A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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AmusantTranscription
00:00Dans ma vie, j'ai obtenu ce que j'ai voulu, j'ai marrié et nous effectuons le mate bonding
00:04ceremony.
00:05Avec cette union, il a retenu le High King's ressources et rose à devenir le roi de tous les clans.
00:10Mais ce que je n'ai pas voulu, c'est que après notre wedding, il a tourné et m'améliore
00:14ma chérie de m'adoption.
00:16Mais trois jours après notre bonding ceremony, je retourne à notre bedroom et j'ai trouvé Iris et Ruby tangé
00:21ensemble sur ma bed.
00:22On the wall right in front of them hung our wedding photo, Iris and I smiling in our ceremonial robes,
00:28looking like the perfect royal couple.
00:31He didn't even stop when he saw me standing there, he just looked at me with cold indifference and continued
00:36moving inside her.
00:37My parents were furious when they found out and immediately sent her away.
00:41From that day on, Iris hated me with a vengeance.
00:44He surrounded himself with women who all looked eerily like her.
00:48One by one, they came, each more vicious than the last.
00:52With his silent approval, they tore me down, piece by piece, until I was nothing more than a joke.
00:58No longer the queen I once was, the suffering pushed me into severe depression.
01:03Only suppressants kept my wolf form from spiraling out of control.
01:07Until one day, my medication was replaced with a slow-acting poison.
01:11He was the one who did it.
01:13I died alone, locked away in the cold palace, a child still growing inside me.
01:18However, fate gave me another chance.
01:20In this life, I would not make the same mistake.
01:24When the High King once again asked me to choose a partner for the marriage alliance,
01:28I chose Daemon, the one no one ever noticed, without even blinking dot.
01:35I thought I was finally free of the past.
01:37However, the moment the engagement was announced, Alpha Iris lost his mind.
01:45On my 18th birthday, the High King summoned the heirs of the four great clans, the vampires,
01:51the werewolves, the High Serpent clan, and the marefolk.
01:55A flutter of glowing wings filled the throne room as a dozen tiny fairies flew in,
01:59each carrying a gilded portrait.
02:01They arranged themselves in a neat row before me, lifting the images high so I could see every
02:06candidate's face.
02:08The portraits shimmered with enchantment, each one alive, the men inside them moving slightly.
02:13And there, at the very end, Daemon, the werewolf with no noble bloodline,
02:17his gaze soft and steady despite the rough edges of his face.
02:21The fairies waited, their tiny wings humming.
02:24Then the High King's voice rang out, ancient and absolute.
02:27Choose one to be your bondmate.
02:30I did not hesitate.
02:32I pointed to Daemon, the werewolf with no noble bloodline, born in a forgotten corner of the realm.
02:38The entire court erupted in disbelief.
02:41Everyone knew who I used to love.
02:43Alpha Iris, the heir of the most powerful leek in bloodline.
02:47For seven years, I chased him with blind devotion.
02:50No matter how harshly he treated me, I never gave up.
02:54I confessed to him over and over, sometimes right in the royal court.
02:58I even performed a bloodbinding ritual, slitting my wrist, to earn the right to marry him.
03:04In my previous life, I got what I wanted, I married him and we performed the mate bonding ceremony.
03:10With that union, he inherited the High King's resources and rose to become the ruler of all four clans.
03:16However, what I did not expect was that after our wedding,
03:19he turned around and marked my adoptive sister.
03:22My parents were furious and sent her away.
03:25From that day on, Iris hated me with a vengeance.
03:28He surrounded himself with women who all looked eerily like her.
03:32One by one, they came each more vicious than the last.
03:36With his silent approval, they tore me down, piece by piece, until I was nothing more than a joke.
03:42No longer the queen I once was.
03:44The suffering pushed me into severe depression.
03:47Only suppressants kept my wolf form from spiraling out of control.
03:51Until one day, my medication was replaced with a slow acting poison.
03:56He was the one who did it.
03:58I died alone, locked away in the cold palace, a child still growing inside me.
04:03However, the moon goddess granted me another chance.
04:07Reborn in this life.
04:08I chose to let them have each other.
04:11But what I didn't expect was that Alpha Iris had been reborn too.
04:17I had just stepped out of the High King's Grand Palace when I bumped into Iris and his wolfish crew.
04:23The heirs of the four great clans took one look at me, and scattered like ants in a disrupted anthill.
04:28They could not resist throwing a few jabs my way as they left.
04:32Back to haunt Alpha Iris, Sophie.
04:34You've got guts.
04:35I'll give you that.
04:36You'll stop at nothing to chase after a guy.
04:39Aren't you worried your late heroic granddad's watching from above, shaking his head in disappointment?
04:44Iris stood there, his eyes frostier than the Arctic, sizing me up as if I were an insect.
04:49What's your angle this time?
04:50Hoping the High King will go to bat for you again?
04:52Still harping on that ancient favor your grandpa did for him in the war?
04:56How many times can your family play that card?
04:58His voice dripped with contempt, his eyes rolling with irritation.
05:03You've turned this into royal court gossip, dragging my name through the mud.
05:08I won't mark you as mine, not even if you beg the moon goddess herself.
05:13I knew that look all too well.
05:16My love had never even nudged his heart.
05:19I swallowed the storm inside me, keeping my voice steady.
05:22This has nothing to do with you.
05:26The High King called for me.
05:28He's going to leave my coming-of-age ceremony himself tomorrow.
05:31The words hung in the air, and the heirs who had not quite disappeared stopped dead in their tracks.
05:37The High King is personally overseeing your ceremony?
05:43I understood their shock.
05:46The High King had long since stepped back from such formalities,
05:49often sending others in his stead for even his own kin's events.
05:52His direct involvement was no small matter.
05:55In a world of werewolves, vampires, the High Serpent clan, and Mare Folk,
06:01I stood among them as a pure-blood werewolf.
06:04With a lineage untainted, I was seen as the ideal partner for the next generation.
06:08The High King had made his intentions clear when I was just 17.
06:12He declared that at my coming-of-age ceremony,
06:15he would pick a husband for me from the royal heirs of the four great clans.
06:19Whoever he chose would take over the High King's power and lands,
06:22stepping up as the new supreme leader.
06:25The crowd snapped out of their daze,
06:27chuckling as they clapped Iris on the back,
06:29their eyes twinkling with sly praise.
06:31Way to go, Alpha Iris!
06:33You're set for life!
06:34Don't forget about us when you're on top.
06:37The High King's got your back.
06:39And now,
06:40you're the real deal,
06:42the next in line for the throne!
06:44Iris shot me a look,
06:46his smirk loaded with pride and a hint of mockery.
06:50You've been pining after me for years,
06:52and now you've got your wish.
06:55Does that feel good?
06:56He leaned in,
06:58his voice dropping to a murmur.
07:00Just so we're clear,
07:01I'm laying down the law to avoid any future drama.
07:06This whole mate contract thing is just for show.
07:09Sure,
07:10you'll be my lunar name.
07:15But don't even think about butting into my personal life,
07:18or trying to boss me and my wolf around.
07:21Play by my rules.
07:26And I might
07:27just be persuaded to mock you.
07:37I was seething with anger at his outrageous demands.
07:41It was beyond ridiculous.
07:43A thought struck me.
07:45Could it be?
07:46Had he been reborn,
07:47too?
07:49Sufi.
07:50Right then,
07:51a gentle,
07:52frail voice called from behind me.
07:55I turned to see Ruby in a stunning velvet gown,
07:58her eyes rimmed with red.
07:59Coughing softly as she approached me,
08:01looking innocent.
08:04Iris's face transformed in an instant,
08:06and he hurried over to her.
08:08You're still not well.
08:10What are you doing out here?
08:15Dad sent me.
08:18He worried my sister would be lonely
08:20in the royal court all by herself.
08:22Iris gave me an icy,
08:24mocking glance.
08:25Aren't you a delicate one?
08:27Needing company just to leave the house?
08:29Can't you see that Ruby's sick?
08:31With that,
08:31he led Ruby away.
08:33Before they were out of sight,
08:35Iris threw one last chilling look my way.
08:37His voice a stern warning.
08:40Sophie,
08:41if you keep acting like you're better than Ruby
08:43and picking on her,
08:46forget about me joining you in that bonding ceremony!
08:49The words had barely left his mouth
08:51when Iris suddenly stopped.
08:52You go ahead first.
08:53I'll catch up in a moment.
08:55He murmured something to Ruby
08:56and gently pushed her forward.
08:58As soon as Ruby disappeared around the corner,
09:01I let out a cold,
09:02mocking laugh and said provocatively,
09:04Running after her again?
09:05How pathetic.
09:07Are you really that afraid of being alone with me, Alpha?
09:09Or do you know that if you touch me,
09:11you might not be able to control yourself?
09:16Iris's eyes flashed with dangerous fury.
09:18In the next second,
09:20he spun around,
09:21grabbed my wrist with bruising force,
09:23and dragged me into the shadowed side corridor.
09:26The moment the door of a small empty chamber
09:28slammed shut behind us.
09:30He shoved me hard against the wall.
09:32His large hand wrapped around my throat
09:35as his mouth crashed down on mine
09:36in a fierce, punishing kiss.
09:38There was no gentleness,
09:40only raw dominance and anger.
09:42His tongue invaded aggressively.
09:45I hated how fast my body reacted.
09:47Heat surged through me
09:49as he pressed his thigh between my legs,
09:51grinding hard.
09:52He tore open my gown
09:54and took one sensitive peek into his hot mouth,
09:56sucking roughly.
09:57A helpless moan slipped out.
09:59That sound broke his last restraint.
10:02Iris suddenly spun me around,
10:04pinning me chest first against the cold stone wall.
10:07He gripped my hip tightly
10:09and yanked my hair back,
10:10his scorching lips attacking the back of my neck,
10:13kissing and biting down my spine
10:15as if marking his territory.
10:17Get the fuck off me, you bastard!
10:20I twisted and kicked,
10:21but he pressed me harder against the wall.
10:25Disgusting!
10:26Let go!
10:27With all my strength,
10:28I slammed my heel backward
10:29and kicked him hard between the legs.
10:31Iris let out a pained grunt
10:33and staggered back, releasing me.
10:35His face twisted in agony
10:36as he cupped himself,
10:38breathing heavily.
10:41I quickly pulled my torn gown together,
10:44chest heaving with rage.
10:46Touch me again,
10:47and I'll make sure and assure you regret it
10:50for the rest of your life.
10:51I spat coldly.
10:53He glared at me with dark,
10:54curious eyes,
10:55but didn't step closer this time.
10:57I let out a shaky, bitter laugh.
11:00Iris, buddy,
11:01it's actually me
11:02who's not interested
11:03in this bonding ceremony with you.
11:05I mused silently.
11:06It was the day
11:07of the coming-of-age ceremony.
11:09The ceremony had wrapped up,
11:11and the guests had trickled out
11:13when I finally made my way in,
11:15walking a little awkwardly.
11:16Iris followed close behind,
11:18a smug,
11:19satisfied look on his face.
11:21Anyone with half a clue
11:23could have guessed
11:23what we had been up to.
11:25Iris barely gave me
11:26a second glance
11:27before his eyes swept the room
11:28and landed on Ruby.
11:30A lazy grin spread across his lips.
11:32He strode over to her,
11:34whispered something in her ear,
11:35and Ruby giggled,
11:37squatting his chest playfully.
11:39The two of them fell into easy banter,
11:41his hand resting casually
11:42on her lower back.
11:44In the past,
11:45that would have made me lose my cool.
11:47One was a guy
11:48I had been crushing on forever,
11:50and the other was my half-sister.
11:52Even if you didn't love me,
11:54could you at least pretend
11:55to care about decency?
11:59But now,
12:00I simply turned away
12:01and busied myself
12:02with something else,
12:03refusing to give them
12:04the satisfaction of a reaction.
12:06Iris caught my look,
12:08especially that brief pause,
12:10and his smirk faltered
12:11for just a moment.
12:12The angry outburst
12:13he had been waiting for
12:14never came.
12:15His smile slowly twisted
12:17into a grimace,
12:18like something was gnawing at him,
12:20and he could not help
12:21but throw a jab my way.
12:23You're not just pretending
12:24not to care because you're scared
12:25I'll change my mind,
12:26are you?
12:29All right.
12:31You're playing it cool today.
12:33Since you know
12:33I will be the next high king,
12:35it's obvious
12:35I won't be tied down
12:36to just one girl for life.
12:38I'll have plenty of lovers.
12:40He boasted.
12:42So here,
12:43this is for you.
12:44He pulled out
12:45a fancy little wooden box
12:47from his pocket,
12:48but before he could hand it over,
12:50Ruby grabbed it.
12:51Wow,
12:52it's gorgeous.
12:53Ruby's eyes lit up
12:55as she admired the gem.
12:56Isn't this the true love gem
12:58from Lord of Winterhout?
13:01You can't even buy these.
13:03Iris,
13:04caught off guard,
13:05quickly said,
13:07You like it?
13:09Then it's yours.
13:10Ruby put on a show of hesitation.
13:12I can't possibly take this.
13:14It's a special gift
13:15you picked out for my sister.
13:17Her words trailed off,
13:18but her eyes stayed locked on me,
13:19a smug smile playing on her lips.
13:24Iris let out a carefree chuckle.
13:26Keep it.
13:26I'll just whip up
13:27something else for her.
13:28She treasures anything
13:29that comes from me anyway.
13:33The room was filled
13:34with the low chuckles
13:35of the other clan heirs.
13:37Just like that,
13:38a flood of memories
13:39I had kept locked away
13:40came crashing back.
13:41I was transported
13:42to that snowy Christmas
13:44when I had trudged
13:45through the storm
13:45to give Iris a present,
13:47only to get soaked
13:48to the bone.
13:48He tossed his cloak at me
13:50and casually said,
13:51Don't catch a cold.
13:52I had clung to that cloak
13:54like a priceless treasure,
13:55hiding it for years,
13:56until he caught me one day,
13:58secretly inhaling its scent.
14:00His face turned stormy,
14:02and he shouted,
14:03You're pathetic.
14:05I turned beet red
14:06from my cheeks
14:07to the tips of my ears.
14:09The high king had to intervene,
14:11tapping him with his cane.
14:12She's just a kid.
14:14Watch your words.
14:15He shut up then,
14:16but he ensured the story
14:17spread to every heir
14:19of every clan.
14:19I became the butt
14:21of everyone's jokes.
14:22With that memory
14:23burning in my mind,
14:24I spun on my heel,
14:26ready to escape the party
14:27I had grown to loathe.
14:28However,
14:29Iris stepped in front of me,
14:31blocking my path.
14:32Do you really think
14:33I can't through you?
14:35Do you really think
14:36I can't see right through you?
14:38You're nothing but a jealous,
14:40spiteful she-wolf.
14:43He grabbed my wrist,
14:45his grip firm and hot.
14:47For a second,
14:48neither of us moved.
14:49His thumb brushed slowly
14:51over my pulse point,
14:52sending an unwelcome spark
14:54through my body.
14:55His scent,
14:55dark pine and musk,
14:57wrapped around me,
14:58too familiar
14:59and dangerously intoxicating.
15:01I yanked my wrist back,
15:03but the heat of his touch
15:04lingered on my skin.
15:05Alpha Iris,
15:06you'd better watch your tone.
15:08He let out a derisive laugh.
15:10Watch my tone?
15:11You're the one
15:12who's been begging me
15:13to mark you.
15:14We're destined
15:15to end up together,
15:16so why play innocent?
15:18I met his gaze and said,
15:19each word deliberate
15:20and clear.
15:21Who said I'd ever
15:23choose you as my mate?
15:25The room went dead quiet.
15:27The wolves around me
15:28erupted in laughter,
15:29their howls echoing
15:30off the walls.
15:31Iris' face was a mask of ice.
15:33Who else could you
15:34possibly choose?
15:35You were so head over wheels
15:37for me.
15:38Would you ever be happy
15:39to marry anyone else?
15:40I come from the silver moon pack,
15:42the mightiest of all
15:43werewolf packs,
15:45and I carry the noblest
15:46lycan blood.
15:48Sure,
15:49Alpha Damon's decent enough,
15:50but his lineage
15:51is nothing special,
15:52no match for mine.
15:53Apparently,
15:53his wolf is quite weak.
15:56He was poisoned
15:57with wolf's bane
15:57a few years ago.
15:59His stamina's never
16:00been the same since then.
16:01You really want to marry him?
16:03Be stuck with a
16:04weaker wolf for life?
16:07Every eye in the room
16:09was on me,
16:10waiting for my answer.
16:11Just then,
16:12Alpha Damon made his way
16:13into the hall,
16:14looking frail,
16:15struggling to walk
16:16at any speed.
16:17Muffled laughter
16:17spread through the crowd
16:18as I was about to declare
16:19that I would choose
16:20to marry Damon.
16:21However,
16:22the High King's words
16:23echoed in my mind.
16:24Your heart truly lies
16:25with Damon.
16:26I'll honor your choice.
16:28However,
16:29keep it under wraps
16:30for now.
16:31Once the dust settles,
16:32the truth will come out.
16:34I bit back my words,
16:36hesitating.
16:37Damon caught my eye,
16:38his gaze filled
16:39with a sadness
16:39I could not ignore.
16:41I got the High King's point.
16:42With all those airs
16:43from different clans
16:44watching,
16:45each hungry for power,
16:46I could not just
16:47blurt out my feelings.
16:48So,
16:49I decided to let them
16:50think what they wanted
16:51and walked away
16:51from that choking atmosphere.
16:53On the drive home,
16:54Ruby and I shared a car.
16:56She flicked her wrist,
16:57and the gems in her box
16:58glittered so intensely
16:59I had to squint.
17:00So what if you marry
17:01Alpha Iris?
17:03His heart will always
17:04to me.
17:05Her voice dripping
17:06with challenge.
17:08I leaned back in my seat,
17:10a slow smile curling
17:11across my lips.
17:13His heart?
17:15Ruby's eyes narrowed.
17:16Ruby,
17:17let me tell you
17:18something about men.
17:19At least Iris
17:20sleeps with me.
17:21And you know
17:22what they say.
17:23Where a man's
17:24lower pat goes,
17:26his heart follows.
17:28The car went
17:29dead silent.
17:30Ruby's smug expression
17:32froze on her face,
17:33then cracked.
17:34Her cheeks flushed
17:35a deep,
17:35angry red,
17:36spreading all the way
17:37to the tips of her ears.
17:39She clutched the wooden box
17:40so hard her knuckles
17:41went white.
17:43You!
17:44You're lying!
17:48Am I?
17:49I shrugged.
17:50You saw how we walked in today.
17:52My legs were still shaking.
17:54His neck?
17:56Those scratches
17:57weren't from you,
17:58were they?
17:59Her voice came out shrill,
18:00nothing like the sweet,
18:02innocent tone she put on
18:03for everyone else.
18:04You're disgusting!
18:06I smiled.
18:07Maybe.
18:08But at least I'm not delusional.
18:12Ruby was like
18:14two different people.
18:15To the world,
18:16she was the picture
18:17of sweetness and innocence,
18:19but when we were alone,
18:20her true colors came out,
18:22sharp and dangerous.
18:23I could not shake
18:24the memory of her previous life,
18:26wrapped up with Iris.
18:28Nothing between them.
18:29She was curled up
18:30in Iris' arms,
18:32a scared little wolf,
18:33while Iris clutched her close
18:35as if he was protecting her from me.
18:36I felt like I would break down
18:38right then and there.
18:40Later,
18:41my parents sent Ruby off
18:42to some small town
18:43and married her
18:44to a high-circuit king
18:45who was always off
18:46fighting wars.
18:47She had it way easier
18:48than I did.
18:49However,
18:50I decided to let her
18:51stick with Iris
18:52in this life.
18:53I was curious
18:54to see how that would turn out.
18:56What do I care
18:57where his heart lies?
18:58If you're so into him,
19:00go ahead and let him mark you.
19:01I hope the moon goddess
19:02blesses you too.
19:04Ruby paused,
19:05then smirked and laughed.
19:07Your blessings?
19:08No thanks,
19:09they might be cursed.
19:11However,
19:12no matter what,
19:14Alpha Iris is mine.
19:16Thanksgiving rolled around
19:17and my dad had me
19:19take a gift to the high king.
19:23I walked into the royal court
19:25and there was Ruby,
19:26all dolled up
19:27in a red dress
19:27and dripping with jewels,
19:29looking like a million bucks.
19:30She caught my eye
19:32and gave me
19:32that little smile.
19:34Sophie,
19:35do you like my dress?
19:36Alpha Iris gave it to me.
19:38I told him
19:39I wasn't into
19:40all this bling,
19:41but he wouldn't
19:42take no for an answer.
19:43He said I deserved the best.
19:45I was annoyed
19:46and tried to walk away,
19:47but Ruby blocked my path.
19:50Sophie,
19:51can't we just talk?
19:53You look
19:53so down.
19:56I get it,
19:57it's tough.
19:58Feelings can be
19:59a real pain
20:00to deal with.
20:01She said,
20:02and then she started crying.
20:04However,
20:05it was all an act.
20:07I tried to shove her aside,
20:09but she collapsed
20:10with a dramatic gasp,
20:11clutching her leg
20:12and wailing about the pain.
20:14Why did you hit me?
20:16I'm your little sister.
20:18Sophie,
20:19what the heck
20:20are you doing?
20:21His finger
20:21was practically a claw
20:23as he jabbed it
20:23in my direction.
20:30How could you be
20:31so cruel
20:31to your sister?
20:32That's just evil.
20:34I could not help it.
20:35I burst out laughing,
20:37looking from Iris
20:38to Ruby.
20:39Ruby,
20:40I have to hand it to you.
20:42Your little act
20:43is pretty convincing.
20:44It's quite the piece of work.
20:48Out of nowhere,
20:50a wolf's hull
20:51cut through the room.
20:52Iris spun around,
20:53his hand a blur
20:54as it came down
20:55hard across my face,
20:57leaving a trail
20:57of scratches.
21:00Don't you dare
21:01talk about Ruby
21:02that way!
21:03He shouted.
21:04The sting on my cheek
21:05felt like a burn,
21:06and my inner wolf
21:07seethed with anger.
21:08I wanted to lash out,
21:10but a quick glance
21:11at the onlookers
21:12held me back.
21:13I had to get out of there.
21:15Ruby smirked,
21:17clearly pleased
21:18with herself.
21:19Iris,
21:20realizing he had
21:21lost his cool,
21:22reached out
21:23to help me up,
21:23but Ruby clung
21:24talking to him.
21:27Honey,
21:27my legs are
21:28hurting.
21:30Can you check on them
21:31for me?
21:33Iris' lone lover,
21:35my family.
21:36The crowd watched,
21:37murmuring to each other.
21:39Sophie must
21:40feel so desperate
21:42for a guy
21:42that she'd even
21:43take down her sister.
21:44That's low.
21:45Iris' gaze
21:46was full of loathing.
21:50Sophie,
21:51what have you done?
21:52getting your attention
21:54is the worst luck.
21:55His wolf pack body
21:57snickered behind him,
21:58enjoying the drama.
22:00Sophie,
22:01you'd even go
22:02after your sister.
22:04If Alpha Iris
22:05had a circle
22:06of female friends,
22:07would you lose it?
22:13Maybe Sophie
22:14could take on
22:14the whole pack.
22:15She might shred
22:16every girl
22:17that would dare
22:17hang around Alpha Iris.
22:24Back then,
22:25I trained in combat
22:26just for Iris,
22:27vowing that if anyone
22:28tried to take him
22:29from me,
22:30they would regret it.
22:31However,
22:32looking back,
22:33I was way out
22:34of my league.
22:35While they laughed,
22:36Iris came up to me,
22:37and I see Smirk
22:38playing on his lips.
22:41After we're married,
22:42we'll live
22:42separate lives.
22:45Play nice,
22:47and maybe I'll
22:48let you save
22:49some dignity
22:49in this marriage.
22:50I was floored.
22:52How could the air
22:52to our kind
22:53say something
22:54so outrageous?
22:55He took my silence
22:56for consent,
22:57his grin growing wider.
22:59Just keep in line,
23:01and I won't let you
23:02embarrass yourself
23:03in public.
23:04He was sure
23:05I would fall in line.
23:06Then came the sound
23:07of footsteps.
23:08The High King's
23:10right-hand man,
23:11his second-in-command,
23:12stepped out,
23:13with Damon,
23:14the werewolf,
23:15in tow.
23:15He was not
23:16the sickly figure
23:17I remembered,
23:18but was decked out
23:18in a deep purple suit
23:19with delicate gold
23:20embroidery that showed
23:21off his strong build.
23:23He noticed the dried
23:24blood on my face,
23:25made his way through
23:26the crowd,
23:27and stopped in front
23:28of me.
23:30You okay?
23:33My heart skipped a beat.
23:35It took me back
23:36to my previous life
23:37when I was helpless,
23:38and he was there.
23:39Sophie,
23:39what are you doing here?
23:40He never used to
23:41call me Luna.
23:42I thought he had
23:43something against me,
23:44only to find out
23:45when it was too late
23:46that was not true
23:47at all.
23:47Does it hurt?
23:48Damon's voice was soft
23:49and full of concern.
23:50I looked up,
23:51and our eyes locked
23:52as a pang of bitterness
23:53hit me.
23:54I'm fine.
23:54I managed to say
23:55with a weak smile.
23:56Then,
23:57Iris scoffed and said,
23:58Why do you care
23:59if that hurts?
24:00Damon,
24:00she's going to be
24:01my wife.
24:02The second-in-command
24:03seemed slightly startled
24:04by Iris' words.
24:05However,
24:06he shrugged it off
24:07and said,
24:08Let's head in.
24:08The High King's
24:09waiting for us.
24:10As Iris strutted
24:11by me,
24:11he muttered a warning
24:12under his breath.
24:14Don't forget
24:14what I told you.
24:15He strutted away,
24:16looking smug
24:17as if he had
24:17the whole world
24:18in his pocket.
24:19The guests had all
24:20filed into the great hall,
24:22where the High King
24:23sat in the place of honor.
24:24With a warm smile,
24:25he stood,
24:26took my hand,
24:27and led me to the platform.
24:29Today,
24:29I have a big announcement.
24:31He said,
24:32pausing to look around
24:34at everyone gathered.
24:37Sophie's 18 now,
24:38and as promised
24:40to her granddad,
24:41we will choose
24:42a suitable husband
24:43from the heirs
24:44of the four great clans.
24:46Whoever she marries
24:48will be next in line
24:50for my throne.
24:51The High King's wealth
24:52was legendary,
24:53and his throne
24:54was the ultimate prize.
24:56Desire was written
24:57all over the faces
24:58of the guests.
25:00Let's bring up the couple,
25:02and I'll vouch
25:03for them myself.
25:04Iris was already
25:06stepping forward,
25:07ready to climb
25:08onto the stage.
25:09However,
25:10the High King
25:10stopped him with a smile
25:12and turned to Damon,
25:13who was standing off
25:14to the side.
25:15Dressed to the nines,
25:16Damon was far
25:17from the weakling
25:18everyone remembered.
25:19He stood tall,
25:21his gaze steady,
25:22capturing everyone's attention.
25:24He walked up
25:25with a crystal crown
25:26in hand.
25:27Sophie,
25:29my future Luna,
25:31come and join me.
25:32He said.
25:34The room was abuzz
25:35with hushed voices
25:36that quickly grew louder.
25:49Iris' face lost all color.
25:52His hands balled into fists,
25:54rage written all over him.
25:56He spun around
25:57to face the High King,
25:58his eyes wide
25:59with shock and disbelief.
26:00High King,
26:02there's gotta be
26:03some mistake, right?
26:04The High King
26:05just gave him
26:06an icy look
26:07and let out
26:07a mocking laugh.
26:08His second in command
26:10picked up
26:10where he left off.
26:12The High King
26:12has said it loud
26:13and clear.
26:15Sophie's chosen Damon.
26:17Iris yelled,
26:18his voice laced
26:19with disbelief.
26:20That's impossible!
26:21Sophie,
26:22tell them!
26:23You picked me,
26:24didn't you?
26:24It was me
26:25you chose!
26:26His eyes were desperate,
26:28as if he could not
26:29trust his own ears.
26:30I kept my voice calm.
26:32I chose Damon.
26:34Damon gave me
26:35a soft, warm smile.
26:36Iris, though,
26:38was beyond furious
26:39and he lunged forward.
26:40You're into me!
26:41Everyone from
26:42the four great clans
26:43knows it!
26:44How could you pick
26:45some werewolf
26:45from the sticks?
26:47This has to mistake!
26:54What are you waiting for?
26:56The guards finally
26:57snapped to it
26:57and rushed to drag Iris off.
26:59Take him away!
27:00Now!
27:01However,
27:02Iris was not about
27:03to give up.
27:04He spun around,
27:05shouting at me.
27:07Sophie, come on!
27:08Tell them you chose me!
27:10Just say you messed up
27:12to the High King!
27:13To the High King!
27:15The High King
27:16waved his hand,
27:17clearly annoyed,
27:18and the guards
27:19shut the doors.
27:20The hall fell silent.
27:22The second in command
27:23handed me a wooden box
27:25once more.
27:26Sophie,
27:27this is the High King's blessing,
27:29paving the way
27:30for your future.
27:31I looked down
27:31at the wooden box
27:32in my hands,
27:33knowing full well
27:34what it meant.
27:35It was the symbol
27:36of the High King's
27:37power and riches.
27:38Later,
27:39at the banquet,
27:40I looked around
27:41and did not spot
27:42Iris anywhere.
27:43As I turned,
27:44I bumped into
27:45Damon's arms,
27:46his familiar sense
27:47sending a jolt
27:48through me.
27:49Memories came flooding
27:50back,
27:51overwhelming me
27:52like a tidal wave.
27:54The agony
27:54of my previous life
27:56with Iris
27:56was inescapable.
27:58In my previous life,
28:00Iris had tampered
28:01with my meds,
28:02knocking me out
28:02with Wolf's Bane
28:03and landing me
28:04in a clinic.
28:05Damon was frantic,
28:06begging the healer
28:07for help.
28:08He punched Iris
28:09right in the face,
28:10his voice thundering
28:12as he shouted.
28:13She should never
28:14have been yours!
28:15After I died,
28:17Damon dug up
28:18a mountain of dirt
28:18on Iris
28:19and yanked him
28:20off his throne.
28:21By that time,
28:22I was just
28:22a wandering spirit.
28:24Still,
28:25Damon's bold moves
28:26shook me to the core.
28:27I could not fathom
28:29why he would go
28:29to such lengths for me.
28:31However,
28:32in my new life,
28:33the voice inside me
28:34was crystal clear.
28:36Marry him,
28:36and you'll never
28:37have a single regret.
28:39The feast kicked off,
28:40and the High King
28:41called Damon
28:42to the High Table.
28:43Without a word,
28:44it was clear,
28:45Damon was the chosen successor.
28:48Damon did not flinch.
28:50He took his seat
28:51next to the King,
28:52like he belonged there.
28:53The crowd whispered
28:54among themselves,
28:56stunned.
28:56No one saw it coming,
28:58me picking a guy
28:58the pack had written off.
29:00They all had me
29:01pegged for Iris.
29:02However,
29:03the real shocker?
29:05Everyone knew
29:05Damon had been
29:06through the ringer
29:07in battle.
29:08As for his instincts?
29:10Well,
29:11it was up for debate.
29:15While everyone
29:17was busy gossiping,
29:18Iris,
29:19stinking of booze,
29:20bulldozed his way
29:21to the High King.
29:22He was a mess,
29:23barely saying,
29:29The High King shot him
29:31a look that could
29:31freeze fire and snapped,
29:33saying,
29:34Get this drunk
29:35out of here.
29:36Don't let him
29:37make a scene.
29:38However,
29:39Iris was not
29:40about to roll over.
29:41He roared at the King,
29:43shouting,
29:58The High King's eyes
30:00locked onto me,
30:01a sly smirk
30:02playing on his lips,
30:03tinged with a dash
30:04of scorn.
30:04Wolf spirit kinship?
30:07That's news to me.
30:09Go on,
30:09tell him,
30:10Sophie.
30:10I let out a soft chuckle,
30:12my voice steady
30:13and serene.
30:16I'm not sure
30:17why Alpha Iris
30:18is saying that.
30:21He's like a brother
30:23to me,
30:23but his heart?
30:26It's always been
30:27set on my sister,
30:29Ruby.
30:30Iris' lips quivered,
30:32his face a mask
30:33of disbelief
30:34as he begged me.
30:35Sophie,
30:35I've always loved you
30:36and no one else.
30:38And you whine to me,
30:39and you want Anne
30:40and appeal for the world
30:41to not-
30:51Then,
30:51with a wild grin,
30:53he hissed,
30:54saying,
30:55I get it.
30:56You're jealous,
30:57so you're using Damon
30:58to get under my skin,
30:59right?
31:00You're doing this
31:01because I gave Ruby
31:02the gift
31:02at your coming of age
31:03party.
31:04Alpha Iris,
31:06cut the drama.
31:08Demon and I
31:09are getting married.
31:10End of story.
31:11Iris' face twisted
31:13in fury,
31:13and he lunged for me.
31:15Sophie,
31:16you're meant to be
31:17mine!
31:18He reached out
31:19to snatch me,
31:20but Damon stepped in,
31:21blocking him.
31:24Alpha Iris,
31:26it's Thanksgiving,
31:26remember?
31:28Time and place,
31:29man.
31:37Damon's voice was a deep,
31:39unwavering growl.
31:40Iris,
31:41seething,
31:42shoved Damon aside.
31:44You're nothing but a low-born
31:46werewolf from the Styx,
31:47and you dare talk back to me?
31:51And what if I do?
31:53The High King slammed his scepter down hard,
31:56silencing the hall instantly.
31:57You're barred from the royal court
31:59from this day forward.
32:01Go and think about what you've done.
32:03Iris' eyes were blazing
32:05with a furious red as he yelled.
32:07Sophie,
32:08you've got to tell the High King
32:09it's me you're into.
32:11It's my wolf that you want to be with.
32:16I just turned and flashed Damon a soft,
32:19reassuring smile.
32:20However,
32:21Damon hung his head like he could not bear
32:23to meet my gaze.
32:24The rumor mill was in overdrive outside.
32:28Can you believe Iris stood up
32:29to the High Ming for Sophie?
32:31I heard she picked Damon.
32:33Now Iris and Sophie's sister
32:34is thick as thieves,
32:35and that's no deer cream
32:37and the kind sausages.
32:38and we even think
32:39you're crazy thieves too.
32:40Man, things are heating up.
32:42It's wild, right?
32:43I ignored all the whispers and chatter.
32:45My mind was on the future.
32:47My wedding with Damon
32:48was set for next month.
32:50Damon had come to me
32:51a few days back.
32:52His eyes locked on mine
32:54for the longest time
32:55before he finally broke the silence.
32:57If you're having second thoughts,
33:05I can talk to the High King
33:06to call off our engagement.
33:08Why would I be having second thoughts?
33:11I said,
33:12my voice steady as a rock.
33:14I know you had a thing
33:15for Alpha Iris once.
33:17There was a hint of hurt in his voice
33:19that he could not quite hide.
33:23That took me back to my previous life
33:25when Damon had gone
33:26to the ends of the earth for me,
33:28nearly sacrificing it all.
33:30I felt my eyes well up.
33:33Yeah, I had feelings for him once,
33:35but that's history.
33:37I used to be so headstrong,
33:39thinking if I just held on tight enough,
33:41I could make anything happen.
33:50I had this dream, you see,
33:56where you were the one who saved me.
33:59That was why I was so pumped
34:01the first couple of times we met.
34:03He sounded like he could not believe it.
34:06Damon's ears turned a shade pinker,
34:08and he looked down.
34:12So you're sure about this?
34:14About marrying me?
34:15His voice shook just a little.
34:17A smile broke across his face.
34:20He pulled a wooden box from behind his back,
34:23roughly the same size as the one
34:24the High King had given me.
34:27This is my promise to you.
34:30My all.
34:31He said,
34:32his voice deep and tinged
34:34with a hint of bashfulness.
34:36I'll be left with nothing
34:37if I ever let you down.
34:42He had clearly thought this through
34:44before he came.
34:45I stared at the wooden box in my hands,
34:48my heart stirring with deep emotion.
34:50The High King had been generous
34:51because of a past debt,
34:53but Damon's sincerity
34:53was something else entirely.
34:55I didn't ask.
34:57Instead,
34:58I tucked the box away carefully.
35:00Then,
35:00I unclasped the gemstone pendant
35:02my grandma had left me
35:03and placed it in his hands.
35:05Damon accepted it with reverence,
35:07cradling it gently
35:08as if it were the most precious thing
35:10in the world.
35:11Sophie,
35:12I'll always treat you right.
35:13He said,
35:14his voice gentle yet resolute.
35:16The air between us
35:18grew heavy with emotion.
35:19Damon stepped closer,
35:21cupping my face with warm,
35:23steady hands.
35:24He kissed me slowly and deeply,
35:27full of quiet devotion and longing.
35:29His touch was completely different
35:31from Iris's,
35:32gentle,
35:32patient,
35:33and filled with reverence.
35:35We moved toward the bed
35:36without breaking the kiss.
35:38He laid me down carefully,
35:40his lips trailing soft,
35:41worshipful kisses along my neck
35:43and collarbone
35:44as he slowly removed my dress.
35:46His hands explored my body
35:47with tender caresses,
35:49stroking and teasing
35:50until I was trembling beneath him.
35:55When he finally entered me,
35:57it was slow and deep,
35:59every movement filled with warmth and emotion.
36:01We moved together in a steady,
36:03intimate rhythm,
36:04foreheads pressed together,
36:06breathing each other in.
36:07For the first time in both my lives,
36:10I felt truly safe and cherished.
36:13Afterward,
36:14we lay tangled in the sheets.
36:16Damon held me close,
36:18pressing a soft kiss to my temple,
36:20his arms wrapped protectively around me.
36:22Back home,
36:23Ruby was perched by the piano
36:25in the living room.
36:26The door's noise made her whip around,
36:28shooting me a fierce glare.
36:29Sophie,
36:31you're so sly,
36:32using Damon to get under
36:33Alpha Iris' skin.
36:35Alpha Iris couldn't care less
36:36about your games.
36:37And everyone knows
36:39Damon's a nobody.
36:41So what?
36:42You plan to spend your life alone
36:44if you marry him?
36:47Her laugh was self-satisfied
36:49as she finished.
36:50Her smug face almost made
36:52my inner wolf lash out,
36:54but I kept calm.
36:55That was when a servant's voice
36:57boomed through the house.
36:59Isn't that Alpha Iris?
37:02Miss Sophie,
37:03you've got to see this!
37:07I rushed to the window,
37:08and there he was,
37:09Iris,
37:10standing in our yard,
37:11with our neighbors
37:12whispering and watching.
37:14Check it out.
37:15Alpha Iris is heading this way.
37:18Rumor has it
37:19he's got a thing for Sophie.
37:20I had not even opened my mouth
37:22when Ruby bolted toward him.
37:26Alpha Iris,
37:27are you here for me?
37:29However,
37:29Iris did not even flinch
37:31as he brushed her aside.
37:33Ruby stumbled
37:33and hit the ground
37:34hard from his shove.
37:36Sophie,
37:37be my Luna.
37:40We're meant to be together.
37:43He said,
37:44dropping to one knee.
37:45With everyone's eyes on him,
37:47he pulled out a ring,
37:49his gaze burning
37:50with earnest passion.
37:51The crowd went silent,
37:53all eyes glued
37:53to the surprise proposal.
37:55I felt sick
37:57to my stomach.
37:59What's going on with you?
38:01I thought Ruby
38:02was your girl.
38:04He saw me turn to leave
38:06and quickly got to his feet,
38:08reaching out to stop me.
38:10However,
38:11Ruby yanked on his arm.
38:16Sophie,
38:17hold up.
38:18You must hear me out.
38:22You're the only one
38:23in my mind.
38:25That's not what you said before.
38:28You told me
38:29once we were married.
38:31We'd lead our own lives,
38:33no meddling.
38:35I was kidding.
38:38How could I ever mean that?
38:40His face was a mix
38:41of desperation
38:42and honesty.
38:43I might have fallen for it
38:45if I had not been through
38:46what I had in my previous life.
38:48Ruby's tears came fast
38:50when she heard him.
38:51Alpha Iris,
38:52how could you say those things?
38:54You told me you liked me.
38:56You said I was more beautiful
38:58and lovable than my sister.
39:01You promised to mark me.
39:03That's why I...
39:04Enough!
39:06Iris snapped,
39:08slashing her with his claws,
39:09just like he had done to me once.
39:12Ruby's face was instantly marked
39:14with five bright red lines.
39:15This is all your fault!
39:17If it weren't for you,
39:18why would Sophie be upset
39:21and think about pairing up
39:23with another guy?
39:24He acted like he was above it all,
39:26like the idea of looking back
39:28on his actions with regret
39:29was something he would
39:30never have to deal with.
39:35You think you,
39:36with your tainted blood,
39:38are worthy of me?
39:39He had known the truth all along.
39:41He just played dumb.
39:43Sophie's high and mighty,
39:44a pure-blood werewolf
39:45through and through.
39:47You?
39:47You're just her half-sister,
39:49and everyone's clued in
39:51on how low your mom's bloodline ranks.
39:53You were just a fling to me.
39:55Did you really think
39:56I'd ever mark you?
39:58Ruby's face went ghostly,
40:00a mix of pale and green.
40:01She had lived her life
40:03believing she was a true
40:04daughter of the family,
40:05with all the rights and status
40:06that came with it.
40:08However,
40:08the harsh truth of her heritage
40:10was laid bare for all to see,
40:12and the snide comments cut deep,
40:14like a blade to Ruby's heart.
40:16I'm not low-born!
40:18I'm not!
40:19I'm my father's real daughter!
40:21She cried out,
40:23her voice dripping with desperation.
40:25Iris's voice was like ice
40:27as she sneered.
40:29You think I'm clueless?
40:31Just look at yourself,
40:33your looks,
40:34your intelligence,
40:35your grace.
40:36Do you see a werewolf
40:37with noble blood?
40:40All you do is strut around
40:42for attention.
40:44You're not even fit
40:45to be Sophie's maid,
40:47let alone dream of marrying me.
40:53I had had enough
40:54and turned on my heel to leave.
40:57Sophie,
40:57you see?
40:58I've set her straight.
41:00There's nothing between us now.
41:03Give me another shot, okay?
41:05I yanked my arm free,
41:07my voice as icy as the Arctic.
41:09Alpha Iris,
41:10I'm about to become
41:11another Pax Luna.
41:12You think you're entitled
41:14to everything
41:14because of your
41:15oh-so-great bloodline?
41:16However,
41:18there's one thing
41:19you'll never get your hands on.
41:20Iris looked lost.
41:22And what's that?
41:23A do-over.
41:24There's no magic pill
41:25for regret in this world.
41:27Pretty soon,
41:29Damon and I will tie the knot
41:31and you're totally invited
41:33to the bonding ceremony.
41:35Iris looked like
41:36he had more to say,
41:37but I did not want to hear it.
41:39I wriggled free
41:40and slammed the gate.
41:42It felt like forever
41:43before a servant came in
41:45to tell me Iris
41:45had taken off.
41:46Ruby had even tried
41:47to visit Iris
41:48at the Carter's place,
41:49but he would not even
41:50let her pass the front door.
41:52Me?
41:52I could not care less,
41:54not my circus,
41:55not my monkeys.
41:58The day of the bonding
42:00ceremony dawned.
42:01I was up with the sun,
42:03getting my glam on.
42:04Damon scooped me up
42:06in his arms
42:06like I weighed nothing,
42:07and we headed
42:08for the banquet hall.
42:09I sneaked a peek
42:10at his profile.
42:12He was nothing like Iris.
42:13Iris was the textbook
42:15snooty blue blood,
42:16with that wild child vibe
42:17and a smirk
42:18that just screamed trouble.
42:19Damon was the real deal,
42:21a gentleman through and through.
42:23He was all about
42:24precision and poise.
42:26His nose was like
42:27a sculpture,
42:28and his lips,
42:29sealed in a straight line,
42:31made him look serene.
42:32Some folks would call
42:34a guy like him ice cold,
42:35but I had seen him
42:36put his life on the line
42:37for me.
42:38That thought alone
42:39sent a wave of warmth
42:40through me.
42:41It was like history
42:42was repeating itself,
42:43but it was a whole new
42:45ballgame this time.
42:46Out of nowhere,
42:48the wedding car procession
42:49ground to a halt.
42:50I looked up,
42:51and there was Iris,
42:53suited up and sporting
42:54the groom's boutonniere,
42:55smack in the middle
42:56of the road.
42:57The nerve!
42:58The guy was off
42:59his rocker.
43:03Damon moved to get out,
43:04but I put a hand
43:05on his chest and said,
43:07Let me deal with this mess.
43:08I want to keep things
43:09from getting too ugly.
43:11However,
43:12he grabbed my hand
43:13and said,
43:15We're in this together,
43:16for better or worse,
43:18whatever comes our way.
43:20At that moment,
43:21his hand felt like
43:22a warm cocoon
43:23around my heart,
43:23and I knew
43:24I had my rock.
43:25Iris,
43:26seeing how tight we were,
43:28just lost it even more.
43:31Sophie,
43:32come with me.
43:33You were always
43:35meant to be mine.
43:37I'll make
43:38you my Luna.
43:40I could not help
43:41but laugh at the
43:42ridiculousness of the scene.
43:43Did he really think
43:45of marriage
43:45as some kind of play?
43:46He did not value
43:48what we had before,
43:49yet there he was,
43:50making a scene.
43:52Alpha Iris,
43:54I've made myself clear.
43:55You're welcome
43:56to watch the ceremony,
43:57but if you're here
43:58to stir up trouble,
43:59I'll have the guards
43:59escort you out.
44:00Sophie,
44:01how can you talk
44:02to me like this?
44:03I'm the one
44:03you love the most,
44:04right?
44:05I'm the one
44:07I'm the one
44:08His words were cut short
44:09as he lunged at me,
44:10a wild look in his eyes
44:11and a gleaming silver dagger
44:13in his hand.
44:14Damon acted fast.
44:16He managed to snatch
44:17the dagger away,
44:18but not without
44:19getting hurt himself.
44:21Blood splattered
44:22on the ground.
44:23I rushed to Damon's side,
44:25pressing down
44:25on his wound,
44:26my voice filled
44:27with concern
44:27as I asked.
44:31Why must you be
44:32so reckless?
44:33Iris' voice
44:34was laced
44:35with agony
44:36as he said.
44:37You used to only
44:38worry about me.
44:39Why him?
44:41I shot Iris
44:42an icy look.
44:44Damon is my partner.
44:46Of course,
44:46I'm going to be
44:47worried about him.
44:48The guards
44:49had Iris pinned down,
44:50effectively caging him in.
44:52Out of nowhere,
44:53Ruby appeared,
44:54sobbing as she
44:55clung to Iris.
44:56I thought Iris,
44:57I'll be your Luna.
44:58I'm ready to go
44:59through your
44:59marking ceremony.
45:02Iris quickly
45:03defended himself.
45:04Sophie,
45:05I never intended
45:06to mark her.
45:07He turned to me,
45:08his voice barely
45:09above a whisper
45:10as he said.
45:11I messed up.
45:12Please give me
45:13one more chance.
45:15I promise
45:16I'll make it up to you.
45:17I won't let you
45:19down again.
45:22I was done
45:23listening to his
45:24empty promises.
45:26Take him away.
45:27Let the High King
45:28deal with him.
45:29I commanded,
45:30my voice as sharp
45:32as ice.
45:32Once I was back
45:33in the car,
45:34a healer from
45:35our entourage
45:36came over to
45:36tend to us.
45:37The good news
45:38was that the cut
45:39had not been
45:40tainted with Wolfsbane.
45:41It only needed
45:42a quick cleaning,
45:43and we were good
45:44to go.
45:45The bonding ceremony
45:46went off without
45:47a hitch.
45:48Iris got the boot,
45:50and I heard that
45:50the High King's
45:51enforcers gave him
45:52a week-long time
45:53out to think about
45:54what he had done.
45:55As dusk settled in,
45:57the last of the party
45:58guests trickled out.
45:59I slipped into my
46:01silk nightgown
46:01and hopped into bed.
46:03Damon was already
46:04there, leaning
46:05against the headboard.
46:06When he saw me,
46:07his eyes darkened
46:08with obvious desire.
46:10I crawled toward him
46:11with a playful smile.
46:12You've been staring
46:13at me all evening.
46:15What's on your mind,
46:17husband?
46:18He reached out,
46:19pulling me smoothly
46:20into his arms
46:21until I was
46:21straddling his lap.
46:23You.
46:24Always you.
46:25He said,
46:26voice low and husky.
46:28His hands settled
46:29on my waist,
46:30thumbs gently
46:30stroking my sides.
46:34We weren't exactly
46:35close before.
46:36Why are you being
46:37so nice to me?
46:40What do you mean
46:41by nice?
46:42You've been staring
46:43at me all evening.
46:44What's on your mind,
46:45husband?
46:46Ignore those gossips.
46:48I'm the lucky one here.
46:52Iris' loss
46:53is my gain.
46:54His words felt
46:55like a gentle breeze
46:56brushing across my heart,
46:57spreading a sweet
46:58warmth inside me.
47:00Damon said
47:00with a soft smile,
47:02I've liked you
47:03for a very long time.
47:04My eyes widened
47:05in disbelief.
47:07Remember when we
47:07were kids
47:08and my parents
47:09were still alive?
47:09We visited your house.
47:11You were just
47:12a little over a year old
47:13pouting and asking
47:14me for candy.
47:15Right then,
47:16I thought there couldn't
47:17be a cuter little girl
47:18in the world.
47:19After my parents
47:20passed away,
47:21I didn't go out much.
47:22But every time
47:23you went out to play,
47:24I would secretly
47:25watched you from afar.
47:26I didn't want
47:27to disturb you,
47:28but it hurt me
47:29to see you doing
47:29so much for Alpha Iris.
47:34But now,
47:35I don't have to worry anymore.
47:37Damon grinned,
47:38looking extremely
47:39pleased with himself.
47:40It turned out
47:41he had been watching
47:42over me silently
47:43for so long.
47:45Fate really
47:45was unpredictable.
47:47Suddenly,
47:48a thought came to mind.
47:49I heard you were there
47:50when your parents
47:51had that terrible accident.
47:52After that,
47:53your health?
47:54Your health?
47:58Damon lowered his voice
48:00and said,
48:01If you want to know
48:01whether I'm fine,
48:03come closer
48:04and find out.
48:05My cheeks instantly
48:06flushed red.
48:07I lowered my head,
48:09too embarrassed to speak.
48:10The atmosphere between us
48:12quickly grew heated.
48:13Damon cupped my face,
48:15his thumb gently
48:16stroking my burning cheek.
48:19Sophie,
48:19I've waited years
48:20for this,
48:21for you.
48:22He whispered,
48:23his voice thick
48:24with desire.
48:25His hands roamed
48:26over my silk nightgown,
48:28slowly sliding it
48:29off my shoulders.
48:30I shivered
48:31as his warm lips
48:32trailed down my neck
48:33and across my collarbone.
48:34He kissed me deeply,
48:36pulling me closer
48:37until our bodies
48:38were pressed
48:38tightly together.
48:43We moved together
48:44with tenderness
48:45and passion.
48:46Damon made love
48:47to me slowly
48:48and deeply,
48:49every touch filled
48:49with long-suppressed
48:50affection and devotion.
48:52I clung to him,
48:53soft moans escaping
48:54my lips as pleasure
48:55washed over us
48:56in waves.
48:57Afterward,
48:58we lay tangled
48:59in the sheets,
49:00his strong arms
49:01wrapped protectively
49:02around me
49:02as he pressed
49:03gentle kisses
49:03to my forehead
49:04and temple.
49:05Months rolled by,
49:07and I found myself
49:08expecting a baby.
49:09The High King's
49:10second-in-command
49:11dropped by with news,
49:12the High King
49:13was ready to pass
49:13the torch,
49:14and Damon was
49:15to take over
49:15some royal duties.
49:17The High King
49:18had said when
49:18his time was
49:19running out,
49:20Look, forget
49:20the small stuff.
49:22Just make sure
49:23you take care
49:24of those misfits
49:25so the regular folks
49:26can put food
49:27on their table.
49:28Ruby was a no-show
49:29at the High King's
49:30funeral.
49:31Curious.
49:32I asked a servant
49:34and learned that
49:34Ruby's mind
49:35seemed to have
49:35wandered after
49:36Iris ditched her.
49:37Our dad had her
49:38sent to a sanatorium,
49:40but she escaped
49:41without a trace.
49:47Maybe a lone wolf
49:48took her under its wing.
49:49Poor thing.
49:50The servant said
49:51with a sigh.
49:52It looked like
49:53Ruby's story
49:53was bound
49:54to have a sad ending.
49:56Then,
49:56Iris wanted to
49:57hold down the fort
49:58at the border.
49:59So,
50:00following the High King's
50:01last wishes,
50:02Damon doled out
50:03some land to him.
50:04Post-split,
50:06Iris went wild.
50:07By day,
50:08he would scout
50:09the border.
50:10By night,
50:11he would dive
50:12into the high life.
50:13Then,
50:14one day,
50:14he came looking
50:15for Damon.
50:16The guard stopped
50:17him at the gate,
50:18but I bumped into him
50:19while on an errand.
50:21His hair was messy,
50:22his face scruffy,
50:23and he said
50:24he needed a word
50:25with me.
50:27Sophie,
50:27did you know?
50:28I'm actually
50:29your husband.
50:31We tied the knot
50:32in my previous life,
50:34and it was bliss.
50:37I could not help
50:39but snicker.
50:40Bliss?
50:41Why didn't you mention
50:42how you poisoned me?
50:44You really did
50:45a number on me.
50:47He froze,
50:48and his face paled.
50:50How did you know?
50:54So,
50:56you've been reborn too.
50:58That must be why
50:59you dare face Damon again.
51:01I said,
51:02ice in my voice.
51:03He stumbled backward,
51:05his voice catching
51:06in his throat.
51:08I,
51:08I,
51:09I did not give him
51:11another glance.
51:12I strode straight
51:13for the castle gates.
51:16As they shut behind me,
51:18the muffled sounds
51:19of the guards
51:19hauling him away
51:20echoed faintly.
51:21Then,
51:22out of nowhere,
51:23a shout pierced the air.
51:25Good heavens!
51:27There's been an accident!
51:28Iris got slashed
51:29with a dagger
51:30laced with some kind
51:31of silver toxin!
51:33I did not look back.
51:35My steps did not falter.
51:37I was on my way
51:38to a new chapter,
51:39a life filled
51:40with promise and joy.
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