- 9 hours ago
Hot🔥Too Late, My Rejected Mate🐺💔💔
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On the night of the full moon, I came to the blood moon altar, where the fate of the wolf
00:03langs would be decided.
00:04At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
00:07On one side was Kael, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years.
00:10On the other was Kael, the alpha cursed by the dark witch.
00:13My father, the lion king, looked at me solemnly.
00:16Selina, you are a noble lichen princess.
00:19No weather wolf alpha in this world is worthy of you.
00:24That is why you must choose a mate and support him as the next lichen king.
00:27My mother gripped my hand tightly.
00:29Tell us, who do you choose?
00:31After a moment of silence, I pointed to the dark, battered statue.
00:35I choose Kael.
00:37My father's face changed in shock.
00:39The witch's curse inside Kael can't be broken.
00:41He's nothing but a useless wolf.
00:43Why not choose Kael?
00:44You've loved him for 18 years.
00:46Exactly.
00:47As long as you bond with Kael, he can use your bloodline to become the strongest alpha in history.
00:52What an honor that would be.
00:53I ignored their pleas.
00:55All I could think of was my previous life.
00:57In that life, I had married beneath my status and chosen Kael at all costs, using my noble bloodline to
01:03push him onto the throne.
01:04But once he held power, he turned around and married his first love, an omega named Alara, then demoted me
01:10to a servant.
01:11To improve Alara's bloodline, Kael even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:16fed it to Alara.
01:17Alara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
01:20Sister, I'll enjoy your bloodline, your lover, and live happily ever after!
01:24Kael cut open my stomach while I was still alive, dug out our unborn child, and smashed it viciously onto
01:30the ground.
01:30Alara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
01:33Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
01:35Salema, the more I look at you, the more disgusting you are.
01:38As I lay dying, Kael, who had been locked in the dungeon, transformed on the night of the full moon,
01:43snapped his chains and killed Caleb and Alara.
01:45He kissed me with desperate tenderness, hoping to save me with his own life's blood.
01:50Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood flowed through Kael's veins.
01:54On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and become the strongest wolf alive.
01:58But I had lost too much blood.
02:00I still died on the blood moon altar.
02:02My thoughts returned to the present.
02:04Silently, I clenched my fists.
02:06Father, mother, my mind is made up.
02:08I will bond with Kael and help him become the next lichen king.
02:11Seeing my determination, my father finally relented with the issue of a harsh condition.
02:15You must drink the secrecy potion.
02:18You cannot reveal anything about breaking the engagement.
02:20And you must obey Caleb and everything.
02:21If you can last until the engagement banquet three days from now, I will break you.
02:25My heart ached.
02:26As the lichen princess, did I not even have the freedom to pursue my own marriage?
02:30With a bitter sigh, I took the potion from my father's hand and drank it.
02:33Just then, Caleb stormed into the blood moon altar and seized my hand.
02:37Selana, come out with me!
02:38Without another word, Caleb dragged me out of the blood moon altar.
02:43I was about to refuse.
02:44But the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart.
02:48It forced me to submit it to him.
02:50My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice.
02:54They did not stop Caleb's violence.
02:57They merely snorted coldly and turned away.
03:00Caleb dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
03:02When I looked up, I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
03:06She looked so proud, as if she were the lichen princess.
03:10The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her little mouth in
03:15feigned surprise.
03:17Oh, sister!
03:18How did you end up in such a state?
03:20Caleb be gentler with her.
03:22Caleb snorted.
03:24And slapped me to the floor.
03:27Selina, did you beg the lichen king to arrange a marriage between us again?
03:30His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
03:34Do you think that if you keep pestering me, I'll marry you sooner or later?
03:39Let me tell you something.
03:40You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met.
03:43Even if you knelt and begged me, I wouldn't spare you another glance.
03:46I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
03:51I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
03:53Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
03:55Please, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
03:58Without my affection, you can't even survive.
04:02Caleb, don't say that about sister.
04:05She only acts this way because she loves you too much.
04:08Her voice was soft enough to melt and her eyes reddened slightly.
04:11She truly looked like a considerate, gentle, young sister.
04:16You're too kind.
04:17That's your problem.
04:19Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you.
04:23Caleb patted Alina's hand, then turned to me.
04:25How about this?
04:26I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
04:29Caleb pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall.
04:31Selina, from now on the pure silver ice in your bedchamber, belongs to Alara.
04:36She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
04:39My breath stopped for an instant.
04:41The pure silver ice coffin was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
04:45What did it mean to give it away?
04:47It meant that the lowest omega had stepped onto the head of the Lyman princess.
04:52As for you...
04:53Caleb's lips curled into a smile full of malice.
04:57The pigsty on the west side of the palace is still empty.
05:00Starting tonight, you'll sleep there.
05:03The moment he said that, the nobles in the royal hall burst into laughter.
05:08How entertaining.
05:09The mighty Lycan princess, ordered by the man she loves to sleep in a pig-sit.
05:13Caleb clearly doesn't want her, yet she keeps throwing herself at him.
05:15She deserves it.
05:16She chased him for 18 years and ended up chased into a pig-sick.
05:19What a disgrace to the royal family.
05:21I lowered my head, my nails digging into my palm.
05:24I wanted to defend myself out loud.
05:26I did not love Caleb.
05:28I would rather marry the cursed Cale than have anything to do with Caleb.
05:31But the potion bound me tightly.
05:32The mere thought of resistance sent a pain through me that seemed to drill into my bones.
05:37Fine.
05:37I sighed.
05:38The pure silver ice-coffee can go to Alara.
05:40I'll sleep in the pigsty.
05:42Caleb froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
05:44He said to Alara over his shoulder,
05:46This is the kind of bitch she is.
05:47The harder you trample her, the more she clings to you.
05:49Alara lowered her head, the corner of her mouth lifting for the briefest instant.
05:52When she looked up again, her face was full of concern.
05:54Sister, the pig-shed is so dirty.
05:56How can you live there?
05:57She stole the man you love, and you're still worried about her.
05:59How can anyone in this world be as kind as you?
06:01He lowered his head and kissed Alara.
06:03It was not a light, fleeting kiss.
06:05It was deep and deliberately drawn out.
06:06Alara rose onto her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck.
06:09Her peach-blossom eyes looked past Caleb's neck, staring at me in blatant triumph.
06:12The main hall erupted with the noble's applause and cheer.
06:15If Selina were half as gentle as Alara, she wouldn't be despised this badly.
06:18Alara is soft, delicate, and so understanding.
06:20No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:21I turned my head away, unwilling to look.
06:24Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the side of the hall.
06:27It was a savage wild wolf.
06:29Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:31My face went pale with shock.
06:33An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away.
06:35I ran toward him.
06:36After all our years together, I thought he would at least reach out and block the attack.
06:40Caleb, save me!
06:41But before I could finish calling for help, his leg had already lifted.
06:43He kicked me hard in the side.
06:44Get away!
06:45My whole body flew sideways and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
06:48Squish!
06:49Blood poured out like a waterfall, flowing wildly without end.
06:52The wild wolf's sharp claws pierced through my right shoulder and pinned me to the cold stone floor.
06:56My mouth opened.
06:57I wanted to scream.
06:57But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face, no sound came out at all.
07:00At that moment, the guards finally rushed forward, and they cut the wolf down.
07:03When its claws were pulled from my shoulder, they dragged out a spray of blood.
07:05Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and looked at him.
07:09Were you trying to run toward me just now?
07:11Did you think I would save you?
07:12His fingers tightened.
07:13Selima, don't think too highly of yourself.
07:14I would rather save a lamb than save you.
07:17My lips had gone white from pain, but I could not say a single word.
07:20Alara was still standing there, both hands covering her mouth.
07:22That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:24What a shame.
07:25She actually survived.
07:26Caleb snored.
07:27My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once felt for Caleb
07:31me.
07:31I never imagined he wanted me dead, or that he would shove me toward the blade himself.
07:34Alara lifted her head from Caleb's arms.
07:36Caleb, you're so good to me.
07:38Will sister be angry?
07:39Selona is a hopeless lovesick through and through.
07:41She's loved me for 18 years so much that she doesn't even know what dignity is.
07:43No matter whether I hit her, curse her, make her sleep in a pig head, or even kick her under
07:46a wolf's claws, she'll forgive me unconditionally.
07:48Then she'll crawl back like a dog and kneel to lick my feet.
07:51Alara lowered her lashes and sighed softly.
07:53Sister is so pitiful.
07:54But after saying that, when she turned her head to look at me, her lips moved in a low murmur.
07:58What a useless wild wolf.
08:00It couldn't even kill Selene.
08:02Then she looked away and said gently to Caleb,
08:03Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
08:05Treat her?
08:06Does she deserve that?
08:07Caleb, someone, throw her into the pig bed.
08:09Rotting mud in the pig shed swallowed my ankles.
08:12Two black pigs shoved their snouts toward me, snuffing as they sniffed the blood on my legs.
08:16I backed away until my spine hit the fence.
08:18The guards watching me tilted their heads, obscene smiles hanging from their mouths.
08:22Lion princess, the pig shed must be rough.
08:25Why not come enjoy yourself in my bed instead?
08:27Another guard picked up a wooden stick, shoved it through the gaps in the fence, and jebbed my hip.
08:31Oh, still pretending to be noble?
08:33You filthy whore.
08:34You're worse than a sow.
08:36The guard thrust the stick again, harder this time, striking the wound on my shoulder.
08:40My vision went black, and I collapsed to my knees in the mud.
08:43The black pigs, excited by the scent of blood, surged forward restlessly.
08:46Their snorting swallowed me whole.
08:48With tongues cocked and filthy, they licked at my face.
08:50Just then, someone kicked the gate open.
08:52I turned my head.
08:53Caleb stood in the doorway.
08:54Moonlight fell from behind him, casting a long black shadow across the ground.
08:58He looked at me kneeling in the mud, then at the two guards.
09:01Who did this to me?
09:02The smiles froze on the guards' faces.
09:04Lord Caleb, we were only...
09:06Get out.
09:07The guards scrambled away.
09:08My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:11Had he remembered how deeply I had loved him for 18 long years?
09:15Caleb walked toward me.
09:17He bent down, seized my wrist, and dragged me out of the mud, his voice low.
09:19Lara was frightened.
09:20She's a mania to begin with.
09:22And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even a mania.
09:24He released my wrist.
09:25I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:28Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
09:30His expression changed.
09:33You have noble Lyman blood.
09:35Perfect.
09:37Give your blood to her.
09:38My heart stopped for a beat.
09:4118 years.
09:43I had loved Caleb for a full 18 years, yet he had never once truly looked at me.
09:48But Alara?
09:49He held her in his palms as if afraid she would fall, kept her in his mouth as if afraid
09:53she
09:53would melt.
09:54For the slightest discomfort, Caleb could generously order me to give her my blood.
09:57What am I to you?
09:58A piece of trash.
09:59You can summon and dismiss it, Will.
10:00I was completely disheartened.
10:02I no longer had even the strength to resist as Caleb dragged me into a side hall.
10:05He tied my arm firmly to the arm press of a chair.
10:08A thin silver tube pierced my vein.
10:10Blood flowed down the tube, drop by drop, into a porcelain basin.
10:13Caleb bent down and spoke against my ear.
10:15Don't move.
10:15If the blood doesn't flow fast enough, I'll stab me a few more times.
10:18On the other side, Alara lay half-reclined on a soft couch.
10:21She watched my blood drip away, something bright gleaming in her pupils.
10:24Sister, it must hurt so much, doesn't it?
10:26Her voice was light and trembling.
10:28It's all my useless body's fault.
10:30If I could, I really wouldn't want to use your blood.
10:32Caleb went to the couch and gathered Alara's hand into his palm.
10:35You really are too kind.
10:36Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered a few words into Caleb's ear.
10:39The lichen king wants me to fight.
10:41Caleb frowned slightly.
10:42He took two steps toward the door, then looked back at me.
10:44Stay put.
10:45Don't try anything.
10:47The moment the door closed, Alara suddenly sat up from the couch.
10:49My heart lurched.
10:50Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:52Alara walked up to me, bent down, dipped a finger into the blood in the porcelain basin,
10:56and brought it to her nose.
10:57Wow, so this is the scent of lichen blood.
10:59Delicious.
10:59Weakly, I said,
11:00You walked.
11:01Alara giggled.
11:03You didn't really think I was anemic, did you?
11:05I'll tell you the truth.
11:06I was pretending.
11:07My pupil shrunk.
11:08What I want is your bloodline.
11:10As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body, I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14I'll be too paused.
11:15Something even nobler than me.
11:17It felt as if an invisible hand had clenched around my heart.
11:19She did not just want my blood.
11:20She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:23Caleb walked in.
11:25Alina's body stint.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:29Everything about Alana is fake.
11:31Alara's face went white.
11:32She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling twice.
11:35Caleb, I didn't mean to lie to you.
11:37Tears instantly filled her eyes.
11:39I just envy sister so much.
11:42She was born the noble lichen princess while I have nothing.
11:45To everyone's surprise,
11:46Caleb walked to Alara's side and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
11:49You really are something.
11:50If you wanted her blood, you should have just said so.
11:52Why go through such a long act?
11:53Alara froze, then buried her face in his chest.
11:56I was afraid you'd be angry.
11:57Angry?
11:58Caleb laughed.
11:59He turned his head to look at me.
12:01Using this bitch's blood to improve your bloodline is her honor.
12:03If it would make you happy, I'd drain her into a dried wolf course.
12:06Alara lifted tearful eyes and tugged lightly at his lapel.
12:09I only thought, if sister's blood flowed inside me, then when I loved you, it would be as if both
12:15of us were loving you together.
12:16Caleb lowered his head and kissed the top of her hair.
12:18Silly girl.
12:19You're the only one I love.
12:21I watched them kiss in front of me.
12:23Lips pressed to lips.
12:25Shadows overlapping.
12:26My blood was still flowing out.
12:29Yet neither of them looked at me once.
12:31Sister's blood seems to be flowing a little slowly.
12:34Caleb walked over, raised his hand, and slapped me across the face.
12:38The corner of my mouth split open.
12:40Fresh blood streamed down from my lips.
12:42There.
12:43Isn't there more blood now?
12:46He slapped me again.
12:48Then a third time.
12:49A fourth.
12:51Every blow landed with full force.
12:54Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:56Come here.
12:57You try.
12:58Alara walked over timidly, shaking her head.
13:01I don't dare.
13:02Caleb gripped her hand, guided her wrist, and brought her palm down across my face.
13:06One slap.
13:07Then another.
13:08My face swelled, and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
13:11Alara said softly,
13:13Caleb, sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snotted.
13:16Selina, I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:19Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:20I agree.
13:22But you can only be a breeder.
13:24Alara is my only Luna.
13:26He released her hand.
13:27Also, I need you to draft a treaty.
13:29The West Coast Wolf Clan will give two-thirds of its territory to us on the East Coast.
13:33He straightened and looked down at me.
13:35Sign it, and I'll marry you.
13:37If you don't...
13:38He turned and wrapped an arm around Alara's waist.
13:40I'll kill you.
13:41Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses.
13:47Two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:49A permanent submission treaty.
13:51Renouncing my right as heir, my fingers trembled.
13:54This was practically a treaty of surrender and humiliation.
13:57No, I could not sign it.
13:59Caleb's eyes darkened.
14:01He lifted his foot and stepped on the back of my neck, forcing my head hard contoured the floor.
14:05You won't sign?
14:06He crouched, grabbed my hair, and wrenched my face upward.
14:09Then I'll record how humiliated you look.
14:11He took a recording crystal from his waist and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you, the noble lichen princess of the West Coast, kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:19The recording crystal flashed red.
14:21My wretched state.
14:22My blood.
14:23My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
14:25All of it was captured inside that tiny stone.
14:28Tell me, if I spread the contents of this crystal throughout the entire Wolf Clan, where will the lichen came
14:32from his face?
14:33A cup of sweetness surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb, must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense.
14:38Sign.
14:38He brutally pressed my hand down, stained it with my own blood, and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
14:43I struggled desperately, but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:47Wait.
14:48Add another clause.
14:49After you marry her, please call her space to allow her every morning and evening.
14:51On your knees.
14:52She sits, you kneel.
14:53She drinks tea, you serve it.
14:54Tears of humiliation filled my eyes.
14:56Add another.
14:57He said, tilting his head as he thought.
14:58If we have a child, your own flesh and blood must call her Laura mother.
15:01As for you, you're only fit to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory.
15:05Dignity.
15:06Forcing bloodline.
15:07Descendants.
15:07Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:09At last, he's finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the porch, read it from start to finish, and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto my head.
15:17Wear this to the engagement banker tomorrow.
15:18It was the cross-linen garment of a lowly laborer.
15:21The cuffs were worn ragged, and the collar was stained with blackened grease.
15:23Come wearing it.
15:24Let everyone see how lowly the noble lion princess is before me, Caleb.
15:28The royal hall was brightly lit the next day, and music drifted through the air.
15:32Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast gathered together, the clink of wine bales rising and falling.
15:37Everyone turned to look.
15:38Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
15:40First they froze.
15:41Then laughter exploded.
15:43The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet dressed like a slave.
15:47Isn't she ashamed?
15:48I think she did it on purpose, pretending to be pitiful, trying to win sympathy so Caleb will change his
15:52mind.
15:53What a cheap trick.
15:54Who would fall for that?
15:55I lowered my head, unable to stop myself from quietly sobbing.
15:58I had tried to resist, but the moment that thought appeared, the potion turned into thousands of needles stabbing viciously
16:03into my heart.
16:04It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then, a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:09Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:10He wore the silver-gray formal attire of the east coast, his cape trailing across the floor.
16:15Alara held his arms in a moon-white glass gazon, pearls pimmed at her temples.
16:19Caleb is here.
16:20The nobles parted to make way for them.
16:22Caleb walked up to me and looked me up and down.
16:25Then he suddenly laughed.
16:28I told you to wear slave clothes, and you wore them.
16:30I told you to sign the treaty, and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pygdist, and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
16:37Do you see this?
16:38This is the lichen princess.
16:39She does whatever I say.
16:41More obedient than a dog.
16:43Hit her, curse her, humiliate her.
16:45And all she knows how to do is wag her tail.
16:47Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve, her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb, sister can't really still want to marry you, can she?
16:55Caleb pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
16:58A sinister smile on his lips.
16:59She loves me so much, of course she still wants to marry me.
17:02But don't worry.
17:03I have a plan.
17:04Once I get real power over the west coast,
17:06I'll divorce her immediately and marry you in full glory.
17:09No matter how I treat her, she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
17:14All right.
17:15Then I'll wait for you to marry me in full glory.
17:18Caleb kissed her.
17:19Then, seeing my desolate expression, he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:22He took the recording crystal from his chest and raised it high.
17:25Oh, right.
17:26Let me show everyone something interesting.
17:28The crystal lit up.
17:29In the image, I knelt on the ground, my face covered in blood, my head forced down as I signed
17:33the treaty.
17:34The nobles laughed even louder.
17:36That's too miserable.
17:37The mighty lichen princess bullied to this extent.
17:40What a bone-deep humiliation.
17:41Laughter surged from all directions, drowning me.
17:44At that moment, a hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
17:46I turned my head.
17:47It was my father, the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
17:49He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene, even now, do you still intend to marry Kale and give up Caleb?
17:55Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face, at the swollen corner of my mouth, and at the bruises on my wrist from
18:01the silver tube.
18:02You would rather endure so much suffering than marry Caleb.
18:05It seems your mind truly is made up.
18:07Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:08My tears fell beyond my control.
18:10My father turned and walked step by step towards the platform at the center of the main hall.
18:15Caleb was still holding up the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:18Everyone, tonight's engagement banquet was originally meant to announce the betrothal between my daughter Selene and the East Coast Alpha
18:24Caleb.
18:25He paused.
18:26However, at my daughter's firm request, I now formally announce, in my capacity as Lycan king, Selene will marry another
18:32Alpha, Caleb.
18:34Caleb froze where he stood.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:38Caleb stood stunned.
18:40He looked at my father, then at me, and suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
18:43Lycan king, please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me for 18 years.
18:47For my sake, she was even willing to sleep in a pig hole.
18:49How could she possibly marry a useless wolf?
18:51He turned and walked toward me, his tone still full of condescending charity.
18:55Selene, I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me on purpose, aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake in public now, I can still treat you well like before.
19:03I looked quietly at his arrogant face.
19:05Take your Omega and get out of my sight.
19:07I let out a long breath of relief.
19:09The secrecy potion had worn off.
19:11At last, I could say what I wanted to say.
19:13The smile on Caleb's face finally collapsed.
19:15Fine, fine. You don't know what's good for you, do you?
19:17He suddenly took the unequal treaty from his chest and raised it toward my father.
19:21Lyon king, Selene has already signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not marry me today, two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed under D'Address has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
19:32Caleb had not expected my father, who had always been cold, to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No! Selene must marry me!
19:39He released the pressure of an East Coast Alpha, transformed into a giant wolf, and lunged, reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand was about to touch me, the clouds in the sky broke apart, and a blood-red
19:49full moon hung overhead.
19:50In the corner, Kale, who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time, suddenly let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted from his eyes.
19:55With a deafening crack, the thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
19:58A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instance, Kale transformed into an ancient lycan.
20:03He brought one claw down hard, and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood again and again, unable to move.
20:09The nobles all retreated in terror.
20:11Caleb's eyes were full of unwillingness and fear.
20:14Knowing he was no match for Kale, he could only flee the hall in humiliation with the screaming Alotta.
20:19Kale, you useless wolf! Don't get cocky!
20:21I'll take Selene back!
20:22I walked onto the high corridor, and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped back to their residence, when they ran straight into a group of loyal guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly throwing, box after box of their belongings into the mud.
20:33Alara froze, then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
20:36My jewels! My gown! How dare you touch my things!
20:40The guard captain said coldly,
20:42This is the Lyman King's order.
20:43Caleb linched his fists and gritted his teeth.
20:45It must be Selene! She must have spoken ill of us to the Lycan King!
20:48Alara turned back, clutching Caleb's arm tightly as tears of grievance streamed down her face.
20:52Caleb, is sister still holding a grudge against me?
20:53I can give up anything, but you gave me all these things!
20:56Caleb looked at the mess on the ground and pulled Alara into his arms in distress.
21:00Don't cry. This is just Selene playing hard to get.
21:02He deliberately raised his voice and hussed with absolute confidence.
21:04She thinks that if she takes everything back, I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much. Without me, she can't survive.
21:09Looking at his self-ephorious face, I found him utterly laughable.
21:12Why did he think I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom, and now, I also had Kale who was willing to protect me.
21:18I did not want to look at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned to the hall.
21:24Yet, three hours later, the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor to report to me.
21:30Lycan princess, Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace and demand an explanation for you.
21:38I snorted coldly.
21:40You let him in?
21:41The guard captain said respectfully.
21:43It seems he lost his privileged J token during the fight.
21:46We stopped him outside the gate.
21:48If he has no token, then tell him to get lost.
21:50I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard.
21:52Beside a stone table, I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Kale, who had returned to human form.
21:55Kale had just broken through the witch's curse, and his face was still somewhat pale.
21:59But every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose, he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us, and draped it gently understanding.
22:06I lifted my head and smiled at him.
22:08There were no unnecessary words between us, yet we shared an understanding as if our souls resonated.
22:13Just then, rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw Caleb being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates, by two fully armed royal guards.
22:21How dare you? I need to help but you guys don't make it!
22:23The guard captain answered coldly.
22:24Without the life and princess's privilege, J token, no one may enter.
22:27Caleb insisted on forcing his way in.
22:29But the guards shoved him back without mercy, making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state, my face held no expression.
22:35He should finally realize that without my protection, he could not take a single step on the west coast.
22:40Caleb knew he could not force his way through the palace gates.
22:43He could only run to one corner of the gate and stare through the iron bars at me in the
22:46courtyard.
22:46When he saw Kale papaling a cloak over me, and saw me smiling at Kale, the muscles in his face
22:51twitched out of control.
22:52For eighteen years, I had only ever had eyes for him.
22:54I had never smiled that way at another man.
22:56He gripped the iron bars hard, his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me.
23:00Selene, come out here!
23:01I am your fated mate!
23:02At the sound of his voice, the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head, my gaze resting on Caleb's flushed face for one second.
23:09There was no anger in my eyes, nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were looking at a patch of empty air.
23:13Drag him away.
23:14I ordered coldly.
23:15The guard stepped forward.
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Caleb roared in fury.
23:18He punched two guards to the ground and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
23:23Selene!
23:24Why are you pretending to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down his game piece and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant, he transformed into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying pressure erupted, crushing Kale in place.
23:40Caleb's bones cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not defeat Kale, he could only retreat in humiliation and snar through gritted teeth.
23:46Fine!
23:47Selene, don't regret this.
23:48Even if you come kneeling to beg me, I won't look at you again.
23:51A few days later, my personal lady-in-waiting entered angrily with a bright red invitation.
23:55Lycan princess, Caleb has gone mad!
23:57He has publicly announced to the whole clan that he is marrying Elera,
24:00and he tells everyone that once you see the invitation, you'll break down,
24:03admit your mistake, and cry as you beg him to change his mind.
24:06I did not even look at the invitation.
24:08I lifted my teacup and took a sip.
24:10Let him.
24:11Without West Coast royal funding, what would he use to hold a respectable wedding?
24:15And he still thought I would apologize to him?
24:17Did he truly think I still loved him?
24:20That afternoon, with maids accompanying me,
24:21I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass the most luxurious tailor shop in the city.
24:26I had just reached the opposite side of the shop when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
24:29You dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
24:31It scratches my skin!
24:32Can you afford to pay for it, you lowly dog?
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment, Caleb, who had just returned from buying mutton, froze at the shop entrance.
24:38Elera turned her head.
24:39When she met Caleb's shocked gaze, her face instantly went deathly pale.
24:42She had never expected Caleb to witness her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes, meanwhile, were full of suspicion and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate Elera he praised to everyone as someone who would shed tears even over stepping on an
24:51ant?
24:51Elera immediately squeezed out tears and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
24:55Caleb, this tailor pricked me on purpose with a needle.
24:57It hurt so much that I lost control of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me, all right?
25:01Caleb stiffly patted her back, his voice dry.
25:04It's fine.
25:05I don't blame you.
25:06But the seed of doubt had already been planted deep in Caleb's heart.
25:09Watching from the corner, I suddenly came up with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain carry a brocade box and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb, Lion Princess Selina has sent you a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name, Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
25:22He eagerly took the brocade box, the corners of his mouth rising beyond his control.
25:27I knew it. She really couldn't hold back after all. She's finally bowing to me.
25:32I watched Caleb's arrogance with cold eyes.
25:35Full of expectation, he opened the brocade box, seeming certain that inside would be a tear-stained apology letter.
25:41Only a wooden sword snapped cleanly in half.
25:44It was the first token of affection young Caleb had given me one summer ten years ago.
25:48Back then, he had patted his chest and said,
25:51Selina, if anyone bullies you from now on, I'll protect you with this sword.
25:54I had once treasured that wooden sword as if it were my life,
25:57but now I had broken it and returned it to him as a wedding gift.
26:01I saw clearly how Caleb's hand trembled uncontrollably around the broken sword.
26:05His face, which had been wild with joy, turned deathly white.
26:08No, this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped the broken sword tightly, his lips shaking.
26:14How could she bear to break it?
26:16She must be trying to make me angry, right?
26:18Selina, come out!
26:20I know you're nearby! Come out!
26:22He suddenly lifted his head, looking around the street in panic like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless, I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:33Three days later, on the day of the wedding, without West Coast support,
26:36the East Coast Chapel was decorated in an extremely shabby manner.
26:39Caleb stood at the altar, his face pale and his eyes hollow.
26:42Again and again, he looked toward the chapel's tightly shut doors.
26:45The guests below whispered among themselves.
26:47Beside him, Alara saw his distraction and immediately grew angry.
26:52Caleb, everyone is watching us. Today is our happy day. Can you focus on me?
26:57But Caleb pulled his hand away irritably and murmured like a lost soul.
27:01She can't really not come, can she? She clearly loves me so much.
27:06How could she watch me marry someone else with her own eyes?
27:09His mind was full of me. He did not look at Alana at all.
27:11Alara clenched her fists in resentment, so jealous she was nearly going mad.
27:16Just as the priest frowned and prepared to read the vows, the Master of Ceremony outside announced loudly,
27:20Lycon Princess and Lord Kale have arrived.
27:23The heavy doors were pushed open.
27:25Wearing a noble black formal dress, I held Kale's arm and walked calmly into the chapel.
27:30The moment Caleb saw me, his dead eyes instantly lit up.
27:33Selina, you came.
27:35His voice trembled with excitement. He flung Alara's arm away and came down from the altar to greet me.
27:40But I did not spare him a single extra glance.
27:42I walked straight to the front row of guest seats and sat down elegantly.
27:46I'm not here to steal the groom. Continue your wedding. Don't mind me.
27:49Caleb froze where he stood. He grinned his teeth, still stubbornly staring at me.
27:53Don't regret this.
27:55The priest cleared his throat and began reading the lengthy vows.
27:58Lord Kale, whether in poverty or wealth, are you willing to take Alara as your wife?
28:02I...
28:03Caleb drew out the word. His gaze was locked firmly on me, as if saying,
28:06Selina, if you stand up and stop me now, I'll cancel the wedding at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly lifted the red tea and turned my head to speak softly to Kale.
28:14Kale, has the West Coast border defense map been checked?
28:16Kale brushed a fallen leaf from my shoulder, his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference, Caleb's face instantly turned ashen.
28:23Alara stood beside him, gritting her teeth as she urged in a low voice,
28:26If Caleb, everyone is waiting for your vow. If not for me, then for our child.
28:30Caleb froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:31Alara showed a shy smile and nodded.
28:34Of course. Your own flesh and blood.
28:37Caleb sighed and nodded.
28:38All right. Since you're carrying my child, I should indeed give you a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:44I do.
28:45Just then, the chapel's enormous stained glass window shattered with a crash,
28:49and more than a dozen rogue werewolves with blood-red eyes rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly fell into chaos.
28:56Nobles screamed and fled in every direction.
28:58This group of rogue werewolves had an extremely clear target.
29:30They did not even look at the bride and grew on the altar.
29:31Get off! Alara, let go! Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard to prow Alina's hands away, but Alina clung to him like an octopus, her cries piercing.
29:39You're not allowed to go! I am your bride!
29:43Because of that one-second delay, the strongest rogue willwolf had already rushed in front of me.
29:49He raised a curved blade coated in green poison and slashed viciously towards my back.
29:54Caleb screamed in despair.
29:56No!
29:59At the critical moment, Kale snutted coldly. His tall body instantly blocked me.
30:03He did not even transform into wolf form. He merely lifted one hand, and with a crisp clang, caught the
30:08descending poisoned blade barehanded.
30:10Under the terrified gaze of the rogue werewolf, Kale turned his wrist, and the curved blade forged of fine steel
30:15shattered inch by inch.
30:16You're caught in death.
30:17The terrifying pressure of an ancient wolf king erupted instantly, and cracks spread across the chapel floor.
30:22Within a few moves, those vicious assassins did not even have room to resist before their limbs were broken and
30:26they were hurled miserably to the ground.
30:27From beginning to end, Kale shielded me completely behind him. Not even a strand of my hair was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Caleb finally push Alara away, and stumble over with his sword in hand.
30:37He foes two steps away.
30:40Kale was kneeling on one knee before me, checking with extreme care whether I had been frightened.
30:45The hand Caleb used to hold his sword dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be the hero who protected me, but only now did he realize he had already lost
30:52both the right and the strength to protect me.
30:54The royal guards quickly rushed into the chapel and restrained all the badly injured assassins.
30:58Kale stood and coldly opened the assassin leader's clothes, pulling a blood-stained piece of parchment from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it, and my gaze instantly turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alara, who was trembling on the steps, and it was drawn with ink, specially supplied to the
31:18East Coast royal family.
31:19All eyes in the hall snapped onto Alara.
31:22Is there a traitor in the East Coast?
31:25Facing everyone's suspicion, Alota's face went deathly pale.
31:28She shook her head desperately as she backed away.
31:30It wasn't me, I didn't Caleb believe me, I really didn't.
31:32Seeing the guards with blades in hand, Alota used her best trick.
31:35Her eyes rolled back, and she let out a string cry.
31:37Ugh, my heart, my anemagia's acting up again.
31:40Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
31:41She collapsed with perfect accuracy toward Caleb's arms.
31:44Caleb's brows knitted.
31:45Instinctively, he reached out to catch her.
31:46Step aside.
31:47An aged yet majestic voice rang out.
31:49The high-ranking witch doctor accompanying us strode forward and seized Elena's wrist.
31:52Alara panicked and tried to pull her hand back.
31:54Don't touch me, Caleb!
31:56Blue investigative magic glowed in the witch doctor's palm.
31:58After only a few seconds, she stood with a cold laugh and announced to everyone present.
32:01This omega has no trace of any blood disease in her body.
32:04Her vitality is stronger than that of a bison.
32:06Caleb went rigid, his eyes widening in disbelief.
32:08You're lying!
32:09She clearly fainted from anemia before.
32:12She even needed Selene's blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:14That was a false weakness created by black magic herbs.
32:17Not only that, the witch doctor looked at Alaina on the floor with contempt.
32:21She is not pregnant at all.
32:24What did you say?
32:25Caleb looked as if he had been struck by lightning.
32:27He stumbled half a step back.
32:29Just then, the assassin leader pinned to the ground, spat out a mouthful of bloody Sava, and glared viciously at
32:34Alaina.
32:34It was this bitch.
32:35She gave us the defense map and told us to kill the Lycan princess in the chaos.
32:38She said once it was done, she'd give us half of the West Coast territory.
32:42With irrefutable evidence before everyone, Alara's disguise was completely torn apart.
32:46No!
32:47This isn't true!
32:48Caleb looked at Alara with bloodshot eyes, his voice trembling.
32:51So you've been lying to me all along?
32:53The anemia was fake and the pregnancy was fake too?
32:57Alara knew she had nowhere left to retreat.
32:59She broke down instantly and crawled to Caleb's feet, clenching his leg as tears and snot covered her face.
33:04Caleb! Listen to me! I was forced! They threatened me!
33:07She begged frantically like a pitiful worm, not a strice remaining of her former delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much! Protect me with your East Coast privileges like you used to, alright?
33:16Looking at the ugly woman before him, Caleb felt his stomach churn with disgust.
33:20He kicked Alarka away and stared at her with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate first love for whom he had given up everything and even broken with the West Coast.
33:28For this lying bitch, he had forced me to sleep in a pigsty.
33:32For this vicious woman who had never been ill, he had forced me to bleed.
33:35Each truth that came too late filled Caleb with unbearable regret.
33:39What kind of person had he lost? Someone who had loved him so deeply.
33:43With a thud, Caleb's legs gave out and he collapsed heavily to his knees in the ruins.
33:48His face streamed with tears. As he turned and crawled toward me, his eyes read.
33:54Selina, I'm sorry. I was blind! I was a fool! I was wrong! Please forgive me!
34:01Faced with Caleb's repentance, I had no interest in even stopping.
34:05Calmly, I looked away, took a clean silk handkerchief from my sleeve, and pulled Kale's hand toward me.
34:12Did it hurt when you crushed that poisoned blade?
34:15No. As long as you're unharmed, that's all that matters.
34:18Let's go. It's too filthy here.
34:22I, Kali, dropped the package beside Caleb's hand, linked arms with Kale, and walked straight out of the chapel.
34:29Caleb froze where he was. At last, he understood. I was no longer willing to give him even hatred.
34:34He knelt there, watching helplessly as Kale and I left side by side, his nose stinging.
34:39What will it take? What will it take for you to forgive me?
34:43Just then, a messenger covered in blood stumbled into the hall.
34:47Report! Rogue werewolves are invading on a massive scale! The West Coast defense line is in critical danger!
34:53Caleb suddenly lifted his head, a crazed light flashing in his eyes.
34:56War. War has come! As long as I earn great merit on the battlefield, as long as I prove my
35:03worth, Selina will surely look at me again.
35:06The rogue werewolves invaded on a massive scale, and the flames of war spread quickly.
35:10Kale volunteered to command the armies, going from former useless wolf to present ancient wolf king, and led the troops
35:17out to suppress the rebelt.
35:18As for Caleb, because of his blindness, foolishness, and sheltering of a traitor, he had been stripped of all status
35:24and reduced completely to a commoner.
35:26He could have hidden in the rear and clung to life, but in order to stir even the slightest ripple
35:30in my heart,
35:31he concealed his name and voluntarily joined the suicide squad with the highest death rate, becoming the lowest-ranking footser.
35:37On the day the army set out, I stood personally atop the high city wall to see Kale off.
35:41Below the wall, the army stood in solemn formation.
35:44Kale sat on his warhorse, and looked up at me with deep affection before the entire army.
35:48I placed a wolf-toothed amulet for protection around Kale's neck with my own hands, then bent down and gently
35:55kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your triumphant return.
35:59Kale's eyes burned hot. In front of everyone, he kissed the back of my hand.
36:06For you, I will bring victory.
36:09And down in the muddy infantry ranks, Kale, dressed in coarse linen, stared fimmously at the scene.
36:14Watching me give another man my favor, jealousy and regret twisted together in his heart.
36:18Once, that place had been his. That amulet had once been prepared for him. He bit hard enough to split
36:23his lip.
36:23Zaline, I'll prove to you that I'm stronger than Kale.
36:29I'm the alpha worthy of you.
36:31He swore it silently in his heart, then stepped onto the battlefield without looking back.
36:35Battle reports from the front lines were sent back to the capital every day.
36:38On the battlefield, Kale planned and commanded with brilliant strategy.
36:41Not only was he not dragged down by the witch's curse, he displayed the bearing of an unparalleled general.
36:45He won every battle and became the hero admired by the entire army.
36:48Kale, meanwhile, fought in the lowest trenches, like a beast that did not care whether it lived or died.
36:54He deliberately refused to wear heavy armor, allowing enemy blades to leave hideous wounds across his body.
37:00Every time he was injured, every time he bled, he felt he was paying back the debt for once draining
37:05my blood.
37:06He felt he was easing the guilt in his heart.
37:07He fought desperately for merit, charging forward like a madman and cutting down countless enemy heads,
37:12only hoping that his name might appear once in the military reports and be seen by me.
37:15But he did not know that when I read the reports, my gaze only stopped on Kale's name.
37:20I did not care which common soldier had earned credit.
37:23During an especially brutal breakout battle, the rogue werewolf army surrounded the suicide squad,
37:28a military banner representing the West Coast royal family was about to be cut down.
37:33That was my territory.
37:36My banner!
37:38Caleb's eyes went red as he roared and threw himself forward.
37:43No one touches Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body to shield the flagpole, refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish!
37:51An enemy spear ruthlessly pierced through the soldier's abdomen.
37:55He vomited a mouthful of blood, but his hands still clung tightly to the banner,
38:00as he collapsed heavily into a pool of blood.
38:04The dark, damp woundager's camp was filled with the thick smell of blood and screams of pain.
38:08Caleb's injuries were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced through his abdomen, and his high fever would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat, barely breathing.
38:14In the extreme agony between dreams and waking, he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return to that summer ten years ago.
38:20A little version of me followed behind him, eyes full of worship, as I called him Brother Caleb,
38:24blushing while I handed him that wooden sword.
38:26Brother Caleb, will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:32I'll protect you for the rest of your life.
38:35But the scene shifted.
38:36It became me locked inside the reeking pig pet, my face covered in blood,
38:39looking at him in despair as he married Alara.
38:42No, don't look at me like that.
38:43In his coma, tears of pain streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly at empty air as he murmured in a broken, miserable voice.
38:49It's lean.
38:49I was wrong.
38:50Please, don't go.
38:51But in the illusion, I pulled my hand away coldly, and turned away without hesitation.
38:56Just as he was drowning in unbearable pain, in reality, he suddenly felt a pair of cooled hands touch his
39:02forehead.
39:03Then a bottle of high-grade royal potion with a faint fragrance was placed in his hand.
39:07This familiar scent belonged only to potions the royal family was qualified to use.
39:11Caleb's whole body jolted.
39:14It's hard as you can see.
39:18Summoning all his strength, he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes in wild joy, a smile of attestation already lifting the corner of his mouth.
39:25But when he saw the person before him clearly, he felt as if he had fallen to an ice-caller.
39:29The person standing by his bed was not me at all, but an old logistics medic with a face full
39:32of wrinkles.
39:32Young man, you're awake. Tough life you've got. A spear went clean through you. You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic pulled the stopper from the potion bottle and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink. This was personally ordered by Commander Kale.
39:42In recognition of your suicide squad's merit in protecting the banner, every severely injured member has been given a royal
39:47potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily at the potion bottle. His fingers tightened inch by inch, his knuckles turning white.
39:52So it was not for him.
39:54So he was only the most insignificant one among tens of thousands of wounded soldiers.
39:58He had risked his life to prove himself and repay his debt.
40:01But in the end, the harm he had done me, the feelings he had for me, did not even qualify
40:05him to be hated by me anymore.
40:06I had completely treated as an unrelated stranger, a piece of air that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched the potion bottle tightly, tears falling in heavy drops onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly, he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me. So being ignored is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later, the rebellion of the rogue werewolves was completely pacified, and the border welcomed a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned in triumph.
40:32The gates of the capital opened wide, and citizens lined the streets, cheering as they welcomed home the hero who
40:38had saved the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile, on the execution ground, on the other side of the city, Alara, who had served as an insider for
40:43the rogue werewolves, was finally facing her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge of the crowd, a man with a crippled leg and a body covered in mud staggered
40:50forward.
40:50He wore ragged linen. His appearance withered, his vacant gaze fixed on the cross.
40:54A rough rope was looped around Alara's neck. Her hair hung loose as she struggled violently and screamed in agony.
40:58Ah, Caleb! Save me! For the sake of the love we once shared, save me!
41:03But Caleb merely looked at her coldly. The old obsession was gone from his eyes, leaving only the remort of
41:07a man who had been blind in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious woman full of lies, he should now have been standing on the execution platform, receiving
41:14the admiration of the whole clan as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command, Alarma's struggle stopped. She hung in the wind like a scrap of cloth.
41:20Caleb lowered his head, feeling nothing but emptiness inside. At that moment, cheers a hundred times louder than before, Prince
41:26Remy erupted from the front of square.
41:28It's the Lycan princess's royal carriage! She has come personally to welcome the hero, Lord Kale!
41:33At the sound of my name, Caleb trembled violently. He snapped his head up and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped in the center of the square. Kale dismounted, not even bothering to brush off the dust
41:46of war clinging to him and strode to the carriage.
41:49With extreme tendness, he extended his hand to me. I lifted the velvet curtain, placed my hand in his palm,
41:56gathered my magnificent skirts, and stepped down from the carriage.
41:59By now, I was no longer the pitiful woman who had been forced to wear coarse slave linen.
42:04My face shone with a bright smile Kale had never seen before. It was the kind of glow that could
42:09only appear when someone was surrounded by absolute love.
42:12In the crowd, Caleb desperately stood on tiptoe, trying to see my face clearly.
42:16But when his gaze landed on me, his whole body froze as if he had plunged into ice, because my
42:22other hand was gently resting on my noticeably rounded belly.
42:26Lord Kale and her highness already have a child. They really are a match made in heaven.
42:31The commoners beside him, disgusted excitedly. Their words pierced Caleb's soul like ten thousand arrows.
42:39Not only had she married someone else, she was carrying another man's child.
42:43The girl who had once had eyes only for him, the girl who had refused to leave him even after
42:48he kicked her into a wolf's claws, now truly belonged to someone else completely.
42:52A violent cramp of pain nearly stole Caleb's breath. His eyes were bloodshot and a hopeless whimper rose in his
42:57throat.
42:58A light breeze passed, stirring several fallen leaves. As if sensing something, I casually swept my gaze across the crowded
43:04masses.
43:05Across the noisy sea of people, my eyes briefly met Caleb's.
43:08In that instant, Caleb's breathing stopped. His whole body went rigid and his lips trembled violently. Tears filled his bloodshot
43:13eyes.
43:14How desperately he wished to see even the slightest ripple in my eyes. Pity, even mockery or hatred. As long
43:19as it proved I still cared about him, he would have been willing to die on the spot.
43:22But my gaze was absolutely calm. It was as if I were looking at a tree by the roadside. A
43:26stone, a pile of trash no one cared about. No lingering. No pause.
43:30I naturally looked away and turned to Cale beside me. Look, the wind is rising. Let's go home, I said,
43:37smiling gently at Cale.
43:39Cale lowered his head and kissed my forehead with deep affection, wrapping me and our unborn child tightly in his
43:44broad cloak.
43:46Let's go home.
43:48The last spark inside Cale was completely extinguished in that moment. A pain that cut to the marrow left him
43:55unable to stand.
43:57He collapsed heavily into the muddy water. The cheering crowd surrounded Cale and me as we went farther and farther
44:05away.
44:06All that remained for Cale was a ground full of flowers crushed mercilessly by hooves and the rest of a
44:12life he could never redeem.
44:14Years later, my aging father formally abcated. I put on the crown, symbolizing supreme power and became the greatest lichen
44:22princess in West Coast history.
44:24Cale guarded me and our child with unwavering loyalty. The internal strife and external threats of the past were completely
44:30pass approved,
44:31and the wolf clans entered an unprecedented golden era. My name became the highest symbol of power and glory.
44:37As for the name Caleb, it vanished from everyone's memory like an insignificant speck of dust.
44:43No one mentioned the once arrogant East Coast Alpha anymore. No one remembered his ridiculous, shaby wedding.
44:49Ten years later, in the most remote, dilapidated slum on the East Coast, the cold wind howled as it swept
44:55garbage across the ground.
44:56A broken-down tavern reeking of mold and cheap alcohol stood with its drafty wooden door half open.
45:00An old werewolf who had lost his left leg and one arm, his face weathered by hardship, limped through the
45:06door and shuffled to the bar.
45:08It was Caleb. But he was filthy from head to toe, with not the slightest traces of an alpha left
45:14in him.
45:14With trembling fingers, he dug a few copper coins smeared with grease from his torn pocket and pushed them towards
45:20the bartender.
45:21Give me a cup of the cheapest ale.
45:25The bartender set a cup of murky ale heavily in front of him with a look of disgust.
45:30The old werewolf did not mind.
45:32He simply picked up the cup, dragged his crippled leg, and stumbled to the darkest corner of the tavern.
45:40Through drunken, blurred eyes, he lifted his head and looked at an old poster pasted on the mottled wall.
45:45On the poster, written in ornate lettering, were the words, celebrating the tenth wedding anniversary of Lycan Princess and Kale.
45:54At the center of the image, I wore a crown, my smile noble and bright, my eyes filled with happiness.
46:01The old werewolf raised his rough, frostbitted hand and paused in mid-air for a long time.
46:07Only then did he carefully, across the empty space, gently touch my cheek on the poster.
46:14I was the treasure he had once had within easy reach, only to trample into the mud with his own
46:20hands.
46:21Cloudy tears mixed with cheap ale and rolled down his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman, he cried and laughed, then slapped himself hard, twice, letting out a piercing wail.
46:34If that day I hadn't abandoned you, if that day I hadn't driven you to the pig-fed for that
46:42bitch, hadn't drained your blood, would you still love me?
46:48Selene, I'm sorry, my Selene.
46:54In the ruined tavern, no one paid any attention to the raravings of a disabled old man.
47:00Everyone was celebrating the Queen's prosperous reign.
47:03Who cared about a drunkard's tears?
47:06Outside the window, the raging snowstorm completely swallowed his cries.
47:11He could only carry the regret he would never be able to make up for,
47:16slowly ending the rest of his life in endless loneliness and ruin.
47:22Amen.
47:22.
47:22.
47:22.
47:22.
47:22You