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Short Films 2026
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Short filmTranscript
00:05After my fox shifter, Lucien, scratched me again, I went to the clinic alone.
00:08The nurse looked at my wound and frowned.
00:10This cut is deep. It will definitely leave a scar.
00:12Has your shifter ever received proper social training?
00:14I forced a smile.
00:16He has. He was one of the best graduates.
00:19A blue holographic screen suddenly flickered in front of me.
00:22It's just a scratch. Did you really need to go to the clinic? I'm hungry.
00:25Come back and cook for me. You can't even take proper care of me.
00:28So that was what he thought of me. I turned around and went straight to the shifter registry.
00:32Hi, I want to replace my shifter.
00:34Miss Vale, you and your shifter have been registered for almost a year.
00:37You will soon be eligible for a bonding ceremony. Why do you want to replace him now?
00:41A bitter feeling rose in my chest. So it had already been a year.
00:44I used to look forward to the bonding ceremony more than anything.
00:47And I had once happily asked Lucien what kind of bonding rings he liked.
00:50Do you really think you deserve me? No matter how much you beg, I will never bond with you.
00:55Let me kindly tell you something, lowborn human girl.
00:58You look disgusting when you cry.
01:01I was indeed a lowborn human, and I could only do basic work.
01:04No matter how hard I worked, I could never give Lucien the level of care he wanted.
01:08In fact, being able to sign a contract with a pureblood fox shifter like Lucien had been an accident.
01:13I swallowed the lump in my throat.
01:15He doesn't like me.
01:17Maybe even hated me.
01:19The staff looked surprised.
01:20Trained shifters should love their bonded human with absolute loyalty.
01:23With proper training, this should never happen.
01:26She was right.
01:26But it happened to me.
01:27Maybe I just have bad luck.
01:29The staff looked guilty.
01:30There may have been a problem with our training.
01:32Please do not blame yourself.
01:34Come with me, Miss Vale.
01:35Back then, I had paid $100,000 for Lucien, so I could choose a replacement shifter in the same price
01:41range.
01:42The staff swiped her wrist over the desk.
01:44Holographic profiles unfolded in front of me.
01:47Fox shifter.
01:48Leopard shifter.
01:49They were not as stunning as Lucien, but they were still beautiful.
01:52I hesitated for a moment.
01:53Actually, I wanted a dog type shifter.
01:56Preferably a golden retriever.
01:58I had heard retriever shifters loved humans the most.
02:01Even if I was a lowborn human, maybe he would still like me.
02:04The caseworker kept her polite smile.
02:07Do you have any others?
02:08Not at the moment.
02:09But new shifters are trained very quickly.
02:12The next group will be available in two months.
02:15As compensation, we can let you choose first.
02:18I nodded.
02:19The staff walked me to the door.
02:21One hidden profile glitched at the edge of the screen.
02:23A gray-eyed man appeared inside a cracked hologram.
02:27The man in the photo had cold gray pupils.
02:29He was handsome, but he was a werewolf.
02:33Actually, he is the most disciplined shifter we have.
02:36The shifter registray wanted to test a new program for dangerous bloodlines.
02:40So Blace, not an ordinary werewolf.
02:42He is war-bred.
02:43But no one wanted him.
02:44They were afraid he might hurt them.
02:46The bosses don't want to lose money.
02:48So they plan to sell him to the fighting pits today.
02:50I heard shifter sent the fighting pits torn apart piece by piece.
02:54Sometimes they don't even come back in one piece.
02:57If he goes there, he will only die.
02:59That sounded painful and cruel.
03:01No one wanted him.
03:02No one wanted me either.
03:04A wolf was still kind of a dog, right?
03:06Is he really obedient?
03:09Sure.
03:09He is very obedient.
03:11Okay.
03:12I'll take him.
03:13I pressed my thumb against the glowing contract panel.
03:16The registry staff said Blaze would arrive in three days.
03:19On my way home, I saw Lucien and Stella Quinn from far away.
03:23The white-haired fox shifter stood in the evening light.
03:26His features were flawless.
03:27Stella lived in the noble quarter, which means she was high-born, smart, and elegant.
03:32She had everything I didn't have.
03:34After she met Lucien, she often came by with premium shifter tonics.
03:38So they had become unusually close.
03:40My steps slowed.
03:41Then Stella saw me.
03:42Ruby, were you working?
03:44Ruby, I don't mean to be rude, but you and Lucien are almost bonded.
03:49You should at least try to dress up a little.
03:52Look at what you're wearing.
03:54If people saw you two on the street, who would believe you belong together?
03:59I looked down at my plain t-shirt and jeans.
04:01Then I looked at her beautiful dress.
04:03I think this is fine.
04:05She wouldn't look good even if she dressed up.
04:08At least this way, people can pretend she simply doesn't know how.
04:13Instead of knowing she's just ugly.
04:16Lucien, how can you say that to a girl?
04:20You try to help her, and she thinks you're meddling.
04:24Low-born humans can't understand how high-born people think.
04:27Being bought her was a lifetime of bad luck.
04:33Lucien was not always like this.
04:35Even though I could not afford the premium tonics he needed, even though the cheap clothes
04:39I bought sometimes rubbed his delicate skin raw, Lucien still used to tell me he was lucky
04:44to have met me.
04:44Everything changed on that day.
04:46My bag fell on the street, so Lucien crouched down to help me pick up.
04:49Just then, a luxury car stopped beside us.
04:52A red fox shifter stepped out and stepped on Lucien's hand.
04:55Are you Lucien, the most popular fox at the registry?
04:59How did you end up with such an ugly low-born human?
05:02But I guess it makes sense.
05:03A defective fox and a low-born human.
05:06What a perfect match.
05:08After that, Lucien locked himself in his room all night.
05:11I stayed outside his door for the whole night.
05:13Defective is just a word.
05:14We have food, a home, and each other.
05:17That is enough.
05:18Then Lucien opened the door.
05:20You've never had anything, so of course you can call this enough.
05:23Later, he met Stella Quinn.
05:25She could give Lucien what he wanted.
05:27They became closer day by day.
05:29Sometimes, as they talked, Stella would lean against him.
05:31I once asked him carefully.
05:33You are my shifter.
05:35Can you keep some distance from Stella?
05:38If I weren't defective, you never would have gotten me.
05:41You took advantage of me.
05:43I don't belong to you.
05:44But back then, Lucien was the one who begged me to save him.
05:50In this new world, male shifters carried the duty of giving humans airs.
05:54Lucien had once been one of the finest shifters ever trained.
05:57Before he was diagnosed as infertile, his price had been sky high.
06:01But even after his price dropped to $100,000, no human wanted a useless fox.
06:06The shifter registry had planned to send him to the Red Lantern District to recover their loss.
06:11That day, I went there to buy my first shifter.
06:13Then Lucien broke free from his restraints.
06:23I had never had a family, and I had grown up in an orphanage.
06:27His words reached the softest part of me.
06:29I like children, but having one family member first sounded good too.
06:33So I spent all my savings and even took out a loan to buy Lucien.
06:36I never brought up that day again because I was afraid of hurting his pride.
06:41But in his heart, I was the one who used him.
06:43My hand accidentally brushed against his.
06:46Out of instinct, he shoved me away with vicious force.
06:48My arm hit the sharp corner of the table.
06:50The cut was so deep I could see bone.
06:53If you hadn't tried to touch me, you wouldn't be hurt.
06:55You did this to yourself, so go to the clinic yourself.
06:58I'm going shopping with Stella today.
07:00Even if I went, it wouldn't release your pain.
07:02Stop acting like everything is my fault.
07:04Then I went to the clinic alone.
07:06It will definitely leave a scar and will ache whenever it rains.
07:10If you and your shifter are this incompatible, maybe you should let him go.
07:14I suddenly understood that I could let him go.
07:16We did not have to be tied together forever.
07:18My thoughts returned to the present.
07:20I stopped Lucien before he closed the door.
07:24Lucien, do you really feel tortured being with me?
07:28Yes.
07:29A lowborn girl like you finally got me.
07:31How could you ever let go?
07:32You'll cling to me until I die.
07:35I prepared a gift for you.
07:37You'll know in a few days.
07:39Don't tell me it's another bottle of cheap tonic.
07:42The kind even a dog wouldn't drink.
07:44Do I have to waste my strength pouring it down the toilet again?
07:46No, it's what you want most.
07:49It had better be.
07:50Then he shut the door.
07:52Stella came early the next morning.
07:54Lucien and I agreed to go shopping today.
07:56Our taste is almost the same.
07:58We always have something to talk about when we go out.
08:01Ruby, you won't be angry, right?
08:04I'm not angry.
08:05Ruby Vale, you're not angry?
08:09No, go wherever you want.
08:10In the past, I would have been upset and I wouldn't have wanted Lucien to go.
08:14He never wanted to go anywhere with me, but he always had time for someone else.
08:18But today, I had things to do too.
08:20The seasonal sale at the mall started today.
08:23I had to hurry and buy things for Blaze.
08:25Isn't it better if she doesn't make trouble?
08:29Stop wasting time.
08:30Let's go.
08:30I watched them stand so close together.
08:33There was no soreness in my chest anymore.
08:35I only put on my shoes and left quickly.
08:37The mall was full of low-born humans with ordinary shifters.
08:41They looked crowded, cheap, and happy.
08:44Maybe that was all I had ever wanted.
08:46A warm, ordinary shifter partner.
08:48If Lucien had never begged me to save him, I might have had that life long ago.
08:53By the time I got home, the sky was dark.
08:55For once, Lucien was actually home.
08:58Usually, when he went out with Stella, he would not come back until late at night.
09:02Lucien sat on the sofa with his arms crossed.
09:05Where did you go?
09:06You didn't even cook for me.
09:07It's bad enough that I have to suffer with you.
09:10Now I can't even get a meal?
09:11I thought you would eat at Stella's place, and I thought you didn't want my food.
09:15On your last birthday, I cooked all afternoon, but you threw everything into the trash.
09:20I ignored him and started sorting out the things I bought for Blaze.
09:24Chew sticks, a grooming brush, coat oil.
09:26At some point, Lucien came to stand behind me.
09:29Are you taking care of me like a dog now?
09:30I don't need things made for low-grade shifters.
09:33This brush will ruin my fur, and this oil is not pure enough.
09:36Since you already bought them, I can force myself to try.
09:39They're not for you.
09:41What do you mean?
09:42I am not good enough for a high-grade shifter there like you.
09:44I already submitted the replacement request.
09:47In two days, you won't have to see me anymore.
09:51Lucien and I stared at each other.
09:53After a long silence, the tightness on Lucien's face eased.
09:57So Stella was right.
09:59What?
09:59You saw us together.
10:01Now you're pretending to replace me, so I'll regret it?
10:05She said you were full of tricks.
10:06She was right.
10:07You think a few threats will make me crawl to you like those cheap shifters?
10:11If that's what you want to believe.
10:13My calmness only made Lucien angrier.
10:15The 20th of next month had been circled with a heart.
10:17I had marked it for our bonding ceremony.
10:19You just want the bonding ceremony, right?
10:22You started asking about rings half a year ago and pushed me to live with you.
10:25If you're that desperate for me, just say it.
10:28Don't play these dirty little games!
10:30A shifter had the duty to keep his bonded human company.
10:34At first, I thought we weren't close enough until I realized Lucien simply didn't want
10:38to.
10:38Even now, we had never been intimate.
10:41I had never even held his hand, yet I had watched him hold Stella's.
10:44Once, when I looked hurt, Lucien only sneered.
10:47Stella almost fell, so I only helped her.
10:50Not everything is as filthy as it is in a lowborn human's mind.
10:53I looked at Lucien.
10:55He felt like a stranger now.
10:56For the past year, I loved him with everything I had.
10:59But in his eyes, all my love became schemes.
11:02Lucien was still furious.
11:04He tore the calendar apart.
11:06Even if I bond with you, I will still see Stella!
11:08When we walk outside, no one can know we're together.
11:13Lucien, no wonder you're defective.
11:15Buying you was such bad luck.
11:17Lucien's golden pupils shrank hard.
11:19He bristled.
11:19That day, the shifter registry staff arrived exactly on time.
11:23Lucien stared hard at the wolf shifter named Blaze Hawk.
11:27Blaze was tall.
11:28His muscles stretched the t-shirt across his body.
11:30I had to lift my head to see his face.
11:32A scar sat near his temple.
11:34He didn't look gentle.
11:35This was my first time standing so close to a dangerous breed.
11:39Could he really be obedient?
11:40Blaze noticed my fear.
11:42He did not smile, but only lowered his head.
11:44Then he brought his wolf ears within my reach.
11:47Miss Vale, I am Blame's hawk.
11:51From today on, I belong to you.
11:54Don't be scared.
11:55Blos is dangerous, but he has never hurt a bonded human.
11:58He follows commands very well, especially from the person he accepts.
12:01But the shifter registry is under renovation right now.
12:04Lucien's return will have to wait about two weeks.
12:06Can he stay here temporarily?
12:07The shifter registry will pay the holding fee.
12:09As she spoke, Blaze's tail brushed against my ankle.
12:13Then it curled around me once, like a silent claim.
12:15I had not answered yet.
12:17Lucien looked at Blaze.
12:18Filthy mutt.
12:22Say that again.
12:24I grabbed Blaze's sleeve without thinking.
12:26Blaze stopped at once.
12:28He looked down at my hand.
12:29Did I scare you?
12:32No.
12:34I won't hurt him unless you allow it.
12:36My heart skipped.
12:37The worry in my chest disappeared.
12:39Who said wolves were only wild?
12:41This wolf was dangerous.
12:42But he listened to me.
12:44Exactly what I wanted.
12:46Then she took out her work badge.
12:48Number 4561.
12:50Fox shifter.
12:51Lucien Voss.
12:52Correct?
12:53Yes.
12:54On behalf of the shifter registry, I officially inform you.
12:57Your bonded human has requested a replacement.
13:00The shifter registry is very disappointed in your failure to perform your duties.
13:03In two weeks, we will carry out your return process.
13:06Please be prepared.
13:07After the staff left, Lucien grabbed Blaze's arm.
13:10Get away from her, mutt!
13:12Blaze did not move, so Lucien pulled harder.
13:16Take your hands off.
13:18What?
13:19Are you gonna bite me?
13:21Only if Ruby lets me.
13:22Lucien's face twisted.
13:24The next second, he shoved Blaze hard.
13:26Blaze could have dodged, but I was standing right behind him, so he took the hit instead.
13:31His hand struck the corner of the table.
13:33Blaze glanced at his injured hand.
13:35Then he looked at me.
13:36Are you hurt?
13:37My heart tightened.
13:38I pushed Lucien aside and went to Blaze.
13:41I'm fine.
13:42What about you?
13:44It doesn't matter.
13:45Lucien stumbled into the wall.
13:47Ruby, I know exactly what you're doing.
13:49You brought this wolf here to force me into bonding with you.
13:52Go cancel the replacement request right now and send him back.
13:55Otherwise, I will never bond with you.
13:57I was completely out of patience.
13:59Lucien, I'll tell you one more time.
14:02I don't want you anymore.
14:04Lucien stormed out.
14:05I stayed home and treated Blaze's hand.
14:08Blaze kept turning his face away instead of looking at me.
14:11My heart sank.
14:12I was afraid of meeting another Lucien, so I decided to say everything first.
14:17Do you regret it?
14:18He turned back at once.
14:20If you stay with me, there will be no premium tonets.
14:22I can only afford ordinary things, because I am a lowborn human.
14:26I work two jobs every day, and I am not very pretty.
14:30If you feel ashamed, I can send you back.
14:32I tried to sound relaxed, but I quietly wiped my damp palm behind my back.
14:36Blaze looked at me.
14:37I'm sorry.
14:38My heart dropped, so he really regretted it.
14:41Blaze caught my wrist before I could pull away.
14:44I am not sorry you chose me.
14:45I am trying not to scare you.
14:47I was supposed to be sent to the fighting pits tonight.
14:50Then they told me a human girl had chosen me, so I held your photo all night.
14:54I kept thinking.
14:55If she really wanted me, I would belong to her.
14:58If anyone hurts her, I will tear them apart.
15:01Then I met you, and you were afraid of me, so I tried to look gentle.
15:05I still thought it might be a mistake.
15:07Maybe the registry had called the wrong name.
15:09Maybe you would see me and change your mind.
15:11But you touched my ears.
15:13You stood beside me.
15:15You asked if I was hurt.
15:16Something in my chest loosened.
15:18I held his hand.
15:19His palm was hot, a little damp from nerves.
15:22And for the first time, someone was afraid I would reject him.
15:25Don't call me Miss Vale anymore.
15:29Call me Ruby.
15:30Blaze looked at me for a long time.
15:32Then he lowered his head.
15:33Ruby, I will not make you regret choosing me.
15:37When Lucien came back, Stella came with him.
15:39He went straight into the room, and soon I heard him packing.
15:42Stella stood by the entrance with disgust in her eyes.
15:46Ruby, you've worked for so many years, and this tiny apartment is all you can afford?
15:50Have you ever thought that maybe you just don't work hard enough?
15:52Lucien told me you want to replace him.
15:54You really don't know how lucky you are.
15:55If I had a shifter as good as Lucien, I would do whatever it took to give him the life
15:59he deserves.
16:00How could you drive him away?
16:01What taste can a lowborn human have?
16:03She found herself a stinking dog.
16:05Now the whole room smells.
16:06There were only two days left.
16:08There was no need to argue with them.
16:10I lowered my head and kept brushing Blaze's tail.
16:12Because no one had wanted him, the registry had never cared for his fur properly.
16:17I had to brush it well, because knotted fur must feel terrible.
16:21Lucien and Stella kept insulting me, one sentence after another.
16:25Then Blaze suddenly spoke.
16:27Careful, Fox.
16:29Lucien rushed out of the room.
16:30What did you say?
16:32You heard me.
16:34A male who flirts outside his bond has no right to call anyone dirty.
16:38Say one more word about Ruby.
16:39I dare you.
16:41I was stunned.
16:43Was he doing this for me?
16:44A quiet warmth rose in my chest.
16:47I looked at Blaze.
16:48He was still staring at Lucien.
16:50But when my fingers touched his sleeve, he immediately lowered his head, as if my touch alone could pull the
16:55wolf back.
16:56Ruby, since you dislike Lucien so much, you won't mind if he stays at my place, right?
17:01I don't mind.
17:04Ruby Vale.
17:06You've wanted to drive me away for a long time?
17:08I looked at the shirt under his foot.
17:10It cost $500.
17:12And I was still wearing a cheap hoodie.
17:15Lucien, weren't you the one who wanted to leave me?
17:17Yes.
17:18I want to leave you.
17:19I don't want to stay in this broken place for another minute!
17:21Stella quickly stepped closer.
17:23Lucien, don't worry.
17:25If you come home, I will give you the best of everything.
17:28But Lucien did not answer her.
17:30Only his tail slapped the floor again and again.
17:33After a long moment, he took two steps forward, then stopped.
17:36He looked back at me.
17:38I lowered my head and pretended not to see it.
17:41Lucien?
17:41Lucien moved again.
17:43But this time, he pushed Stella out the door.
17:45I don't want to stay here, but the shifter registrae ordered me to remain at Ruby Vale's place.
17:49I am not breaking rules for anyone.
17:52Stella, when I am listed again, you can come to the shifter registration for me.
17:56The front door shut tight.
17:57Stella's angry voice was cut off outside.
18:00Blaze watched Lucien's unmoving back.
18:02Then he leaned close to my ear.
18:04Ruby, let's go back to the room.
18:06It's late.
18:07We should sleep.
18:08My ear burned.
18:09It was a normal sentence, but somehow it sounded dangerous.
18:12Lucien suddenly turned around.
18:15You two are sleeping together in one bed?
18:17Blaze placed his arm over my shoulder.
18:20Yes.
18:21I sleep where Ruby lets me sleep.
18:24Sorry, Blus.
18:25When Lucien leaves, I'll clean out that room for you.
18:28For now, you might have to sleep on the floor.
18:31The weather is warm anyway.
18:33You are a wolf, so you should be...
18:35I turned around.
18:36Blaze was standing by the door.
18:37His ears were lowered.
18:38Ruby, did I do something wrong?
18:40I froze.
18:41No!
18:41You did nothing wrong!
18:44Then why are you putting distance between us?
18:46His voice was calm, but his tail had gone still.
18:49The small bedroom suddenly felt smaller.
18:51We only met today.
18:52I was afraid you wouldn't want to stay close to me.
18:55He stopped in front of me and lowered himself to one knee.
18:57I want to stay close to you.
18:59I want your scent on me.
19:01I want every shift to know I belong to you.
19:04My face burned.
19:05Blaze.
19:06He took my hand.
19:07His thumb brushed over my wrist.
19:09Ruby, I was trained to obey.
19:11But this is not training.
19:13This is me asking.
19:15Let me protect you.
19:16Let me be yours.
19:18My heart beat too fast.
19:19Lucien had never wanted to touch me.
19:21He once said being close to a low-born human made him sick.
19:24But Blaze lowered his head and kissed my palm.
19:26His lips were hot against my skin.
19:28I am not like the fox outside.
19:30I will not make you beg for affection.
19:32And I will not be ashamed of wanting you.
19:33I stepped back.
19:34Blaze caught my waist before I fell.
19:36He only looked at me.
19:37Tell me to stop, Ruby.
19:39My throat went dry.
19:40I should have said something.
19:41But I only held his shoulder.
19:43Then Blaze lowered his head and kissed me.
19:45Much later, when I could finally think again, I heard rain outside.
19:49No wonder the room felt so hot and damp.
19:51I reached out to turn off the door.
19:52But Blaze caught my wrist and pulled me back.
19:54I think someone is outside knocking on the door.
19:56I think someone is outside knocking on the door.
19:58Don't.
19:59The kiss at my neck stopped.
20:00Then Blaze lifted his head.
20:01Are you still thinking about him?
20:03I almost wanted to cry.
20:04No.
20:04His hand tightened around my waist.
20:06Then say who you want.
20:07The knocking outside stopped for a second.
20:09I want you.
20:10Outside the door, there was no sound.
20:12Then Blaze lowered his head again.
20:14Good.
20:15The light went out.
20:15The next morning, my whole body hurt when I got dressed.
20:18I complained silently.
20:19He really was like a dog.
20:21Blaze stood behind me and lowered his head to my neck.
20:24Ruby.
20:25Your scent is still on me.
20:28I want it there again tonight.
20:30My face burned.
20:31I opened the door.
20:32Stop it.
20:33I can barely walk.
20:34The moment I saw Lucian, my words stopped.
20:37His fingers dug into the leather armrest, leaving deep wrinkles behind.
20:41Ruby Veil, do you have no shame?
20:44Before I could speak, Blaze's hand landed on my waist.
20:47Fox, say one more word to her like that, and the registry will have nothing left to collect.
20:53Lucian's pupils thinned into lines.
20:55His fangs showed.
20:56Try me.
20:57The threat of two male beasts filled the small apartment.
21:00I reached back and held Blaze's wrist.
21:02Blast.
21:02Only then did he look at me.
21:04The killing intent in his eyes disappeared.
21:06Fine.
21:07I won't touch him unless you ask me to.
21:09I turned to Lucian.
21:11Move.
21:12Lucian did not move.
21:13Instead, he stood straighter in front of the door.
21:15Don't choose him.
21:16Didn't you like me?
21:17Whatever he can give you, I can give you too.
21:20Send him back now, and I can pretend nothing happened.
21:24Behind me, Blaze went still.
21:25I looked at Lucian's hand on the doorframe.
21:27His claws had come out.
21:28Lucian, you should be happy.
21:31You said being bought by me was bad luck.
21:34Now, I am letting you go.
21:36So why are you standing in my way?
21:39Blaze moved.
21:40Don't.
21:41Blaze stopped at once.
21:42Lucian's gaze fell to my wrist.
21:44There was a faint mark there.
21:45His face changed.
21:46He marked you.
21:47I pulled my hand back.
21:48That has nothing to do with you.
21:49Ruby, if I say I like you now, is it too late?
21:53Lucian had barely finished speaking, and Blaze moved.
21:56The next second, Lucian crashed into the wall.
21:58The whole apartment shook.
22:00Blaze grabbed him by the collar.
22:01You had a year.
22:02You used it to hurt her.
22:05Now you want to say you like her?
22:07He slammed Lucian down.
22:08Too late.
22:09Lucian coughed and tried to get up.
22:11Blaze off!
22:11His fist stopped inches from Lucian's face.
22:14I stepped forward and held his wrist.
22:15Stop.
22:16If you kill him, the registry will destroy you.
22:18Blaze's chest rose and fell.
22:20Blood stained his knuckles, but he lowered his hand.
22:22Lucian looked at me from the floor.
22:24Pain twisted his face.
22:25You still care about me?
22:26I care about keeping Bauman alive.
22:29His hope cracked.
22:31Ruby!
22:31Lucian pushed himself up against the wall.
22:33I don't need a clinic.
22:34I just need you to listen.
22:37We can still bond.
22:38You wanted rings, didn't you?
22:40We can go now.
22:41I looked past him at Lucian.
22:42Stella already promised to buy you.
22:44You won't be sent to the Red Lantern District,
22:46so stop pretending your fear is love.
22:48I'm not pretending.
22:50From the first day we met, I liked you.
22:52You were kind.
22:53You worked so hard.
22:54How could I not like you?
22:56I almost laughed.
22:57Then your love is ugly.
22:58It called me disgusting.
23:00It hurt me.
23:01Then it told me I deserved the wound.
23:03Lucian's face turned white.
23:04I spoke softly.
23:06Lucian, I don't need that kind of love.
23:08And I don't believe it is love at all.
23:10Stop lying to yourself.
23:12I held Blaze's hand.
23:14Let's go.
23:15I took Blaze straight to the clinic.
23:16It was the same nurse from last time.
23:18When she saw Blaze, her eyes filled with disgust.
23:21So this is your shifter.
23:23He hurt you three times in one month and never came with you.
23:26And now he gets hurt.
23:27But you have to bring him here?
23:30No.
23:31This is my replacement shifter.
23:32I'm sorry.
23:34Last time, I almost fainted from low blood sugar.
23:37Ruby caught me before I hit the floor.
23:39She took the fall for me.
23:40She is such a good girl.
23:42I thought you were the shifter who kept hurting her.
23:45Ruby.
23:46No one should have treated you like that.
23:48I was someone who could make peace with myself.
23:50When Lucian treated me badly, I told myself I was not good enough for him.
23:54So I worked harder.
23:55But I still felt sad.
23:56So I turned that sadness into something that made me stronger.
23:59I thought nothing in this world could touch me anymore.
24:02But Blaze suddenly said his heart hurt for me.
24:04He told me I was the person he liked most in the world.
24:07He saw me.
24:08A sour feeling rose in my chest.
24:10It filled my eyes.
24:11I had to lift my head.
24:13Focus on your treatment.
24:14So this was what it meant to survive the worst and finally meet something good.
24:18Maybe every painful step had only been leading me to Blaze.
24:22After that, Blaze and I ignored Lucian together.
24:24Blaze found a job at a warehouse near the lower district.
24:27I have hands and feet, Ruby, and I am not letting you carry this life alone.
24:32If we both work, our life will only get better.
24:35Only then did I understand.
24:36Life could be lived by two people together.
24:39Lucian stayed in the apartment every day.
24:41At first, he only sat on the sofa and watched us leave.
24:44Then he started doing strange things.
24:46One night, when Blaze and I came home, there was dinner on the table.
24:49The meat was burned, but I recognized the dishes.
24:52They were the same ones I had made for Lucian's birthday.
24:55The ones he had thrown into the trash.
24:57Lucian stood beside the table.
24:58I made dinner.
24:59I'm not hungry.
25:00The next morning, my old hoodie was folded on the chair.
25:03The one Lucian had once stepped on and Stella had laughed at.
25:06It had been washed clean.
25:08Lucian did not say anything.
25:09He only watched my face.
25:11I picked it up and put it into the laundry basket.
25:14That night, I saw him sitting on the floor.
25:16The torn calendar pieces were spread in front of him.
25:19He was trying to put the heart back together.
25:21The 20th of next month.
25:22Our old bonding date.
25:24Some pieces were missing.
25:25No matter how hard he tried, the heart would not become whole again.
25:29I looked at it for one second.
25:31Then I walked past him.
25:32The night before his return, Lucian finally stopped me at the entrance.
25:36Ruby, I know I was wrong.
25:39Why can't you forgive me once?
25:42I don't blame you.
25:45Then you forgive me?
25:47No.
25:49I just don't want you anymore.
25:51I can change.
25:52Tomorrow, we can send Valius back.
25:54I will bond with you.
25:55I will give you what you wanted.
25:57Valius will not leave.
25:59After the replacement is complete, everything will go back where it belongs.
26:02No, I loved you, but I hated that I loved a low-born human.
26:07So I made you beg, because when you bed, I could pretend I was still above you.
26:13I forgot that I was the defective one.
26:15He had not loved me.
26:17He loved standing above me.
26:19My stomach turned.
26:20Lucian reached for me in panic.
26:22Ruby.
26:22Don't touch me.
26:23Lucian, you did not love me.
26:26You used me to cover your shame, and now even your regret is about yourself.
26:30We are really over.
26:34The shifter registry staff came that afternoon.
26:37She placed a panel on the table.
26:39A blue contract seal lit up in the center.
26:42Miss Vale, once you sign this, Lucian Vacht will no longer be your registered shifter.
26:48The replacement will become permanent.
26:50Blaze stood beside me.
26:51He did not speak.
26:52Lucian sat in the bedroom.
26:53His eyes were empty as he stared at the ceiling.
26:56For a moment, I remembered the day I bought him.
26:58His nose was red.
27:00His eyes had been wet.
27:01He had looked at me like I was the only way out.
27:03I'm sorry.
27:04I will make sure I look better next time.
27:07You already look good now.
27:08Lucian had smiled with me.
27:10Where do I look good?
27:11That was one of the few times I had seen him smile.
27:14I remembered that one fang on the left side was a little longer.
27:17But memory was only memory.
27:19The Lucian from that day was gone.
27:21Lucian finally sat up.
27:22Robi!
27:23Don't sign it!
27:24Blaze's body went still beside me.
27:26I only looked at Lucian.
27:28You asked for freedom.
27:29I am giving it to you.
27:34Lucian Voss.
27:36Bonded status.
27:37Permanent replacement approved.
27:45I used to think this bed was uncomfortable.
27:48Only today did I realize.
27:50No one answered him.
27:51Then he stood up and followed the staff toward the door.
27:54His steps were slow.
27:56I never saw him again until he left.
27:58Blaze lowered his hand and brushed his knuckles against mine.
28:01Ruby, do you regret it?
28:04No.
28:05Blaze's fingers tightened around mine.
28:07But I don't want another contract built on pity.
28:10Good.
28:10I don't want your pity.
28:15I want your choice.
28:21A long time later, I heard about Lucian from the registry staff.
28:25Stella never bought him.
28:26When Stella found out Lucian could not produce an heir, she caused a scene at the registry
28:30that he had wasted her time.
28:31A defective fox had no right to act so proud!
28:34I was not surprised.
28:35Stella had never wanted Lucian.
28:37She had wanted a beautiful prize.
28:39And Lucian had wanted to believe he was still one.
28:43What happened to him?
28:44The staff was quiet for a moment.
28:46He got sick.
28:47Depression.
28:48He could barely speak to anyone.
28:50The bosses approved permanent retirement.
28:52Now he works at an orphanage.
28:54Children seem to calm him.
28:55After the call ended, I stood by the window for a while.
29:01Are you thinking about him?
29:04I was thinking that he finally has somewhere to go.
29:07Blaze said nothing, and I touched his face.
29:09I chose you, Blaze.
29:10Blaze caught my wrist.
29:12He turned his face and kissed my palm.
29:14I want your scent on me.
29:15I want my mark on you.
29:17My heart beat hard.
29:18Blaze.
29:19He lowered himself to one knee in front of me, like a king offering me his crown.
29:23Ruby, bond with me.
29:25I will spend the rest of my life making sure you never feel unwanted again.
29:32Yes.
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