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