A captivating story of forbidden love, painful betrayal, and emotional redemption that will leave you wanting more.
#drama #movie #romance #love #viral #betrayal #revenge #relationship #emotional #lovestory
#drama #movie #romance #love #viral #betrayal #revenge #relationship #emotional #lovestory
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The matriarch ordered me to marry a black hound. The whole room exploded with laughter.
00:04My eyes shot to the man I once loved, Crown Prince Killian. He was holding my sister's hand.
00:09My Luna will only ever be Fiona.
00:12They have no idea what black really is. That hound they chained me to is a handsome man,
00:16the true future wolf king. At the court feast, the moon matriarch led a black hound up to me.
00:21Lyra, meet your future mate, the black prince.
00:25The entire court erupted in laughter. It's a hound. You expect me to bond with a hound?
00:31You dare disrespect the prince? I raised black from a pup. He's like a son to me.
00:35You should be honored to bond with him.
00:37My gaze shot to Crown Prince Killian, the man I once loved.
00:41Before the war, he had sworn under the full moon that I would be his only Luna.
00:44Kilvan, so your oath meant nothing?
00:46That was a joke. The battlefield has aged you. You're not fit to stand beside me anymore.
00:51My future Luna will only ever be your sister, Fiona.
00:54Fiona, ten years younger than me and beautiful. She lifted her chin. A triumphant smirk plastered
00:59on her face. Don't blame me, sister. You were gone too long. The prince can't wait forever.
01:03Without another word, I bent down and took the black hound's leash. I saw his eyes were crimson,
01:07a half-breed, bloodthirsty and doomed to a short life. As I ran a hand over his head,
01:12Tell me you're actually growing fond of a dog, Lyra.
01:14What do you want, Fiona? She gave me a once-over, her expression dripping with contempt.
01:18I know you're bitter, but just look at yourself. Did you really think you could hold onto
01:23the crown prince looking like that? I drew my long sword and pressed the tip to her throat.
01:27Are you finished? Fear flashed in her eyes, but she stumbled back, arrogance winning out.
01:32You wouldn't dare! This is the wolf royal palette! God, you're just scut whore!
01:35Just like that whore of a mother who abandoned you!
01:38Shut your mouth. Don't you ever say her name again.
01:42With a twist of my wrist, I swung the heavy pommel of my sword. A scream tore from her throat.
01:49Blood gushed between her fingers. Her nose lay severed on the marble floor.
01:53You care so much about your beauty. Let's see how you fare without it.
01:57Killen dropped to Fiona's side as she sobbed, blood pouring through her fingers.
02:01What have you done?
02:03He roared.
02:03How could you do this to her? She's your sister!
02:06A slow, cold laugh was my only answer. Sister? Fiona had despised me since the day our father
02:12brought her home. She always got first pick of his gifts. The silks, the jewels, the delicate
02:16necklaces. She'd take everything, then toss me the cheapest, frayne ribbon and sneer.
02:21This is all that a thing like you deserves.
02:24I don't recall having a sister. Certainly not one who'd steal my mate.
02:29Fiona clutched her ruined face, her squeaks echoing off the stone walls.
02:34Our father told you to protect me!
02:36On his deathbed, our father had grabbed my hand, nearly breathless.
02:39Protect Fiona from me.
02:41I remember laughing as I ripped my hand from his grip. I leaned in close, my lips brushing
02:45his ear and whispered,
02:46You miss her that much? Don't worry. I'll make sure she joins you soon enough. You never
02:50paid any homage to my mother when she died.
02:51I kicked Fiona away from me, sending her sprawling. He asked, but I never agreed.
02:55Pilvin cradled her, his golden wolf eyes blazing with a fury.
02:58You're a monster!
02:59I flicked Fiona's blood from my blade and leveled the point at his heart.
03:02And you? Care to test that theory?
03:04You?
03:05I let out a soft, humorless chuckle and sheathed my sword.
03:08Grasping the leash of black beside me, I turned my back on them both.
03:13I'm not a monster.
03:15I'm just done holding back.
03:18With the black hound in my carriage, I circled the capital, commanding minstrels to play.
03:23I wanted everyone in this city to see what the royal court had done.
03:26They demanded that I marry a black hound.
03:28Children ran after the carriage, their voices a cruel change.
03:31Duchess Lyra is marrying a dog!
03:33A beta in the crowd smeared.
03:35That battle-scarred duchess?
03:36A dog's the best she can get!
03:39I vaulted from the carriage and gave him 50 lashes.
03:42Right there, in the street.
03:44There.
03:46Now you're worse than a dog.
03:47I'll never forget how they treated me.
03:49When I first joined the knight's order, the male alpha scorned me.
03:52A she-wolf has no place on the battlefield.
03:55Her only duty is to bear pups and warm her alpha's bed.
03:58I proved them all wrong.
03:59I am now the most powerful alpha in the entire kingdom.
04:02The night of the bonding ritual, I was back in my chambers.
04:05The black prince was leashed by the door, whining pitifully.
04:08I knocked on a secret panel in the wall.
04:10It slid open, and a powerful man emerged from the shadows.
04:13He had the same wild look, the same crimson eyes as the hound at the door.
04:16I stroked his head.
04:18Silas, you're no hound.
04:19His raw scent overwhelming me.
04:21His calloused fingertips traced a line down my throat.
04:24Lyra, hold me.
04:27I wrapped my arms around his back, pulling him closer.
04:30That was all the permission he needed.
04:32He became a storm of unrestrained passion, sweeping me from the table to the bed.
04:37It was pure, exhilarating bliss.
04:39I felt alive again.
04:40After that night, Simus held me like a wolf guarding treasure.
04:43Lyra, I like this.
04:46I lifted my head and kissed him.
04:48Then I rose from the bed and led him to the door.
04:51I pointed at the hound leashed outside, a slow smile spreading across my face.
04:56Silas, I got you a brother.
04:58Look at him.
04:59Don't you two match?
05:01Silas cried out, pure panic in his voice as tears streamed down his face.
05:05A brother?
05:06No!
05:06His arms became steel bands around me, crushing me to him.
05:09No, Lyra.
05:11You have me.
05:13Only me.
05:13I found Silas in the ashes of a battlefield.
05:16He was a weapon, forged by the Outlanders.
05:18They'd raised him in a cage with beasts, forcing him to kill or be killed every day.
05:23By the time I found him, the boy was gone.
05:25Only the killer remained.
05:26The battlefield was a graveyard.
05:28A boy, Silas.
05:29Cacket and blood stood silently among the corpses, his eyes completely hollow.
05:33Come back with me.
05:34I walked toward him, wrapped my arms around his broken body, and brought him back to the
05:38nights.
05:39No one ever knew he existed except my late father.
05:42I smiled, hugging Simus back gently.
05:45Simus, I've bonded with it.
05:47Bonded?
05:47It means I'm bound to it for life.
05:49I'll even have its children.
05:51His eyes flew wide in disbelief.
05:52Horror twisted his features as his gaze shot between me and the hound.
05:55No!
05:55It's a hound!
05:56Don't choose it!
05:57Choose me!
05:57I couldn't help but lean in and kiss him.
05:59I want to bond with you, Silas.
06:01But they won't let me.
06:01His face hardened into a vicious snarl.
06:03Who?
06:04I'll kill them.
06:05I smiled, pulling him into my arms as my eyes fell on the black hound.
06:08Don't worry.
06:08As long as you become black, you'll be my mate.
06:10I made Silas live and eat with the hound until he mirrored its every move.
06:15A month later, I rubbed the potion into the hound and led him back into the palace.
06:21Whispers followed me down the halls.
06:23Utterly shameless.
06:24To actually bed a dog.
06:25They say the whole manor can hear her at night.
06:28I ignored them all.
06:29My head held high.
06:30Then I saw Killian walking straight for me.
06:32He stopped.
06:33His face a mask of arrogance.
06:35Marquis Roman has returned.
06:37The Black Wolf Knights are no longer yours.
06:39He's taking command.
06:41Liar, stop fighting me.
06:42Submit.
06:42And I may still show you mercy.
06:44A bitter laugh escaped my lips, cutting him short.
06:46What's the matter?
06:47Your Luna is missing a nose.
06:49So suddenly you've remembered me?
06:50The blood from his face replaced by a flash of rage.
06:53The owner's face is ruined because of you!
06:55You're right.
06:55I'm poison.
06:56So imagine what my child would be.
06:58A prince as pure as you should stay far, far away from my tainted blood.
07:03I swept past him and strode into the throne room.
07:05The moon matriarch sat perched on her throne.
07:07Marquis Roman standing vigil below.
07:09I placed a deliberate hand over my stomach and stepped forward.
07:12Matriarch, I'm carrying the Black Prince's child.
07:14Her regal composure crapped, her eyes widening in disbelief.
07:17Impossible!
07:17That thing is just a black hound!
07:19Killian stormed into the room.
07:21His golden iria is webbed with red.
07:23Tell me the truth.
07:24Whose bastard are you carrying?
07:26I stroked my belly, a serene smile playing on my lips as I glanced at the black hound.
07:30Why won't you believe me?
07:31This is the air of the Black Prince.
07:33With a roar of fury, Killian kicked the hound hard in the ribs.
07:36You're lying!
07:37The beast let out a painted howl, and its eyes flared a burning crimson.
07:40The potion had taken effect.
07:41It launched itself at Killian.
07:43A furious blur of teeth and claws tore a chunk of flesh from his cheek.
07:46Kill it!
07:46In a flash of silver, Roman's sword fell.
07:49The Black Prince's blood splattered across the hem of my gown.
07:52No, my prince!
07:53Tears streamed down my cheeks as I fell, pulling the hound's body into my arms.
07:55Lifting my head, my golden pupils locked on a Roman.
07:57You!
07:58You killed the prince!
08:00You killed my baby's father!
08:01The hound assaulted Prince Killian for attacking royalty.
08:04Its death was justified.
08:05Kneeling on the cold stone, I pulled Black's lifeless body into my arms.
08:08His blood soaked my gown as I felt the last of his warmth drain away.
08:11Lifting my head, I fixed my gaze on Roman, my eyes glinting like cold steel.
08:14My hand moved deliberately to my stomach.
08:16You murderer!
08:17You just made my child lose his father.
08:18Enough of this madness!
08:19It was just a hound!
08:20He was the mate you decreed for me.
08:22Have you forgotten calling him your own son?
08:23It hurt Killian, so it deserved to die!
08:26A slow shake of my head was my only answer.
08:28I gathered his body into my arms, stood, and walked.
08:32Warm blood trickled down my arms.
08:34No one dared stand in my way.
08:36Back in my territory, I stood dressed in morning black.
08:39His body lay in a simple wooden coffin before me.
08:42Take it to the cemetery.
08:43I will bury my mate, and all will bear witness.
08:46The funeral procession cut through the crowds.
08:48I rode alongside the coffin.
08:50The black wolf knights a shadow at my back.
08:52It was time.
08:52As everyone walked, the wooden coffin suddenly jolted.
08:55A low groan of splintering wood echoed in the silence.
08:58The procession halted.
09:00Gasps of fear rippled through the crowd as my knights drew their swords.
09:04Crack!
09:05The lid of the coffin exploded outward.
09:07A figure sat bolt upright inside.
09:08His bare chest was rose in ragged breaths, and his crimson eyes burned like embers.
09:13The black hair, and a wild, untamed face like black's.
09:16It was Simus.
09:17Lyra, I'm back.
09:19The crowd exploded.
09:21Some screamed, and some drew their swords.
09:23What the hell is that?
09:26It's a demon that possessed the beast!
09:28A knight's voice cut through the chaos, his sword already raised.
09:31Kill it!
09:31Before it can...
09:32I stood between Silas and the blades, my hand falling to the hilt of my sword.
09:36Who dares?
09:37Your grace, that demon crawled from a coffin.
09:40It's a foul spirit and must be destroyed!
09:43A low chuckle established my lips as I gently touched Simus's cheek.
09:46Look closer.
09:47He is my mate.
09:49The black prince returned from the dead, bathed him, and a low howl escaped his throat.
09:53His bones grew larger.
09:55Black fur erupted from his skin.
09:57In fangs curled past lips, Simus's human form melted away.
10:00Replaced by a colossal, jai-black wolf, he lifted his enormous head.
10:04His crimson eyes glaring down upon the crowd.
10:08A citizen's voice trembled.
10:10Moon goddess, preserve us.
10:13A black wolf.
10:16The ancient bloodline...
10:18Silas swiped a massive paw, and the raw power of a true wolf alpha crashed over the crowd.
10:23Some men's knees buckled.
10:24They collapsed to the ground.
10:26Another citizen shouted.
10:27Not a demon!
10:28It's the blood of the first wolves!
10:30The wolf god walks again!
10:32Knights dropped their swords with a clatter.
10:35One by one, the entire crowd fell to their knees.
10:38A knight's voice boomed.
10:39The living image of the first wolf!
10:41The true king has returned!
10:43Silas paddled to my side.
10:44He lowered his massive head, gently touching his nose to my forehead.
10:47He faced his kneeling subjects, his deep howl echoing powerfully across the entire kingdom.
10:52As one, they knelt in reverence.
10:54We hail the new king!
10:56I watched it all unfold, a slow, triumphant smile touching my lips.
10:59They all thought they were burying Black, the pathetic hound from the kennels.
11:03But it was Silas I had sealed inside that coffin.
11:05They forced me to mate with a hound.
11:07So I made that hound a king.
11:09I rested my hand in Silas's thick fur and looked toward the distant wolf royal palace.
11:15Let's go.
11:16It's time to take back your throne.
11:20I shoved the great doors open and walked into the throne room,
11:23Simus at my side.
11:24The moon matriarch rose from her throne.
11:26Killen, his face still bruised, his golden eyes locked on the colossal wolf.
11:31What is that?
11:33I rested a hand on my stomach.
11:34Don't you recognize him?
11:36It's the Black Prince.
11:38Black.
11:38My mate.
11:40Impossible!
11:41That mongrel is dead!
11:42Roman killed him in person!
11:43A low growl rumbled from Silas's chest.
11:45The sheer force of the sound slammed into Killen, sending him stumbling back.
11:48Kilton gasped.
11:50That power.
11:51How?
11:52Roman's voice trembled.
11:54The first wolf.
11:55Can the rumors be true?
11:56The black hound transformed under the moonlight.
11:59The moon matriarch snapped.
12:00Absurd!
12:01It's just another of this wench's pathetic lies!
12:04Silas stawed forward.
12:05With every step he took, the courtier scrambled back.
12:09He lifted his head, his crimson wolf eyes sweeping over every person in the room.
12:13One by one, they collapsed to their knees.
12:16Killen roared.
12:17What are you doing?
12:18Get up!
12:19It's just a-
12:20He never finished.
12:21A single swipe from Simus's claw sent him flying into a stone pillar.
12:25Killen coughed up blood.
12:26Lyra, you're in league with an outsider.
12:29This monster isn't the first wolf.
12:31He's tricked you all.
12:32I am the true king, your future alpha.
12:34He looked desperately at the others.
12:35You call him an outsider?
12:37I ran a hand through Silas's fur, a slow smile spreading across my face.
12:41He transformed in front of the entire city, under the light of the full moon.
12:46Tell me, what kind of outsider can withstand the goddess's blessing?
12:50My gaze shifted to the moon matriarch, who had fallen back onto her throne.
12:54And I have you to thank for it, really.
12:56You gave me black.
12:57Her face was a mask of pale horror.
12:59I gave the order.
13:02And had them both thrown out.
13:04I took my place on the throne beside Silas, as the coronation began.
13:08The throne room doors burst open.
13:10Fiona stood there, her face a wreck of bandages.
13:13All her delicate beauty replaced by a haggard desperation.
13:17She threw herself at the foot of the throne.
13:19Her eyes fixed on Silas.
13:21It should be me at your side.
13:22I am the most highborn she-wolf in this entire kingdom.
13:25My coat is finer.
13:26My face more beautiful.
13:27I'm ten years younger than her.
13:28Silas's lip curled in disgust, as he pulled Y into his arms.
13:32My Luna is Lyra.
13:33And only Lyra.
13:35Fiona recoiled, her amber eyes burning with a lifetime of hatred for me.
13:39It's always been you!
13:41Since we were pups, everything has been yours.
13:44The Dukity, the Black Wolf Knight, and now the Luna's throne!
13:48You've stolen everything that should have been mine!
13:50I stared at her, my face a mask of ice.
13:53Are you finished?
13:54While I bled on the training grounds, you danced at court.
13:58While I fought for our lands in the north, you were whispering in my betrothed's ear.
14:02And you think you have the right to take my place?
14:05To be Luna?
14:07She screamed.
14:08No!
14:09You're just a sword-swinging maniac!
14:12Even father said it!
14:14Just like your brutally mother.
14:16Born to be a tool.
14:17A slave to serve the family's ambitions!
14:19And?
14:20Our father is dead.
14:21And unlike him, my dear sister, I don't have a soft spot for a pretty face.
14:26Guards!
14:27Drag her out.
14:27They seized her.
14:28She struggled.
14:29Her screams cut short as the great doors slammed shut, silencing everything.
14:34In the Duke's Domain, training yard, I was just a pup, swinging a wooden sword, soaked in sweat.
14:39My father, Duke Selvan, stood watching, a permanent scowl on his face.
14:43Enough!
14:44A she-wolf has no use for such things.
14:46But I beat all the other pups, even the males!
14:49And what of it?
14:49You are female.
14:50Your duty is to be gentle.
14:51To serve not to fight.
14:52His words were like stones.
14:54You will never be an alpha.
14:56You will never be a knight.
14:57I couldn't understand.
14:58I was the strongest.
14:59Why did he refuse to see it?
15:00Hot tears blurred my vision.
15:02I dropped the sword and fled.
15:04In the Duke's Domain, Main Hall.
15:06I was ten, and my father brought another she-wolf into our home.
15:09She was beautiful, all silver fur and amber eyes.
15:12And she was pregnant.
15:13My father wrapped an arm around her, announcing to the entire hall.
15:16She carries my air.
15:17She is to live here from this day forward.
15:19The child she carried was Fiona.
15:21My eyes shot to my mother.
15:23All the color had drained from her face.
15:25She looked like she would shatter into a million pieces.
15:29Selvin, you've broken our sacred bond.
15:32It wasn't long before my mother's spirit broke, and she took to her bed.
15:36I never left her side.
15:37My small face streaked with tears.
15:38Mom, does he not want us anymore?
15:41Her frail hand stroked my hair.
15:42Oh, my sweet Lyra.
15:44It isn't that he doesn't want you.
15:46He's terrified of you.
15:47Of me?
15:48He's terrified of a she-wolf who is his equal.
15:51Terrified you'll grow too powerful for him to control.
15:54Terrified you'll prove that a she-wolf doesn't need an alpha's permission to rule.
15:58What do I do?
15:59Fight for it.
16:00Take it.
16:00No one will ever hand you anything in this life.
16:03Promise me, Lyra.
16:05Promise me you will become an alpha that no male dares to challenge.
16:10Her grip on my hand tightened, then went limp, and just like that, she was gone.
16:14The coronation ceremony pressed on.
16:17Silas' hand covered mine, rough and warm.
16:19He leaned in, his crimson wolf eyes filled with concern.
16:22Lyra, what's on your mind?
16:25My mother.
16:26I leaned into his embrace and looked toward the horizon.
16:28My mother's voice echoed in my mind.
16:30Mom, do you see me now?
16:31I didn't become the submissive female they wanted.
16:33I became a sword.
16:35I became the Luna.
16:36Marquis Roman stepped forward, dropping to one knee before the throne.
16:40Your majesty, I struck down the Black Prince in public, a grave insult to the blood of an alpha.
16:44I am here to accept my punishment.
16:46I fixed my gaze on him.
16:48Roman, the Black Wolf Knights, do you still want them?
16:52He lowered his head even further.
16:54The Black Wolf Knights will always be your blade, my Luna.
16:57I am merely the rust on that blade, unworthy of ever wielding it.
17:00I nodded, then beckoned a guard forward.
17:03The Moon Matriarch and Killian, report.
17:06Confined to the North Tower as you commanded.
17:08Guard said.
17:08They will never set foot outside it again.
17:10Good.
17:11I want them to watch this palace change hands.
17:15I turned to the court.
17:16Send the news to the entire city.
17:19In three days, we will hold a festival for the Moon Goddess, celebrating the rise of our new king.
17:25I wanted everyone to witness our victory.
17:28Silas dismissed the court.
17:30Soon the Great Hall was empty, leaving just the two of us.
17:33He nuzzled the back of my neck, his warm breath ghosting across my skin.
17:37Tired.
17:38He murmured, his voice low and rough.
17:40You will stand with me, and together we rule these lands.
17:43He lowered his head, his fangs grazing my neck, leaving his mark.
17:46As you command, my Luna.
17:48I reached up, my fingertips tracing the rugged line of his jaw.
17:52Silas, from this day forward, you will never hide in the shadows again.
17:57No one will ever dare look down on you.
17:59At the festival for the Moon Goddess, it was time for our binding ceremony.
18:03The High Priest held a silver chapless between us.
18:06By blood, a vow.
18:08By the moon, a witness.
18:10Drink from this chapless, and be bound for all eternity, mate to mate.
18:14Silas sliced his palm, letting his blood fall into the silver.
18:18I took the blade and did the same.
18:20Our lifeblood swirled together.
18:22He drank half, then pressed the chapless to my lips.
18:26I tilted my head back and drained the rest.
18:28In one swift move, Silas swept me into his arms and kissed me.
18:34Lyra, I love you.
18:36Pack of wolves cheered.
18:37I smiled in his arms.
18:39Later, in the quiet of our chambers, he laid me down on the furs of our bed.
18:43His nose traced a path from my forehead, down my nose, to my lips.
18:48His voice was a low growl.
18:50Stay with me forever, Lyra.
19:05Afterward, he wrapped himself around me, holding me tight.
19:08I laid there with my eyes open, tracing idle patterns on the back of his hand.
19:12And in that moment, I believed in forever love.
19:15After becoming Luna, my coat began to regain its sheen.
19:19The handy-maters couldn't stop gushing about how my beauty was returning.
19:23As I asked Simus about it, he just rested his chin on my shoulder.
19:27You've always been beautiful.
19:29Turned my head to kiss the corner of his throat.
19:32Who taught you to say things like that?
19:33My Silas doesn't usually use such sweet words.
19:36I teased, raising an eyebrow.
19:38He captured my lips in a deep kiss.
19:41You did.
19:42You taught me everything.
19:44Later that afternoon, we were in the gardens.
19:46I was resting against the trunk of a willow tree.
19:50Silas sat beside me, a goofy smile on his face as he twisted a lock of my hair.
19:55He leaned down, his lips brushing softly against my eyelid.
19:59My eyes fluttered open, a smile playing on my lips.
20:03Stealing kisses now?
20:04Not stealing.
20:05This is me being very obvious about it.
20:08He pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my neck.
20:11His warm breath tickled my skin.
20:14That tickles.
20:15You're very beautiful.
20:17I don't want anyone else to see you.
20:19What are you gonna do?
20:20Nothing.
20:21I'm the Wolf King.
20:22I'll just make them shut their eyes.
20:24My little Silas has gotten so bossy.
20:27His arms tightened around me, his body a shield.
20:30I'll always be yours.
20:32At the feast, a young duke from the Borderlands couldn't keep his eyes off me.
20:36His name was Darian, a new title, a lot of arroganance.
20:39He swaggered over, wine glass in hand, and presented a moonstone brooch for the whole
20:43court to see.
20:45My Luna, a moonstone from my own quarries.
20:48Its light is the only thing I've seen that can ravel your eyes.
20:53The great hall went quiet.
20:55Every single gaze was locked on us.
20:57I didn't take the brooch.
20:58I just smiled.
20:59The stone is lovely, but I don't wear other people's things.
21:02The smile on his face cracked for just a second, before he retreated into the crowd.
21:08I turned my head to look at Silas beside me.
21:12The knuckles of the hand gripping his goblet were bone white.
21:17Later that night, in the darkness of our chambers, Silas prized me to the wall.
21:22His canines grazed my ear, his voice a low, ragged growl.
21:27He stared at you all night.
21:28A smirk played on my lips.
21:32Jealous?
21:35You're mine.
21:37No one else gets to look.
21:40He carried me to the bed, his touch more demanding than ever before.
21:46I clung to his shoulders, laughing softly into his ear.
21:52You were never this rough before.
21:54Before I was your warrior.
21:57Now, I am your king.
22:02He bit down on my neck, staking his claim.
22:07My laughter seemed to provoke him further.
22:10He drove into me harder, trying to silence his jealousy.
22:16After, he collapsed into my arms, his nose brushing against my collarbone.
22:22You won't look at him, will you?
22:26Never.
22:29I said, stroking his dark hair, and kissing, and kiss brow.
22:40The next morning, I found Simus on the training fields.
22:44Simus had summoned every noble male who'd offered me a gift at the feast.
22:49The seven or eight of them were lined up.
22:51Dorian right at the front, his face a dark mask.
22:54So, you all had gifts for my Luna?
22:59Come at me, all at once.
23:01He shrugged off his tunic, bare to the waist.
23:04Dorian was the first to be sent flowing.
23:06The second was kicked off his feet, before he could even draw his blade.
23:10A third, then a fourth, one after another.
23:13They were slammed into the dirt.
23:15The crowd of nobles watching from the sidelines began to whisper.
23:19King is too harsh.
23:20This is a warning.
23:22Silas threw his final opponent to the ground, his crimson eyes as cold as northern ice.
23:27Anyone else want to offer a gift?
23:29Total silence.
23:31The crowd parted for me as I walked onto the grounds.
23:34His back was turned, shoulders still heaving from the fight.
23:38A cold, raw fury still clung to him.
23:41I heard you were bullying them.
23:42I called out.
23:44He turned.
23:45The ice in his crimson eyes vanished.
23:48His lips curved into a smile that only I had ever seen.
23:52Not bullying.
23:54Just a lesson about not coveting what isn't yours.
23:57He walked over and, as if no one else was around, took my hand.
24:02In his crimson eyes, there wasn't a trace of cold left.
24:06At night, white mist ghosted off the hot water of the bathing pool.
24:10I leaned against the stone edge, eyes closed, until soft footsteps broke the silence.
24:15Come here.
24:16Apply the bomb.
24:17I heard the clay jar shift.
24:19A finger scooped some out, then paused, before a rough, calloused touch met my back.
24:23It wasn't a maid's hand.
24:25The fingers traced down my spine, impossibly gentle, as if I might shatter.
24:28I opened my eyes and turned my head.
24:30Silas knelt by the pool, sleeves rolled to his elbows.
24:33His head was bowed, the tips of his ears glowing red.
24:36Those crimson eyes stayed locked on his own fingers, refusing to look anywhere else.
24:40What are you doing here?
24:42The handmaid was waiting.
24:43I sent her away.
24:45His fingers froze at the curve of my waist.
24:47A single drop of water slid down my spine.
24:50His eyes tracked its path, and I saw his throat work as he swallowed hard.
24:54I twisted around, lashed onto his wrist, and dragged him into the water.
24:57Water exploded over the stone tiles.
24:59He broke the surface.
25:01Gasping, dark hair plastered to his forehead.
25:03In the steam, his crimson eyes had a wet, luminous glow.
25:06His gaze found mine.
25:07My legs were already wrapped around his waist.
25:09The soaked fabric of his tuchnik was a useless barrier between our bodies.
25:13He lowered his head, his lips brushing against my shoulder.
25:16They were hotter than the water.
25:17A searing heat.
25:19He traced a path up my collarbone, his canines gently grazing the tip of my ear.
25:23My fingers tangled in the wet hair at the nape of his neck.
25:26A breathless laugh escaped me.
25:29You haven't finished with the bomb.
25:31That can wait.
25:33He pressed me back against the cool stone wall, sending ripples pulsing through the water.
25:37The clay jar tipped, forgotten.
25:39Its contents bled slowly into the pool.
25:42We let it sink.
25:43The afternoon sun warmed the stones of the garden.
25:46I was drinking a cup of tea with the noble ladies.
25:48A sharp pain seized my chest.
25:50On the back of my neck, my mating mark began to burn.
25:53Something was wrong with Silas.
25:54I dropped my cup and walked out.
25:56Silas was working when the door to his office swung open.
25:59A woman stood in the doorway.
26:01A perfect copy of me.
26:03Her silver-gray hair fell over her shoulders, and she smiled, silhouetted against the light.
26:08Silas didn't even look up.
26:09You're back.
26:10She hummed in agreement, her steps silent, as she moved toward him.
26:14Her fingertips trailed along the edge of his desk, circling around behind his chair.
26:18His hand shed out, locking onto her wrist.
26:23Who are you?
26:24She said,
26:24What are you talking about, my king?
26:26It's me, Lyra.
26:28No, you're not.
26:29His fingers tightened, the bond mark searing his chest.
26:33The woman before him was my mirror image.
26:35Every line and curve perfect.
26:37But the bond never lied.
26:38Moonlight streamed through the high window.
26:40I threw the door open.
26:41A wave of roar power slammed from my palm, blasting her across the room.
26:44She collapsed in a heap.
26:46The illusion shattered, her silver-gray fur fading to a dull white.
26:48The jagged scar on her nose twisted her face into a snar.
26:51It was Fiona.
26:52She scrambled backward.
26:53How did you know?
26:54The Glamoury was perfect!
26:56You can wear her face, but our bond knows you're not her.
27:01My voice was low and dangerous.
27:06Who helped you get back?
27:11You think I'm going to tell you?
27:13Fiona clutched her ruined face, her amber eyes blazing with hatred between her fingers.
27:17You took everything from me!
27:19Killing my father!
27:20Even this face!
27:22You're everything?
27:23I knelt, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me.
27:27I gave you a chance.
27:30You were free from this palace.
27:31Why the hell would you come back?
27:33Now tell me, who gave you the Glamours?
27:36Just kill me!
27:38If you have the guts, do it!
27:41Kill you?
27:42You're far more useful to me alive.
27:44I flicked my hand toward the door, and the guards moved in, hauling her to her feet.
27:48You'll regret this!
27:50She screamed as they dragged her away.
27:52Killen isn't dead!
27:53The Outlanders are coming back!
27:55They'll tear you apart!
27:56Her voice echoed down the hall, then vanished into silence.
28:00Simus was at my side in an instant, his hand finding mine.
28:03His palm was still warm from where he'd clenched his fist.
28:06What she said about Killian.
28:08His voice was low with worry.
28:10I know.
28:10My gaze shifted to the window.
28:12Toward the border, the clouds hung heavy, and an unnatural darkness was swallowing the
28:17edge of the moonlight.
28:18This was far from over.
28:20Dusk settled over our chambers.
28:22Silas stood at the window, his back to me.
28:25He hadn't said a word since they'd dragged Fiona away.
28:27I asked,
28:28What are you thinking?
28:30Kilton's alive.
28:31He's with the Outlanders, and he's plotting something.
28:33He turned, and his crimson eyes locked onto mine.
28:36You knew he was alive.
28:37Longer than you have.
28:38They found Killian's body in the North Tower right after his house arrestant began.
28:42I never bought it.
28:43He wouldn't go down that easily.
28:44Why wouldn't you tell me?
28:46Because then you'd do exactly this, I said, stand by the window and brood.
28:51I reached up and cupped his face.
28:53He immediately leaned into my touch, nuzzling my palm.
28:57Are you afraid?
28:58I asked softly.
29:00I'm afraid for you.
29:02He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
29:05I melted against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
29:09Whatever they're planning, I won't let them win.
29:11I tilted his head down and kissed him.
29:15This wolf kingdom, and you.
29:17No one is taking either from me.
29:21Another female went flying out of the king's study.
29:24Did the king just throw out another noble's female?
29:26What do you think?
29:27That's the third one this week.
29:29Damn.
29:30The first guard said, a hint of awe in his voice.
29:34He really only has eyes for the Luna.
29:36Won't let anyone else even breathe in his direction.
29:39Inside, Silas was rubbing his temples.
29:41He beckoned his second in the command.
29:43Send out a decree.
29:45From this day forward, any man who sends a female to my door.
29:48He paused, a dangerous glint in his eye.
29:50I'll send ten males to his mate.
29:52Ten.
29:53Mark my words.
29:54That night, I was shaking with laughter in our chambers.
29:58I can't believe you said that.
30:01Sending ten men to their mates?
30:03When did you become so funny?
30:05He rumbled, his voice low.
30:07You taught me.
30:08When did I ever teach you that?
30:09You taught me to stop tolerating their games.
30:12I wiped a tear of laughter from my eye and looked up at him.
30:15So all those females they paraded in front of you?
30:18Not a single one caught your eye?
30:20He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
30:23It's only you.
30:25I don't want anyone else.
30:26I pulled his face down and kissed him.
30:32You said it.
30:33Don't you dare take it back.
30:35He swore.
30:36His hand slid down, coming to rest on the gentle curve of my stomach.
30:41I am your mate.
30:43Only yours.
30:45A rumor was slithering through the palace halls.
30:47One handymaid said,
30:48Did you hear?
30:50The Luna once made a vow to Prince Killian.
30:52Another handymaid yanked the handymaid's sleeve.
30:54Are you trying to get yourself killed?
30:56The king just made an example of the last few who spread that poison.
31:00The first handymaid went pale, and they scurried away, without another word.
31:04In our chambers, Silas buried his head in my lack.
31:07His arms wrapped tight around my waist.
31:09His voice came out muffled.
31:10If it weren't for what I was, for the Moon Muzz decree, would you have waited for him?
31:15I ran a hand gently down his back.
31:17Killian has always been shallow.
31:19I hadn't been to war, yet.
31:21I was young, beautiful.
31:23I paused.
31:24But he swore an oath to you under the full moon.
31:27To get the support of House Selvin, I said, my voice flat.
31:30A cold smile touched my lips, and the moment he laid eyes on my prettier sister, Fiona, he tossed me
31:36aside.
31:36Silas was quiet for a long moment.
31:38He was a fool to lose you.
31:39I chuckled softly.
31:41Of course he was.
31:42That's why the one beside me now.
31:44I lifted his face from my lap, locking my gaze with his rims and wolf eyes.
31:47Is you.
31:48My birthday was a month away, and Silas was already in a frenzy.
31:53He'd summoned a legion of tailors, turning the West Wing into a mountain of silk and velvet.
31:59I slipped into another gown and turned.
32:01What about this one?
32:02Beautiful.
32:03I changed again.
32:04And this one?
32:06Stunning.
32:07I laughed.
32:08You think everything looks good.
32:10Because you are beautiful.
32:12You look stunning in anything.
32:14You're just flattering me.
32:16I'm telling the truth.
32:17His eyes scanned the racks of gowns behind me, then snagged on one with a plunging neckline.
32:22Not that one.
32:23A frown cruised his brow as he pointed.
32:26Why not?
32:27I arched in highbrow.
32:28It shows too much.
32:30He rose from his chair and came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
32:33His face harried into the kirk of my neck, his voice a low rumber against my skin.
32:38I can't stand the thought of other males seeing you.
32:41So radiant.
32:42The door creaked open.
32:44It was his adjuant.
32:45Your Majesty, the elders request an audience.
32:50Silas pressed a kiss to my cheek.
32:53I have to go.
32:54Wait for me.
32:55I turned just enough to kiss the corner of his mouth.
32:59Go.
33:01He released me and followed the adjikri out, the door clicking shut behind them.
33:30He said, I said, I saw it soaly you'd make me share.
33:32He said, he said it was a dream.
33:32He said it was,
33:33you hit me the 일agre. You
33:33know, be kissed the saw. He
33:36said it was a good hog. They
33:39woke up. He
33:40went through this nue is a Punk show. He
33:47said it was a good guy. He
33:51said it was a good man.
34:22心就不知道也到哪儿去了他一如既往鼠咯丢了个包袱过来官爷送了消息来永安被你克死了自打取了你我儿就没遇上好事现在永安没了你也赶紧嫁出去别留在我们老赵家祸害人那包裹很小是我娘的两件破衣服奶奶这么迫不及待似乎也没为我爹的死伤心什么不知道的还以为死的是村里的老狗我娘没说什么只是紧紧拉着我的手娘能让我把奶奶带走吗娘也没多少伤心只担心我
34:44我奶奶横眉立目看看那猎户愿不愿意给银子这么大的丫头要是卖给人牙子也能换十两银子我娘拉着我的手更紧了我们都知道等娘一走奶奶就会把我卖掉绝不会多养一天我娘背着包裹紧紧牵着我的手被奶奶和左老门撵到了张猎户家她正在家里磨刀霍霍身不断断了的一条腿不能弯曲只能支在一边看起来姿势十分怪异她脸上一个伤疤从左眼角下方
35:14一直横到右嘴角上方仿佛把脸分成了两半更显得凶狠我往娘身后躲了躲在奶奶家跟在这里区别似乎也没多大她看起来似乎并不乐意娶我娘更别说加上我这个脱油瓶了很多人家一年也才赚二三两银子
35:37十两银子能买一亩粮田是很多银子我根本不值这么多银子张猎户又看她一眼没说什么村民都说她沉默寡言但一睁眼能吓死人我乃推了娘亲一把推得她单薄的身子差点摔倒我娘拉着我往前两步直接跪下了张大哥我奶奶吃得少能干活能不能请你给个活路张猎户这才看过来仲没看我眼神莫名自我即使起就看见娘每天都被家里人欺负我保护不了娘但我觉得
36:00张猎户可以哪怕因为父亲尸骨未寒就认别人当爹而背上不孝之名我也要赌一把我不想再看到娘的眼泪了我跪在地上用尽所有力气大声地喊了声爹张猎户愣住刀疤看起来更猙獰了你爹才刚死这就着急叫别人爹跟你见过娘一样够了张猎户站起来进屋丢了十两银子出来这丫头以后是我家的孩子了我抬头看向张猎户娘没注意到她的话但我听到了
36:22奶奶拿了银子就要走但张猎户拦住了她要求写下契约奶奶不肯不愿意写什么契约但张猎户一把将银子抢回来不欠银子还来最终还是在祖老跟村长的见证下写了契约我和娘都成了张猎户家的人最终还是在祖老跟村长的见证下写了契约我和娘都成了张猎户家的人娘丢下包袱就开始干活她希望自己勤快点多干活张猎户看到她的勤快
36:44能让我多吃几口饭可以不打我张猎户家里布置得很简单三间正房中间堂屋两边各一个卧室但只有一个卧房有床另一个卧房是空的娘带我去看了看柴房这里柴火收拾得很干净屋里也干净娘把柴火弄了弄掌木板子给我搭了个床奶奶别怕这里就是我晚上睡觉的窝了我把稻草往床上扑娘我不怕反正在赵家也一直是这样的这些年我也都过来了娘抱了抱我可能
37:09等娘给她生个儿子就好了我却隐约觉得也许爹对娘不好也不是因为她没生儿子娘爹为什么让你改嫁张家以前爹看娘看了严实不许他出村子不许他抬头看人奶奶也总骂娘让他少在外面勾搭人怎么会突然间要他改嫁还这么迫不及待娘的苦笑闷在胸腔里声音也极小因为只有张猎户才拿得出这么多银子也也后边的字他没说出来但我知道爹是让娘来送死的原来爹在走之前
37:31就想过把娘卖掉换钱她回不来却也不让娘亲好过把娘卖了换银子还要绝了娘的生路我猜得到这些不是因为我心眼子够多实在是他们做得太明显村里人都这么说便是听不到都不行村里人都这么说便是听不到都不行没一会儿张猎户回来了他没搭理我们娘俩只是拿着很多木板子进了屋里叮叮当当的好一通敲打他打个用力一下下的就好像打在我们娘俩心上娘站在屋外好几次想去问问
37:47家里粮食在哪他好去做饭但又不敢过了一会儿张猎户就出来了见我们娘俩都在不禁皱眉有事他声音凶恶我吓得想往后缩可这里只有我跟娘我往后缩娘就只有一个人了我挺住了拉着娘亲的手跟她站在一块张猎户看到了我的举动眉毛动了动娘犹豫着问我
37:51我想问该做晚饭了你把晚饭的粮食拿出来我好去做饭你
37:52你累了一天也该吃饭了张猎户又是皱眉
37:57很疑惑地上下打量我们随即指了指造房我娘看了看那
38:16要是张猎户眉头皱得更深过去一脚踹开了门回头看我们我总觉得他是在用眼神问我们是不是傻没有锁哪来的钥匙可在赵家不是这样的赵家的造房上锁就连家里的粮食油盐鸡蛋都锁在柜子里家里的饭都是娘来做但用多少米面用多少油盐和柴火都是奶奶说了算她会把做这顿饭需要的米面油盐都拿出来放在灶台上
38:40盯着我娘做饭哪怕掉了一粒米她都要骂半天她说我娘是件蹄子说我们娘俩饿死鬼投胎每天只知道吃一点活不会干的她怕我们偷吃我娘带着我进了造房看到米面油盐都摆在那里有些犹豫看了看张猎户她又出门去了娘有点不敢动她怕做不好张猎户回来会打人像奶奶那样也怕被怀疑偷吃最终娘还是做了饭最终娘还是做了饭饭摆在桌上我跟她站在院子里
39:02都没敢动张猎户又扛着两个大筐子回来进了没人住的西屋见到桌上的饭菜又看看我跟娘眉头皱得更深了她洗了手坐下见我们还站着就粗着嗓子叫我们都做她成了一勺半的饭做少了明天多做点她吃饭很快呼呼啦啦地吃完却只吃了不到一半吃完就坐在那里一边磨柴刀一边看着我们吃娘犹豫着给我盛饭我们俩一边吃一边看她我很快发现了问题我吃得快她就不看
39:39她一边洗一边念叨神色灰暗不明也很紧张我就着她用剩下的热水洗了洗感觉手脚都暖和起来原来用热水洗脸洗脚是这么舒服难怪二叔和奶奶一到了冬天就总使唤我多少热水呢洗过澡我进了柴房娘叮嘱我我这耳朵不管听见什么都别出来装没听见知道吗我狠狠点头我知道的以前爹狠狠欺负娘我哭着来哀求
40:02让她放过娘她就狠狠踹了我一脚踹得我疼了大半年这一次我不会再叫我们娘俩都得小心地活着活着才有希望虽然我也不知道这希望在哪可是很快柴房门就被踹开了张烈户拿着灯站在门口盯着在稻草中躺着的我我吓得往后缩冷汗直流有一次爹大半年喝醉了从外面回来也是进柴房来他说都怪我是个赔钱货害得他没儿子被人笑怪我害得他输钱
40:23最后是我娘拿了柴刀要跟他拼命救了我张烈户力气更大是不是三脚就能踹死我可是他没喝酒也没有发怒只是过来像拎小鸡仔一样拎着我进了西屋我娘正小心地站在屋里本来空荡荡的屋里多了一个很宽大的木板床床上堆着几床虽然有些就去干净的棉被张烈户把我放下转身就走回了他的东屋门一关没一会儿就传来他打呼噜的声音我跟娘面面相去这一晚
40:46我们睡得很忐忑却也很暖和我缩在自己的被窝里小声说娘好暖和我在冬天从来没这么暖和过而且晚上吃了饭肚子里也暖暖的我觉得现在好像才是活着娘摸摸我的头楠楠你今天叫他爹了明天也这么叫以后都这么叫我点点头嗯张烈户比我爹对我好多了之后娘做的饭慢慢多起来她不敢一次就做太多是一点点增加的过了好几天她才终于摸清楚了
41:10张烈户的脾气跟饭量她吃得多有我跟娘两个人的饭量加起来那么大但她从不会不许我们吃我们吃得少了她反而会皱眉她会上山打猎打到了猎物大的就去卖掉偶尔会留小鸡小兔子让娘炖了吃她只吃一半剩下的一半留给我和娘我长这么大只吃过三次肉这是第四次肉真好吃啊怪不得奶奶和二叔那么喜欢娘看我吃得高兴多给我留了一些我只顾着吃也没注意到当晚吃多了大半夜肚子疼
41:38挖了锅底灰给我冲水喝但我喝了一口就全吐出来肚子疼得像是要死了张烈户冲进屋里见我这样直接用棉被裹着我扛着就跑我娘跌跌撞撞跟在后面一句话也不敢说她扛着我跑到村头直接踹开了郎中家的门村里的郎中全家被她吓了一跳埋怨她但在看到她的脸之后就不敢说话了郎中给我把麦又问这几天都吃了什么吃多了即时朝地平时吃得差一下子吃这么多肉
41:41消化不好没事开个要吐出来回去用热水
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