- 5 hours ago
My Shifter Regretted Too Late New
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🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00After my fox shifter, Lucien, scratched me again, I went to the clinic alone.
00:03The nurse looked at my wound and frowned.
00:05This cut is deep. It will definitely leave a scar.
00:07Has your shifter ever received proper social training?
00:09I forced a smile.
00:11He has. He was one of the best graduates.
00:14A blue holographic screen suddenly flickered in front of me.
00:17It's just a scratch.
00:18Did you really need to go to the clinic? I'm hungry.
00:20Come back and cook for me. You can't even take proper care of me.
00:23So that was what he thought of me.
00:25I turned around and went straight to the shifter registry.
00:27Hi, I want to replace my shifter.
00:28Mother, Miss Vale, you and your shifter have been registered for almost a year.
00:32You will soon be eligible for a bonding ceremony.
00:34Why do you want to replace him now?
00:36A bitter feeling rose in my chest, so it had already been a year.
00:39I used to look forward to the bonding ceremony more than anything,
00:42and I had once happily asked Lucien what kind of bonding rings he liked.
00:45Do you really think you deserve me?
00:47No matter how much you beg, I will never bond with you.
00:50Let me kindly tell you something, low-born human girl.
00:53You look disgusting when you cry.
00:55I was indeed a low-born human, and I could only do basic work.
00:59No matter how hard I worked, I could never give Lucien the level of care he wanted.
01:03In fact, being able to sign a contract with a pure-blood fox shifter like Lucien had been an accident.
01:08I swallowed the lump in my throat.
01:10He doesn't like me.
01:12Maybe even hated me.
01:14The staff looked surprised.
01:15Trained shifters should love their bonded human with absolute loyalty.
01:18With proper training, this should never happen.
01:21She was right, but it happened to me.
01:22Maybe I just have bad luck.
01:23The staff looked guilty.
01:25There may have been a problem with our training.
01:27Please do not blame yourself.
01:29Come with me, Ms. Vale.
01:30Back then, I had paid $100,000 for Lucien, so I could choose a replacement shifter in the same price
01:36range.
01:37The staff swiped her wrist over the desk.
01:39Holographic profiles unfolded in front of me.
01:42Fox shifter.
01:43Leopard shifter.
01:44They were not as stunning as Lucien, but they were still beautiful.
01:47I hesitated for a moment.
01:48Actually, I wanted a dog-type shifter.
01:51Preferably a golden retriever.
01:53I had heard retriever shifters loved humans the most.
01:56Even if I was a low-born human, maybe he would still like me.
01:59The caseworker kept her polite smile.
02:02Do you have any others?
02:03Not at the moment.
02:04But new shifters are trained very quickly.
02:07The next group will be available in two months.
02:10As compensation, we can let you choose first.
02:13I nodded.
02:14The staff walked me to the door.
02:16One hidden profile glitched at the edge of the screen.
02:18A gray-eyed man appeared inside a cracked hologram.
02:22The man in the photo had cold gray pupils.
02:24He was handsome, but he was a werewolf.
02:28Actually, he is the most disciplined shifter we have.
02:31The shifter registray wanted to test a new program for dangerous bloodlines.
02:35So Blaze not an ordinary werewolf.
02:37He is war-bred.
02:38But no one wanted him.
02:39They were afraid he might hurt them.
02:41The bosses don't want to lose money, so they plan to sell him to the fighting pits today.
02:45I heard shifter sent the fighting pits torn apart piece by piece.
02:49Sometimes, they don't even come back in one piece.
02:52If he goes there, he will only die.
02:54That sounded painful and cruel.
02:56No one wanted him.
02:57No one wanted me either.
02:59A wolf was still kind of a dog, right?
03:01Is he really obedient?
03:04Sure, he is very obedient.
03:06Okay, I'll take him.
03:08I pressed my thumb against the glowing contract panel.
03:11The registry staff said Blaze would arrive in three days.
03:14On my way home, I saw Lucian and Stella Quinn from far away.
03:18The white-haired fox shifter stood in the evening light.
03:21His features were flawless.
03:22Stella lived in the noble quarter, which means she was high-born, smart, and elegant.
03:27She had everything I didn't have.
03:29After she met Lucian, she often came by with premium shifter tonics.
03:33So they had become unusually close.
03:35My steps slowed.
03:36Then Stella saw me.
03:37Ruby, were you working?
03:39Ruby, I don't mean to be rude, but you and Lucian are almost bonded.
03:44You should at least try to dress up a little.
03:47Look at what you're wearing.
03:49If people saw you two on the street, who would believe you belong together?
03:54I looked down at my plain t-shirt and jeans.
03:56Then I looked at her beautiful dress.
03:58I think this is fine.
04:00She wouldn't look good even if she dressed up.
04:03At least this way, people can pretend she simply doesn't know how.
04:09Instead of knowing she's just ugly.
04:11Lucian, how can you say that to a girl?
04:15You try to help her, and she thinks you're meddling.
04:19Low-born humans can't understand how high-born people think.
04:22Being bought her was a lifetime of bad luck.
04:28Lucian was not always like this.
04:30Even though I could not afford the premium tonics he needed,
04:33even though the cheap clothes I bought sometimes rubbed his delicate skin raw,
04:36Lucian still used to tell me he was lucky to have met me.
04:39Everything changed on that day.
04:41My bag fell on the street, so Lucian crouched down to help me pick up.
04:44Just then, a luxury car stopped beside us.
04:47A red fox shifter stepped out and stepped on Lucian's hand.
04:51Are you Lucian, the most popular fox at the registry?
04:54How did you end up with such an ugly low-born human?
04:57But I guess it makes sense.
04:58A defective fox and a low-born human.
05:01What a perfect match.
05:03After that, Lucian locked himself in his room all night.
05:05I stayed outside his door for the whole night.
05:08Defective is just a word.
05:09We have food, a home, and each other.
05:12That is enough.
05:13Then Lucian opened the door.
05:15You've never had anything, so of course you can call this enough.
05:18Later, he met Stella Quinn.
05:20She could give Lucian what he wanted.
05:22They became closer day by day.
05:24Sometimes, as they talked, Stella would lean against him.
05:27I once asked him carefully.
05:28You are my shifter.
05:30Can you keep some distance from Stella?
05:33If I weren't defective, you never would have gotten me.
05:36You took advantage of me.
05:38I don't belong to you.
05:39But back then, Lucian was the one who begged me to save him.
05:45In this new world, male shifters carried the duty of giving humans airs.
05:49Lucian had once been one of the finest shifters ever trained.
05:52Before he was diagnosed as infertile, his price had been sky high.
05:56But even after his price dropped to $100,000, no human wanted a useless fox.
06:01The shifter registry had planned to send him to the Red Lantern District to recover their loss.
06:06That day, I went there to buy my first shifter.
06:08Then Lucian broke free from his restraints.
06:11Please save me.
06:13I'll be good to you.
06:14I'll be your family.
06:16I don't want to die.
06:17Please.
06:18I had never had a family, and I had grown up in an orphanage.
06:22His words reached the softest part of me.
06:24I like children, but having one family member first sounded good too.
06:28So I spent all my savings and even took out a loan to buy Lucian.
06:32I never brought up that day again because I was afraid of hurting his pride.
06:36But in his heart, I was the one who used him.
06:38My hand accidentally brushed against his.
06:41Out of instinct, he shoved me away with vicious force.
06:43My arm hit the sharp corner of the table.
06:45The cut was so deep I could see bone.
06:48If you hadn't tried to touch me, you wouldn't be hurt.
06:50You did this to yourself, so go to the clinic yourself.
06:53I'm going shopping with Stella today.
06:55Even if I went, it wouldn't release your pain.
06:57Stop acting like everything is my fault.
06:59Then I went to the clinic alone.
07:01It will definitely leave a scar, and will ache whenever it rains.
07:05If you and your shifter are this incompatible, maybe you should let him go.
07:09I suddenly understood that I could let him go.
07:11We did not have to be tied together forever.
07:13My thoughts returned to the present.
07:15I stopped Lucian before he closed the door.
07:19Lucian, do you really feel tortured being with me?
07:23Yes.
07:24A lowborn girl like you finally got me.
07:26How could you ever let go?
07:27You'll cling to me until I die.
07:31I prepared a gift for you.
07:32You'll know in a few days.
07:34Don't tell me it's another bottle of cheap tonic.
07:37The kind even a dog wouldn't drink.
07:39Do I have to waste my strength pouring it down the toilet again?
07:41No.
07:42It's what you want most.
07:44It had better be.
07:45Then he shut the door.
07:47Stella came early the next morning.
07:49Lucian and I agreed to go shopping today.
07:51Our taste is almost the same.
07:53We always have something to talk about when we go out.
07:57Ruby, you won't be angry, right?
07:59I'm not angry.
08:00Ruby Vale, you're not angry?
08:04No.
08:05Go wherever you want.
08:06In the past, I would have been upset.
08:07And I wouldn't have wanted Lucian to go.
08:09He never wanted to go anywhere with me.
08:11But he always had time for someone else.
08:13But today, I had things to do too.
08:16The seasonal sale at the mall started today.
08:18I had to hurry and buy things for Blaze.
08:20Isn't it better if she doesn't make trouble?
08:24Stop wasting time.
08:25Let's go.
08:25I watched them stand so close together.
08:28There was no soreness in my chest anymore.
08:30I only put on my shoes and left quickly.
08:33The mall was full of low-born humans with ordinary shifters.
08:36They looked crowded, cheap, and happy.
08:39Maybe that was all I had ever wanted.
08:41A warm, ordinary shifter partner.
08:43If Lucian had never begged me to save him, I might have had that life long ago.
08:48By the time I got home, the sky was dark.
08:50For once, Lucian was actually home.
08:53Usually, when he went out with Stella, he would not come back until late at night.
08:57Lucian sat on the sofa with his arms crossed.
09:00Where did you go?
09:01You didn't even cook for me.
09:02It's bad enough that I have to suffer with you.
09:05Now I can't even get a meal?
09:06I thought you would eat at Stella's place.
09:08And I thought you didn't want my food.
09:10On your last birthday, I cooked all afternoon.
09:13But you threw everything into the trash.
09:15I ignored him and started sorting out the things I bought for Blaze.
09:19Chew sticks, a grooming brush, coat oil.
09:22At some point, Lucian came to stand behind me.
09:24Are you taking care of me like a dog now?
09:26I don't need things made for low-grade shifters.
09:28This brush will ruin my fur.
09:29And this oil is not pure enough.
09:31Since you already bought them, I can force myself to try.
09:34They're not for you.
09:36What do you mean?
09:37I am not good enough for a high-grade shifter there like you.
09:39I already submitted the replacement request.
09:42In two days, you won't have to see me anymore.
09:44Stella came early the next morning.
09:47Lucian and I agreed to go shopping today.
09:49Our taste is almost the same.
09:51We always have something to talk about when we go out.
09:54Ruby, you won't be angry, right?
09:57I'm not angry.
09:58Ruby Vale, you're not angry?
10:02No, go wherever you want.
10:03In the past, I would have been upset.
10:05And I wouldn't have wanted Lucian to go.
10:07He never wanted to go anywhere with me.
10:09But he always had time for someone else.
10:11But today, I had things to do too.
10:13The seasonal sale at the mall started today.
10:16I had to hurry and buy things for Blaze.
10:18Isn't it better if she doesn't make trouble?
10:21Stop wasting time.
10:23Let's go.
10:23I watched them stand so close together.
10:25There was no soreness in my chest anymore.
10:28I only put on my shoes and left quickly.
10:30The mall was full of low-born humans with ordinary shifters.
10:34They looked crowded, cheap, and happy.
10:37Maybe that was all I had ever wanted.
10:38A warm, ordinary shifter partner.
10:41If Lucian had never begged me to save him, I might have had that life long ago.
10:45By the time I got home, the sky was dark.
10:48For once, Lucian was actually home.
10:50Usually, when he went out with Stella, he would not come back until late at night.
10:54Lucian sat on the sofa with his arms crossed.
10:57Where did you go?
10:59You didn't even cook for me.
11:00It's bad enough that I have to suffer with you.
11:02Now I can't even get a meal?
11:04I thought you would eat at Stella's place.
11:06And I thought you didn't want my food.
11:08On your last birthday, I cooked all afternoon.
11:11But you threw everything into the trash.
11:13I ignored him and started sorting out the things I bought for Blaze.
11:17Chew sticks, a grooming brush, coat oil.
11:19At some point, Lucian came to stand behind me.
11:22Are you taking care of me like a dog now?
11:23I don't need things made for low-grade shifters.
11:25This brush will ruin my fur.
11:27And this oil is not pure enough.
11:29Since you already bought them, I can force myself to try.
11:32They're not for you.
11:34What do you mean?
11:35I am not good enough for a high-grade shifter there like you.
11:37I already submitted the replacement request.
11:40In two days, you won't have to see me anymore.
11:44Lucian and I stared at each other.
11:46After a long silence, the tightness on Lucian's face eased.
11:49So Stella was right.
11:51What?
11:52You saw us together.
11:54Now you're pretending to replace me, so I'll regret it?
11:57She said you were full of tricks.
11:59She was right.
12:00You think a few threats will make me crawl to you like those cheap shifters?
12:04If that's what you want to believe.
12:05My calmness only made Lucian angrier.
12:07The 20th of next month had been circled with a heart.
12:10I had marked it for our bonding ceremony.
12:12You just want the bonding ceremony, right?
12:14You started asking about rings half a year ago and pushed me to live with you.
12:18If you're that desperate for me, just say it.
12:20Don't play these dirty little games!
12:23A shifter had the duty to keep his bonded human company.
12:26At first, I thought we weren't close enough, until I realized Lucian simply didn't want
12:31to.
12:31Even now, we had never been intimate.
12:33I had never even held his hand, yet I had watched him hold Stella's.
12:37Once, when I looked hurt, Lucian only sneered.
12:40Stella almost fell, so I only helped her.
12:43Not everything is as filthy as it is in a lowborn human's mind.
12:46I looked at Lucian.
12:47He felt like a stranger now.
12:49For the past year, I loved him with everything I had.
12:52But in his eyes, all my love became schemes.
12:55Lucian was still furious.
12:57He tore the calendar apart.
12:58Even if I bond with you, I will still see Stella!
13:01When we walk outside, no one can know we're together.
13:05Lucian, no wonder you're defective.
13:08Buying you was such bad luck.
13:09Lucian's golden pupils shrank hard.
13:12He bristled.
13:12That day, the shifter registry staff arrived exactly on time.
13:16Lucian stared hard at the wolf shifter named Blaze Hawk.
13:19Blaze was tall.
13:20His muscles stretched the t-shirt across his body.
13:23I had to lift my head to see his face.
13:25A scar sat near his temple.
13:27He didn't look gentle.
13:28This was my first time standing so close to a dangerous breed.
13:31Could he really be obedient?
13:33Blaze noticed my fear.
13:35He did not smile, but only lowered his head.
13:37Then he brought his wolf ears within my reach.
13:40Miss Vale, I am Blame's hawk.
13:44From today on, I belong to you.
13:47Don't be scared.
13:48Blos is dangerous, but he has never hurt a bonded human.
13:51He follows commands very well, especially from the person he accepts.
13:54But the shifter registry is under renovation right now.
13:57Lucian's return will have to wait about two weeks.
13:59Can he stay here temporarily?
14:00The shifter registry will pay the holding fee.
14:02As she spoke, Blaze's tail brushed against my ankle.
14:05Then it curled around me once, like a silent claim.
14:08I had not answered yet.
14:10Lucian looked at Blaze.
14:11Filthy mutt.
14:14Say that again.
14:17I grabbed Blaze's sleeve without thinking.
14:19Blaze stopped at once.
14:21He looked down at my hand.
14:22Did I scare you?
14:25No.
14:27I won't hurt him unless you allow it.
14:29My heart skipped.
14:30The worry in my chest disappeared.
14:32Who said wolves were only wild?
14:34This wolf was dangerous, but he listened to me.
14:37Exactly what I wanted.
14:39Then she took out her work badge.
14:40Number 4561, Fox Shifter, Lucian Voss.
14:45Correct?
14:46Yes.
14:47On behalf of the shifter registry, I officially inform you.
14:50Your bonded human has requested a replacement.
14:53The shifter registry is very disappointed in your failure to perform your duties.
14:56In two weeks, we will carry out your return process.
14:59Please be prepared.
15:00After the staff left, Lucian grabbed Blaze's arm.
15:03Get away from her, mutt!
15:04Blaze did not move, so Lucian pulled harder.
15:08Take your hands off.
15:11What?
15:12Are you gonna bite me?
15:14Only if Ruby lets me.
15:15Lucian's face twisted.
15:17The next second, he shoved Blaze hard.
15:19Blaze could have dodged, but I was standing right behind him, so he took the hit instead.
15:24His hand struck the corner of the table.
15:26Blaze glanced at his injured hand.
15:28Then he looked at me.
15:29Are you hurt?
15:30My heart tightened.
15:31I pushed Lucian aside and went to Blaze.
15:34I'm fine.
15:35What about you?
15:37It doesn't matter.
15:38Lucian stumbled into the wall.
15:40Ruby, I know exactly what you're doing.
15:42You brought this wolf here to force me into bonding with you.
15:45Go cancel the replacement request right now and send him back.
15:48Otherwise, I will never bond with you.
15:50I was completely out of patience.
15:52Lucian, I'll tell you one more time.
15:55I don't want you anymore.
15:57Lucian stormed out.
15:58I stayed home and treated Blaze's hand.
16:00Blaze kept turning his face away instead of looking at me.
16:04My heart sank.
16:05I was afraid of meeting another Lucian, so I decided to say everything first.
16:10Do you regret it?
16:11He turned back at once.
16:12If you stay with me, there will be no premium tonnets.
16:15I can only afford ordinary things because I am a lowborn human.
16:19I work two jobs every day and I am not very pretty.
16:22If you feel ashamed, I can send you back.
16:25I tried to sound relaxed, but I quietly wiped my damp palm behind my back.
16:29Blaze looked at me.
16:30I'm sorry.
16:31My heart dropped, so he really regretted it.
16:34Blaze caught my wrist before I could pull away.
16:37I am not sorry you chose me.
16:38I am trying not to scare you.
16:40I was supposed to be sent to the fighting pits tonight.
16:43Then they told me a human girl had chosen me, so I held your photo all night.
16:47I kept thinking.
16:48If she really wanted me, I would belong to her.
16:51If anyone hurts her, I will tear them apart.
16:54Then I met you, and you were afraid of me, so I tried to look gentle.
16:58I still thought it might be a mistake.
16:59Maybe the registry had called the wrong name.
17:02Maybe you would see me and change your mind.
17:04But you touched my ears.
17:05You stood beside me.
17:07You asked if I was hurt.
17:09Something in my chest loosened.
17:11I held his hand.
17:12His palm was hot, a little damp from nerves.
17:14And for the first time, someone was afraid I would reject him.
17:18Don't call me Miss Vale anymore.
17:21Call me Ruby.
17:23Blaze looked at me for a long time.
17:25Then he lowered his head.
17:26Ruby, I will not make you regret choosing me.
17:29When Lucian came back, Stella came with him.
17:32He went straight into the room, and soon I heard him packing.
17:36Stella stood by the entrance with disgust in her eyes.
17:39Ruby, you've worked for so many years, and this tiny apartment is all you can afford?
17:43Have you ever thought that maybe you just don't work hard enough?
17:45Lucian told me you want to replace him.
17:47You really don't know how lucky you are.
17:48If I had a shifter as good as Lucian, I would do whatever it took to give him the life
17:51he deserves.
17:52How could you drive him away?
17:54What taste can a low-born human have?
17:56She found herself a stinking dog.
17:58Now the whole room smells.
17:59There were only two days left.
18:00There was no need to argue with them.
18:02I lowered my head and kept brushing Blaze's tail.
18:05Because no one had wanted him, the registry had never cared for his fur properly.
18:10I had to brush it well, because knotted fur must feel terrible.
18:14Lucian and Stella kept insulting me, one sentence after another.
18:18Then Blaze suddenly spoke.
18:20Careful, Fox.
18:22Lucian rushed out of the room.
18:23What did you say?
18:25You heard me.
18:27A male who flirts outside his bond has no right to call anyone dirty.
18:31Say one more word about Ruby.
18:32I dare you.
18:34I was stunned.
18:36Was he doing this for me?
18:37A quiet warmth rose in my chest.
18:40I looked at Blaze.
18:41He was still staring at Lucian.
18:43But when my fingers touched his sleeve, he immediately lowered his head,
18:46as if my touch alone could pull the wolf back.
18:48Ruby, since you dislike Lucian so much, you won't mind if he stays at my place, right?
18:54I don't mind.
18:57Ruby Vale, you've wanted to drive me away for a long time?
19:01I looked at the shirt under his foot.
19:03It cost $500.
19:04And I was still wearing a cheap hoodie.
19:07Lucian, weren't you the one who wanted to leave me?
19:09Yes.
19:10I want to leave you.
19:12I don't want to stay in this broken place for another minute!
19:14Stella quickly stepped closer.
19:16Lucian, don't worry.
19:18If you come homely, I will give you the best of everything.
19:21But Lucian did not answer her.
19:23Only his tail slapped the floor again and again.
19:26After a long moment, he took two steps forward, then stopped.
19:29He looked back at me.
19:31I lowered my head and pretended not to see it.
19:34Lucian?
19:34Lucian moved again.
19:35But this time, he pushed Stella out the door.
19:38I don't want to stay here.
19:39But the shifter registrae ordered me to remain at Ruby Vale's place.
19:42I am not breaking rules for anyone.
19:45Stella, when I am listed again, you can come to the shifter registration for me.
19:49The front door shut tight.
19:50Stella's angry voice was cut off outside.
19:52Blaze watched Lucian's unmoving back.
19:55Then he leaned close to my ear.
19:56Ruby, let's go back to the room.
19:59It's late.
20:00We should sleep.
20:01My ear burned.
20:02It was a normal sentence, but somehow it sounded dangerous.
20:05Lucian suddenly turned around.
20:08You two are sleeping together in one bed?
20:10Blaze placed his arm over my shoulder.
20:13Yes.
20:14I sleep where Ruby lets me sleep.
20:16I was stunned.
20:17Was he doing this for me?
20:19A quiet warmth rose in my chest.
20:21I looked at Blaze.
20:22He was still staring at Lucian.
20:24But when my fingers touched his sleeve, he immediately lowered his head,
20:28as if my touch alone could pull the wolf back.
20:30Look, Ruby, since you dislike Lucian so much,
20:33you won't mind if he stays at my place, right?
20:36I don't mind.
20:39Ruby Vale, you've wanted to drive me away for a long time?
20:42I looked at the shirt under his foot.
20:44It cost $500.
20:46And I was still wearing a cheap hoodie.
20:49Lucian, weren't you the one who wanted to leave me?
20:51Yes.
20:52I want to leave you.
20:53I don't want to stay in this broken place for another minute!
20:56Stella quickly stepped closer.
20:58Lucian, don't worry.
20:59If you come homie, I will give you the best of everything.
21:03But Lucian did not answer her.
21:04Only his tail slapped the floor again and again.
21:07After a long moment, he took two steps forward, then stopped.
21:11He looked back at me.
21:12I lowered my head and pretended not to see it.
21:15Lucian?
21:16Lucian moved again.
21:17But this time, he pushed Stella out the door.
21:19I don't want to stay here, but the shifter registray ordered me to remain at Ruby Vale's place.
21:23I am not breaking rules for anyone.
21:27Stella, when I am listed again, you can come to the shifter registration for me.
21:30The front door shut tight.
21:32Stella's angry voice was cut off outside.
21:34Blaze watched Lucian's unmoving back.
21:36Then he leaned close to my ear.
21:38Ruby, let's go back to the room.
21:40It's late.
21:41We should sleep.
21:42My ear burned.
21:43It was a normal sentence, but somehow it sounded dangerous.
21:47Lucian suddenly turned around.
21:49You two are sleeping together in one bed?
21:52Blaze placed his arm over my shoulder.
21:54Yes.
21:55I sleep where Ruby lets me sleep.
21:58Sorry, Bluss.
21:59When Lucian leaves, I'll clean out that room for you.
22:02For now, you might have to sleep on the floor.
22:06The weather is warm anyway.
22:07You are a wolf, so you should be...
22:09I turned around.
22:10Blaze was standing by the door.
22:12His ears were lowered.
22:13Ruby, did I do something wrong?
22:15I froze.
22:15No!
22:16You did nothing wrong!
22:18Then why are you putting distance between us?
22:20His voice was calm, but his tail had gone still.
22:23The small bedroom suddenly felt smaller.
22:25We only met today.
22:27I was afraid you wouldn't want to stay close to me.
22:29He stopped in front of me and lowered himself to one knee.
22:32I want to stay close to you.
22:34I want your scent on me.
22:35I want every shift to know I belong to you.
22:38My face burned.
22:40Blaze.
22:41He took my hand.
22:42His thumb brushed over my wrist.
22:44Ruby, I was trained to obey.
22:46But this is not training.
22:47This is me asking.
22:49Let me protect you.
22:51Let me be yours.
22:52My heart beat too fast.
22:54Lucian had never wanted to touch me.
22:55He once said being close to a lowborn human made him sick.
22:58But Blaze lowered his head and kissed my palm.
23:01His lips were hot against my skin.
23:02I am not like the fox outside.
23:04I will not make you beg for affection.
23:06And I will not be ashamed of wanting you.
23:08I stepped back.
23:09Blaze caught my waist before I fell.
23:10He only looked at me.
23:11Tell me to stop, Ruby.
23:13My throat went dry.
23:14I should have said something.
23:16But I only held his shoulder.
23:17Then Blaze lowered his head and kissed me.
23:19Much later, when I could finally think again, I heard rain outside.
23:23No wonder the room felt so hot and damp.
23:25I reached out to turn off the door.
23:27But Blaze caught my wrist and pulled me back.
23:29I think someone is outside knocking on the door.
23:31I think someone is outside knocking on the door.
23:32Don't.
23:33The kiss at my neck stopped.
23:34Then Blaze lifted his head.
23:36Are you still thinking about him?
23:37I almost wanted to cry.
23:38No.
23:39His hand tightened around my waist.
23:40Then say who you want.
23:41The knocking outside stopped for a second.
23:43I want you.
23:45Outside the door, there was no sound.
23:46Then Blaze lowered his head again.
23:48Good.
23:49The light went out.
23:50The next morning, my whole body hurt when I got dressed.
23:52I complained silently.
23:54He really was like a dog.
23:56Blaze stood behind me and lowered his head to my neck.
23:58Ruby.
24:00Your scent is still on me.
24:02I want it there again tonight.
24:04My face burned.
24:06I opened the door.
24:07Stop it.
24:08I can barely walk.
24:09The moment I saw Lucian, my words stopped.
24:11His fingers dug into the leather armrest, leaving deep wrinkles behind.
24:15Ruby Vale.
24:16Do you have no shame?
24:18Before I could speak, Blaze's hand landed on my waist.
24:21Fox.
24:22Say one more word to her like that, and the registry will have nothing left to collect.
24:27Lucian's pupils thinned into lines.
24:29His fangs showed.
24:31Try me.
24:32The threat of two male beasts filled the small apartment.
24:34I reached back and held Blaze's wrist.
24:36Blast.
24:36Only then did he look at me.
24:38The killing intent in his eyes disappeared.
24:41Fine.
24:42I won't touch him unless you ask me to.
24:44I turned to Lucian.
24:45Move.
24:46Lucian did not move.
24:47Instead, he stood straighter in front of the door.
24:49Don't choose him.
24:50Didn't you like me?
24:51Whatever he can give you, I can give you too.
24:55Send him back now, and I can pretend nothing happened.
24:58Behind me, Blaze went still.
25:00I looked at Lucian's hand on the doorframe.
25:01His claws had come out.
25:03Lucian, you should be happy.
25:05You said being bought by me was bad luck.
25:08Now, I am letting you go.
25:10So why are you standing in my way?
25:13Blaze moved.
25:15Don't.
25:15Blaze stopped at once.
25:16Lucian's gaze fell to my wrist.
25:18There was a faint mark there.
25:19His face changed.
25:20He marked you.
25:21I pulled my hand back.
25:22That has nothing to do with you.
25:24Ruby, if I say I like you now, is it too late?
25:27Lucian had barely finished speaking, and Blaze moved.
25:30The next second, Lucian crashed into the wall.
25:32The whole apartment shook.
25:34Blaze grabbed him by the collar.
25:36You had a year.
25:37You used it to hurt her.
25:39Now you want to say you like her?
25:41He slammed Lucian down.
25:43Too late.
25:43Lucian coughed and tried to get up.
25:45Blaze off!
25:46His fist stopped inches from Lucian's face.
25:48I stepped forward and held his wrist.
25:49Stop.
25:50If you kill him, the registry will destroy you.
25:52Blaze's chest rose and fell.
25:54Blood stained his knuckles, but he lowered his hand.
25:56Lucian looked at me from the floor.
25:58Pain twisted his face.
25:59You still care about me?
26:00I care about keeping Bauman alive.
26:03His hope cracked.
26:05Ruby!
26:06Lucian pushed himself up against the wall.
26:08I don't need a clinic.
26:09I just need you to listen.
26:11We can still bond.
26:13You wanted rings, didn't you?
26:14We can go now.
26:15I looked past him at Lucian.
26:17Stella already promised to buy you.
26:18You won't be sent to the Red Lantern District,
26:20so stop pretending your fear is love.
26:23I'm not pretending.
26:24From the first day we met, I liked you.
26:26You were kind.
26:27You worked so hard.
26:29How could I not like you?
26:31I almost laughed.
26:31Then your love is ugly.
26:33It called me disgusting.
26:35It hurt me.
26:36Then it told me I deserved the wound.
26:37Lucian's face turned white.
26:39I spoke softly.
26:40Lucian, I don't need that kind of love.
26:42And I don't believe it is love at all.
26:45Stop lying to yourself.
26:46I held Blaze's hand.
26:48Let's go.
26:49I took Blaze straight to the clinic.
26:51It was the same nurse from last time.
26:53When she saw Blaze, her eyes filled with disgust.
26:55So this is your shifter.
26:57He hurt you three times in one month and never came with you.
27:01And now he gets hurt.
27:02But you have to bring him here?
27:04No.
27:05This is my replacement shifter.
27:07I'm sorry.
27:08Last time, I almost fainted from low blood sugar.
27:11Ruby caught me before I hit the floor.
27:13She took the fall for me.
27:15She is such a good girl.
27:16I thought you were the shifter who kept hurting her.
27:19Ruby.
27:20No one should have treated you like that.
27:22I was someone who could make peace with myself.
27:24When Lucian treated me badly, I told myself I was not good enough for him.
27:28So I worked harder.
27:29But I still felt sad.
27:31So I turned that sadness into something that made me stronger.
27:33I thought nothing in this world could touch me anymore.
27:36But Blaze suddenly said his heart hurt for me.
27:39He told me I was the person he liked most in the world.
27:42He saw me.
27:42A sour feeling rose in my chest.
27:44It filled my eyes.
27:46I had to lift my head.
27:47Focus on your treatment.
27:48So this was what it meant to survive the worst and finally meet something good.
27:52Maybe every painful step had only been leading me to Blaze.
27:56After that, Blaze and I ignored Lucian together.
27:58Blaze found a job at a warehouse near the lower district.
28:01I have hands and feet, Ruby.
28:03And I am not letting you carry this life alone.
28:06If we both work, our life will only get better.
28:09Only then did I understand.
28:11Life could be lived by two people together.
28:13Lucian stayed in the apartment every day.
28:15At first, he only sat on the sofa and watched us leave.
28:18Then he started doing strange things.
28:20One night, when Blaze and I came home, there was dinner on the table.
28:24The meat was burned, but I recognized the dishes.
28:26They were the same ones I had made for Lucian's birthday.
28:29The ones he had thrown into the trash.
28:31Lucian stood beside the table.
28:33I made dinner.
28:34I'm not hungry.
28:35The next morning, my old hoodie was folded on the chair.
28:37The one Lucian had once stepped on and Stella had laughed at.
28:41It had been washed clean.
28:42Lucian did not say anything.
28:44He only watched my face.
28:45I picked it up and put it into the laundry basket.
28:48That night, I saw him sitting on the floor.
28:50The torn calendar pieces were spread in front of him.
28:53He was trying to put the heart back together.
28:55The 20th of next month.
28:57Our old bonding date.
28:58Some pieces were missing.
28:59No matter how hard he tried, the heart would not become whole again.
29:03I looked at it for one second.
29:05Then I walked past him.
29:06The night before his return, Lucian finally stopped me at the entrance.
29:10Ruby, I know I was wrong.
29:13Why can't you forgive me once?
29:16I don't blame you.
29:20Then you forgive me?
29:22No.
29:23I just don't want you anymore.
29:25I can change.
29:26Tomorrow, we can send Valius back.
29:28I will bond with you.
29:30I will give you what you wanted.
29:31Valius will not leave.
29:33After the replacement is complete, everything will go back where it belongs.
29:36No, I loved you, but I hated that I loved a low-born human.
29:42So I made you beg, because when you bed, I could pretend I was still above you.
29:47I forgot that I was the defective one.
29:50He had not loved me.
29:51He loved standing above me.
29:53My stomach turned.
29:54Lucian reached for me in panic.
29:56Ruby.
29:56Don't touch me.
29:58Lucian, you did not love me.
30:00You used me to cover your shame, and now even your regret is about yourself.
30:05We are really over.
30:09The shifter registry staff came that afternoon.
30:12She placed a panel on the table.
30:13A blue contract seal lit up in the center.
30:16Miss Vale, once you sign this, Lucian Vaught will no longer be your registered shifter.
30:22The replacement will become permanent.
30:24Blaze stood beside me.
30:25He did not speak.
30:26Lucian sat in the bedroom.
30:28His eyes were empty as he stared at the ceiling.
30:30For a moment, I remembered the day I bought him.
30:33His nose was red.
30:34His eyes had been wet.
30:35He had looked at me like I was the only way out.
30:38I'm sorry.
30:38I will make sure I look better next time.
30:41You already look good now.
30:43Lucian had smiled with me.
30:45Where do I look good?
30:45That was one of the few times I had seen him smile.
30:48I remembered that one fang on the left side was a little longer.
30:51But memory was only memory.
30:53The Lucian from that day was gone.
30:55Lucian finally sat up.
30:57Roby!
30:57Don't sign it!
30:58Blaise's body went still beside me.
31:00I only looked at Lucian.
31:02You asked for freedom.
31:04I am giving it to you.
31:09Lucian Vaught, bonded status, permanent replacement approved.
31:15Replacement complete.
31:19I used to think this bed was uncomfortable.
31:22Only today did I realize.
31:24No one answered him.
31:26Then he stood up and followed the staff toward the door.
31:29His steps were slow.
31:30I never saw him again until he left.
31:32Blaise lowered his hand and brushed his knuckles against mine.
31:35Ruby, do you regret it?
31:38No.
31:39Blaise's fingers tightened around mine.
31:41But I don't want another contract built on pity.
31:44Good.
31:45I don't want your pity.
31:50I don't want your pity.
31:55A long time later, I heard about Lucian from the registry staff.
31:59Stella never bought him.
32:00When Stella found out Lucian could not produce an heir, she caused a scene at the registry that he had
32:05wasted her time.
32:06A defective fox had no right to act so proud!
32:08I was not surprised.
32:10Stella had never wanted Lucian.
32:11She had wanted a beautiful prize.
32:14And Lucian had wanted to believe he was still one.
32:18What happened to him?
32:19The staff was quiet for a moment.
32:21He got sick.
32:22Depression.
32:23He could barely speak to anyone.
32:24The bosses approved permanent retirement.
32:27Now he works at an orphanage.
32:28Children seem to calm him.
32:30After the call ended, I stood by the window for a while.
32:35Are you thinking about him?
32:39I was thinking that he finally has somewhere to go.
32:41Blaise said nothing, and I touched his face.
32:44I chose you, Blaise.
32:45Blaise caught my wrist.
32:46He turned his face and kissed my palm.
32:48I want your scent on me.
32:50I want my mark on you.
32:51My heart beat hard.
32:53Blaise.
32:53He lowered himself to one knee in front of me, like a king offering me his crown.
32:57Ruby, bond with me.
32:59I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never feel unwanted again.
33:07Yes.
33:08Yes.
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