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