- 2 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.
00:07I 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?
00:18Another guard picked up a wooden stick, shoved it through the gaps in the fence, and jebbed my hip.
00:22Oh, still pretending to be noble?
00:24You 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.
00:38With tongues cocked and filthy, they licked at my face.
00:41Just then, someone kicked the gate open.
00:43I turned my head.
00:44Caleb stood in the doorway.
00:45Moonlight 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.
00:59My lips trembled.
01:01Had Caleb regretted it?
01:02Have you remembered how deeply I had loved him for 18 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 front of me.
01:11She's a demon to begin with.
01:12And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even more.
01:15He released my wrist.
01:16I staggered before barely managing to stand.
01:18I remember.
01:19Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
01:21His expression changed.
01:24First, you have noble Lyman blood.
01:26Perfect.
01:27Give your blood to her.
01:29My heart stopped for a beat.
01:3218 years.
01:34I had loved Caleb for a full 18 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
01:44would 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 the 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.
02:08On the other side, Alara lay half reclined on a soft couch.
02:11She 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.
02:27Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered a few words into Caleb's ear.
02:30The lichen king wants me to fight.
02:31Caleb frowned slightly.
02:32He took two steps toward the door, then looked back at me.
02:35Stay 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 walked.
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 pupils shrunk.
02:59What I want is your bloodline.
03:00As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body,
03:03I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
03:04I'll be in pause.
03:05Something 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 stint.
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.
03:23She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling twice.
03:25Caleb, 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 Lycan 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.
04:09Silly girl.
04:10You're the only one I love.
04:11I watched them kiss in front of me.
04:13Lips pressed to lips.
04:16Shadows overlapping.
04:16My 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!
04:58Then another!
04:59My face swelled, and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
05:02Alara said softly,
05:03Caleb, sister will hurt.
05:05Caleb snorted.
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 air, 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,
05:53forcing 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.
06:02He 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,
06:08kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
06:10The 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,
06:21where will the lichen came with his face?
06:23A copper sweetness surged in my throat.
06:25Caleb, must you treat me this way?
06:27Enough nonsense. Sign.
06:28He brutally pressed my hand down, stained it with my own blood,
06:32and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
06:34I struggled desperately, but it was useless.
06:36Then Caleb spoke again.
06:37Wait.
06:38Add another clause.
06:39After you marry her,
06:40these close things 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,
06:49your own flesh and blood must call a Laura mother.
06:52As for you,
06:53you'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 was finished.
07:01Caleb picked up the porch board,
07:02read it from start to finish,
07:04and nodded in satisfaction.
07:05Then he threw a ragged piece of cloth onto my head.
07:07Wear this to the engagement banker tomorrow.
07:09It was the cross linen garment of a lowly laborer.
07:11The cuffs were worn ragged,
07:12and 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,
07:20and music drifted through the air.
07:22Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast gathered together,
07:25the 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.
07:32Then laughter exploded.
07:33The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet
07:36dressed like a slave.
07:37Isn't she ashamed?
07:38I think she did it on purpose,
07:39pretending to be pitiful,
07:40trying to win sympathy so Caleb will change his mind.
07:43What a cheap trick.
07:44Who would fall for that?
07:45I lowered my head,
07:46unable to stop myself from quietly sobbing.
07:48I had tried to resist,
07:50but the moment that thought appeared,
07:51the potion turned into thousands of needles
07:53stabbing viciously into my heart.
07:54It left me unable even to struggle.
07:56Just then,
07:57a 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,
08:20and you wore them.
08:20I told you to sign the treaty,
08:21and you signed it.
08:22I told you to live in the Pygnist,
08:23and you lived there.
08:25He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
08:28Do you see this?
08:28This is the Lycan princess.
08:30She does whatever I say.
08:31More obedient than a dog.
08:33Hit her, curse her, humiliate 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,
08:40her 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,
08:56I'll divorce her immediately and marry you in full glory.
08:59No matter how I treat her,
09:00she'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,
09:11he 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,
09:21my face covered in blood,
09:22my head forced down as I signed the treaty.
09:24The nobles laughed even louder.
09:26That's too miserable.
09:27The mighty Lycan princess bullied to this extent.
09:30What 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,
09:50and at the bruises on my wrist from the silver tube.
09:52You would rather endure so much suffering than marry Caleb.
09:55It seems your mind truly is made up.
09:57Very 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.
10:04Caleb 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, my gowns! How dare you touch my things!
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. She 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? I can give up anything, but you gave me all these
11:13things.
11:14Caleb looked at the mess on the ground and pulled Alara into his arms in distress.
11:17Don't cry. This 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.
11:25She loves me so much. Without me, she can't survive.
11:27Looking at his self-euphorious 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, Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace and demand an explanation for you.
11:56I watched Caleb's arrogance with cold eyes.
11:59Full 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.
12:29His 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,
13:00the 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, so jealous she was nearly going mad.
13:39Just as the priest frowned and prepared to read the vows,
13:42the Master of Ceremony outside announced loudly,
13:44Lycan Princess and Lord Kale have arrived.
13:47Facing everyone's suspicion, Aloda's face went deathly pale.
13:49She shook her head desperately as she backed away.
13:51It wasn't me, I didn't Caleb believe me. I really didn't believe me.
13:53Seeing the guards with blades in hand, Aloda used her best trick.
13:57Her 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.
14:02She collapsed with perfect accuracy toward Caleb's arms.
14:05Caleb's brows knitted. Instinctively, he reached out to catch her.
14:08Step aside.
14:08An aged yet majestic voice rang out.
14:10The high-ranking witch doctor accompanying us strode forward and seized Alana's wrist.
14:13Alora 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!
14:30She clearly fainted from anemia before.
14:33She even needed Celine's 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.
14:44Let's do it!
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, and led the troops
14:56out to suppress the rebelt.
14:57As for Caleb, because of his blindness, foolishness, and sheltering of a traitor, he had been stripped of all status
15:03and 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, he concealed his name and voluntarily joined the suicide squad with the highest death rate, becoming the
15:15lowest-ranking footsuit.
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, then bent down and gently
15:35kissed his cheek.
15:36I'll wait for your triumphant return.
15:39Kael's eyes burned hot.
15:41In front of everyone, he kissed the back of my hand.
15:45For you, I will bring victory.
15:49And down in the muddy infantry ranks, Caleb, dressed in coarse linen, stared fimmously 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.
16:27I 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.
16:38My 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.
16:47In the crowd, Caleb 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. They really are a match made in heaven.
17:05The commoners beside him, disgusted excitedly.
17:09Their words pierced Caleb'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,
17:20the girl who had refused to leave him even after he kicked her into a wolf's claws,
17:24now truly belonged to someone else completely.
17:27A violent cramp of pain nearly stole Caleb'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 Caleb's.
17:42On the night of the full moon, I came to the blood moon altar,
17:45where the fate of the wolf's langues would be decided.
17:47At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
17:49On one side was Caleb, the East Coast Alpha I had loved in secret for eighteen years.
17:52On the other was Cale, 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 Weaverwolf 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 Cale.
18:19My father's face changed in shock.
18:21The witch's curse inside Cale can't be broken.
18:24He's nothing but a useless wolf.
18:25Why not choose Caleb?
18:26You've loved him for eighteen years.
18:28Exactly.
18:29As long as you bond with Caleb,
18:31he 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
18:41and chosen Caleb at all costs,
18:43using my noble bloodline to push him onto the throne.
18:46But once he held power,
18:48he turned around and married his first love,
18:50an Omega named Alara,
18:51then demoted me to a servant.
18:53To improve Alara's bloodline,
18:55Caleb even tricked me to the Blood Moon Ultra,
18:57drained me of my life's blood,
18:58and fed it to Alara.
19:00Alara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
19:02Sister, I'll enjoy your bloodline,
19:04your lover,
19:05and live happily ever after!
19:06Caleb cut open my stomach while I was still alive,
19:09dug out our unborn child,
19:11and smashed it viciously onto the ground.
19:13Alara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
19:15Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
19:17Salema, the more I look at you,
19:19the more disgusting you are.
19:21As I lay dying,
19:22Kale, who had been locked in the dungeon,
19:23transformed on the night of the full moon,
19:25snapped his chains,
19:26and killed Caleb and Alara.
19:28He kissed me with desperate tenderness,
19:30hoping to save me with his own life's blood.
19:32Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood
19:34flowed through Kale's veins.
19:36On nights of the full moon,
19:37he could break through the witch's curse
19:39and become the strongest wolf alive.
19:41But I had lost too much blood.
19:42I still died on the Blood Moon Altar.
19:44My thoughts returned to the present.
19:47Silently, I clenched my fists.
19:49Father, mother, my mind is made up.
19:51I will bond with Kale
19:52and help him become the next lichen king.
19:54Seeing my determination,
19:55my father finally relented
19:56with the issue to harsh condition.
19:58You must drink the secrecy potion.
20:00You cannot reveal anything about breaking the engagement.
20:02You must obey Caleb in everything.
20:04If you can last until the engagement bang
20:05but three days from now, I will do it.
20:07My heart ached.
20:08As the lichen princess,
20:09did I not even have the freedom
20:11to pursue my own marriage?
20:12With a bitter sigh,
20:13I took the potion from my father's hand
20:15and drank it.
20:16Just then,
20:16Caleb stormed into the Blood Moon Altar
20:18and seized my hand.
20:19Selana, come out with me!
20:21Without another word,
20:22Caleb dragged me out of the Blood Moon Altar.
20:25I was about to refuse,
20:27but the potion turned into needles,
20:29stabbing into my heart.
20:30It forced me to submit it to him.
20:33My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice.
20:36They did not stop Caleb's violence.
20:39They merely snorted coldly and turned away.
20:42Caleb dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
20:45When I looked up,
20:46I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
20:48She looked so proud,
20:50as if she were the lichen princess.
20:52The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in,
20:54she hurried down from the throne
20:56and covered her little mouth in feigned surprise.
20:59Oh, sister!
21:01How did you end up in such a state?
21:03Caleb, be gentler with her.
21:05Caleb snorted
21:06and slapped me to the floor.
21:09Selana,
21:10did you beg the lichen king
21:11to arrange a marriage between us again?
21:13His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
21:16Do you think that if you keep pestering me,
21:19I'll marry you sooner or later?
21:21Let me tell you something.
21:22You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met.
21:25Even if you knelt and begged me,
21:26I wouldn't spare you another glance.
21:29I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth,
21:31my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
21:33I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
21:36Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
21:38Please,
21:38do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
21:40Without my affection,
21:42you can't even survive.
21:44Caleb, don't say that about sister.
21:47She only acts this way because she loves you too much.
21:50Her voice was soft enough to melt
21:51and her eyes red in a slight.
21:53She truly looked like a considerate,
21:56gentle, young sister.
21:58You're too kind.
21:59That's your problem.
22:01Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you.
22:05Caleb patted Alina's hand,
22:06then turned to me.
22:07How about this?
22:08I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
22:11Caleb pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall.
22:14Selina,
22:14from now on,
22:15the pure silver ice in your bedchamber
22:17belongs to Alara.
22:19She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
22:21My breath stopped for an instant.
22:23The pure silver ice coffin
22:25was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
22:27What did it mean to give it away?
22:29It meant that the lowest omega
22:31had stepped onto the head of the Lyman princess.
22:34As for you...
22:36Caleb's lips curled into a smile
22:37full of malice.
22:39The pigsty on the west side of the palace
22:41is still empty.
22:42Starting tonight,
22:43you'll sleep there.
22:45The moment he said that,
22:47the nobles in the royal hall
22:48burst into laughter.
22:50How entertaining.
22:51The mighty Lycan princess,
22:52ordered by the man she loves
22:54to sleep in a pig-sit.
22:55Caleb clearly doesn't want her,
22:56yet she keeps throwing herself at him.
22:57She deserves it.
22:58She chased him for 18 years
22:59and ended up chased into a pig-sit.
23:01What a disgrace to the royal family.
23:03I lowered my head,
23:04my 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
23:11than have anything to do with Caleb.
23:13But the potion bound me tightly.
23:14The mere thought of resistance
23:16sent a pain through me
23:17that seemed to drill into my bones.
23:19Fine.
23:19I sighed.
23:20The pure silver ice coffin
23:22can go to Alara.
23:23I'll sleep in the pigsty.
23:24Caleb froze for a moment,
23:25then 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,
23:30the more she clings to you.
23:31Alara lowered her head,
23:32the corner of her mouth
23:33lifting for the briefest instant.
23:34When she looked up again,
23:35her 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,
23:40and you're still worried about her.
23:42How can anyone in this world
23:43be as kind as you?
23:43He lowered his head
23:44and kissed Alina.
23:45It was not a light, fleeting kiss.
23:47It was deep and deliberately drawn out.
23:48Alina rose onto her toes,
23:50wrapping her arms around his neck.
23:51Her peach-blossom eyes
23:52looked past Caleb's neck,
23:53staring at me in blatant triumph.
23:54The main hall erupted
23:55with the noble's applause and cheer.
23:57If Selina were half as gentle as Alara,
23:58she wouldn't be despised this badly.
24:00Alara is soft, delicate,
24:01and so understanding.
24:03No wonder Caleb likes her.
24:04I turned my head away,
24:05unwilling to look.
24:06Just then,
24:06a gray shadow burst from behind a puller
24:08at the side of the hall.
24:09It was a savage wild wolf.
24:11Its white fangs flashed
24:12as 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,
24:20I thought he would at least reach out
24:21and block the attack.
24:22Caleb, save me!
24:23But before I could finish calling for help,
24:24his leg had already lifted.
24:25He kicked me hard in the side.
24:27Get away!
24:27My whole body flew sideways
24:28and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
24:30Squish!
24:31Blood poured out like a waterfall,
24:33flowing wildly without end.
24:34The wild wolf's sharp claws
24:35pierced through my right shoulder
24:36and pinned me to the cold stone floor.
24:38My mouth opened.
24:38I wanted to scream.
24:39But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face,
24:41no sound came out at all.
24:42At that moment,
24:42the guards finally rushed forward
24:43and they cut the wolf down.
24:45When its claws were pulled from my shoulder,
24:46they dragged out a spray of blood.
24:47Caleb crouched down,
24:48pinched my chin in
24:49and forced me to lift my face
24:50and look 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
24:58than save you.
24:59My lips had gone white from pain,
25:00but I could not say a single word.
25:01Alara was still standing there,
25:03both 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,
25:10taking with it the last of the love
25:12I had once felt for Caleb me.
25:13I never imagined he wanted me dead
25:14or that he would shove me
25:15toward 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
25:22through and through.
25:23She's loved me for 18 years
25:24so much that she doesn't even know
25:24what dignity is.
25:25No matter whether I hit her,
25:26curse her,
25:26make her sleep in a pig head
25:27or even kick her under a wolf's claws,
25:29she'll forgive me unconditionally.
25:30Then she'll crawl back like a dog
25:32and kneel to lick my feet.
25:33Alara lowered her lashes
25:34and sighed softly.
25:35Sister is so pitiful.
25:36But after saying that,
25:37when she turned her head to look at me,
25:38her lips moved in a low murmur.
25:40What a useless wild wolf.
25:42It couldn't even kill Selene.
25:44Then she looked away
25:44and said gently to Caleb,
25:45Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
25:47Treat her?
25:48Does she deserve that?
25:49Caleb, someone,
25:50throw her into the pig bed.
25:51What did you say?
25:52Caleb stood stunned.
25:53He looked at my father,
25:54then at me,
25:55and suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
25:57Lycan King, please don't joke.
25:59Selene has loved me for 18 years.
26:01For my sake,
26:01she 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,
26:07his tone still full of condescending charity.
26:09Selene,
26:09I know you're angry with me.
26:10You're trying to provoke me on purpose,
26:12aren't you?
26:13Stop making a scene.
26:14If you admit your mistake in public now,
26:15I 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,
26:25I 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
26:33and raised it toward my father.
26:34Lyon King,
26:35Saliva has already signed a blood contract.
26:37If she does not marry me today,
26:38two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
26:40My father snored coldly.
26:42A treaty signed under D'Address has no legal force.
26:44The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
26:46Caleb had not expected my father,
26:48who had always been cold,
26:49to defend me.
26:50He was completely enraged.
26:51No!
26:52Selene must marry me!
26:53He released the pressure of an East Coast Alpha,
26:55transformed into a giant wolf,
26:57and lunged,
26:58reaching for my shoulder.
26:59Just as his hand was about to touch me,
27:01the clouds in the sky broke apart,
27:02and a blood-red full moon hung overhead.
27:04In the corner,
27:05Cale,
27:05who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time,
27:07suddenly let out a roar.
27:08Blazing light erupted from his eyes,
27:09with a deafening crack.
27:10The thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
27:12A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
27:15In an instance,
27:16Cale transformed into an ancient likeness.
27:17He brought one claw down hard,
27:18and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
27:21Caleb vomited blood again and again,
27:22unable to move.
27:23I snorted coldly.
27:24Hmph.
27:25You let him in?
27:26The guard captain said respectfully.
27:28It seems he lost his privileged J token during the fight.
27:31We stopped him outside the gate.
27:32If he has no token,
27:34then tell him to get lost.
27:35I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard.
27:36Beside a stone table,
27:37I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Cale,
27:39who had returned to human form.
27:40Cale had just broken through the witch's curse,
27:42and his face was still somewhat pale.
27:44But every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
27:47When the wind rose,
27:47he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us,
27:49and draped it gently understanding.
27:51I lifted my head and smiled at him.
27:53There were no unnecessary words between us,
27:55yet we shared an understanding as if our souls resonated.
27:58Just then,
27:58rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
28:01I turned and saw Cale being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates
28:04by two fully armed royal guards.
28:06How dare you?
28:06I need to go down, but you guys don't make it!
28:07The guard captain answered coldly.
28:09Without the life and princess's privilege J token,
28:11no one may enter.
28:12Cale insisted on forcing his way in,
28:14but the guards shoved him back without mercy,
28:16making him stumble.
28:17Looking at his sorry state,
28:18my face held no expression.
28:20He should finally realize that without my protection,
28:22he 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
28:29and stare through the iron bars at me in the courtyard.
28:31When he saw Cale papaling a cloak over me
28:33and saw me smiling at Cale,
28:35the muscles in his face twitched 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,
28:42his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me,
28:45Cale, come out here!
28:46I am your fated mate!
28:47At the sound of his voice,
28:48the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
28:50I turned my head,
28:51my 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,
28:58I ordered coldly.
28:59The guard stepped forward.
29:00Don't touch me!
29:01Caleb roared in fury.
29:03He punched two guards to the ground
29:05and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
29:08Selina!
29:09Why are you pretending to be so noble?
29:11Cale set down his game piece
29:13and stepped in front of me.
29:15In an instant,
29:16he transformed into an ancient lion.
29:18Selina told you to get lost.
29:20Did you not hear her?
29:21Cale's terrifying pressure erupted,
29:23crushing Caleb in place.
29:24Caleb's bones cranked under the force.
29:26Knowing he could not defeat Cale,
29:28he could only retreat in humiliation
29:29and snar through gritted teeth.
29:30Fine.
29:31Selina,
29:32don't regret this.
29:33Even if you come kneeling to beg me,
29:34I won't look at you again.
29:35A few days later,
29:36my personal lady-in-waiting
29:37entered angrily with a bright red invitation.
29:40Lycan princess,
29:41Caleb has gone mad.
29:42He has publicly announced to the whole clan
29:43that he is marrying Elera,
29:45and he tells everyone
29:46that once you see the invitation,
29:47you'll break down,
29:48admit your mistake,
29:48and cry as you beg him to change his 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,
29:57what 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,
30:05with maids accompanying me,
30:06I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage
30:07for an inspection
30:08and happened to pass the most luxurious
30:10tailor shop in the city.
30:11I had just reached the opposite side of the shop
30:12when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
30:13You dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
30:15It scratches my skin.
30:16Can you afford to pay for it,
30:17you lowly dog?
30:18Alara cursed furiously.
30:19At that moment,
30:20Caleb, who had just returned from buying mutton,
30:22froze at the shop entrance.
30:23Alara turned her head.
30:24When she met Caleb's shocked gaze,
30:25her face instantly went deathly pale.
30:27She had never expected Caleb
30:28to witness her true self.
30:29Caleb's eyes, meanwhile,
30:30were full of suspicion and shock.
30:31Was this the delicate Alara he praised to everyone
30:33as someone who would shed tears
30:34even over stepping on an ant?
30:36Alara immediately squeezed out tears
30:37and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
30:39Caleb, this tailor pricked me on purpose with a needle.
30:42It hurt so much that I lost control of my temper.
30:44Please don't blame me, all right?
30:46Caleb stiffly patted her back,
30:47his voice dry.
30:48It's fine.
30:49I don't blame you.
30:50But the seed of doubt
30:51had already been planted deep in Caleb's heart.
30:54Watching from the corner,
30:55I suddenly came up with a plan.
30:57I had the guard captain
30:58carry a brocade box
30:59and stride up to Caleb.
31:00Lord Caleb,
31:01Lion Princess Selina
31:02has sent you a wedding gift.
31:04At the sound of my name,
31:05Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
31:07He eagerly took the brocade box,
31:09the corners of his mouth
31:10rising beyond his control.
31:11I knew it.
31:12She really couldn't hold back after all.
31:15She's finally bowing to me.
31:17The heavy doors were pushed open.
31:19Wearing a noble black formal dress,
31:21I held Cale's arm
31:22and walked calmly into the chapel.
31:23The moment Caleb saw me,
31:25his dead eyes instantly lit up.
31:26Selina, you came.
31:28His voice trembled with excitement.
31:30He flung Alura's arm away
31:32and came down from the altar to greet me.
31:33But I did not spare him a single extra glance.
31:36I walked straight to the front row of guest seats
31:38and sat down elegantly.
31:39I'm not here to steal the groom.
31:41Continue your wedding.
31:42Don't mind me.
31:43Caleb froze where he stood.
31:44He grinned his teeth,
31:46still stubbornly staring at me.
31:47Don't regret this.
31:49The priest cleared his throat
31:50and began reading the lengthy vows.
31:52Lord Caleb,
31:53whether in poverty or wealth,
31:54are you willing to take Alura as your wife?
31:56I...
31:56Caleb drew out the word.
31:58His gaze was locked firmly on me,
31:59as if saying,
32:00Selina,
32:00if you stand up and stop me now,
32:02I'll cancel the wedding at once
32:03and leave with you.
32:03But I only calmly lifted the red T
32:05and turned my head to speak softly to Cale.
32:07Cale,
32:08has the West Coast border defense mat been checked?
32:10Cale brushed a fallen leaf from my shoulder,
32:12his voice gentle.
32:14Seeing our intimate difference,
32:15Caleb's face instantly turned ashen.
32:17Alara stood beside him,
32:18gritting her teeth as she urged in a low voice,
32:20It's Caleb.
32:21Everyone is waiting for your vow.
32:22If not for me,
32:23then for our child.
32:23Caleb froze.
32:25You're pregnant?
32:26Alura showed a shy smile and nodded.
32:28Of course.
32:29Your own flesh and blood.
32:30Caleb sighed and nodded.
32:32All right.
32:33Since you're carrying my child,
32:34I should indeed give you a proper title.
32:36He nodded to the priest.
32:38I do.
32:39Just then,
32:40the chapel's enormous stained glass window
32:42shattered with a crash,
32:43and more than a dozen rogue werewolves
32:45with blood-red eyes
32:46rushed madly into the hall.
32:48The chapel instantly fell into chaos.
32:50Nobles screamed and fled in every direction.
32:52This group of rogue werewolves
32:53had an extremely clear target.
32:55They did not even look at the bride
32:56and grew on the altar.
32:58Raising bright curved blades,
32:59they charged straight toward me.
33:01Kill the lichen princess.
33:02Caleb watched the werewolves lunging toward me,
33:05his mind going blank.
33:06Selene!
33:07Watch out!
33:07Without hesitation,
33:09he moved to rush down from the altar
33:11and save me.
33:12But the instant he took one step,
33:14Alana screamed and threw herself at him,
33:16clinging tightly around his waist.
33:19Caleb!
33:20Help me!
33:21I'm so scared!
33:21Don't leave me!
33:22Caleb was suddenly tripped up
33:24and shouted in panic.
33:25Get off!
33:25Alara, let go!
33:26Selene is in danger!
33:27He tried hard to prowl Alina's hands away,
33:29but Alina clung to him like an octopus,
33:31her cries piercing.
33:32You're not allowed to go!
33:35I am your bride!
33:37Because of that one second delay,
33:39the strongest rogue willwolf had already rushed in front of me.
33:42He raised a curved blade coated in green poison
33:45and slashed viciously towards my back.
33:48Caleb screamed in despair.
33:49No!
33:52At the critical moment,
33:53Cale snudded coldly.
33:54His tall body instantly blocked me.
33:56He did not even transform into wolf form.
33:58He merely lifted one hand
33:59and with a crisp clang,
34:01caught the descending poisoned blade barehanded.
34:03Under the terrified gaze of the rogue werewolf,
34:06Cale turned his wrist
34:06and the curved blade forged of fine steel
34:08shattered inch by inch.
34:09You're caught in death.
34:10The terrifying pressure of an ancient wolf king
34:12erupted instantly
34:13and cracks spread across the chapel floor.
34:15Within a few moves,
34:16those vicious assassins did not even have room to resist
34:18before their limbs were broken
34:19and they were hurled miserably to the ground.
34:21From beginning to end,
34:22Cale shielded me completely behind him.
34:24Not even a strand of my hair was disturbed.
34:25Only then did Caleb finally push Alera away
34:28and stumble over with a sword in hand.
34:31He foes two steps away.
34:33Cale was kneeling on one knee before me,
34:36checking with extreme care
34:38whether I had been frightened.
34:39The hand Caleb used to hold his sword dropped weakly.
34:42He had wanted to be the hero who protected me,
34:43but only now did he realize
34:45he had already lost both the right
34:46and the strength to protect me.
34:47The royal guards quickly rushed into the chapel
34:49and restrained all the badly injured assassins.
34:52Cale stood and coldly opened
34:53the assassin leader's clothes,
34:54pulling a blood-stained piece of parchment
34:56from his chest.
34:58I glanced at it
34:59and my gaze instantly turned cold.
35:02This is a hand-drawn defense map of the chapel.
35:04I looked toward Alera,
35:06who was trembling on the steps,
35:08and it was drawn with ink,
35:10specially supplied to the East Coast royal family.
35:13All eyes in the hall snapped onto Alera.
35:16Is there a traitor in the East Coast?
35:18What did you say?
35:19Cale looked as if he had been struck by lightning.
35:22He stumbled half a step back.
35:23Just then,
35:24the assassin leader pinned to the ground,
35:25sat out a mouthful of bloody Sava,
35:27and glared viciously at Alera.
35:28It was this bitch.
35:29She gave us the defense map
35:30and told us to kill the Lycan princess in the chaos.
35:32She said once it was done,
35:34she'd give us half of the West Coast territory.
35:36With irrefutable evidence before everyone,
35:38Alera's disguise was completely torn apart.
35:40No!
35:40This isn't true!
35:43Caleb looked at Alera with bloodshot eyes,
35:45his voice trembling.
35:46So you've been lying to me all along?
35:47The anemia was fake,
35:49and the pregnancy was fake too?
35:51Alera knew she had nowhere left to retreat.
35:53She broke down instantly and crawled to Caleb's feet,
35:56clenching his leg as tears and snot covered her face.
35:58Caleb!
35:59Listen to me!
35:59I was forced!
36:00They threatened me!
36:01She begged frantically like a pitiful worm,
36:03not a strice remaining of her former delicate helplessness.
36:05I only loved you too much!
36:07Protect me with your East Coast privileges like you used to, alright?
36:10Looking at the ugly woman before him,
36:12Caleb 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,
36:21and even broken with the West Coast.
36:23For this lying bitch,
36:24he had forced me to sleep in a pigsty.
36:26For this vicious woman who had never been ill,
36:28he 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?
36:35Someone who had loved him so deeply.
36:37With a thud, Caleb's legs gave out,
36:40and he collapsed heavily to his knees in the ruins.
36:43His face streamed with tears.
36:44As he turned and crawled toward me,
36:47his eyes read,
36:48Selina,
36:49I'm sorry.
36:51I was blind!
36:52I was a fool!
36:53I was wrong!
36:54Please forgive me!
36:56Faced with Caleb's repentance,
36:57I had no interest in even stopping.
36:59Calmly, I looked away,
37:01took a clean silk handkerchief from my sleeve,
37:03and pulled Kale's hand toward me.
37:06Did it hurt when you crushed that poisoned blade?
37:09No.
37:10As long as you're unharmed,
37:11that's all that matters.
37:13Let's go.
37:14It's too filthy here.
37:16I, Cali, dropped the package beside Caleb's hand,
37:19linked arms with Kale,
37:21and walked straight out of the chapel.
37:23Caleb froze where he was.
37:24At last, he understood.
37:25I was no longer willing to give him even hatred.
37:28He knelt there,
37:29watching helplessly as Kale and I left side by side,
37:32his nose stinging.
37:33What will it take?
37:35What will it take for you to forgive me?
37:37Just then,
37:38a messenger covered in blood stumbled into the hall.
37:41Report!
37:42Rogue werewolves are invading on a massive scale!
37:44The West Coast defense line is in critical danger!
37:47Caleb suddenly lifted his head,
37:48a crazed light flashing in his eyes.
37:50War.
37:51War has come!
37:52As long as I earn great merit on the battlefield,
37:55as long as I prove my worth,
37:58Selina will surely look at me again.
38:00Battle reports from the front lines were sent back to the capital every day.
38:03On the battlefield,
38:04Kale planned and commanded with brilliant strategy.
38:06Not only was he not dragged down by the witch's curse,
38:08he displayed the bearing of an unparalleled general.
38:10He won every battle,
38:11and became the hero admired by the entire army.
38:13Caleb, meanwhile,
38:14fought in the lowest trenches,
38:16like a beast that did not care whether it lived or died.
38:19He deliberately refused to wear heavy armor,
38:22allowing enemy blades to leave hideous wounds across his body.
38:25Every time he was injured,
38:26every time he bled,
38:27he felt he was paying back the debt for once draining my blood.
38:30He felt he was easing the guilt in his heart.
38:32He fought desperately for merit,
38:34charging forward like a madman and cutting down countless enemy heads,
38:37only hoping that his name might appear once in the military reports and be seen by me.
38:40But he did not know that when I read the reports,
38:42my gaze only stopped on Kale's name.
38:45I did not care which common soldier had earned credit.
38:48During an especially brutal breakout battle,
38:49the 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.
39:02Caleb'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,
39:13refusing to retreat.
39:14Squish.
39:15An enemy spear ruthlessly pierced through the soldier's abdomen.
39:19He vomited a mouthful of blood,
39:21but his hands still clung tightly to the banner
39:25as 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.
39:34The spear had pierced through his abdomen,
39:35and his high fever would not break.
39:36He lay on a crude straw mat, barely breathing.
39:39In the extreme agony between dreams and waking,
39:41he began to hallucinate.
39:42He seemed to return to that summer ten years ago.
39:44A little version of me followed behind him,
39:46eyes full of worship as I called him Brother Caleb,
39:49blushing while I handed him that wooden sword.
39:51Brother Caleb, will you protect me forever?
39:55Of course.
39:57I'll protect you for the rest of your life.
39:59But the scene shifted.
40:00It became me locked inside the reeking pig pet,
40:02my 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.
40:10His hands clawed wildly at empty air
40:12as he murmured in a broken, miserable voice,
40:15but in the illusion,
40:17I pulled my hand away coldly
40:19and turned away without hesitation.
40:21Just as he was drowning in unbearable pain,
40:24in reality, he suddenly felt a pair of cooled hands
40:26touch his forehead.
40:27Then a bottle of high-grade royal potion
40:29with a faint fragrance was placed in his hand.
40:31This familiar scent belonged only to potions
40:34the royal family was qualified to use.
40:36Caleb's whole body jolted.
40:43Summoning all his strength,
40:44he opened his eyes.
40:45Caleb opened his eyes in wild joy,
40:47a smile of attestation already lifting the corner of his mouth.
40:50But when he saw the person before him clearly,
40:51he felt as if he had fallen to an ice cower.
40:53The person standing by his bed was not me at all,
40:55but an old logistics medic with a face full of wrinkles.
40:57Young man, you're awake.
40:58Tough life you've got.
40:58A spear went clean through you.
40:59You still didn't die.
41:00The old medic pulled the stopper from the potion bottle
41:02and brought it to his lips.
41:04Drink.
41:04This was personally ordered by Commander Cale.
41:07In recognition of your suicide squad's merit
41:08in protecting the banner,
41:10every severely injured member
41:11has been given a royal potion.
41:12Caleb stared daily at the potion bottle.
41:14His fingers tightened inch by inch,
41:16his knuckles turning white.
41:17So it was not for him.
41:18So he was only the most insignificant one
41:20among tens of thousands of wounded soldiers.
41:22He had risked his life to prove himself
41:24and repay his debt.
41:25But in the end,
41:26the harm he had done me,
41:27the feelings he had for me
41:28did not even qualify him to be hated by me anymore.
41:31I had completely treated him as an unrelated stranger.
41:33A piece of air that could exist or not.
41:36Caleb clutched the potion bottle tightly,
41:38tears falling in heavy drops onto his straw mat.
41:41Suddenly, he laughed bitterly.
41:43Ignoring me.
41:45So being ignored is the cruelest punishment.
41:48One year later,
41:50the rebellion of the rogue werewolves
41:51was completely pacified
41:52and the border welcomed a long-awaited peace.
41:55The army returned in triumph.
41:57The gates of the capital opened wide
41:59and citizens lined the streets,
42:00cheering as they welcomed home the hero
42:02who had saved the wolf clans.
42:03Meanwhile, on the execution ground,
42:05on the other side of the city,
42:06Alara, who had served as an insider
42:08for the rogue werewolves,
42:09was finally facing her hanging.
42:10At the outermost edge of the crowd,
42:12a man with a crippled leg
42:13and a body covered in mud,
42:14staggered forward.
42:15He wore ragged linen.
42:16His appearance withered,
42:17his vacant gaze fixed on the cross.
42:18A rough rope was looped around Alara's neck.
42:20Her hair hung loose
42:21as she struggled violently
42:22and screamed in agony.
42:23Oh, Caleb!
42:24Save me!
42:25For the sake of the love we once shared, save me!
42:27But Caleb merely looked at her coldly.
42:29The old obsession was gone from his eyes,
42:31leaving only the remort of a man
42:32who had been blind in both sight and heart.
42:34If not for this vicious woman full of lies,
42:35he should now have been standing
42:37on the execution platform,
42:38receiving the admiration
42:39of the whole clan as an alpha.
42:40At the executioner's command,
42:42Alarma's struggle stopped.
42:43She hung in the wind
42:43like a scrap of cloth.
42:45Caleb lowered his head,
42:46feeling nothing but emptiness inside.
42:47At that moment,
42:48cheers a hundred times louder than before,
42:50Trinchuemma erupted
42:51from the front of square.
42:52It's the Lycan princess's royal carriage!
42:54She has come personally
42:55to welcome the hero, Lord Kale!
42:57At the sound of my name,
42:59Caleb trembled violently.
43:01He snapped his head up
43:02and looked toward me.
43:04In that instant,
43:05Caleb's breathing stopped.
43:06His whole body went rigid
43:07and his lips trembled violently.
43:09Tears filled his bloodshot eyes.
43:10How desperately he wished to see
43:12even the slightest ripple in my eyes.
43:13Pity,
43:14even mockery or hatred.
43:15As long as it proved
43:16I still cared about him,
43:17he would have been willing
43:17to die on the spot.
43:18But my gaze was absolutely calm.
43:20It was as if I were looking
43:22at a tree by the roadside,
43:23a stone,
43:23a pile of trash
43:24no one cared about.
43:25No lingering,
43:26no pause.
43:27I naturally looked away
43:29and turned to Kale beside me.
43:30Look,
43:31the wind is rising.
43:32Let's go home,
43:33I said,
43:34smiling gently at Kale.
43:35Kale lowered his head
43:36and kissed my forehead
43:37with deep affection,
43:38wrapping me and our unborn child
43:40tightly in his broad cloak.
43:41All right.
43:42It's warm.
43:44The last spark inside Kale
43:46was completely extinguished
43:48in that moment.
43:49A pain that cut to the marrow
43:51left him unable to stand.
43:54He collapsed heavily
43:55into the muddy water.
43:56The cheering crowd
43:57surrounded Kale and me
43:59as we went farther
44:00and farther away.
44:02All that remained for Kale
44:04was a ground full of flowers
44:06crushed mercilessly by hooves
44:07and the rest of a life
44:09he could never redeem.
44:10Years later,
44:11my aging father formally abcated.
44:14I put on the crown,
44:15symbolizing supreme power
44:17and became the greatest
44:18lichen princess
44:19in West Coast history.
44:21Kale guarded me and our child
44:22with unwavering loyalty.
44:24The internal strife
44:25and external threats
44:25of the past
44:26were completely passaproved
44:27and the wolf clans
44:28entered an unprecedented
44:29golden era.
44:31My name became
44:32the highest symbol
44:33of power and glory.
44:34As for the name Kaleb,
44:35it vanished from everyone's memory
44:37like an insignificant speck of dust.
44:40No one mentioned
44:41the once arrogant
44:42East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:43No one remembered
44:44his ridiculous shaby wedding.
44:46Ten years later,
44:47in the most remote,
44:48dilapidated slum
44:49on the East Coast,
44:49the cold wind howled
44:51as it swept garbage
44:51across the ground.
44:52A broken down tavern
44:53reeking of mold
44:54and cheap alcohol
44:55stood with its drafty
44:56wooden door half open.
44:57An old werewolf
44:58who had lost his left leg
44:59and one arm,
45:00his face weathered by hardship,
45:02limped through the door
45:03and shuffled to the bar.
45:04It was Kaleb.
45:05But he was filthy
45:07from head to toe
45:08with not the slightest traces
45:09of an alpha left in him.
45:11With trembling fingers,
45:12he dug a few copper coins
45:13smeared with grease
45:14from his torn pocket
45:15and pushed them
45:16towards the bartender.
45:18Give me a cup
45:19of the cheapest ale.
45:21The bartender set a cup
45:22of murky ale
45:23heavily in front of him
45:24with a look of disgust.
45:26The old werewolf
45:27did not mind.
45:29He simply picked up the cup,
45:31dragged his crippled leg
45:32and stumbled to the darkest corner
45:35of the tavern.
45:36Through drunken, blurred eyes,
45:38he lifted his head
45:39and looked at an old poster
45:40pasted on the mottled wall.
45:42On the poster,
45:43written in ornate lettering,
45:45were the words,
45:46celebrating the tenth wedding anniversary
45:48of Lichen Princess and Kale.
45:50At the center of the image,
45:52I wore a crown,
45:53my smile noble and bright,
45:55my eyes filled with happiness.
45:57The old werewolf raised his rough,
45:59frost-bitted hand
46:00and paused in mid-air
46:02for a long time.
46:03Only then did he carefully,
46:05across the empty space,
46:08gently touch my cheek
46:09on the poster.
46:11I was the treasure
46:12he had once had
46:13within easy reach,
46:14only to trample into the mud
46:16with his own hands.
46:17Cloudy tears mixed with cheap ale
46:19and rolled down
46:20his scarred face.
46:22Like a madman,
46:23he cried and laughed,
46:25then slapped himself hard twice,
46:27letting out a piercing wail.
46:30If that day
46:32I hadn't abandoned you,
46:34if that day
46:35I hadn't driven you
46:37to the pig bed
46:38for that bitch,
46:39hadn't drained your blood,
46:42would you still love me?
46:45Selene,
46:46I'm sorry,
46:48my Selene.
46:50In the ruined tavern,
46:52no one paid any attention
46:53to the raravings
46:54of a disabled old man.
46:56Everyone was celebrating
46:58the queen's prosperous reign.
46:59Who cared about
47:00about a drunkard's tears?
47:02Outside the window,
47:03the raging snowstorm
47:04completely swallowed his cries.
47:07He could only carry the regret
47:09he would never be able
47:11to make up for,
47:13slowly ending
47:13the rest of his life
47:15in endless loneliness
47:17and ruin.
47:18I'm sorry,
47:18I'm sorry,
47:18I'm sorry,
47:18I'm sorry,
47:18I'm sorry,