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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.
00:48He 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 demon to begin with.
01:12And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even a demon.
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.
01:24You have noble Lyman blood.
01:26Perfect.
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.
01:58A 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.
02:11She 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.
02:25You 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 to fight.
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 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 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 close.
03:06Something even nobler than you.
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.
03:22She 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 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.
03:53If 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.
04:13Lips pressed to lips.
04:15Shadows 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.
04:57Then 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 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.
05:23He 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 Lycan princess of the West Coast, kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
06:10The recording crystal flashed red.
06:11My wretched state.
06:12My blood.
06:13My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
06:15All 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 Lycan came
06:22with his face?
06:23A copper suit must serged 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 me, he must play a space to Iran 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, dignity, forcing bloodline, descendants.
06:58Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
07:00At last, he's finished.
07:01Caleb picked up the parchment, read it from start to finish, and nodded in satisfaction.
07:05Then he threw a ragged piece of cloth onto my head.
07:07Wear this to the engagement banker tomorrow.
07:08It 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 Lyon 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.
07:24The clink of wine bales rising and falling.
07:26Everyone turned to look.
07:28Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
07:30First they froze.
07:31Then laughter exploded.
07:33The 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, but the moment that thought appeared,
07:51the 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, his 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 Pygdist, 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.
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.
08:51But 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, she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
09:03All right.
09:05Then I'll wait for you to marry me in 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.
09:29What 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,
09:37the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
09:39He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall
09:41and lowered his voice.
09:42Selene, even now,
09:43do 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,
09:49at 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.
09:54It 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
10:02towards 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,
10:09tonight's engagement banquet was originally meant
10:11to announce the betrothal between my daughter Selene
10:13and the East Coast Alpha Caleb.
10:15He paused.
10:16However,
10:17at my daughter's firm request,
10:18I now formally announce,
10:19in my capacity as Lycan king,
10:21Selene will marry another Alpha,
10:23Kale.
10:24Caleb froze where he stood.
10:26What did you say?
10:26The nobles all retreated in terror.
10:29Caleb's eyes were full of unwillingness and fear.
10:32Knowing he was no match for Kale,
10:33he could only flee the hall in humiliation
10:35with the screaming Alada.
10:37Kale,
10:37you useless wolf.
10:38Don't get cocky.
10:39I'll take Selene back.
10:40I walked onto the high corridor
10:41and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
10:43The two had barely escaped back to their residence
10:45when they ran straight into a group of loyal guards.
10:47The guards were mercilessly throwing
10:48box after box of their belongings into the mud.
10:51Alara froze,
10:52then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
10:54My jewels,
10:55my gowns,
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,
11:07clutching Caleb's arm tightly
11:08as tears of grievance streamed down her face.
11:10Caleb,
11:10is sister still holding a grudge against me?
11:11I can give up anything,
11:12but you gave me all these things.
11:14Caleb looked at the mess on the ground
11:15and 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
11:21and hussed with absolute confidence.
11:22She thinks that if she takes everything back,
11:24I'll bow to her.
11:24She loves me so much.
11:25Without me,
11:26she can't survive.
11:27Looking at his self-ephorious face,
11:29I found him utterly laughable.
11:30Why did he think I could not live without him?
11:32I had regained my freedom,
11:33and now,
11:34I 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,
11:44the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor
11:46to report to me.
11:48Lycan princess,
11:50Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace
11:52and demand an explanation for you.
11:56I watched Caleb's arrogance with cold eyes.
11:58Full of expectation,
12:00he opened the brocade box,
12:01seeming 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,
12:12he had patted his chest and said,
12:14Selene,
12:15if anyone bullies you from now on,
12:16I'll protect you with this sword.
12:18I had once treasured that wooden sword as if it were my life,
12:21but now,
12:21I 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,
12:29which had been wild with joy,
12:31turned deathly white.
12:32No,
12:33this can't be.
12:34Caleb gripped the broken sword tightly,
12:36his lips shaking.
12:38How could she bear to break it?
12:39She must be trying to make me angry, right?
12:42Selene,
12:42come out!
12:44I know you're nearby!
12:45Come out!
12:46He suddenly lifted his head,
12:47looking around the street in panic like a drowning man.
12:51Expressionless,
12:52I lowered the carriage curtain.
12:54Back to the palace.
12:56Three days later,
12:57on the day of the wedding,
12:58without West Coast support,
12:59the East Coast Chapel was decorated in an extremely shabby manner.
13:03Caleb stood at the altar,
13:04his face pale and his eyes hollow.
13:05Again and again,
13:06he looked toward the chapel's tightly shut doors.
13:08The guests below whispered among themselves.
13:11Beside him,
13:12Alara saw his distraction and immediately grew angry.
13:15Caleb,
13:16everyone is watching us.
13:18Today is our happy day.
13:19Can you focus on me?
13:20But Caleb pulled his hand away irritably
13:22and murmured like a lost soul.
13:24She can't really not come, can she?
13:27She 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.
13:33He 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,
13:42the master of ceremony outside announced loudly,
13:44Lycan Princess and Lord Kale have arrived.
13:46Facing everyone's suspicion,
13:48Aloda's face went deathly pale.
13:49She shook her head desperately as she backed away.
13:51It wasn't me.
13:52I didn't Caleb believe me.
13:53I really didn't believe me.
13:53Seeing the guards with blades in hand,
13:55Aloda used her best trick.
13:56Her eyes rolled back and she let out a string cry.
13:59Ugh, my heart.
14:00My anemagia is acting up again.
14:01Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
14:02She collapsed with perfect accuracy toward Caleb's arms.
14:05Caleb's brows knitted.
14:06Instinctively, he reached out to catch her.
14:07Step aside.
14:08An aged yet majestic voice rang out.
14:10The high-ranking witch doctor accompanying us
14:11strode 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,
14:20she stood with a cold laugh and announced to everyone present,
14:22This 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.
14:29You'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.
14:39The 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.
14:50Kale 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,
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.
15:07But in order to stir even the slightest ripple in my heart,
15:10he concealed his name and voluntarily joined the suicide squad with the highest death rate,
15:14becoming the lowest ranking footsuit.
15:16On the day the army set out, I stood personally atop the high city wall to see Kale off.
15:20Below the wall, the army stood in solemn formation.
15:23Kale 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 Kale's neck with my own hands,
15:33then bent down and gently kissed his cheek.
15:36I'll wait for your triumphant return.
15:38Kale'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,
15:50Kale, dressed in coarse linen, stared famously at the scene,
15:53watching me give another man my favor.
15:55Jealousy 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 Kale.
16:08I'm the alpha worthy of you.
16:10He swore it silently in his heart,
16:12then stepped onto the battlefield without looking back.
16:14The carriage slowly stopped in the center of the square.
16:18Kale dismounted,
16:19not even bothering to brush off the dust of war clinging to him and strode to the carriage.
16:23With extreme tendness,
16:25he extended his hand to me.
16:26I lifted the velvet curtain,
16:29placed my hand in his palm,
16:31gathered my magnificent skirts,
16:32and stepped down from the carriage.
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 Kale 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,
16:47Kale desperately stood on tiptoe,
16:49trying to see my face clearly.
16:51But when his gaze landed on me,
16:53his 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 Kale and Her Highness already have a child.
17:03They really are a match made in heaven.
17:05The commoners beside him discussed it excitedly.
17:08Their words pierced Kale's soul like ten thousand arrows.
17:13Not only had she married someone else,
17:15she 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 Kale's breath.
17:29His eyes were bloodshot and a hopeless whimper rose in his throat.
17:32A light breeze passed,
17:34stirring several fallen leaves.
17:35As if sensing something,
17:36I casually swept my gaze across the crowded masses.
17:39Across the noisy sea of people,
17:41my eyes briefly met Kale's.
17:42On the night of the full moon,
17:43I came to the blood moon altar,
17:45where the fate of the wolflings would be decided.
17:46At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
17:49On one side was Kale,
17:50the East Coast Alpha I had loved in secret for eighteen years.
17:53On the other was Kale,
17:53the Alpha cursed by the Dark Witch.
17:55My father,
17:56the Lion King,
17:56looked at me solemnly.
17:57Selina,
17:58you are a noble lichen princess.
18:02No weatherwolf Alpha in this world is worthy of you.
18:06That is why you must choose a mate
18:08and support him as the next lichen king.
18:10My mother gripped my hand tightly.
18:11Tell us,
18:12who do you choose?
18:13After a moment of silence,
18:15I pointed to the dark, battered statue.
18:18I choose Kale.
18:19My father's face changed in shock.
18:21The witch's curse inside Kale can't be broken.
18:24He's nothing but a useless wolf.
18:25Why not choose Kale?
18:26Kale, you've loved him for eighteen years.
18:28Exactly.
18:29As long as you bond with Kale,
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,
18:40I had married beneath my status
18:41and chosen Kale at all costs,
18:43using my noble bloodline
18:45to push him onto the throne.
18:46But once he held power,
18:48he turned around and married his first love,
18:50an Omega named Allara,
18:51then demoted me to a servant.
18:53To improve Allara's bloodline,
18:55Kale even tricked me to the Blood Moon Ultra,
18:57drained me of my life's blood,
18:58and fed it to Allara.
18:59Allara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
19:02Sister,
19:03I'll enjoy your bloodline,
19:04your lover,
19:05and live happily ever after!
19:06Kale cut open my stomach while I was still alive,
19:09dug out our unborn child,
19:10and smashed it viciously onto the ground.
19:13Allara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
19:15Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
19:17Salema,
19:18the more I look at you,
19:19the more disgusting you are.
19:21As I lay dying,
19:22Kale,
19:22who had been locked in the dungeon,
19:23transformed on the night of the full moon,
19:25snapped his chains,
19:26and killed Kale and Allara.
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.
19:45My thoughts returned to the present.
19:47Silently,
19:47I clenched my fists.
19:49Father,
19:49mother,
19:50my 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
19:56but issued a harsh condition.
19:58You must drink the secrecy potion.
20:00You cannot reveal anything
20:01about breaking the engagement.
20:02You must obey Kale in everything.
20:04If you can last until the engagement banquet
20:05three days from now,
20:06I will do it.
20:07My heart ached.
20:08As the lichen princess,
20:09did I not even have the freedom
20:10to pursue my own marriage?
20:12With a bitter sigh,
20:13I took the potion from my father's hand
20:15and drank it.
20:15Just then,
20:16Kale stormed into the Blood Moon Altar
20:18and seized my hand.
20:19Selana,
20:20come out with me!
20:20Without another word,
20:22Kale 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
20:34with my choice.
20:36They did not stop Kale's violence.
20:39They merely snorted coldly
20:41and turned away.
20:42Kale dragged me into the main hall
20:44of the palace.
20:45When I looked up,
20:46I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
20:48She looked so proud,
20:49as if she were the lichen princess.
20:52The moment she saw Kale dragging me in,
20:54she hurried down from the throne
20:56and covered her little mouth
20:57in feigned surprise.
20:59Oh, sister!
21:00How did you end up in such a state?
21:03Kale be gentler with her.
21:04Kale snorted
21:06and slapped me to the floor.
21:09Selina,
21:09did you beg the lichen king
21:11to arrange a marriage between us again?
21:12His eyes were filled
21:14with undisguised disgust.
21:16Do you think
21:17that 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
21:24I've ever met.
21:25Even if you knelt and begged me,
21:26I wouldn't spare you another glance.
21:28I wiped the blood
21:29from the corner of my mouth,
21:31my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
21:33I didn't ask father
21:34for a marriage decree.
21:36Kale gave a disdainful laugh.
21:38Please,
21:38do you think I don't know
21:39what kind of person you are?
21:40Without my affection,
21:42you can't even survive.
21:44Kale don't say that about sister.
21:47She only acts this way
21:48because she loves you too much.
21:50Her voice was soft enough to melt
21:51and her eyes red in slight.
21:53She truly looked like
21:55a considerate, gentle, young sister.
21:58You're too kind.
21:59That's your problem.
22:01Even a bitch like Selman
22:03can walk all over you.
22:05Caleb patted Alina's hand,
22:06then turned to me.
22:07How about this?
22:08I'll have Selina
22:09compensate you properly.
22:11Caleb pointed toward
22:12the eastern side of the main hall.
22:13Selina,
22:14from now on,
22:15the pure silver ice
22:16in your bedchanger
22:17belongs to Alara.
22:18She's weak
22:19and needs its spiritual energy.
22:21My breath stopped
22:22for an instant.
22:23The pure silver ice coffin
22:25was the symbol
22:26of the Lyman heir.
22:27What did it mean
22:28to give it away?
22:29It meant that
22:30the lowest Omega
22:31had stepped onto the head
22:32of the Lyman princess.
22:34As for you,
22:35Caleb's lips curled
22:37into a smile
22:37full of malice.
22:39The pigsty
22:40on the west side
22:40of 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
22:53to 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
23:00chased into a pig sick.
23:01What a disgrace
23:02to 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
23:11the cursed kale
23:11than have anything to do
23:12with Caleb.
23:13But the potion bound me tightly.
23:15The mere thought of resistance
23:16sent a pain through me
23:17that seemed to drill
23:17into my bones.
23:19Fine.
23:19I saw it.
23:20The pure silver ice coffee
23:22can go to Alara.
23:22I'll sleep in the pigsty.
23:24Caleb froze for a moment,
23:25then burst into laughter.
23:26He said to Alara
23:27over 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
23:32lifting for the briefest instant.
23:34When she looked up again,
23:35her face was full of concern.
23:36Sister,
23:37the 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.
23:41How can anyone in this world
23:42be as kind as you?
23:43He lowered his head
23:44and kissed Alara.
23:45It was not a light fleeting kiss.
23:47It was deep
23:47and deliberately drawn out.
23:48Alara rose onto her toes,
23:50wrapping her arms
23:50around his neck.
23:51Her peach blossom eyes
23:51looked past Caleb's neck,
23:53staring at me in blatant triumph.
23:54The main hall erupted
23:55with the noble's applause
23:56and cheer.
23:57If Selina were half as gentle
23:58as Alara,
23:58she wouldn't be despised
23:59this badly.
24:00Alara is soft,
24:01delicate,
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
24:07from 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.
24:17I ran toward him.
24:18After all our years together,
24:19I thought he would at least
24:20reach out and block the attack.
24:22Caleb, save me!
24:23But before I could finish
24:23calling for help,
24:24his leg had already lifted.
24:25He kicked me hard in the side.
24:26Get away!
24:27My whole body flew sideways
24:28and slammed straight
24:29into 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
24:37to the cold stone floor.
24:38My mouth opened.
24:38I wanted to scream,
24:39but as I stared up
24:40at 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.
24:44When its claws were pulled
24:45from 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 looked at him.
24:51Were you trying to run
24:52toward me just now?
24:53Did you think I would save you?
24:54His fingers tightened.
24:55Selima, don't think
24:55too 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
25:00a 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
25:11of the love I had once
25:12felt for Caleb me.
25:13I never imagined
25:13he wanted me dead
25:14or that he would shove me
25:15toward the blade himself.
25:16Alara lifted her head
25:17from Caleb's arms.
25:18Caleb, you're so good to me.
25:19Will sister be angry?
25:21Salona is a hopeless lovesick
25:22through and through.
25:22She's loved me for 18 years
25:23so much that she doesn't
25:24even know what 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
25:28under a wolf's claws,
25:29she'll forgive me unconditionally.
25:30Then she'll crawl back
25:31like 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
25:37to look at me,
25:38her lips moved
25:39in a low murmur.
25:40What a useless wild wolf.
25:42It couldn't even kill Selene.
25:43Then she looked away
25:44and said gently to Caleb,
25:45Caleb,
25:46should we have someone
25:46treat 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
25:56a scornful laugh.
25:57Lycan King,
25:58please don't joke.
25:59Selene has loved me
25:59for 18 years.
26:01For my sake,
26:01she was even willing
26:02to sleep in a pig hole.
26:03How could she possibly
26:04marry a useless wolf?
26:05He turned and walked toward me,
26:06his tone still full
26:07of condescending charity.
26:08Selene,
26:09I know you're angry with me.
26:10You're trying to provoke me
26:11on purpose, aren't you?
26:12Stop making a scene.
26:14If you admit your mistake
26:15in public now,
26:15I can still treat you
26:16well like before.
26:17I looked quietly
26:18at his arrogant face.
26:19Take your Omega
26:20and get out of my sight.
26:21I let out a long
26:22breath of relief.
26:23The secrecy potion
26:24had worn off.
26:24At last,
26:25I could say what I wanted to say.
26:27The smile on Caleb's face
26:28finally collapsed.
26:29Fine, fine.
26:30You don't know
26:30what's good for you,
26:31do you?
26:31He suddenly took
26:32the unequal treaty
26:32from his chest
26:33and raised it
26:34toward my father.
26:34Lie on, King.
26:35Selene has already
26:36signed a blood contract.
26:37If she does not marry me today,
26:38two-thirds of the
26:39West Coast territory
26:39belongs to me.
26:40My father snored coldly.
26:42A treaty signed
26:42under D'Adress
26:43has no legal force.
26:44The West Coast
26:45does not recognize that thing.
26:46Caleb had not expected
26:47my 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
26:54of an East Coast Alpha
26:55transformed into a giant wolf
26:57and lunged,
26:58reaching for my shoulder.
26:59Just as his hand
26:59was about to touch me,
27:01the clouds in the sky
27:01broke apart
27:02and a blood-red full moon
27:03hung overhead.
27:04In the corner,
27:04Kale,
27:05who had been bound
27:05by magical iron chains
27:06all this time,
27:07suddenly let out a roar.
27:08Blazing light erupted
27:08from his eyes.
27:09With a deafening crack,
27:10the thick chains
27:11were torn apart
27:11by brute force.
27:12A terrifying pressure
27:13swept through the hall
27:14like a tidal wave.
27:15In an instance,
27:15Kale transformed
27:16into an ancient life.
27:17He brought one claw down hard
27:18and Kale was knocked
27:19straight back
27:19into his original form.
27:21Kale vomited blood
27:21again and again,
27:22unable to move.
27:23I snorted coldly.
27:24You let him in?
27:26The guard captain
27:26said respectfully.
27:28It seems he lost
27:28his privileged J token
27:30during the fight.
27:30We stopped him
27:31outside the gate.
27:32If he has no token,
27:33then tell him to get lost.
27:35I returned to the
27:35inner palace dot
27:36in the courtyard.
27:36Beside a stone table,
27:37I played an ancient
27:38wolf clan war game
27:38with Kale,
27:39who had returned to human form.
27:40Kale had just broken
27:41through the witch's curse
27:42and his face
27:42was still somewhat pale,
27:44but every movement of his
27:45was exceedingly gentlemanly.
27:46When the wind rose,
27:47he thoughtfully picked up
27:48a white fox fur between us
27:49and draped it gently understanding.
27:50I lifted my head
27:51and smiled at him.
27:52There were no unnecessary
27:53words between us,
27:55yet we shared an understanding
27:56as if our souls resonated.
27:58Just then,
27:58rough shoving
27:59and furious roars
28:00came from beyond
28:00the heavy iron gate.
28:01I turned and saw Kale being
28:02stopped mercilessly
28:03outside the palace gates
28:04by two fully armed royal guards.
28:06How dare you?
28:06I need to help
28:06but you guys don't be!
28:07The guard captain
28:08answered coldly.
28:09Without the life
28:09and princess's privilege
28:10yoktoken,
28:11no one may enter.
28:12Kale insisted on forcing
28:13his way in,
28:13but the guards shoved him
28:14back without mercy,
28:16making him stumble.
28:17Looking at his sorry state,
28:18my face held no expression.
28:20He should finally realize
28:21that without my protection
28:22he could not take
28:23a single step
28:23on the west coast.
28:25Kale knew he could not
28:25force his way
28:26through the palace gates.
28:27He could only run
28:28to one corner of the gate
28:29and stare through
28:29the iron bars
28:30at me in the courtyard.
28:31When he saw Kale
28:32papaling a cloak over me
28:33and saw me smiling at Kale,
28:35the muscles in his face
28:35twitched out of control.
28:37For eighteen years
28:37I had only ever
28:38had eyes for him.
28:39I had never smiled
28:40that way at another man.
28:41He gripped the iron bars hard,
28:42his eyes reddening
28:43as he lost control
28:44and shouted at me,
28:44Selene, come out here!
28:46I am your fated mate!
28:47At the sound of his voice,
28:48the hand with which
28:48I was placing a piece
28:49paused slightly.
28:50I turned my head,
28:51my gaze resting on
28:52Caleb's flushed face
28:53for one second.
28:53There was no anger
28:54in my eyes, nor sorrow.
28:55It was as if I were
28:56looking at a patch
28:56of empty air.
28:57Drag him away,
28:58I ordered coldly.
28:59The guards stepped forward.
29:00Don't touch me!
29:01Caleb roared in fury.
29:03He punched two guards
29:04to the ground
29:05and glared at me
29:06with bloodshot eyes.
29:08Selene,
29:09why are you pretending
29:10to be so noble?
29:11Kale set down
29:12his game piece
29:13and stepped in front of me.
29:14In an instant,
29:15he transformed
29:16into an ancient lion.
29:18Selene told you
29:19to get lost.
29:20Did you not hear her?
29:21Kale's terrifying pressure
29:22erupted,
29:23crushing Caleb in place.
29:24Caleb's bones
29:25cranked under the force.
29:26Knowing he could not
29:27defeat Kale,
29:27he could only retreat
29:28in humiliation
29:29and snar through
29:30gritted teeth.
29:30Fine!
29:31Selene,
29:32don't regret this.
29:33Even if you come
29:33kneeling 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
29:38with a bright red invitation.
29:39Lycan princess,
29:40Caleb has gone mad.
29:42He has publicly announced
29:43to the whole clan
29:43that he is marrying Elera
29:44and he tells everyone
29:46that once you see
29:46the invitation,
29:47you'll break down,
29:48admit your mistake
29:48and cry as you beg him
29:50to change his mind.
29:50I did not even look
29:51at the invitation.
29:52I lifted my teacup
29:53and took a sip.
29:54Let him.
29:55Without West Coast
29:56royal funding,
29:57what would he use
29:58to hold a respectable wedding?
29:59And he still thought
30:00I would apologize to him?
30:02Did he truly think
30:03I still loved him?
30:04That afternoon,
30:05with maids accompanying me,
30:06I left the palace
30:06in a sheep-drawn carriage
30:07for an inspection
30:08and happened to pass
30:09the most luxurious
30:09tailor shop in the city.
30:10I had just reached
30:11the opposite side of the shop
30:12when I heard a crisp slap
30:13from inside.
30:13You dare put this rough,
30:14rotten fabric against me?
30:15It scratches my skin.
30:16Can you afford to fat pay for it,
30:17you lowly dog?
30:18Elera cursed furiously.
30:19At that moment,
30:20Caleb,
30:20who had just returned
30:21from buying mutton,
30:22froze at the shop entrance.
30:23Elera turned her head.
30:24When she met Caleb's shocked gaze,
30:25her face instantly
30:26went deathly pale.
30:26She had never expected Caleb
30:28to witness her true self.
30:29Caleb's eyes,
30:30meanwhile,
30:30were full of suspicion
30:31and shock.
30:31Was this the delicate
30:32Elera he praised to everyone
30:33as someone who would
30:34shed tears
30:34even over stepping on an ant?
30:36Elera immediately
30:36squeezed out tears
30:37and threw herself
30:38into Caleb's arms
30:39in grievous.
30:39Caleb,
30:40this tailor pricked me
30:40on purpose with a needle.
30:42It hurt so much
30:42that I lost control
30:43of my temper.
30:44Please don't blame me,
30:45all right?
30:45Caleb 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
30:52deep in Caleb's heart.
30:54Watching from the corner,
30:55I suddenly came up
30:56with a plan.
30:56I 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
31:03a wedding gift.
31:03At the sound of my name,
31:05Caleb's eyes
31:05instantly lit up.
31:06He eagerly took
31:07the brocade box,
31:09the corners of his mouth
31:10rising beyond his control.
31:11I knew it.
31:12She really couldn't
31:13hold back after all.
31:15She's finally bowing to me.
31:17The heavy doors
31:17were pushed open.
31:18Wearing a noble black
31:19formal dress,
31:20I held Cale's arm
31:21and walked calmly
31:22into the chapel.
31:23The moment Caleb saw me,
31:25his dead eyes
31:25instantly lit up.
31:26Selina,
31:27you came.
31:28His voice trembled
31:29with excitement.
31:30He flung Elera's arm away
31:31and came down
31:32from the altar
31:33to greet me.
31:33But I did not spare him
31:34a single extra glance.
31:36I walked straight
31:36to the front row
31:37of guest seats
31:38and sat down elegantly.
31:39I'm not here
31:40to steal the groom.
31:41Continue your wedding.
31:42Don't mind me.
31:43Caleb froze where he stood.
31:44He grinned his teeth,
31:45still stubbornly staring at me.
31:47Don't regret this.
31:48The priest cleared his throat
31:50and began reading
31:50the lengthy vows.
31:51Lord Caleb,
31:52whether in poverty or wealth,
31:54are you willing
31:54to take Elera as your wife?
31:56I...
31:56Caleb drew out the word.
31:57His gaze was locked
31:58firmly on me,
31:59as if saying,
32:00Selina,
32:00if you stand up
32:01then stop me now.
32:01I'll cancel the wedding
32:02at once and leave with you.
32:03But I only calmly
32:04lifted the red T
32:05and turned my head
32:06to speak softly to Kale.
32:07Kale,
32:08has the West Coast border
32:09defense map been checked?
32:10Kale brushed a fallen leaf
32:11from my shoulder,
32:12his voice gentle.
32:13Seeing our intimate difference,
32:15Caleb's face
32:16instantly turned ashen.
32:17Elera stood beside him,
32:18gritting her teeth
32:19as she urged in a low voice,
32:20It's Kale.
32:20Everyone is waiting
32:21for your vow.
32:22If not for me,
32:23then for our child.
32:23Caleb froze.
32:24You're pregnant?
32:26Elora showed a shy smile
32:27and nodded.
32:28Of course.
32:28Your own flesh and blood.
32:30Caleb sighed and nodded.
32:32All right.
32:32Since you're carrying my child,
32:34I should indeed
32:34give you a proper title.
32:35He nodded to the priest.
32:38I do.
32:39Just then,
32:40the chapel's enormous
32:41stained glass window
32:42shattered with a crash,
32:43and more than a dozen
32:44rogue werewolves
32:45with blood-red eyes
32:46rushed madly into the hall.
32:47The chapel instantly
32:48fell into chaos.
32:50Nobles screamed
32:51and fled in every direction.
32:52This group of rogue werewolves
32:53had an extremely clear target.
32:55They did not even look
32:56at the bride
32:56and grew on the altar.
32:57Raising bright curved blades,
32:59they charged straight toward me.
33:01Kill the lichen princess.
33:02Caleb watched the werewolves
33:03lunging toward me,
33:04his mind going blank.
33:06Selene!
33:07Watch out!
33:07Without hesitation,
33:09he moved to rush down
33:10from the altar
33:11and save me.
33:12But the instant
33:13he took one step,
33:14Alana screamed
33:15and threw herself at him,
33:16clinging tightly
33:17around 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.
33:24Get off!
33:25Elyra, let go!
33:26Selene is in danger!
33:27He tried hard
33:28to prow Alina's hands away,
33:29but Alina clung to him
33:30like an octopus,
33:31her cries piercing.
33:33You're not allowed to go!
33:34I am your bride!
33:37Because of that
33:38one second delay,
33:39the strongest rogue willwolf
33:41had already rushed
33:41in front of me.
33:42He raised a curved blade
33:44coated in green poison
33:45and slashed viciously
33:46towards my back.
33:48Caleb screamed in despair.
33:49No!
33:52At the critical moment,
33:53Kale snudded coldly.
33:54His tall body
33:55instantly blocked me.
33:56He did not even
33:57transform into wolf form.
33:58He merely lifted one hand
33:59and with a crisp clang
34:01caught the descending
34:01poisoned blade barehanded.
34:03Under the terrified gaze
34:04of the rogue werewolf,
34:05Kale turned his wrist
34:06and the curved blade
34:07forged of fine steel
34:08shattered inch by inch.
34:09You're caught in death.
34:10The terrifying pressure
34:11of an ancient wolf king
34:12erupted instantly
34:13and cracks spread
34:14across the chapel floor.
34:15Within a few moves,
34:16those vicious assassins
34:17did not even have room
34:17to resist before
34:18their limbs were broken
34:19and they were hurled
34:20miserably to the ground.
34:21From beginning to end,
34:22Kale shielded me
34:22completely behind him.
34:23Not even a strand
34:24of my hair was disturbed.
34:25Only then did Caleb
34:26finally push Alera away
34:28and stumble over
34:29with his sword in hand.
34:30He foes two steps away.
34:33Kale was kneeling
34:34on one knee before me,
34:36checking with extreme care
34:37whether I had been frightened.
34:39The hand Caleb used
34:40to hold his sword
34:41dropped weakly.
34:41He had wanted to be
34:42the hero who protected me,
34:43but only now did he realize
34:45he had already lost
34:45both the right
34:46and the strength
34:46to protect me.
34:47The royal guards
34:48quickly rushed
34:49into the chapel
34:49and restrained
34:50all the badly injured assassins.
34:51Kale stood
34:52and coldly opened
34:53the assassin leader's clothes,
34:54pulling a blood-stained
34:55piece of parchment
34:56from his chest.
34:57I glanced at it
34:59and my gaze
34:59instantly turned cold.
35:01This is a hand-drawn
35:03defense map
35:03of the chapel.
35:04I looked toward Alera,
35:06who was trembling
35:06on the steps,
35:07and it was drawn
35:08with ink,
35:09specially supplied
35:10to the East Coast
35:12royal family.
35:13All eyes in the hall
35:14snapped onto Alera.
35:15Is there a traitor
35:17in the East Coast?
35:18What did you say?
35:19Caleb looked as if
35:20he had been struck
35:21by lightning.
35:21He stumbled
35:22half a step back.
35:23Just then,
35:24the assassin leader
35:24pinned to the ground,
35:25spat out a mouthful
35:26of bloody salva,
35:27and glared
35:27viciously at Alaya.
35:28It was this bitch
35:29she gave us
35:29the defense map
35:30and told us
35:30to kill the Lycan
35:31princess in the chaos.
35:32She said once it was done,
35:34she'd give us
35:34half of the West Coast
35:35territory.
35:36With irrefutable evidence
35:37before everyone,
35:38Alera's disguise
35:39was completely torn apart.
35:40No!
35:41This isn't true!
35:42Caleb looked at Alara
35:43with bloodshot eyes,
35:44his voice trembling.
35:46So you've been lying
35:46to me all along?
35:47The anemia was fake
35:48and the pregnancy
35:49was fake too?
35:51Alara knew she had
35:52nowhere left to retreat.
35:53She broke down instantly
35:54and crawled to Caleb's feet,
35:56clenching his leg
35:56as tears and snot
35:57covered her face.
35:58Caleb, listen to me!
35:59I was forced!
36:00They threatened me!
36:01She begged frantically
36:02like a pitiful worm,
36:03not a strice remaining
36:03of her former
36:04delicate helplessness.
36:05I only loved you too much!
36:07Protect me with your
36:08East Coast privileges
36:09like you used to, alright?
36:10Looking at the ugly woman
36:11before him,
36:12Caleb felt his stomach
36:13churn with disgust.
36:14He kicked Alarka away
36:15and stared at her
36:16with loathing.
36:17This was the delicate
36:18first love
36:19for whom he had
36:20given up everything
36:20and even broken
36:21with the West Coast.
36:22For this lying bitch,
36:24he had forced me
36:25to sleep in a pigsty.
36:26For this vicious woman
36:27who had never been ill,
36:28he had forced me to bleed.
36:29Each truth that came
36:31too late
36:31filled Caleb
36:32with unbearable regret.
36:33What kind of person
36:34had he lost?
36:35Someone who had loved him
36:36so deeply.
36:37With a thud,
36:39Caleb's legs gave out
36:40and he collapsed heavily
36:41to his knees
36:41in the ruins.
36:42His face streamed
36:43with tears.
36:44As he turned
36:45and crawled toward me,
36:46his eyes read,
36:48Selina,
36:49I'm sorry.
36:50I was blind.
36:52I was a fool.
36:53I was wrong.
36:54Please forgive me.
36:55Faced with Caleb's repentance,
36:57I had no interest
36:58in even stopping.
36:59Calmly,
37:00I looked away,
37:01took a clean silk handkerchief
37:02from my sleeve
37:03and pulled Cale's hand
37:04toward me.
37:06Did it hurt
37:07when you crushed
37:08that poisoned blade?
37:09No.
37:10As long as you're unharmed,
37:11that's all that matters.
37:12Let's go.
37:14It's too filthy here.
37:16Icali dropped the pankage
37:18beside Caleb's hand,
37:19linked arms with Cale
37:20and walked straight
37:22out of the chapel.
37:23Caleb froze where he was.
37:24At last,
37:25he understood.
37:25I was no longer willing
37:27to give him even hatred.
37:28He knelt there,
37:29watching helplessly
37:30as Cale and I left
37:31side by side,
37:32his nose stinging.
37:33What will it take?
37:35What will it take
37:36for you to forgive me?
37:37Just then,
37:38a messenger covered in blood
37:39stumbled into the hall.
37:41Report!
37:42Rogue werewolves
37:43are invading
37:43on a massive scale.
37:44The West Coast defense line
37:46is in critical danger.
37:47Caleb suddenly lifted his head,
37:48a crazed light
37:49flashing in his eyes.
37:50War.
37:51War has come.
37:52As long as I earn
37:53great merit on the battlefield,
37:55as long as I prove my worth,
37:58Selina will surely
37:59look at me again.
38:00Battle reports
38:00from the front lines
38:01were sent back
38:02to the capital every day.
38:03On the battlefield,
38:04Cale planned and commanded
38:05with brilliant strategy.
38:06Not only was he not
38:06dragged down
38:07by the witch's curse,
38:08he displayed the bearing
38:09of an unparalleled general.
38:10He won every battle
38:11and became the hero
38:12admired by the entire army.
38:13Caleb, meanwhile,
38:14fought in the lowest trenches
38:16like a beast
38:16that did not care
38:17whether it lived or died.
38:19He deliberately refused
38:20to wear heavy armor,
38:22allowing enemy blades
38:23to leave hideous wounds
38:24across his body.
38:25Every time he was injured,
38:26every time he bled,
38:27he felt he was paying back
38:28the debt for once
38:29draining my blood.
38:30He felt he was easing
38:31the guilt in his heart.
38:32He fought desperately for merit,
38:34charging forward like a madman
38:35and cutting down
38:35countless enemy heads,
38:37only hoping that his name
38:37might appear once
38:38in the military reports
38:39and be seen by me.
38:40But he did not know
38:41that when I read the reports,
38:42my gaze only stopped
38:43on Kale's name.
38:44I did not care
38:45which common soldier
38:46had earned credit.
38:47During an especially brutal
38:49breakout battle,
38:50the rogue werewolf army
38:51surrounded the suicide squad.
38:52A military banner
38:53representing the West Coast
38:55royal family
38:55was about to be cut down.
38:58That was my territory.
39:01My banner.
39:02Caleb's eyes went red
39:04as he roared
39:04and threw himself forward.
39:08No one touches
39:09Sylvine's banner!
39:10He used his body
39:11to shield the flagpole,
39:13refusing to retreat.
39:14Squish.
39:15An enemy spear
39:16ruthlessly pierced
39:17through the soldier's abdomen.
39:19He vomited
39:20a mouthful of blood,
39:21but his hands
39:22still clung tightly
39:23to the banner
39:24as he collapsed heavily
39:26into a pool of blood.
39:28The dark, damp
39:29woundager's camp
39:30was filled with
39:30the thick smell of blood
39:31and screams of pain.
39:32Caleb's injuries
39:33were too severe.
39:33The spear had pierced
39:34through his abdomen
39:35and his high fever
39:36would not break.
39:36He lay on a crude straw mat,
39:38barely breathing.
39:38In the extreme agony
39:40between dreams and waking,
39:41he began to hallucinate.
39:42He seemed to return
39:43to that summer
39:43ten years ago.
39:44A little version of me
39:45followed behind him,
39:46eyes full of worship,
39:47as I called him
39:48Brother Caleb,
39:49blushing while I handed him
39:50that wooden sword.
39:51Brother Caleb,
39:52will you protect me forever?
39:55Of course.
39:57I'll protect you
39:58for the rest of your life.
39:59But the scene shifted.
40:00It became me locked
40:01inside the reeking pig pet,
40:02my face covered in blood,
40:03looking at him in despair
40:04as he married Alara.
40:06No,
40:07don't look at me like that.
40:08In his coma,
40:09tears of pain
40:09streamed down his face.
40:10His hands clawed wildly
40:11at empty air
40:11as he murmured
40:12in a broken,
40:12miserable voice,
40:13Celine,
40:14I was wrong.
40:15Please,
40:15don't go.
40:16But in the illusion,
40:17I pulled my hand away coldly
40:19and turned away
40:20without hesitation.
40:21Just as he was drowning
40:22in unbearable pain,
40:23in reality,
40:24he suddenly felt a pair
40:25of cooled hands
40:26touch his forehead.
40:27Then a bottle of
40:28high-grade royal potion
40:29with a faint fragrance
40:30was placed in his hand.
40:31This familiar scent
40:32belonged only to potions
40:33the royal family
40:34was qualified to use.
40:36Caleb's whole body jolted.
40:38Here you go.
40:43Summoning all his strength,
40:44he opened his eyes.
40:45Caleb opened his eyes
40:46in wild joy,
40:47a smile of adtespitation
40:48already lifting
40:49the corner of his mouth.
40:50But when he saw
40:50the person before him clearly,
40:51he felt as if he had
40:52fallen to an ice cower.
40:53The person standing by his bed
40:54was not me at all,
40:55but an old logistics medic
40:56with a face full of wrinkles.
40:57Young man,
40:57you'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
41:01from the potion bottle
41:02and brought it to his lips.
41:04Drink.
41:04This was personally ordered
41:05by Commander Kale.
41:06In recognition of your
41:07suicide squad's merit
41:08in protecting the banner,
41:09every severely injured member
41:11has been given a royal potion.
41:12Caleb stared daily
41:13at the potion bottle.
41:14His fingers tightened
41:15inch by inch,
41:16his knuckles turning white.
41:17So it was not for him.
41:18So he was only
41:19the most insignificant one
41:20among tens of thousands
41:21of wounded soldiers.
41:22He had risked his life
41:23to 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
41:29to be hated by me anymore.
41:31I had completely treated
41:32as an unrelated stranger,
41:34a piece of air
41:35that could exist or not.
41:36Caleb clutched
41:37the potion bottle tightly,
41:38tears falling in heavy drops
41:40onto the straw mat.
41:41Suddenly,
41:42he laughed bitterly.
41:43Ignoring me.
41:44So being ignored
41:46is the cruelest punishment.
41:48One year later,
41:50the rebellion of the rogue werewolves
41:51was completely pacified
41:52and the border welcomed
41:53a long-awaited peace.
41:55The army returned in triumph.
41:57The gates of the capital
41:58opened wide
41:58and citizens lined the streets
42:00cheering as they welcomed home
42:01the hero who had saved
42:02the wolf clans.
42:03Meanwhile,
42:04on the execution ground,
42:05on the other side of the city,
42:06Alara,
42:06who had served as an insider
42:07for the rogue werewolves,
42:09was finally facing her hanging.
42:10At the outermost edge
42:11of the crowd,
42:12a man with a crippled leg
42:13and a body covered in mud
42:14staggered forward.
42:14He wore ragged linen.
42:16His appearance withered,
42:17his vacant gaze fixed
42:18on the cross.
42:18A rough rope was looped
42:19around Alara's neck.
42:20Her hair hung loose
42:21as she struggled violently
42:22and screamed in agony.
42:23Ah, Caleb!
42:24Save me!
42:25For the sake of the love
42:26we once shared,
42:26save me!
42:27But Caleb merely looked
42:28at her coldly.
42:29The old obsession
42:29was gone from his eyes,
42:31leaving only the remort
42:31of a man who had been blind
42:33in both sight and heart.
42:34If not for this vicious woman
42:35full of lies,
42:35he should now have been
42:36standing on the execution platform,
42:38receiving the admiration
42:39of the whole clan as an alpha.
42:40At the executioner's command,
42:41Alarma'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
42:49than before,
42:50trinch remotely erupted
42:51from the front of square.
42:52It's the Lycan princess's
42:53royal carriage!
42:54She has come personally
42:55to welcome the hero,
42:56Lord 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
43:11to see even the slightest
43:12ripple in my eyes.
43:13Pity, even 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
43:21at 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, the wind is rising.
43:32Let's go home,
43:33I said, smiling 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, let's go home.
43:44The last spark inside Caleb
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 Caleb
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.
44:20Kale guarded me and our child
44:22with unwavering loyalty.
44:23The internal strife
44:24and external threats
44:25of the past
44:26were completely pass-approved
44:27and the wolf clans
44:28entered an unprecedented
44:29golden era.
44:31My name became
44:32the highest symbol
44:32of power and glory.
44:34As for the name Caleb,
44:35it vanished from everyone's memory
44:37like an insignificant speck of dust.
44:40No one mentioned
44:41the once arrogant
44:41East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:43No one remembered
44:44his ridiculous shaby wedding.
44:46Ten years later,
44:47in the most remote,
44:48dilapidated slum
44:48on the East Coast,
44:49the cold wind howled
44:50as it swept garbage
44:51across the ground.
44:52A broken-down tavern
44:53reeking of mold
44:54and cheap alcohol
44:54stood 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
45:01by hardship,
45:02limped through the door
45:02and shuffled to the bar.
45:04It was Caleb.
45:06But he was filthy
45:07from head to toe,
45:08with not the slightest
45:09traces of an alpha
45:10left 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.
45:17Give me a cup
45:19of the cheapest ale.
45:20The bartender
45:22set a cup of 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
45:34corner of the tavern.
45:36Through drunken,
45:37blurred 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
45:47anniversary of Lichen Princess
45:49and Kale.
45:50At the center of the image,
45:51I wore a crown,
45:53my smile noble and bright,
45:55my eyes filled with happiness.
45:57The old werewolf
45:58raised his rough,
45:59frostbitted hand
46:00and paused in midair
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.
46:10I 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
46:18with cheap ale
46:19and rolled down
46:20his scarred face.
46:22Like a madman,
46:23he cried and laughed,
46:24then slapped himself
46:26hard 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 fed
46:38for that bitch,
46:39hadn't drained your blood,
46:42would you still love me,
46:44Selene?
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
46:57the 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,
47:12slowly ending
47:13the rest of his life
47:15in endless loneliness
47:17and ruin.
47:18in the world
47:18that's a very good
47:18man.
47:18I don't know what
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