17If he's the one coming.

00:55:18I smiled

00:55:19and said nothing.

00:55:20I had worked

00:55:21so hard to move on.

00:55:22I didn't want

00:55:23to see Kieran again.

00:55:25Margaret also tried

00:55:26to persuade me,

00:55:27but I firmly refused.

00:55:28Mrs. Lott,

00:55:30please help cover for me

00:55:31when the time comes.

00:55:32Margaret sighed,

00:55:33but eventually

00:55:34respected my decision.

00:55:36But I never expected

00:55:38to see Kieran again

00:55:39so soon.

00:55:40Late that night,

00:55:41when I finally returned

00:55:42to the orphanage

00:55:43with the other teachers,

00:55:44I immediately spotted

00:55:45Kieran's familiar

00:55:46black carriage

00:55:47bearing the Wolf family crest.

00:55:49My heart tightened.

00:55:50As I was about

00:55:51to walk past it,

00:55:52the carriage door opened.

00:55:54The door opened

00:55:55without warning,

00:55:56and the two people

00:55:57who thought they would

00:55:57never see each other again

00:55:59suddenly came face to face.

00:56:01Time froze at that moment.

00:56:03The earthy smell

00:56:04of rain-soaked soil vanished,

00:56:05and the distant sounds

00:56:07of children playing

00:56:07in the woods disappeared,

00:56:09leaving only the wild beating

00:56:10of Kieran's heart

00:56:11and his rapid breathing.

00:56:14Kieran had not expected

00:56:15to actually see me here either.

00:56:17I looked at Kieran as well,

00:56:19never having imagined

00:56:20I would encounter him here.

00:56:21The moment I saw him,

00:56:23the grief buried deep

00:56:24in my heart

00:56:25surged back up my throat,

00:56:27and memories rewound

00:56:28like sand falling backward

00:56:30in an hourglass,

00:56:31with those painful scenes

00:56:32replaying one by one

00:56:34in my mind.

00:56:34Kieran,

00:56:36why do you still keep

00:56:37coming for me?

00:56:38I want to take you home.

00:56:40He sat across from me,

00:56:42his voice low and hoarse

00:56:44as he finally spoke.

00:56:45I found out the truth

00:56:46about Cecilia.

00:56:47Everything.

00:56:48How she schemed.

00:56:50How she lied.

00:56:51How she tried to destroy you.

00:56:53I saw her true nature

00:56:54with my own eyes.

00:56:55He paused,

00:56:56swallowing hard.

00:56:57I dealt with her.

00:56:58She won't ever appear

00:56:59in front of you again.

00:57:01Tyra,

00:57:01I sent her to a remote

00:57:03pack orphanage.

00:57:04She'll be raised

00:57:05far away from all of this.

00:57:06His eyes reddened,

00:57:07and his voice cracked slightly.

00:57:09The elders and I,

00:57:10we all regret

00:57:11what we did to you,

00:57:12deeply.

00:57:13We were blind, Elise.

00:57:15I was blind.

00:57:16He reached out

00:57:17as if wanting to touch me,

00:57:18but stopped halfway

00:57:19and clenched his fist.

00:57:21These past months

00:57:22while searching for you,

00:57:24I almost went mad.

00:57:25I couldn't eat,

00:57:27couldn't sleep.

00:57:28My fingers clutched

00:57:29the parchment

00:57:30that my whole body trembled.

00:57:31It was not relief

00:57:32or grief.

00:57:33It was the sudden,

00:57:35brutal,

00:57:36tearing away of a scar.

00:57:37A truth too long delayed,

00:57:39now ripping open a scab

00:57:40that had never really healed,

00:57:42revealing the festering wound

00:57:44still raw beneath.

00:57:45It was too late.

00:57:46Everything was too late.

00:57:47I had long passed the point

00:57:49of needing the truth exposed,

00:57:50and I no longer needed

00:57:51Ciaran's attempts

00:57:52at reconciliation

00:57:53or his regret.

00:57:54Ciaran,

00:57:55I can't go back with you,

00:57:56and we can't return

00:57:57to how things were.

00:57:59When I saw you

00:58:00being intimate with her,

00:58:01I kept wondering

00:58:02if I was the other woman.

00:58:04No, Elise.

00:58:05You weren't the other woman.

00:58:07You're the person I woman.

00:58:09You're the person I love most.

00:58:11Ciaran repeatedly denied this.

00:58:14He instinctively reached

00:58:15for my hand,

00:58:16but I dodged aside.

00:58:17But that was exactly

00:58:18how it was for me.

00:58:20You had pups with her.

00:58:22Sealed a vow

00:58:23under the moon goddess,

00:58:24and lived like a true pair

00:58:26in every way.

00:58:27To everyone else,

00:58:28she was your mate.

00:58:29So why did you come

00:58:31looking for me?

00:58:31There was already

00:58:32an impossibly wide distance

00:58:34between us

00:58:34that neither of us

00:58:35could cross,

00:58:36and I did not want

00:58:37to try crossing it again.

00:58:38Go back.

00:58:40Ciaran,

00:58:41this isn't where you belong.

00:58:42Thunder rumbled

00:58:43across the horizon.

00:58:44I refused to argue further

00:58:46and turned toward my door.

00:58:48The second I reached my room,

00:58:50torrential rain

00:58:50began pouring outside.

00:58:52However,

00:58:53he still stood motionless

00:58:54in the storm.

00:58:55I frowned

00:58:56and was about to

00:58:57pull the curtains closed

00:58:58when someone began

00:58:59pounding frantically

00:59:00on my door.

00:59:01It's George!

00:59:02Come out quickly!

00:59:03A child is missing!

00:59:07I immediately

00:59:07joined the search.

00:59:09Together with another

00:59:09teacher,

00:59:10Miss Lena,

00:59:11we hurried through

00:59:12the heavy rain

00:59:12toward the missing

00:59:13boy Elliot's home.

00:59:15The downpour was so heavy

00:59:16we could barely see

00:59:17the path ahead.

00:59:18Suddenly,

00:59:19distant rumbling sounds

00:59:20echoed from the mountain valley.

00:59:22Miss Lena grabbed my arm,

00:59:23her voice shaking.

00:59:24Elise!

00:59:25Did you hear that?

00:59:26That's sound!

00:59:31It's a landslide!

00:59:32We have to turn back!

00:59:33I clenched my teeth

00:59:34and kept running.

00:59:35We can't!

00:59:36Elliot is still there!

00:59:39We're almost at his house!

00:59:41We have to get him!

00:59:42We exchanged

00:59:42terrified glances

00:59:44but pushed forward,

00:59:45running faster.

00:59:46Sure enough,

00:59:47we found the trembling

00:59:48Elliot hiding under the bed,

00:59:50clutching a pile of toys

00:59:51that belonged to his late mother.

00:59:53No!

00:59:54I don't want to go!

00:59:56My mum's still here!

00:59:58I'm not leaving

00:59:59without her toys!

01:00:01Tears streamed down

01:00:02his small face

01:00:03as he hugged the toys tighter.

01:00:05Elliot,

01:00:06listen to me.

01:00:07I promise I'll bring

01:00:09every single one

01:00:09of your mum's toys

01:00:10back safely.

01:00:12But right now,

01:00:13you have to go with Miss Lena.

01:00:15It's dangerous here!

01:00:16You swear?

01:00:18You really promise?

01:00:19I swear!

01:00:21Now go!

01:00:22I quickly handed him

01:00:23to Miss Lena.

01:00:24Take him and run!

01:00:25Don't stop until

01:00:26you reach high ground!

01:00:27After they disappeared

01:00:28into the rain,

01:00:29I grabbed a sack

01:00:30and frantically stuffed

01:00:32all the toys inside.

01:00:34Just as I slung

01:00:35the heavy bag

01:00:35over my shoulder,

01:00:36the rumbling

01:00:37turned into a deafening roar.

01:00:39The landslide exploded

01:00:40through the window

01:00:41in a surge of mud,

01:00:42rock,

01:00:42and debris.

01:00:45Time froze.

01:00:46Terror gripped me.

01:00:47My vision was filled

01:00:48only with that murky

01:00:49thick sludge

01:00:50mixed with broken

01:00:51wood and debris.

01:00:52It roared

01:00:53as it pulled over

01:00:54the windowsill

01:00:55like the gates of hell

01:00:56opening wide.

01:00:57The putrid,

01:00:58earthy stench

01:00:59instantly flooded

01:01:00my nostrils.

01:01:01My mind went blank.

01:01:03No!

01:01:04No!

01:01:05I slumped helplessly

01:01:07against the wall,

01:01:08watching the wave

01:01:09of death crash

01:01:09toward me.

01:01:10Just then,

01:01:11a massive white wolf

01:01:12burst through

01:01:13the churning mud

01:01:14and caves,

01:01:15lunging straight at me.

01:01:16My eyes flew wide open.

01:01:19Kieran,

01:01:20what are you?

01:01:21The moment he charged in,

01:01:22his golden wolf eyes

01:01:23locked onto me

01:01:24with fierce intensity.

01:01:26Kieran,

01:01:26deep,

01:01:27urgent growl

01:01:28through mind link.

01:01:29Hold on tight,

01:01:29don't let go.

01:01:30With a deep growl,

01:01:31he lowered his head

01:01:32and slammed his powerful

01:01:34shoulder

01:01:34into my stomach,

01:01:35lifting me clean

01:01:36off the ground.

01:01:37The world spun

01:01:38as he tossed me

01:01:39across his broad back

01:01:40like luggage.

01:01:41Kieran,

01:01:41wait!

01:01:42He barreled

01:01:43toward the wooden door

01:01:44that led to the slope

01:01:45beyond,

01:01:46and smashed through it

01:01:47with bone-rattling force.

01:01:52The door shattered,

01:01:54but a sickening crack

01:01:55followed.

01:01:56Kieran's entire body

01:01:57jolted violently.

01:01:58A muffled,

01:01:59pained groan

01:02:00tore from between

01:02:01his clenched teeth.

01:02:02I froze in horror

01:02:03and looked down.

01:02:04My heart seemed to stop.

01:02:06A jagged,

01:02:07wooden shard

01:02:07from the broken frame

01:02:09had pierced deep

01:02:10into his right side.

01:02:11Kieran!

01:02:12Oh God!

01:02:13No!

01:02:14You're hurt!

01:02:14My hands scrambled

01:02:16desperately to the wound.

01:02:17Hot, sticky blood

01:02:18instantly soaked

01:02:19my palms.

01:02:20Put me down,

01:02:21Kieran, please!

01:02:22You're bleeding

01:02:22too much!

01:02:24Stop!

01:02:24I pressed hard

01:02:25against the gash,

01:02:26but nothing could stop

01:02:27the steady rush

01:02:28of crimson

01:02:29pouring out

01:02:29between my fingers.

01:02:30Yet Kieran acted

01:02:31as if the pain

01:02:32did not exist.

01:02:33He kept charging

01:02:34up the steep slope,

01:02:35powerful muscles

01:02:36straining beneath me.

01:02:37Hold on.

01:02:39Don't let go.

01:02:41I'm getting you

01:02:41out of here.

01:02:42The overwhelming

01:02:43mudslide roared

01:02:44behind us,

01:02:45sweeping up trees

01:02:46and boulders

01:02:46like they were nothing,

01:02:47chasing us relentlessly.

01:02:49Kieran,

01:02:49you're going to die

01:02:50like this!

01:02:51Please stop!

01:02:52I can run on my own!

01:02:53Kieran!

01:02:54Kieran!

01:02:55He didn't answer.

01:02:56His breathing

01:02:57grew heavier,

01:02:58but his pace

01:02:58never slowed.

01:02:59I didn't know

01:03:00how long it lasted.

01:03:01But finally,

01:03:02the deafening roar

01:03:03of the landslide

01:03:04faded into the distance.

01:03:09We were safe,

01:03:10or so I thought.

01:03:11Suddenly,

01:03:12the world tilted again.

01:03:14Kieran,

01:03:15who had been carrying me,

01:03:16could no longer hold on.

01:03:17His massive body

01:03:18collapsed heavily

01:03:19toward the ground,

01:03:20but he still

01:03:21carefully protected me

01:03:23in his embrace.

01:03:26Just then,

01:03:27I heard the sharp roar

01:03:29of a rescue horn

01:03:30echo in the distance.

01:03:31I tore off my cloak

01:03:32and waved it frantically.

01:03:34Soon after,

01:03:35Kieran and I

01:03:35were rushed by carriage

01:03:36to the nearest infirmary.

01:03:37Kieran was rushed

01:03:38straight to the healer's

01:03:40emergency room.

01:03:41After signing all the forms,

01:03:42exhaustion and shock

01:03:44finally hit me.

01:03:45Everything went black.

01:03:46When I came to,

01:03:47it was already the next day.

01:03:49The healer's apprentice

01:03:50looked at me

01:03:51with a heavy sigh

01:03:52and said,

01:03:53The treatment was

01:03:53a complete success.

01:03:55But due to massive blood loss

01:03:56and an old condition,

01:03:58Kieran has fallen

01:03:59into a coma.

01:03:59He might wake up tomorrow

01:04:01or he might never

01:04:02wake up at all.

01:04:03My knees buckled.

01:04:05I covered my mouth

01:04:06as tears instantly

01:04:07spilled down my face.

01:04:08No matter what had

01:04:09happened between us,

01:04:10he had saved my life.

01:04:12I pushed open the door

01:04:13to his room

01:04:14and sat beside his bed,

01:04:15staring at his

01:04:16unconscious face.

01:04:19On the third day,

01:04:20Lucian arrived.

01:04:21He looked exhausted

01:04:22and for the first time

01:04:23bowed his head,

01:04:25apologizing before

01:04:26handing me a worn journal.

01:04:27After you left,

01:04:28Kieran recorded in this

01:04:29with a quill

01:04:30every single day.

01:04:32He wanted to show it

01:04:33to you himself.

01:04:34I slowly opened the journal.

01:04:36Wolf calendar year 818,

01:04:38month of thaw.

01:04:39Today,

01:04:40Elise and I made it official.

01:04:41This journal is her first gift to me.

01:04:44I'm so happy.

01:04:45I'll treasure her

01:04:46and I'll never let her down.

01:04:48For the next three years,

01:04:49every page overflowed

01:04:50with his deep love for me.

01:04:52Then the entries stopped

01:04:53after the elders

01:04:53threatened mass suicide.

01:04:55Two pages were torn through

01:04:56with massive letters.

01:04:58The journal stayed blank

01:04:59for a year and a half.

01:05:00The final entries were written

01:05:02after he came looking for me.

01:05:04Elise, I'm so sorry.

01:05:05I kept asking you

01:05:06to wait just a little longer.

01:05:07At first,

01:05:08I thought I could finish it quickly.

01:05:10But after Tyra was born,

01:05:11my heart started changing.

01:05:12I got soft again and again.

01:05:14Every moment of weakness

01:05:15turned into knives

01:05:17stabbing your heart.

01:05:18If I hadn't given in that day,

01:05:20we could have married,

01:05:21had pups of our own

01:05:22and traveled anywhere you wanted.

01:05:24But I know it's too late now.

01:05:26I closed the journal.

01:05:28Medical staff wheeled Kieran

01:05:29out on a gurney.

01:05:31Lucian planned to take him north

01:05:32for better treatment.

01:05:34I handed the journal back to Lucian

01:05:36with steady hands.

01:05:37If he ever wakes up,

01:05:38please tell him that

01:05:39everything from the past

01:05:40ends here.

01:05:41From now on,

01:05:42we're like two parallel lines

01:05:44that will never cross again.

01:05:46Elise,

01:05:47are you really sure?

01:05:49After everything he did for you

01:05:50in the landslide?

01:05:51I'm sure.

01:05:52My voice was calm and firm,

01:05:54though my throat felt tight.

01:05:56Tell him he doesn't owe me

01:05:57anything anymore.

01:05:58We're even now.

01:06:00This is goodbye.

01:06:01Without another glance at Lucian

01:06:03or the unconscious Kieran,

01:06:04I turned and walked firmly

01:06:06in the opposite direction.

01:06:07I was ready to start my new life.

01:06:10This was our final goodbye.

01:06:12We would never see each other again.

01:06:15Three months had passed since that day.

01:06:18I thought I had finally buried the past

01:06:20in this quiet mountain village.

01:06:21The children's laughter filled my days,

01:06:24and the simple rhythm of grading parchment scrolls

01:06:26under a dim oil lamp

01:06:28brought me a fragile peace.

01:06:29Until that stormy night,

01:06:32frantic knocking shattered the silence.

01:06:34Before I could answer,

01:06:36the door burst open with a violent bang.

01:06:39A tall, blood-soaked figure

01:06:40stumbled in Kieran.

01:06:42His healer's linen tunic hung in tatters,

01:06:45bandages across his chest

01:06:46already soaked crimson.

01:06:47Rain and blood streaked his face.

01:06:49Those once familiar golden eyes,

01:06:51now wild and bloodshot,

01:06:53locked onto me.

01:06:54Kieran.

01:06:54He didn't speak.

01:06:55He staggered forward

01:06:56and dropped heavily to his knees.

01:06:58forehead slamming against the wooden floor

01:07:01with a dull thud.

01:07:02I'm sorry.

01:07:04Alyssa!

01:07:05His voice was raw, broken,

01:07:06repeating over and over

01:07:08as tears mixed with rain

01:07:09and blood dripped onto my feet.

01:07:11I stood frozen,

01:07:13ice spreading through my veins.

01:07:17He crawled forward on his knees

01:07:18and clutched the hem of my dress

01:07:20like a dying man,

01:07:21his burning forehead

01:07:22pressed against my legs.

01:07:23I woke up

01:07:24and the first thing I thought of was you.

01:07:27I read the journal,

01:07:29every word.

01:07:30His voice cracked.

01:07:31I was wrong.

01:07:32I should have chosen you

01:07:34from the beginning.

01:07:35I should have fought the elders,

01:07:36the whole pack,

01:07:37everything.

01:07:37I never should have made you suffer alone.

01:07:39Come back with me.

01:07:40I disbanded the council.

01:07:42Sevilia and Tyre are gone.

01:07:43There's nothing between us anymore.

01:07:44I'll give you everything.

01:07:45My title,

01:07:46my power,

01:07:47my life.

01:07:47Just don't leave me.

01:07:49Please.

01:07:49My heart twisted painfully

01:07:51as his blood soaked through my dress.

01:07:53I tried to step back,

01:07:55but he rose abruptly

01:07:56and crushed me into his arms.

01:07:58His kiss was fierce,

01:08:00tasting of blood,

01:08:01rain,

01:08:01and desperate regret.

01:08:03He pressed me against the wall,

01:08:05body burning and trembling.

01:08:07I love you, Elise,

01:08:08more than my own life.

01:08:09If you won't forgive me,

01:08:10kill me right here.

01:08:11Tear out my heart.

01:08:12I'd rather die by your hand

01:08:13than live without you.

01:08:15I pushed him away

01:08:16with all my strength,

01:08:17my voice shaking but resolute.

01:08:19Kieran Wolf,

01:08:20I once loved you enough

01:08:21to die for you,

01:08:22but you killed that love,

01:08:24piece by piece.

01:08:26Every time you chose them over me,

01:08:28every broken promise,

01:08:29every night I waited in pain,

01:08:31it died slowly.

01:08:32He staggered back,

01:08:33face deathly pale,

01:08:34blood seeping from reopened wounds.

01:08:37I don't hate you anymore,

01:08:39I whispered,

01:08:39but I will never go back to you.

01:08:42Silence swallowed the room,

01:08:44broken only by the brain.

01:08:45He knelt again,

01:08:46pressing his forehead to the floor.

01:08:48Then let me stay here.

01:08:49Let me guard you from afar.

01:08:52Even if you never look at me again,

01:08:54I only ask to love you

01:08:56for the rest of my life,

01:08:57even if it's one-sided.

01:08:59He raised his bloodied hand

01:09:00and swore fiercely

01:09:01under the moon goddess.

01:09:04I didn't let him stay.

01:09:05That night,

01:09:06after he left,

01:09:07I packed what little I had

01:09:09and slipped away from the village

01:09:10before dawn.

01:09:11I changed my name,

01:09:12moved to a distant city,

01:09:14and built a new life

01:09:15where no one knew about werewolves,

01:09:17alphas,

01:09:18or broken mates.

01:09:19I never saw Kieran again.

01:09:21I made sure of it.

01:09:24Years passed.

01:09:25One rainy autumn evening,

01:09:27a letter arrived from the north.

01:09:29It was from an old pack member.

01:09:31Kieran had been diagnosed

01:09:33with a rare, aggressive cancer

01:09:35that even his alpha blood

01:09:37couldn't fight.

01:09:38He refused every treatment

01:09:39that would keep him alive longer

01:09:40if it meant leaving the village.

01:09:42He stayed there, waiting.

01:09:44He died quietly at dawn,

01:09:46alone in the same mountain cabin

01:09:48where he had once knelt before me.

01:09:50In his arms,

01:09:51they found a worn photograph of me,

01:09:52the only one he had kept.

01:09:54His fingers were still curled gently around it,

01:09:56as if even in death

01:09:58he couldn't let go.

01:09:58I read the letter once,

01:10:00then burned it.

01:10:02I didn't cry.

01:10:04I had already cried

01:10:05all my tears for him years ago.

01:10:07Some love,

01:10:08no matter how deep,

01:10:09can only end in silence.

01:10:12Perhaps this was the mercy

01:10:13we both had.

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