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
00:00Every wolf in the silver crown pack could see it, the death countdown hovering over my older sister Selena's head.
00:07They all knew she'd be gone the moment she turned 16.
00:10Since her birth, that flickering number has hung above her head like a ghost, counting down endlessly.
00:16Naturally, she became the center of everyone and everything.
00:21The best venison was hers.
00:23The new dress, even mom's bedtime stories, all belonged to her.
00:28I felt for her, but I also hated her for it.
00:32Finally, the day of her 16th birthday arrived.
00:35That very night my parents had been dreading for 16 years.
00:39To make sure I wouldn't ruin anything, they locked me in the storage room with a magic seal while I
00:46was burning up with blood fever.
00:48Dad! Mom! Let me out! I'm burning up! My bones hurt so bad!
00:54Every wolf knows what that means.
00:56My wolf spirit was waking up. Through the door, I heard mom hiss through gritted teeth.
01:02Enough, Amber! Your sister is going to die after today, can't you just endure this last day?
01:08But I feel so bad.
01:10Before I could finish, the footsteps faded.
01:14Then it went silent. My wolf spirit whimpered, struggling to stand and trying to save me.
01:20But in the room, there was no moonlight, no fresh air, and no one.
01:25Slowly, the whimpering faded. So did my breath.
01:30My body suddenly felt light. I drifted right through the door and floated into the warm glow of the living
01:36room.
01:36The fireplace was crackling.
01:39My parents were huddled close to my sister on the sofa. Mom was gently patting her back.
01:44Selena was wearing that blue dress, the gift from Luna.
01:47It was moonlit blue, with delicate silver stars, dusted across the hem.
01:53Her face was deathly pale, and her lips drained of all color.
01:57Mom, Dad? Is Amber really alright? I heard her crying out that her body hurt.
02:04Ignore her.
02:06Mom agreed to it as she reached out to touch Selena's cheek, fixing her hair.
02:10She's just pretending to be sick, honey. You know how she is. Jealous, always trying to draw everyone's attention to
02:17herself.
02:18But she sounded so scared.
02:20Selena, you only have one single day left.
02:25Selena, I'm begging you, please don't let her ruin this for you.
02:29I knew she felt guilty.
02:32Ever since I could remember, all the love and attention in the family seemed to belong to her.
02:37Selena tried to make it up to me.
02:40She'd hide the venison in my pockets, and sneak her new wool socks under my pillow.
02:45When Dad tried to hit me, she'd throw herself in front of me without a second thought.
02:50She always said the same.
02:51I'm sorry, Amber. It's all my fault.
02:55But our parents thought otherwise.
02:57Mom sighed, her eyes filled with pity.
03:00Don't defend her, Selena.
03:01That child has been jealous of you since she could walk, and hates to see you happy.
03:06Hey, don't you remember your 14th birthday?
03:09I ruined everything on her 14th birthday.
03:12And it was also the first time I truly realized that my sister was dying.
03:16Dad traded that day's hunt for a small cake.
03:18White frosting and 14 candles.
03:21Mom lit them one by one, while Dad held his old camera, trying to capture her while she was still
03:27here.
03:29I watched her make wishes from behind the door.
03:31The candlelight flickering on her face.
03:33Selena and Drentine.
03:35And the tears in our parents' eyes.
03:37Above her head, the countdown number read,
03:40730 days.
03:43Two years.
03:44Something inside me snapped.
03:46I rushed out.
03:47I didn't know what I was thinking at the time.
03:49Maybe it was jealousy, or maybe I just couldn't accept the fact that my sister,
03:54who had always been so kind to me, was about to die.
03:57I flipped the cake over.
03:59Cream splattered all over the floor, and the candles rolled into the corner, quickly burning out.
04:04I don't want to see you celebrating her birthday!
04:08I screamed like every other naughty kid.
04:10I still remember the way my parents looked at me.
04:13I didn't dodge at all when Dad slapped me.
04:16One slap and two and three.
04:17Mom stood there crying, but she didn't stop him.
04:21It was Selena who threw herself over me, like a mother wolf protecting her cub.
04:26Stop hitting, sister! Dad, please stop!
04:29It's my fault! It's all my fault!
04:31That night, she sneaked into my room and placed half a piece of candy she'd saved into my palm.
04:36There was a red mark on her wrist, scratched by the chair when she had rushed over to protect me.
04:42I'm sorry.
04:44She whispered, touching my swollen cheek.
04:47I'm leaving soon.
04:49From now on, no one will compete with you for things anymore.
04:52Right then, in the living room, Mom was stroking Selena's cheek with aching tenderness,
04:57her fingers brushing through her hair.
04:58Selena, don't pay attention to her.
05:01That child has always been jealous of you, you know that.
05:04I froze.
05:06Yes, she was right.
05:07I really am jealous of Selena.
05:09I was jealous that she had all their love, jealous that she got to wear new dresses, jealous that when
05:15she was sick, Mom would stay by her side all night, jealous that even if she only had one day
05:20left to live, she was still the golden child.
05:22I drifted toward my sister, reaching out to grab her hand.
05:27I wanted to tell her that I really was burning up, and it hurt like my body was on fire,
05:32but my hand went right through her body, like it was passing through a cloud of mist.
05:37I hovered there, staring at my transparent fingers.
05:42Then, I looked back at the locked door of the storage room.
05:45A faint light seeped through the crack.
05:47I drifted through the door and saw my own body on the ground.
05:50My skin looked deathly pale against the cold ground.
05:54My spirit wolf was huddled around my heart, still and frozen.
05:57There are still a few hours left on the death clock above Selena's head.
06:01It turned out that death came to me first before her.
06:06Memories flooded back like a relentless tide.
06:09When I was young, I really did hate Selena.
06:12If there was only one piece of candy in the house, it was hers.
06:16But the only apple in the house went to my sister Selena.
06:20She was always the first to get new clothes.
06:22I wore her old ones, with patches, layered over patches.
06:26Even the bedtime stories belonged to her.
06:29Mom's voice is very gentle, but she only read those stories to Selena.
06:33I'd huddle outside the door, hugging my knees, listening to those beautiful tales,
06:38while my heart twisted in my chest.
06:41Why just her, but not me?
06:44The summer I turned seven, a neighboring pack sent a chicken as a peace offering.
06:49At dinner, she pulled out two golden drumsticks, and put both into Selena's bowl.
06:54Eat up, sweetheart.
06:55You need to grow strength.
06:57I stared at my own bowl.
06:58Why does she get both?
07:00I want one!
07:01Amber Blackbilt!
07:03How can you be so selfish?
07:04Your sister is sick, don't you know?
07:06Why is everything hers?
07:08Why don't you just die already?
07:10Give them back to me!
07:11All of them!
07:15She has to learn.
07:17She needs to know the boundaries and watch her mouth in this house.
07:20The next day, I overheard my parents in the kitchen.
07:25Only nine years left.
07:27Only nine years left.
07:27I know.
07:29Nine years!
07:30Only nine years left!
07:33That's all she has left.
07:34That was when I realized.
07:36Those numbers above Selena's head were never some kind of a game.
07:39They were a countdown to the end of her life.
07:43In the living room, mom and dad's eyes were swollen as they carefully took Selena back to her room.
07:48As I watched, something sour and painful suddenly welled up inside me.
07:53Maybe we should let Amber out.
07:54Dad whispered, um, remained silent for a while.
07:57Let her suffer a little longer.
07:59Let Selena have a perfect birthday.
08:02Just this one day, the last...
08:04We will definitely make it up to her.
08:07At least, let Selena have a perfect birthday.
08:11Just this one day, the last day.
08:15Amber will understand us.
08:16Dad didn't say another word.
08:18He simply went to the kitchen, took a slice of stale bread from the cupboard, and walked toward the storage
08:23room door.
08:24Dad whispered to the door.
08:26Amber, daddy brought you bread.
08:29Will you eat a little?
08:31I was drifting right in front of him.
08:33His eyes were all red, and his hair was already graying.
08:36He's only 38, but he looked like 50.
08:38Daddy, I'm here.
08:41I'm dead.
08:42Will you open the door and see me?
08:46Amber?
08:46He called out again.
08:47I reached out to touch his face, but my hand went straight through him.
08:51Not a sound from the room.
08:54He sighed and pushed the bread under the door.
08:56Be angry if you want.
08:58When your sister is gone, daddy will make it all up to you.
09:03I swear.
09:04He turned and walked away.
09:05He didn't open the door to check on me.
09:07Watching his back, I said softly.
09:09No need, daddy.
09:10You don't have to compensate me anymore.
09:12You will never have the chance.
09:16A moment later, mom came.
09:19Amber, don't blame mom, okay?
09:23Your sister only has one day left.
09:25Just let her have her way.
09:30She wiped her tears, almost as if she were embarrassed.
09:34Like crying was something to be ashamed of.
09:37After she's gone, I'll cook all your favorite foods.
09:40Buy anything you want, and take you wherever you want to go.
09:46I'll do all of it, I swear.
09:49So just for today, please, stop acting out, okay?
09:56She waited for a while, but the other side of the door remained deathly silent.
10:00The grief on her face...
10:04You ungrateful brat!
10:06You can't even hold it together for one night!
10:09She muttered, her voice cracking with a sob.
10:12You don't care about us at all.
10:14We raised you all these years for nothing.
10:18She turned around and walked away.
10:21I drifted in the dark, staring at the spot where her tears dropped.
10:23It's okay, mom.
10:25You don't need to keep those promises anymore.
10:28By dusk, the light outside was fading.
10:30Mom was putting up the birthday decorations,
10:32and just as she finished sticking the birthday banner on the wall,
10:35someone knocked at the door.
10:37Three slow knocks.
10:38Only grandma knocks like that.
10:43Grandma Maeve stood on the porch.
10:44She was tiny, wrapped in a dark wool shawl,
10:47holding a stuffed bag.
10:49What are you doing here?
10:51To see Selina.
10:52Her voice was low and gravelly,
10:54like stones grinding together.
10:56She didn't wait for an invite.
10:57She just walked right in, as always.
10:59She set the bag on the table.
11:01Apples.
11:01Four of them.
11:02Bright red and perfectly round.
11:04A small pouch of candied fruit.
11:06A jar of blackberry jam.
11:08It's her birthday tomorrow.
11:09I wanted to be with her.
11:13She's resting.
11:14I'll tell her you stopped by.
11:16Where is Amber?
11:18The question sliced the air.
11:20Mom stopped.
11:24She's in her room, doing her homework.
11:27Grandma said nothing.
11:28She just stared at Mom with those pale gray eyes.
11:31She had once been the Pax Luna,
11:33and those eyes had seen things others couldn't.
11:35Homework.
11:36Grandma repeated flatly.
11:39I'll go see her.
11:41Mom, wait!
11:43Mom blocked the hallway, standing in Grandma's way.
11:45She's been acting out lately.
11:48I put her in the cellar to calm down,
11:50just for a little while.
11:52Mom's voice went up,
11:53just like when she lied.
11:54Grandma stood perfectly still.
11:56Just until tomorrow.
11:57You know how she is.
11:58She's just jealous of Selina.
12:00She always tries to ruin everything.
12:02Especially on a night like tonight.
12:05You locked that child in the cellar.
12:09Mom wanted to explain, but said nothing.
12:12Grandma's face darkened, inch by inch.
12:15She took a step forward, and Mom flinched.
12:18Eleanor.
12:19Grandma's voice was very, very soft,
12:21but even louder than screaming.
12:23Amber is your daughter, too.
12:24I know, but Selina...
12:27Yes, I know about Selina.
12:29I have known since the day she was born,
12:31the day that cursed clock appeared above her head.
12:34I know you love her.
12:35I know you want to give her everything before she leaves.
12:38I know every minute with her is like water in your palms,
12:42ready to slip away at any moment.
12:44But what about Amber?
12:46What has Amber ever had?
12:48Selina's handy-downs, patched and repatched.
12:51Two pairs of shoes for the entire year.
12:53Even your love.
12:55You couldn't bear to give that.
12:59You measured it out like it was something that would run dry.
13:03You gave Selina the river,
13:05and left Amber only the drops.
13:07It's not like that.
13:09I didn't...
13:09Now, on the last night,
13:10you won't even let them see each other?
13:13Selina is dying, and Amber is her only sister.
13:17Her only sister, Eleanor!
13:19The only person in this house that Selina ever chose to love.
13:23Not out of duty.
13:25Not because of the clock.
13:26But because she wanted to.
13:30She grabbed Mom by the shoulders,
13:33her fingers digging in.
13:34Do you really think Selina can rest in peace
13:36knowing her little sister is locked in a cellar?
13:40Is this the last memory, Amber,
13:41you want her to have and die along with it?
13:47Mom slid down the wall and collapsed on the floor,
13:50curling into a ball.
13:51I just...
13:51I just wanted Selina to be happy tonight.
13:55I didn't want Amber to ruin it.
13:57I just wanted one night.
13:59A perfect night.
14:02Night deepened.
14:03In the living room, no one moved.
14:06Mom sat on the floor with face buried in her knees.
14:10Dad sat in his chair, staring into space,
14:13his hands hanging limp.
14:14Grandma sat on the sofa,
14:16her back straight,
14:17eyes fixed on the cellar door at the end of the hallway.
14:20Go get some sleep.
14:22She finally said,
14:24her voice hoarse.
14:25I just couldn't.
14:26Dad didn't even react.
14:28Grandma sighed.
14:30She stood up slowly,
14:31walked to the storage room door,
14:33and sat down on the floor.
14:35Amber,
14:36Grandma's here.
14:37Don't be afraid.
14:38My tears fell like rain.
14:40Time passed by.
14:42The fire in the hearth died out.
14:44Moonlight crept through the window.
14:46The sky brightened.
14:47From black to charcoal,
14:49from charcoal to slate,
14:51Grandma walked to Selina's door.
14:53She raised her hand to knock,
14:55hesitated,
14:56then stopped.
14:57Finally, she spoke in a whisper.
14:59Selina, it's time to wake up.
15:01There were sounds inside,
15:03and the door opened.
15:04Selina stood there,
15:05alive.
15:06I looked at the clock above her head.
15:09The numbers had hit zero.
15:13The numbers had hit zero,
15:15but she was standing there breathing.
15:17Her face was flushed with life,
15:19which I'd never seen in years.
15:21Grandma?
15:22Mom?
15:23Dad?
15:23She looked down at her hands,
15:25turning them over,
15:26flexing her fingers.
15:28I'm still here?
15:30Mom was laughing and sobbing
15:32and howling all at once.
15:34She lunged at Selina,
15:35clinging her tightly.
15:37Dad stumbled over,
15:38trembling,
15:39burying his face in Selina's hair.
15:40You're alive!
15:42You're alive.
15:44Above Selina's head,
15:45the death clock was gone.
15:47There was nothing but air.
15:48The countdown vanished,
15:49but Grandma,
15:50standing behind them all,
15:52her face suddenly went deathly pale.
15:54She whipped around,
15:55staring at the cellar door.
15:56Amber!
15:57Open the cellar!
15:58Now!
15:59She said in panic.
16:00Right!
16:01Amber's still in there!
16:03Let her out!
16:03Selina's alive!
16:04This is...
16:05Oh, it's amazing!
16:06We have to tell her!
16:08Dad strode down the hall,
16:09a smile breaking through
16:10his tear-stained face.
16:12Selina followed barefoot.
16:14Amber?
16:15Amber, did you hear?
16:17I'm okay now!
16:18The clock, it's gone!
16:19I'm not going to die!
16:20Dad walked to the cellar door.
16:22He grabbed the iron handle,
16:24pulled it open,
16:25and stopped dead.
16:26His entire body froze.
16:27The joy drained from his face
16:29in an instant.
16:30He backed away,
16:31hand-flying to Amber's mouth.
16:33No.
16:36No, no, no.
16:38What is it?
16:40Mom pushed past him.
16:42Thomas, what's wrong?
16:43Move!
16:44Let me...
16:44She stepped over the threshold
16:45and looked inside.
16:46I was curled in the corner,
16:48wedged between a broken rocking chair
16:50and a pile of firewood.
16:52My eyes were squeezed shut.
16:53The bread Dad shoved under the door
16:55is still there, untouched.
16:57Amber.
17:02Amber, wake up.
17:04Baby, open your eyes.
17:06Mom's voice broke.
17:07She knelt beside me,
17:08her trembling hand reaching out.
17:10She gave my shoulder a little nudge.
17:12My body was limp.
17:13I just swayed a little
17:14as she pushed me.
17:15Her hand slid from my shoulder
17:16to my cheek.
17:17No.
17:18No.
17:19No.
17:21Thomas!
17:22Amber, she's just...
17:23She's just cold.
17:24She's just sleeping.
17:25We need to warm her up.
17:27Her fingers jerked back
17:28as if they'd been burned.
17:30She threw herself backward,
17:31collapsing onto the floor.
17:35Amber.
17:36Amber, baby.
17:37Mom's here.
17:38Wake up.
17:38Look at me.
17:40Mom will make you roast rabbit.
17:42A whole one.
17:43Just for you.
17:44I'll buy you that dress with the bow, remember?
17:46The one at the trading post?
17:48We'll go tomorrow.
17:49First thing.
17:51Please open your eyes.
17:53You can hit me.
17:55You can scream at me.
17:56I don't care.
17:57Just open your eyes.
18:00Dad knelt beside her.
18:02He pressed two fingers
18:03against the side of my neck.
18:05The pulse point.
18:06The only place that matters.
18:07His fingers stayed for five seconds.
18:09Ten seconds.
18:10Fifteen.
18:11Then his hand dropped to his side
18:13and he let out a sound
18:14I'd never heard.
18:16She's gone.
18:19Eleanor.
18:20She.
18:21Amber.
18:22Don't say it!
18:24Aaaaaah!
18:27She gathered my cold, rigid frame
18:29into her arms, rocking me.
18:31She didn't.
18:32She couldn't.
18:32She was yelling last night.
18:34She was calling for me.
18:35She's right here.
18:36Selene stood in the doorway.
18:37She gripped the door frame,
18:39shaking all over.
18:40She saw her parents huddled and weeping.
18:43She saw that tiny, cold body in the corner.
18:45Her lips trembled.
18:48Amber.
18:49She whispered.
18:50Then her eyes rolled back
18:52and she collapsed.
18:53Selene!
18:53The cellar room was a total mess.
18:58Selene woke up at noon.
19:00Mom sat by her bed,
19:01her eyes swollen red.
19:03Thank the goddess.
19:04You're okay.
19:06You're finally okay.
19:07Selene opened her eyes.
19:09She stared at the ceiling for a long time.
19:11Where's Amber?
19:12Mom's lips trembled.
19:14Fresh tears welled up instantly,
19:16spilling down cheeks already raw from crying.
19:19She couldn't finish the sentence.
19:21Selene bolted upright,
19:23throwing off the covers.
19:26Selene, you just blacked out.
19:27You need to rest.
19:28Where's she?
19:30Her scream tore through the small house.
19:34In the living room.
19:36Your father is holding her.
19:39Selene pushed her aside
19:40and ran barefoot down the hallway.
19:42In the living room,
19:44Dad was sitting on the floor
19:45with me in his arms.
19:47He wasn't crying anymore.
19:48He just stared into space with hollow eyes.
19:51He held me stiffly
19:52like I was fragile glass
19:54or a lifeline he couldn't let go of.
19:57Selene saw it
19:58and her feet skidded to a halt.
20:00She stood there in the middle of the living room
20:02looking at me,
20:03then at Dad,
20:04just taking in the whole farce.
20:08Amber has a fever.
20:10She had a bad fever last night,
20:12but I am cooling her down.
20:17See?
20:17She is less hot already.
20:20She is cooling down.
20:21She just needs a sleep
20:23and she will be fine.
20:26By tonight,
20:26she will be running around again.
20:28You know her.
20:29Cannot keep still for a moment.
20:33Dad.
20:35Dad, look at me.
20:36I am Selene.
20:40No.
20:42You are Amber?
20:43Amber is feeling much better
20:45and will wake up soon.
20:46Dad!
20:47Amber is dead!
20:48She is dead!
20:50Do you hear me?
20:51You are lying!
20:53She is not dead!
20:55She is sleeping!
20:56She is just tired from the fever
20:58and she needs rest
20:59and if you wake her up,
21:00I swear by the goddess!
21:12Grandma stepped out of the kitchen
21:13with a glass of water.
21:15She went over to Dad,
21:17crouched down,
21:17and held out the glass of water.
21:21Drink some water.
21:23Dad looked at her but didn't move.
21:26She set the glass down,
21:32and gently began to pry his arm open.
21:36Let go, Thomas.
21:39Dad's hands were shaking,
21:41but he didn't loosen his grip.
21:43Mom.
21:44He choked out.
21:47Amber is not dead.
21:49She was just...
21:49Grandma cut him off.
21:50She is dead.
21:51Heavy tears streaming down.
21:53Your daughter is dead.
21:54You locked her in the cellar
21:56for a whole night.
21:56She got blood fever.
21:58She needed moonlight,
21:59open space,
22:00someone to hold her
22:01during her first transformation.
22:03But she died alone
22:04in the dark
22:05on the cold floor.
22:06Every word hit him
22:07like a physical blow.
22:09Dad's face contorted
22:10as tears burst from his eyes,
22:12his whole body shaking violently.
22:14He shook his head.
22:15I don't know.
22:17I thought she was faking.
22:19I just wanted Selina
22:21to have a quiet night.
22:22I don't know.
22:24You know.
22:29She called.
22:30She said she hurt.
22:31She said she had a fever.
22:32You heard her.
22:35Eleanor heard her too.
22:36You just didn't believe her.
22:38Mom stumbled out of the bedroom,
22:40frozen in the hallway.
22:41She told you.
22:43She banged on the door
22:44to tell you she was burning up.
22:46She said she had a headache.
22:47She begged you to let her out.
22:49She stopped for a beat.
22:51You all heard her.
22:53You just didn't believe her.
22:55A knock sounded
22:56through the afternoon.
22:57A sharp, rapid rapping.
23:00Mom opened the door
23:01with swollen eyes.
23:02There stood Margaret Thorne,
23:04the pack's biggest gossip,
23:06a basket of herbs
23:07on her arm
23:08and blatant curiosity
23:09written all over her face.
23:11Oh my Eleanor,
23:12what's all that noise?
23:13Half the pack can hear the crying.
23:14She peeked past Mom
23:15into the dim room.
23:17Don't tell me.
23:18It's Selina.
23:19The clock.
23:20Get out.
23:21But Margaret stretched her neck
23:23and stood on tiptoe,
23:24trying to see past the hallway
23:25at Grandma,
23:26sitting in the living room
23:27holding something
23:28wrapped tightly in a blanket.
23:30Oh poor thing,
23:31I knew she wouldn't live
23:32through the night.
23:32Sure enough.
23:33Grandma spoke flatly
23:34from the sofa,
23:35her voice void of all emotion.
23:36It's not Selina.
23:38Margaret blinked in confusion.
23:40Not Selina?
23:41She drew closer,
23:42squinting at the small shape
23:43held in Grandma's arms.
23:44Then she caught sight
23:45of my face.
23:46Her eyes widened in shock.
23:48That's,
23:48that's the little one?
23:50Amber?
23:51Amber's dead?
23:52How could Amber die?
23:54Wasn't Selina
23:55the one who was dying?
23:56Mom suddenly snapped.
23:57She stepped forward,
23:58grabbed Margaret
23:59by the collar,
23:59and pushed her hard.
24:00The herb basket went flying,
24:02spilling dried lavender
24:03and wolf's bane
24:04all across the porch.
24:05Get out!
24:06Get out of my house!
24:09I didn't say anything wrong.
24:11It's Selina
24:12who's going to die anyway.
24:14Doesn't your whole family
24:15revolve around her?
24:16Good food,
24:17nice clothes,
24:18all for her.
24:19Now look,
24:21the one who died
24:22isn't the one
24:23who deserved it.
24:24It's the one
24:25who shouldn't have.
24:25Shut up!
24:26Selina stepped out
24:27into the hallway,
24:28barefoot,
24:29eyes red and puffy,
24:30trembling from head to toe.
24:32You dare say her name?
24:33You dare talk
24:34about my sister?
24:35Faced with the wild,
24:37heart-wrenching grief
24:37on Selina's face,
24:39Margaret was instantly frightened.
24:41She wisely held her tongue
24:42and hurried away
24:43with her scattered herbs.
24:45Quietness settled heavily
24:46over the cottage.
24:48Grandma handled everything.
24:50She washed me
24:51with warm,
24:52pine-infused water,
24:53an old ritual
24:54practiced by the earliest
24:56wolf packs
24:56for the departed.
24:58She dressed me
24:59in funeral clothes
25:00brought from the old lands,
25:02soft white linen
25:03embroidered with delicate
25:04silver blossoms
25:05along the collar.
25:06It was the most
25:07beautiful garment
25:08I had ever worn.
25:09The fabric felt gentle
25:11against my skin,
25:12softer than anything
25:13I had known in life.
25:15As Grandma carried me outside,
25:17those silver flowers
25:19glistened faintly
25:20in the light.
25:20Let me do it.
25:21It should be me.
25:23Don't touch her.
25:25Grandma never lifted her eyes.
25:26You do not deserve
25:27to touch her now.
25:29Mom leaned weakly
25:30against the wall
25:30and sank slowly
25:32to the ground.
25:32The farewell ceremony
25:34took place at an altar
25:35hidden deep
25:36within the territory,
25:37encircled by dense oak woods.
25:39I rested inside
25:40a tiny pine coffin,
25:41clad in the white burial gown
25:43Grandma had prepared.
25:44The tiny silver flowers
25:45on the collar
25:46shimmered faintly
25:47beneath the dull daylight.
25:48Kneeling beside the altar,
25:50Mom stretched out her hand,
25:52longing to touch my face
25:53for the very last time.
25:54Grandma gently held her back.
25:56The pack elder walked over
25:58leaning on his wooden staff.
25:59dressed in faded ceremonial robes,
26:02his white hair drifted
26:03like wispy smoke
26:04amid the misty rain.
26:06He took the torch,
26:07glanced up at the overcast sky
26:09without a single glance
26:10at anyone present,
26:11and murmured an ancient prayer
26:13under his breath.
26:14After that,
26:15he held the flame
26:16to the edge of the pine wall.
26:18Flames lapped at the wood
26:19timidly.
26:21Mom lunged for the fire.
26:23Don't go!
26:24Amber!
26:24Don't go!
26:26Mommy's coming with you!
26:27Three pack members
26:28held her back tightly.
26:29She thrashed,
26:30kicked, and screamed
26:31until her voice
26:32barely sounded human.
26:34Dad was slamming his head
26:35against the ground.
26:36Once.
26:37Twice.
26:38Again.
26:39Blood oozed from his forehead,
26:41blending with the rain
26:42and staining the mud
26:43beneath him pink.
26:45Selena stood apart
26:46from them all.
26:47She did not cry.
26:49She simply watched the flames
26:50devour the small box
26:52that held me,
26:53little by little.
26:54I hovered in mid-air,
26:56witnessing everything.
26:57I gazed at my elder sister.
26:59That damned countdown
27:00was gone for good,
27:01her face pale,
27:03yet full of life.
27:04There was nothing there,
27:05then glanced above her head.
27:07It was alright.
27:08My sister was alive.
27:10My death had not been in vain.
27:12At the very least,
27:13she survived.
27:14The old wolves always said
27:15a life for a life,
27:17and this time,
27:18the goddess had taken mine
27:19in exchange for hers.
27:20When the farewell ritual ended,
27:22Grandma took hold
27:23of my ash urn.
27:24She wrapped it gently
27:25in the soft inner fleece
27:27of her shawl
27:27and held it close to her heart.
27:29Mother,
27:30where are you taking her?
27:31Home.
27:32To the old territory.
27:34You can't.
27:35She's our daughter.
27:36We want her here.
27:37With us,
27:38so we can visit her.
27:39Mom dropped her
27:40to her music, Grandma.
27:41Please!
27:41I'll visit her grave every day!
27:44I'll leave flowers
27:45every full moon!
27:46I need her with me!
27:47I need to be close to her!
27:49You need her now?
27:50Grandma stared down
27:51at the woman
27:52clinging desperately
27:53to her legs.
27:54Her tongue was cold
27:55to his eyes.
27:55Where was this need
27:57when she was alive?
27:58Mom's quiet
27:59before she was posted
28:00to all of her
28:01broken hands.
28:02I'm sorry!
28:03I know I'm sorry!
28:07Sorry?
28:08Grandma laughed.
28:09She's dead, Eleanor.
28:10Dead in the cellar,
28:12and now you want
28:12to talk to me
28:13about sorry?
28:15She pried Mom's hands
28:16off her.
28:17These ashes are mine.
28:18You and Thomas
28:19will never touch them.
28:20You lived with a living,
28:21breathing child
28:22for 16 years
28:23who loved you,
28:24who only wanted
28:25a little of your attention
28:26and you threw her away.
28:29Now she's gone,
28:30and you don't deserve
28:31to have her.
28:31She turned toward the path.
28:33Dad chased after her.
28:34Mother!
28:34Grabbing her arm.
28:35Please!
28:36Give her back to us!
28:37I'm begging you!
28:38Grandmother stopped
28:39in her tracks
28:39and slowly turned around.
28:41She looked at her son
28:42at his bleeding forehead
28:43and his shattered face.
28:45For a second,
28:46a flash of pity
28:46crossed her eyes.
28:48Then it vanished.
28:49Let go, Thomas.
28:50Mother!
28:51Mother!
28:52I said let go!
28:54Grandma pulled away,
28:56adjusted the box
28:56in her shawl,
28:57and disappeared
28:58into the rain.
28:59She didn't look back.
29:01Not once.
29:02Mom collapsed
29:03and he died.
29:03Dad fell beside her.
29:05They clung to each other
29:06and howled.
29:07Maria were foul.
29:08Primal, beastly,
29:09and completely broken.
29:10Selina stood under
29:11the ash tree,
29:12watching Grandmother's
29:13small figure
29:14vanish into the gray woods.
29:16She looked up
29:17at the weeping clouds
29:18and for a moment,
29:20I thought she was
29:21looking right at me.
29:22Selina sat on the ground,
29:24hugging herself tight
29:25and buried her face
29:26in her knees.
29:29The rain fell harder.
29:31Grandmother returned
29:32to the old land
29:32by carriage.
29:33It was a three-hour journey
29:35through dense forests,
29:36following a river
29:37that smelled of moss
29:39and cold stone.
29:40I drifted beside her
29:41the whole way,
29:42watching her face.
29:43She didn't cry.
29:45Her jaw was set,
29:46eyes fixed straight ahead,
29:47her hands steady
29:48on the reins.
29:49She looked like
29:50who she used to be,
29:51a luna,
29:53the wolf that had led
29:54a pack through three years
29:55of famine
29:56and a territory war.
29:57But I could see her thumb
29:58stroking the wooden box,
30:00hidden beneath her shawl,
30:01a bottomless grief
30:02tucked away inside.
30:04It was dark
30:04when we returned.
30:06Her cottage was small
30:07and weathered,
30:08a single room
30:09with a stone fireplace,
30:10a narrow bed,
30:12a table,
30:12and two chairs.
30:14It was the kind of place
30:15that smelled of dried sage,
30:17pine sap,
30:18and the trace of decades
30:19of living.
30:20She started a fire,
30:21the flames caught quickly,
30:23casting a warm glow
30:24against the walls.
30:26She placed the box
30:27on the table,
30:28right in the center.
30:29Then she lit
30:29three white candles,
30:31the old-fashioned kind,
30:32made of beeswax
30:33that burned slowly.
30:35The flames held steady.
30:37Grandmother stood
30:37before the table
30:38for a long time.
30:39And then,
30:40she looked up
30:41directly at me.
30:42Ambie,
30:43come here, sweetheart.
30:44I froze.
30:47I froze.
30:48Grandmother?
30:49I mouthed.
30:50You can see me?
30:51She nodded.
30:52I've always been able to,
30:54she said,
30:54since I was a girl.
30:56The moon touched me
30:57when I was born,
30:58or that's just what
30:59people always said.
31:00I see things
31:01others don't.
31:03She reached out her arms.
31:05Come, child.
31:06Come to grandmother.
31:08Tears I thought
31:09were long gone
31:09welled up.
31:10I drifted toward her,
31:12rushing so fast
31:13that my body
31:14passed right through her.
31:15I stood in front of her,
31:16looking down
31:17at my transparent,
31:18useless hands.
31:19She held the air
31:20where I was supposed to be.
31:22It's all right,
31:23little one.
31:25Her voice growing husky.
31:27I can feel you,
31:28right here.
31:29She closed her eyes.
31:31A drop of tear
31:31escaped from her
31:32wrinkled eyelids,
31:33sliding down her cheek
31:35to splash against the floor.
31:36I drifted back
31:37into the space
31:38of her embrace,
31:39even though I could
31:40not be held.
31:41I curled myself,
31:42head against her shoulder,
31:43and there we stayed
31:44for a long, long time.
31:46The candles burned
31:47an inch shorter.
31:48Outside the window,
31:49the moon rose,
31:50full and silver-white.
31:52Grandmother spoke first.
31:53Tell me, Amber.
31:54She pulled back slightly,
31:56her hands still
31:57cupping my face.
31:58Are you all right?
31:59After,
32:01after what happened?
32:02Was I all right?
32:03I was a dead child.
32:05I pointed to my chest,
32:06then toward the ceiling,
32:08then I made a small,
32:09drifting motion
32:10with my fingers,
32:11like a falling leaf.
32:15Grandmother understood
32:16immediately.
32:17Unmoored,
32:18unfloated,
32:18she whispered.
32:19Nowhere to land.
32:21I nodded.
32:22She reached out,
32:23trying to stroke my hair.
32:25Her fingers passed
32:25through my head,
32:26and she slowly lowered
32:27her hand back.
32:28I know, sweetheart.
32:30I know.
32:31She stood up,
32:32her knees creaking,
32:33and walked to a small
32:34cupboard in the corner.
32:35She came back
32:36holding an apple,
32:37a whole apple.
32:38Here, eat, sweetheart.
32:40I don't have much,
32:40but this is a sweet apple.
32:42I picked it from the tree
32:43behind the house
32:44this morning.
32:45I've been saving it
32:46for you.
32:47I stared at that apple.
32:48In my eight years of life,
32:50I had never had
32:50a whole apple to myself.
32:52There was always Selena,
32:53always a knife slicing
32:55it in two,
32:56the larger half going to her,
32:58a thin slice going to me.
32:59I'm not really hungry, Amber.
33:01She always trying to give me
33:01bites of hers.
33:04Have mine.
33:06Trying to make up for what
33:07others had stolen from me.
33:09But I had never,
33:10ever had a whole apple,
33:12a complete,
33:12perfect,
33:13uncut one.
33:14All mine.
33:15I drifted toward the table.
33:17I couldn't eat it,
33:18but I could smell it.
33:19Its sweet scent
33:20filled the space around me.
33:22Is it sweet?
33:23I nodded.
33:24Even though she couldn't
33:25see me clearly,
33:26she smiled,
33:27and then that smile
33:28broke into a sob.
33:29She whispered,
33:31great, that's great,
33:32wiping her eyes
33:33with her shell
33:33as if she were angry
33:34at herself for crying.
33:36Then,
33:36she sat down
33:37across from me.
33:40She talked all night.
33:41She told me when I was three,
33:43when she came to see me.
33:44Asked for a story.
33:45Asked for a story.
33:47I climbed into her lap
33:48and asked for a story.
33:49So she told me the tale
33:50of the mother wolf
33:51and the falling star
33:52until I fell asleep
33:54in her arms.
33:55When I was four,
33:56it was winter.
33:57I caught my first fever.
33:58She stayed up for three nights,
34:00pressing damp cloths
34:01to my forehead
34:02and humming ancient moon hymns
34:04until the fever was gone.
34:05When I was five that summer,
34:07my parents finally let her
34:08take me to the old territory
34:09for a week,
34:10just me,
34:11without Selena.
34:12I had run wild
34:12through the meadows
34:13chasing rabbits,
34:14returning to the cottage
34:15filthy and stained with grass,
34:17laughing until I was breathless.
34:19Your laughter lasted
34:20the whole week,
34:21grandmother said.
34:22Just after that week,
34:23I never heard you
34:24laugh like that again.
34:27I remembered
34:28every single thing.
34:30She kept talking
34:31and talking.
34:32Her voice grew softer
34:33and her eyes heavier.
34:34The candles burned
34:35until turned into
34:36a small pools of wax.
34:40Outside,
34:40the sky began to brighten.
34:42The edge of the horizon
34:43turned a dull gray,
34:44then silver,
34:45then the palest gold.
34:47Grandmother stopped talking.
34:48She looked at me
34:49and I knew she couldn't
34:50see me clearly anymore.
34:51My edges were blurring.
34:52Amber,
34:53she whispered.
34:54You're leaving, aren't you?
34:55I nodded.
34:56She closed her eyes
34:57when she opened them again.
34:59That's good,
34:59you've suffered enough.
35:00They were wet,
35:01but she was smiling.
35:02Listen to me.
35:03When the moon goddess
35:04sends you out again,
35:05choose better parents.
35:06Find someone who will hold you
35:08when you have a fever.
35:09Find a father who will give you
35:10the whole apple.
35:11Don't come back to this house.
35:12There is nothing left for you.
35:13Find a family who will truly want you
35:15from the very first day.
35:17Grandma,
35:18I said soundlessly,
35:18I love you.
35:21I'm right here, sweetheart.
35:23I love you too, my Amber.
35:25You were the best child.
35:27The first ray of sunlight
35:28pierced through the window.
35:29It fell on me.
35:30They had almost vanished.
35:31I reached out,
35:32trying one last time
35:33to touch her cheek,
35:34her wrinkled skin,
35:35her tears.
35:36Grandmother buried her face
35:37in her hands
35:38and began to sob.
35:39I turned toward the window.
35:40My body drifted uncontrollably
35:42toward the light.
35:43Higher and higher,
35:44further and further away.
35:48The cottage became smaller.
35:50The forest covered the whole land.
35:52The entire land
35:53shrinking into a tiny patch.
35:56Then,
35:56I passed through it all.
35:58The world turned soft white.
35:59An ancient,
36:00solemn voice resounded.
36:01Little wolf,
36:03do you want to try again?
36:05I thought of grandmother's apple.
36:07The whole one.
36:08Mine.
36:09I thought of Selena's
36:10thin arms shielding me.
36:11The shining candy in her palm.
36:14Her voice saying,
36:15I'm sorry.
36:15I'm sorry,
36:16Amber.
36:17I thought that teardrop
36:18mom left on the cellar's floor.
36:20Mom holding my cold body.
36:21She couldn't.
36:22She couldn't.
36:23I thought of grandmother
36:25closing her arms
36:26to embrace the void.
36:28Yes,
36:28Ed.
36:29I want to try again.
36:31The warmth wrapped around me
36:32like a blanket.
36:33As I closed my eyes,
36:34I felt it.
36:36Grandmother lifted her head.
36:37Run free,
36:38little wolf.
36:39She smiled.
36:41Goodbye,
36:41grandma.
36:42In the next life,
36:43I promise.
36:43I will find a pack
36:45that loves me
36:46from the start.
36:46And I will have
36:47the whole apple
36:48every single time.
36:51I will have the whole apple
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