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I Married a Hound Prince engsubtitle watchfull⚡️🍿⚡️
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00:00At the royal court feast, the moon matriarch ordered me to marry a black hound.
00:04The whole room exploded with laughter.
00:06My eyes shot to the man I once loved, Crown Prince Killian.
00:09He was holding my sister's hand.
00:11My Luna will only ever be Fiona.
00:14They have no idea what black really is.
00:16That hound they chained me to is a handsome man, the true future wolf king.
00:20At the court feast, the moon matriarch led a black hound up to me.
00:23Lyra, meet your future mate, the black prince.
00:27The entire court erupted in laughter.
00:29It's a hound.
00:30You expect me to bond with a hound?
00:32You dare disrespect the prince?
00:34I raised black from a pup.
00:36He's like a son to me.
00:37You should be honored to bond with him.
00:39My gaze shot to Crown Prince Killian, the man I once loved.
00:42Before the war, he had sworn under the full moon that I would be his only Luna.
00:46Kilvan, so your oath meant nothing?
00:48That was a joke.
00:49The battlefield has aged you.
00:51You're not fit to stand beside me anymore.
00:53My future Luna will only ever be your sister, Fiona.
00:56Fiona, ten years younger than me and beautiful.
00:58She lifted her chin.
00:59A triumphant smirk plastered on her face.
01:01Don't blame me, sister.
01:02You were gone too long.
01:03The prince can't wait forever.
01:04Without another word, I bent down and took the black hound's leash.
01:07I saw his eyes were crimson, a half-breed, bloodthirsty and doomed to a short life.
01:12As I ran a hand over his head,
01:13Tell me you're actually growing fond of a dog, Lyra.
01:16What do you want, Fiona?
01:17She gave me a once-over, her expression dripping with contempt.
01:20I know you're bitter, but just look at yourself.
01:23Did you really think you could hold onto the crown prince looking like that?
01:26I drew my long sword and pressed the tip to her throat.
01:29Are you finished?
01:30Fear flashed in her eyes, but she stumbled back, arrogance winning out.
01:34You wouldn't dare!
01:34This is the wolf royal palette!
01:36God, you're just scut whore!
01:37Just like that whore of a mother who abandoned you!
01:40Shut your mouth.
01:42Don't you ever say her name again.
01:44With a twist of my wrist, I swung the heavy pommel of my sword.
01:47A scream tore from her throat.
01:50Blood gushed between her fingers.
01:52Her nose lay severed on the marble floor.
01:54You care so much about your beauty.
01:56Let's see how you fare without it.
01:59Killen dropped to Fiona's side as she sobbed, blood pouring through her fingers.
02:03What have you done?
02:04He roared.
02:05How could you do this to her?
02:06She's your sister!
02:07A slow, cold laugh was my only answer.
02:10Sister?
02:11Fiona had despised me since the day our father brought her home.
02:14She always got first pick of his gifts.
02:16The silks, the jewels, the delicate necklaces.
02:19She'd take everything, then toss me the cheapest, frayne ribbon and sneer.
02:22This is all that a thing like you deserves.
02:25I don't recall having a sister.
02:28Certainly not one who'd steal my mate.
02:31Fiona clutched her ruined face, her squeaks echoing off the stone walls.
02:36Father told you to protect me!
02:38On his deathbed, our father had grabbed my hand, nearly breathless.
02:41Protect Fiona from me.
02:42I remember laughing as I ripped my hand from his grip.
02:45I leaned in close, my lips brushing his ear and whispered,
02:47You miss her that much?
02:48Don't worry.
02:49I'll make sure she joins you soon enough.
02:51You never paid any homage to my mother when she died.
02:53I kicked Fiona away from me, sending her sprawling.
02:55He asked, but I never agreed.
02:57Hilven cradled her, his golden wolf eyes blazing with a fury.
03:00You're a monster!
03:01I flicked Fiona's blood from my blade and leveled the point at his heart.
03:04And you?
03:04Care to test that theory?
03:05You?
03:06I let out a soft, humorless chuckle and sheathed my sword.
03:09Grasping the leash of black beside me,
03:11I turned my back on them both.
03:14I'm not a monster.
03:16I'm just done holding back.
03:19With the black hound in my carriage, I circled the capital,
03:22commanding minstrels to play.
03:24I wanted everyone in this city to see what the royal court had done.
03:27They demanded that I marry a black hound.
03:29Children ran after the carriage, their voices a cruel change.
03:32Duchess Lyra is marrying a dog!
03:34A beta in the crowd smeared.
03:36That battle-scarred duchess?
03:38A dog's the best she can get!
03:39I vaulted from the carriage and gave him 50 lashes.
03:43Right there, in the street.
03:45There.
03:47Now you're worse than a dog.
03:48I'll never forget how they treated me.
03:50When I first joined the knight's order, the male alpha scorned me.
03:54A she-wolf has no place on the battlefield.
03:56Her only duty is to bear pups and warm her alpha's bed.
03:59I proved them all wrong.
04:00I am now the most powerful alpha in the entire kingdom.
04:03The night of the bonding ritual, I was back in my chambers.
04:06The black prince was leashed by the door, whining pitifully.
04:09I knocked on a secret panel in the wall.
04:11It slid open, and a powerful man emerged from the shadows.
04:14He had the same wild look, the same crimson eyes as the hound at the door.
04:18I stroked his head.
04:19Silas, you're no hound.
04:21His raw scent overwhelming me.
04:22His calloused fingertips traced a line down my throat.
04:25Lyra, hold me.
04:28I wrapped my arms around his back, pulling him closer.
04:31That was all the permission he needed.
04:33He became a storm of unrestrained passion, sweeping me from the table to the bed.
04:38It was pure, exhilarating bliss.
04:40I felt alive again.
04:41After that night, Simus held me like a wolf guarding treasure.
04:45Lyra, I like this.
04:47I lifted my head and kissed him.
04:49Then I rose from the bed and led him to the door.
04:52I pointed at the hound leashed outside, a slow smile spreading across my face.
04:57Silas, I got you a brother.
04:59Look at him.
05:00Don't you two match?
05:01Silas cried out, pure panic in his voice as tears streamed down his face.
05:06A brother?
05:07No!
05:07His arms became steel bands around me, crushing me to him.
05:10No, Lyra.
05:11You have me.
05:13Only me.
05:14I found Silas in the ashes of a battlefield.
05:16He was a weapon, forged by the Outlanders.
05:19They'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.
05:26Only the killer remained.
05:27The battlefield was a graveyard.
05:29A boy, Silas, packet in blood, stood silently among the corpses, his eyes completely hollow.
05:34Come back with me.
05:35I walked toward him, wrapped my arms around his broken body, and brought him back to the
05:39knights.
05:40No 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?
05:48It means I'm bound to it for life.
05:50I'll even have its children.
05:51His eyes flew wide in disbelief.
05:53Horror twisted his features as his gaze shot between me and the hound.
05:56No!
05:56It's a hound!
05:57Don't choose it!
05:58Choose me!
05:58I couldn't help but lean in and kiss him.
06:00I want to bond with you, Silas, but they won't let me.
06:02His face hardened into a vicious snarl.
06:04Who?
06:05I'll kill them.
06:05I smiled, pulling him into my arms as my eyes fell on the black hound.
06:08Don't worry.
06:09As long as you become black, you'll be my mate.
06:11I 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.
06:25To actually bed a dog.
06:26They say the whole manor can hear her at night.
06:29I ignored them all.
06:30My head held high.
06:31Then I saw Killian walking straight for me.
06:33He stopped.
06:34His face a mask of arrogance.
06:36Marquis Roman has returned.
06:38The Black Wolf knights are no longer yours.
06:40He's taking command.
06:41Liar, stop fighting me.
06:42Submit.
06:43And I may still show you mercy.
06:44A bitter laugh escaped my lips, cutting him short.
06:47What'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.
06:56I'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!
07:18That 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.
07:25Whose bastard are you carrying?
07:26I stroked my belly.
07:27A serene smile playing on my lips as I glanced at the black hound.
07:30Why won't you believe me?
07:32This is the air of the Black Prince.
07:34With 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.
07:41The potion had taken effect.
07:42It launched itself at Killian.
07:43A furious blur of teeth and claws tore a chunk of flesh from his cheek.
07:46Kill it!
07:47In 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.
07:56Lifting my head, my golden pupils locked on a Roman.
07:58You!
07:58You killed the prince!
08:00You killed my baby's father!
08:02The hound assaulted Prince Killian.
08:03For attacking royalty, its 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.
09:20Some 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.
09:30His sword already raised.
09:31Kill it!
09:31Before it can...
09:32I stood between Silas and the blades.
09:34My 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!
09:42A low chuckle ensue my lips as I gently touched Simus's cheek.
09:45Look closer.
09:47He is my mate.
09:48The 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.
10:07A citizen's voice trembled.
10:10Moon goddess, preserve us.
10:13A black wolf.
10:16The ancient bloodline...
10:17Silas swiped a massive paw, and the raw power of a true wolf alpha crashed over the crowd.
10:22Some men's knees buckled.
10:24They collapsed to the ground.
10:25Another 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!
10:42Silas 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 held 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' thick fur and looked toward the distant wolf royal palace.
11:14Let's go.
11:16It's time to take back your throne.
11:19I shoved the great doors open and walked into the throne room.
11:22Simus at my side.
11:23The moon matriarch rose from her throne.
11:25Killen, his face still bruised, his golden eyes locked on the colossal wolf.
11:30What is that?
11:32I rested a hand on my stomach.
11:34Don't you recognize him?
11:35It's the Black Prince.
11:37Black, my mate.
11:39Impossible!
11:40That mongrel is dead!
11:41Roman killed him in person!
11:42A low growl rumbled from Silas' chest.
11:44The sheer force of the sound slammed into Killen, sending him stumbling back.
11:47Kilton gasped.
11:49That power.
11:50How?
11:51Roman's voice trembled.
11:53The first wolf.
11:54Can the rumors be true?
11:56The black hound transformed under the moonlight.
11:58The moon matriarch snapped.
12:00Absurd!
12:01It's just another of this wench's pathetic lies!
12:03Silas stalled forward.
12:05With every step he took, the courtier scrambled back.
12:08He 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.
12:16What are you doing?
12:18Get up!
12:19It's just a-
12:19He never finished.
12:20A single swipe from Simus' claw sent him flying into a stone pillar.
12:24Killen coughed up blood.
12:26Lyra, you're in league with an outsider.
12:28This monster isn't the first wolf.
12:30He's tricked you all!
12:31I am the true king, your future alpha!
12:33He looked desperately at the others.
12:35You call him an outsider?
12:36I ran a hand through Silas's fur, a slow smile spreading across my face.
12:40He transformed in front of the entire city, under the light of the full moon.
12:45Tell me, what kind of outsider can withstand the goddess's blessing?
12:49My gaze shifted to the moon matriarch, who had fallen back onto her throne.
12:53And I have you to thank for it, really.
12:55You gave me black.
12:56Her face was a mask of pale horror.
12:58I gave the order.
13:01And had them both thrown out.
13:03I took my place on the throne beside Silas, as the coronation began.
13:07The throne room doors burst open.
13:09Fiona stood there, her face a wreck of bandages.
13:12All her delicate beauty replaced by a haggard desperation.
13:16She threw herself at the foot of the throne, her eyes fixed on Silas.
13:20It should be me at your side!
13:21I am the most highborn she-wolf in this entire kingdom!
13:24My coat is finer, my face more beautiful.
13:26I'm ten years younger than her!
13:28Silas's lip curled in disgust, as he pulled Y into his arms.
13:31My Luna is Lyra.
13:33And only Lyra.
13:34Fiona recoiled, her amber eyes burning with a lifetime of hatred for me.
13:39It's always been you!
13:40Since we were pups, everything has been yours!
13:43The Dukity, the Black Wolf Knights, and now the Luna's throne!
13:47You've stolen everything that should have been mine!
13:49I stared at her, my face a mask of ice.
13:52Are you finished?
13:54While I bled on the training grounds, you danced at court.
13:57While I fought for our lands in the north, you were whispering in my betrothed's ear.
14:01And you think you have the right to take my place?
14:04To be Luna?
14:05Luna?
14:06She screamed.
14:07No!
14:08You're just a sword-swinging maniac!
14:11Even father said it!
14:13Just like your brutally mother, born to be a tool, a slave to serve the family's ambition!
14:19And?
14:19Our father is dead.
14:21And unlike him, my dear sister, I don't have a soft spot for a pretty face.
14:25Guards!
14:26Drag her out.
14:27They seized her.
14:27She struggled.
14:29Her screams cut short as the great doors slammed shut, silencing everything.
14:32In the Duke's domain, training yard, I was just a pup, swinging a wooden sword, soaked in sweat.
14:38My father, Duke Selvin, stood watching, a permanent scowl on his face.
14:42Enough!
14:42The she-wolf has no use for such things.
14:45But I beat all the other pups, even the males!
14:47And what of it?
14:48You are female.
14:49Your duty is to be gentle, to should not to fight.
14:51His words were like stones.
14:53You will never be an alpha.
14:54You will never be a knight.
14:55I couldn't understand.
14:56I was the strongest.
14:58Why did he refuse to see it?
14:59Hot tears blurred my vision.
15:01I dropped the sword and fled in the Duke's domain, Main Hall.
15:05I was ten, and my father brought another she-wolf into our home.
15:08She was beautiful, all silver fur and amber eyes.
15:11And she was pregnant.
15:12My father wrapped an arm around her, announcing to the entire hall.
15:15She carries my air.
15:16She is to live here from this day forward.
15:18The child she carried was Fiona.
15:20My eyes shot to my mother.
15:22All the color had drained from her face.
15:24She looked like she would shatter into a million pieces.
15:28Selvin, you've broken our sacred bond.
15:31It wasn't long before my mother's spirit broke, and she took to her bed.
15:34I never left her side.
15:36My small face streaked with tears.
15:37Mom, does he not want us anymore?
15:40Her frail hand stroked my hair.
15:41Oh, my sweet Lyra.
15:43It isn't that he doesn't want you.
15:45He's terrified of you.
15:46Of me?
15:47He's terrified of a she-wolf who is his equal.
15:50Terrified you'll grow too powerful for him to control.
15:53Terrified you'll prove that a she-wolf doesn't need an alpha's permission to rule.
15:57What do I do?
15:58Fight for it.
15:59Take it.
16:00No one will ever hand you anything in this life.
16:02Promise me, Lyra.
16:04Promise me you will become an alpha that no male dares to challenge.
16:09Her grip on my hand tightened, then went limp, and just like that, she was gone.
16:13The coronation ceremony pressed on.
16:15Silas' hand covered mine, rough and warm.
16:18He leaned in, his crimson wolf eyes filled with concern.
16:21Lyra, what's on your mind?
16:24My mother.
16:25I leaned into his embrace and looked toward the horizon.
16:27My mother's voice echoed in my mouth.
16:28Mom, do you see me now?
16:30I didn't become the submissive female they wanted.
16:32I became a sword.
16:33I became the Luna.
16:35Marquis Roman stepped forward, dropping to one knee before the throne.
16:38Your Majesty, I struck down the Black Prince in public, a grave insult to the blood of an alpha.
16:43I am here to accept my punishment.
16:45I fixed my gaze on him.
16:47Roman, the Black Wolf Knights.
16:49Do you still want them?
16:50He lowered his head even further.
16:53The Black Wolf Knights will always be your blade, my Luna.
16:55I am merely the rust on that blade, unworthy of ever wielding it.
16:59I nodded, then beckoned a guard forward.
17:01The Moon Matriarch and Killian, report.
17:05Confine to the North Tower as you commanded.
17:06Guard said.
17:07They will never set foot outside it again.
17:09Good.
17:10I want them to watch this palace change hands.
17:13I turned to the court.
17:15Send the news to the entire city.
17:17In three days, we will hold a festival for the Moon Goddess, celebrating the rise of our new king.
17:23I wanted everyone to witness our victory.
17:26Silas dismissed the court.
17:29Soon the Great Hall was empty, leaving just the two of us.
17:32He nuzzled the back of my neck, his warm breath ghosting across my skin.
17:36Tired.
17:36He murmured, his voice low and rough.
17:38You will stand with me, and together we rule these lands.
17:41He lowered his head, his fangs grazing my neck, leaving his mark.
17:45As you command, my Luna.
17:47I reached up, my fingertips tracing the rugged line of his jaw.
17:51Silas, from this day forward you will never hide in the shadows again.
17:55No one will ever dare look down on you.
17:58At the festival for the Moon Goddess, it was time for our binding ceremony.
18:01The High Priest held a silver chapless between us.
18:04By blood, a vow.
18:06By the moon, a witness.
18:08Drink from this chapless, and be bound for all eternity, mate to mate.
18:12Silas sliced his palm, letting his blood fall into the silver.
18:16I took the blade and did the same.
18:18Our lifeblood swirled together.
18:21He drank half, then pressed the chapless to my lips.
18:24I tilted my head back and drained the rest.
18:26In one swift move, Silas swept me into his arms and kissed me.
18:32Lyra, I love you.
18:34Pack of wolves cheered.
18:35I smiled in his arms.
18:37Later, in the quiet of our chambers, he laid me down on the furs of our bed.
18:41His nose traced a path from my forehead, down my nose, to my lips.
18:46His voice was a low growl.
18:48Stay with me forever, Lyra.
19:03Afterward, he wrapped himself around me, holding me tight.
19:06I laid there with my eyes open, tracing idle patterns on the back of his hand.
19:10And in that moment, I believed in forever love.
19:13After becoming Luna, my coat began to regain its sheen.
19:17The handy-maters couldn't stop gushing about how my beauty was returning.
19:21As I asked Simus about it, he just rested his chin on my shoulder.
19:25You've always been beautiful.
19:27Turned my head to kiss the corner of his throat.
19:29Who taught you to say things like that?
19:31My Silas doesn't usually use such sweet words.
19:34I teased, raising an eyebrow.
19:36He captured my lips in a deep kiss.
19:39You did.
19:40You taught me everything.
19:42Later that afternoon, we were in the gardens.
19:44I was resting against the trunk of a willow tree.
19:48Silas sat beside me, a goofy smile on his face as he twisted a lock of my hair.
19:53He leaned down, his lips brushing softly against my eyelid.
19:57My eyes fluttered open, a smile playing on my lips.
20:00Stealing kisses now?
20:02Not stealing.
20:03This is me being very obvious about it.
20:06He pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my neck.
20:09His warm breath tickled my skin.
20:11That tickles.
20:13You're very beautiful.
20:15I don't want anyone else to see you.
20:17What are you gonna do?
20:18Nothing.
20:19I'm the Wolf King.
20:20I'll just make them shut their eyes.
20:22My little Silas has gotten so bossy.
20:25His arms tightened around me, his body a shield.
20:28I'll always be yours.
20:29At the feast, a young duke from the Borderlands couldn't keep his eyes off me.
20:33His name was Darion.
20:34A new title.
20:35A lot of arrogance.
20:36He swaggered over, wine glass in hand, and presented a moonstone brooch for the whole court
20:41to see.
20:42My Luna.
20:43A moonstone from my own quarries.
20:46Its light is the only thing I've seen that can ravel your eyes.
20:50The great hall went quiet.
20:52Every single gaze was locked on us.
20:54I didn't take the brooch.
20:56I just smiled.
20:57The stone is lovely, but I don't wear other people's things.
21:00The smile on his face cracked for just a second, before he retreated into the crowd.
21:06I turned my head to look at Silas beside me.
21:09The knuckles of the hand gripping his goblet were bone white.
21:14Later that night, in the darkness of our chambers, Silas prized me to the wall.
21:20His canines grazed my ear, his voice a low, ragged growl.
21:24He stared at you all night.
21:26A smirk played on my lips.
21:28A smirk, jealous?
21:33You're mine.
21:35No one else gets to look.
21:38He carried me to the bed, his touch more demanding than ever before.
21:44I clung to his shoulders, laughing softly into his ear.
21:49You were never this rough before.
21:52Before, I was your warrior.
21:55Now, I am your king.
22:00He bit down on my neck, staking his claim.
22:04My laughter seemed to provoke him further.
22:08He drove into me harder, trying to silence his jealousy.
22:13After, he collapsed into my arms, his nose brushing against my collarbone.
22:20You won't look at him, will you?
22:24Never.
22:27I said, stroking his dark hair, and kissing, and kiss brow.
22:37The next morning, I found Simus on the training fields.
22:41Simus had summoned every noble male who'd offered me a gift at the feast.
22:46The seven or eight of them were lined up.
22:48Dorian right at the front, his face a dark mask.
22:51So, you all had gifts for my luna?
22:56Come at me, all at once.
22:58He shrugged off his tunic, bare to the waist.
23:01Dorian was the first to be sent flowing.
23:03The second was kicked off his feet, before he could even draw his blade.
23:07A third, then a fourth, one after another.
23:10They were slammed into the dirt.
23:12The crowd of nobles watching from the sidelines began to whisper.
23:16King is too harsh.
23:18This is a warning.
23:19Silas threw his final opponent to the ground, his crimson eyes as cold as northern ice.
23:24Anyone else want to offer a gift?
23:26Total silence.
23:28The crowd parted for me, as I walked onto the grounds.
23:32His back was turned, shoulders still heaving from the fight.
23:35A cold, raw fury still clung to him.
23:38I heard you were bullying them.
23:39I called out.
23:41He turned.
23:42The ice in his crimson eyes vanished.
23:45His lips curved into a smile that only I had ever seen.
23:50Not bullying.
23:51Just a lesson about not coveting what isn't yours.
23:55He walked over, and, as if no one else was around, took my hand.
24:00In his crimson eyes, there wasn't a trace of cold left.
24:03At night, white mist ghosted off the hot water of the bathing pool.
24:07I leaned against the stone edge, eyes closed, until soft footsteps broke the silence.
24:12Come here.
24:13Apply the bomb.
24:14I heard the clay jar shift.
24:16A finger scooped some out, then paused, before a rough, callous touch met my back.
24:20It wasn't a maid's hand.
24:21The fingers traced down my spine, impossibly gentle, as if I might shatter.
24:25I opened my eyes and turned my head.
24:27Silas knelt by the pool, sleeves rolled to his elbows.
24:30His head was bowed, the tips of his ears glowing red.
24:33Those crimson eyes stayed locked on his own fingers, refusing to look anywhere else.
24:37What are you doing here?
24:38The handmaid was waiting.
24:40I sent her away.
24:41His fingers froze at the curve of my waist.
24:44A single drop of water slid down my spine.
24:47His eyes tracked its path, and I saw his throat work as he swallowed hard.
24:51I twisted around, lashed onto his wrist, and dragged him into the water.
24:54Water exploded over the stone tiles.
24:56He broke the surface.
24:57Gasping, dark hair plastered to his forehead.
25:00In the steam, his crimson eyes had a wet, luminous glow.
25:03His gaze found mine.
25:04My legs were already wrapped around his waist.
25:06The soaked fabric of his tuchnik was a useless barrier between our bodies.
25:10He lowered his head, his lips brushing against my shoulder.
25:13They were hotter than the water.
25:14A searing heat.
25:15He traced a path up my collarbone, his canines gently grazing the tip of my ear.
25:20My fingers tangled in the wet hair at the nape of his neck.
25:23A breathless laugh escaped me.
25:26You haven't finished with the bomb.
25:28That can wait.
25:30He pressed me back against the cool stone wall, sending ripples pulsing through the water.
25:34The clay jar tipped, forgotten.
25:36Its contents bled slowly into the pool.
25:39We let it sink.
25:40The afternoon sun warmed the stones of the garden.
25:42I was drinking a cup of tea with the noble ladies.
25:45A sharp pain seized my chest.
25:47On the back of my neck, my mating mark began to burn.
25:50Something was wrong with Silas.
25:51I dropped my cup and walked out.
25:53Silas was working when the door to his office swung open.
25:56A woman stood in the doorway.
25:58A perfect copy of me.
26:00Her silver-gray hair fell over her shoulders,
26:02and she smiled, silhouetted against the light.
26:04Silas didn't even look up.
26:06You're back.
26:06She hummed in agreement, her steps silent, as she moved toward him.
26:10Her fingertips trailed along the edge of his desk, circling around behind his chair.
26:15His hand shed out, locking onto her wrist.
26:19Who are you?
26:20She said.
26:21What are you talking about, my king?
26:23It's me.
26:23Lyra.
26:24No, you're not.
26:25His fingers tightened, the bond mark searing his chest.
26:29The woman before him was my mirror image.
26:32Every line and curve perfect.
26:33But the bond never lied.
26:35Moonlight streamed through the high window.
26:36I threw the door open.
26:38A wave of roar power slammed from my palm, blasting her across the room.
26:41She collapsed in a heap.
26:42The illusion shattered, her silver-gray fur fading to a dull white.
26:45The jagged scar on her nose twisted her face into a snar.
26:47It was Fiona.
26:48She scrambled backward.
26:49How did you know?
26:51The glamoury was perfect.
26:53You can wear her face.
26:55But our bond knows you're not her.
26:58My voice was low and dangerous.
27:02Who helped you get back?
27:07You think I'm going to tell you?
27:09Fiona clutched her ruined face, her amber eyes blazing with hatred between her fingers.
27:13You took everything from me!
27:15Killing my father, even this face!
27:18You're everything?
27:19I knelt, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me.
27:24I gave you a chance.
27:26You were free from this palace.
27:28Why the hell would you come back?
27:30Now tell me, who gave you the glamours?
27:33Just kill me!
27:34If you have the guts, do it!
27:37Kill you?
27:38You're far more useful to me alive.
27:40I flicked my hand toward the door, and the guards moved in, hauling her to her feet.
27:45You'll regret this!
27:46She screamed as they dragged her away.
27:48Killian isn't dead!
27:50The Outlanders are coming back!
27:51They'll tear you apart!
27:53Her voice echoed down the hall, then vanished into silence.
27:56Simus was at my side in an instant, his hand finding mine.
27:59His palm was still warm from where he'd clenched his fist.
28:02What she said about Killian.
28:05His voice was low with worry.
28:06I know.
28:07My gaze shifted to the window.
28:09Toward the border, the clouds hung heavy, and an unnatural darkness was swallowing the edge of the moonlight.
28:14This was far from over.
28:16Dusk settled over our chambers.
28:18Silas stood at the window, his back to me.
28:20He hadn't said a word since they'd dragged Fiona away.
28:23I asked,
28:24What are you thinking?
28:25Kilton's alive.
28:26He's with the Outlanders, and he's plotting something.
28:29He turned, and his crimson eyes locked onto mine.
28:32You knew he was alive.
28:33Longer than you have.
28:34They found Killian's body in the North Tower right after his house arrestment began.
28:38I never bought it.
28:39He wouldn't go down that easily.
28:40Why wouldn't you tell me?
28:41Because then you'd do exactly this, I said, stand by the window and brood.
28:47I reached up and cupped his face.
28:49He immediately leaned into my touch, nuzzling my palm.
28:53Are you afraid?
28:54I asked softly.
28:56I'm afraid for you.
28:57He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
29:01I melted against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
29:05Whatever they're planning, I won't let them win.
29:07I tilted his head down and kissed him.
29:11This wolf kingdom, and you.
29:13No one is taking either from me.
29:16Another female went flying out of the king's study.
29:19Did the king just throw out another noble's female?
29:21What do you think?
29:22That's the third one this week.
29:25Damn.
29:26The first guard said, a hint of awe in his voice.
29:29He really only has eyes for the Luna.
29:32Won't let anyone else even breathe in his direction.
29:34Inside, Silas was rubbing his temples.
29:37He beckoned his second in the command.
29:39Send out a decree.
29:40From this day forward, any man who sends a female to my door.
29:43He paused, a dangerous glint in his eye.
29:46I'll send ten males to his mate.
29:48Ten.
29:48Mark my words.
29:50That night, I was shaking with laughter in our chambers.
29:53I can't believe you said that.
29:57Sending ten men to their mates?
29:59When did you become so funny?
30:00He rumbled, his voice low.
30:02You taught me.
30:03When did I ever teach you that?
30:05You taught me to stop tolerating their games.
30:07I wiped a tear of laughter from my eye and looked up at him.
30:11So all those females they paraded in front of you?
30:14Not a single one caught your eye?
30:15He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
30:19It's only you.
30:20I don't want anyone else.
30:22I pulled his face down and kissed him.
30:28You said it.
30:29Don't you dare take it back.
30:30He swore.
30:31His hand slid down, coming to rest on the gentle curve of my stomach.
30:36I am your mate.
30:39Only yours.
30:40A rumor was slithering through the palace halls.
30:42One handymaid said,
30:44Did you hear?
30:45The Luna once made a vow to Prince Killian.
30:48Another handymaid yanked the handymaid's sleeve.
30:49Are you trying to get yourself killed?
30:51The king just made an example of the lost few who spread that poison.
30:55The first handymaid went pale, and they scurried away, without another word.
31:00In our chambers, Silas buried his head in my lack.
31:02His arms wrapped tight around my waist.
31:04His voice came out muffled.
31:05If it weren't for what I was, for the moon mud's decree, would you have waited for him?
31:10I ran a hand gently down his back.
31:13Killian has always been shallow.
31:14I hadn't been to war, yet.
31:16I was young, beautiful.
31:18I paused.
31:20But he swore an oath to you under the full moon.
31:22To get the support of House Selvan, I said, my voice flat.
31:26A cold smile touched my lips.
31:27And the moment he laid eyes on my prettier sister, Fiona, he tossed me aside.
31:32Silas was quiet for a long moment.
31:33He was a fool to lose you.
31:34I chuckled softly.
31:36Of course he was.
31:37That's why the one beside me now.
31:39I lifted his face from my lap, locking my gaze with his rims and wolf eyes.
31:42Is you.
31:43My birthday was a month away, and Simus was already in a frenzy.
31:47He'd summoned a legion of tailors,
31:50turning the west wing into a mountain of silk and velvet.
31:54I slipped into another gown and turned.
31:56What about this one?
31:57Beautiful.
31:58I changed again.
31:59And this one?
32:00Stunning.
32:01I laughed.
32:03You think everything looks good.
32:05Because you are beautiful.
32:07You look stunning in anything.
32:09You're just flattering me.
32:11I'm telling the truth.
32:12His eyes scanned the racks of gowns behind me,
32:15then snagged on one with a plunging neckline.
32:17Not that one.
32:18A frown cruised his brow as he pointed.
32:21Why not?
32:22I arched in highbrow.
32:23It shows too much.
32:24He rose from his chair and came up behind me,
32:27wrapping his arms around my waist.
32:28His face harried into the kirk of my neck,
32:31his voice a low rumber against my skin.
32:33I can't stand the thought of other males seeing you.
32:35So radiant.
32:37The door creaked open.
32:38It was his adjuant.
32:40Your Majesty, the elders request an audience.
32:45Silas pressed a kiss to my cheek.
32:48I have to go.
32:49Wait for me.
32:50I turned just enough to kiss the corner of his mouth.
32:54Go.
32:56He released me and followed the adjikri out,
32:59the door clicking shut behind them.
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