- 11 hours ago
Too Late, My Rejected Mate Episode ENGSUB Rejected Luna, Alpha Regret, Werewolf Romance ARS
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On the night of the full moon, I came to the blood moon altar, where the fate of the wolf
00:03langs would be decided.
00:04At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
00:07On one side was Kayla, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years.
00:10On the other was Kayla, the alpha cursed by the dark witch.
00:13My father, the lion king, looked at me solemnly.
00:16Selina, you are a noble lichen princess.
00:19No weather wolf alpha in this world is worthy of you.
00:24That is why you must choose a mate and support him as the next lichen king.
00:27My mother gripped my hand tightly.
00:29Tell us, who do you choose?
00:31After a moment of silence, I pointed to the dark, battered statue.
00:35I choose Kale.
00:37My father's face changed in shock.
00:39The witch's curse inside Kale can't be broken.
00:41He's nothing but a useless wolf.
00:43Why not choose Caleb?
00:44You've loved him for 18 years.
00:46Exactly.
00:47As long as you bond with Caleb, he can use your bloodline to become the strongest alpha in history.
00:52What an honor that would be.
00:53I ignored their pleas.
00:55All I could think of was my previous life.
00:57In that life, I had married beneath my status and chosen Caleb at all costs, using my noble bloodline to
01:03push him onto the throne.
01:04But once he held power, he turned around and married his first love, an omega named Alara, then demoted me
01:10to a servant.
01:11To improve Alara's bloodline, Caleb even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:16fed it to Alara.
01:17Alara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
01:20Sister, I'll enjoy your bloodline, your lover, and live happily ever after!
01:24Caleb cut open my stomach while I was still alive, dug out our unborn child, and smashed it viciously onto
01:30the ground.
01:30Alara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
01:33Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
01:35Salema, the more I look at you, the more disgusting you are.
01:38As I lay dying, Kale, who had been locked in the dungeon, transformed on the night of the full moon,
01:43snapped his chains, and killed Caleb and Alara.
01:45He kissed me with desperate tenderness, hoping to save me with his own life's blood.
01:50Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood flowed through Kale's veins.
01:53On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and become the strongest wolf alive.
01:58But I had lost too much blood.
02:00I still died on the blood moon altar.
02:02My thoughts returned to the present.
02:04Silently, I clenched my fists.
02:06Father, mother, my mind is made up.
02:08I will bond with Kale and help him become the next lichen queen.
02:11Seeing my determination, my father finally relented, but he issued a harsh condition.
02:15You must drink the secrecy potion.
02:17You cannot reveal anything about breaking the engagement.
02:20You must obey Caleb and everything.
02:21If you can last until the engagement banquet three days from now, I will be.
02:24My heart ached.
02:26As the lichen princess, did I not even have the freedom to pursue my own marriage?
02:30With a bitter sigh, I took the potion from my father's hand and drank it.
02:33Just then, Caleb stormed into the blood moon altar and seized my hand.
02:37Selana, come out with me!
02:38Without another word, Caleb dragged me out of the blood moon altar.
02:43I was about to refuse, but the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart.
02:48It forced me to submit it to him.
02:50My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice.
02:54They did not stop Caleb's violence.
02:57They merely snorted coldly and turned away.
03:00Caleb dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
03:02When I looked up, I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
03:06She looked so proud, as if she were the lichen princess.
03:09The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her little mouth in
03:15feigned surprise.
03:17Oh, sister!
03:18How did you end up in such a state?
03:20Caleb be gentler with her.
03:22Caleb snorted.
03:24And slapped me to the floor.
03:27Selina, did you beg the lichen king to arrange a marriage between us again?
03:30His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
03:34Do you think that if you keep pestering me, I'll marry you sooner or later?
03:39Let me tell you something.
03:40You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met.
03:43Even if you knelt and begged me, I wouldn't spare you another glance.
03:46I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
03:51I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
03:53Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
03:55Please, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
03:58Without my affection, you can't even survive.
04:02Caleb, don't say that about sister.
04:05She only acts this way because she loves you too much.
04:08Her voice was soft enough to melt and her eyes red in the slight.
04:11She truly looked like a considerate, gentle, young sister.
04:16You're too kind.
04:17That's her problem.
04:19Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you.
04:23Caleb patted Alina's hand, then turned to me.
04:25How about this?
04:26I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
04:29Caleb pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall.
04:31Selina, from now on the pure silver ice in your bedchamber, belongs to Alara.
04:37She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
04:39My breath stopped for an instant.
04:41The pure silver ice coffin was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
04:45What did it mean to give it away?
04:47It meant that the lowest omega had stepped onto the head of the Lyman princess.
04:52As for you...
04:53Caleb's lips curled into a smile full of malice.
04:57The pigsty on the west side of the palace is still empty.
05:00Starting tonight, you'll sleep there.
05:03The moment he said that, the nobles in the royal hall burst into laughter.
05:08How entertaining.
05:09The mighty Lycan princess.
05:10Ordered by the man she loves to sleep in a pig-sit.
05:13Caleb clearly doesn't want her, yet she keeps throwing herself at him.
05:15She deserves it.
05:16She chased him for 18 years and ended up chased into a pig-sick.
05:19What a disgrace to the royal family.
05:21I lowered my head, my nails digging into my palm.
05:24I wanted to defend myself out loud.
05:26I did not love Caleb.
05:28I would rather marry the cursed kale than have anything to do with Caleb.
05:31But the potion bound me tightly.
05:32The mere thought of resistance sent a pain through me that seemed to drill into my bones.
05:37Fine.
05:37I saw it.
05:38The pure silver ice coffee that can go to Alara.
05:41I'll sleep in the pigsty.
05:42Caleb froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
05:44He said to Alara over his shoulder,
05:46This is the kind of bitch she is.
05:47The harder you trample her, the more she clings to you.
05:49Alara lowered her head, the corner of her mouth lifting for the briefest instant.
05:52When she looked up again, her face was full of concern.
05:54Sister, the pig-shed is so dirty.
05:56How can you live there?
05:57She stole the man you love, and you're still worried about her.
05:59How can anyone in this world be as kind as you?
06:01He lowered his head and kissed Alana.
06:03It was not a light, fleeting kiss.
06:05It was deep and deliberately drawn out.
06:06Alana rose onto her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck.
06:09Her peach-blossom eyes looked past Caleb's neck, staring at me in blatant triumph.
06:12The main hall erupted with the noble's applause and cheer.
06:14If Selina were half as gentle as Alara, she wouldn't be despised this badly.
06:18Alara is soft, delicate, and so understanding.
06:20No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:22I turned my head away, unwilling to look.
06:24Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the side of the hall.
06:27It was a savage wild wolf.
06:29Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:31My face went pale with shock.
06:33An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away.
06:35I ran toward him.
06:36After all our years together, I thought he would at least reach out and block the attack.
06:40Caleb, save me!
06:41But before I could finish calling for help, his leg had already lifted.
06:43He kicked me hard in the side.
06:44Get away!
06:45My whole body flew sideways and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
06:48Squish!
06:49Blood poured out like a waterfall, flowing wildly without end.
06:52The wild wolf's sharp claws pierced through my right shoulder and pinned me to the cold stone floor.
06:56My mouth opened.
06:57I wanted to scream.
06:57But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face, no sound came out at all.
07:00At that moment, the guards finally rushed forward, and they cut the wolf down.
07:03When its claws were pulled from my shoulder, they dragged out a spray of blood.
07:05Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and looked at me.
07:09Were you trying to run toward me just now?
07:11Did you think I would save you?
07:12His fingers tightened.
07:13Salima, don't think too highly of yourself.
07:14I would rather save a lamb than save you.
07:17My lips had gone white from pain, but I could not say a single word.
07:19Alara was still standing there, both hands covering her mouth.
07:22That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:24What a shame.
07:25She actually survived.
07:26Caleb snored.
07:27My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once felt for Caleb
07:31me.
07:31I never imagined he wanted me dead, or that he would shove me toward the blade himself.
07:34Alara lifted her head from Caleb's arms.
07:36Caleb, you're so good to me.
07:38Will sister be angry?
07:39Salona is a hopeless lovesick through and through.
07:41She's loved me for 18 years so much that she doesn't even know what dignity is.
07:43No matter whether I hit her, curse her, make her sleep in a pig head, or even kick her under
07:46a wolf's claws,
07:47she'll forgive me unconditionally. Then she'll crawl back like a dog and kneel to lick my feet.
07:51Alara lowered her lashes and sighed softly.
07:53Sister is so pitiful.
07:54But after saying that, when she turned her head to look at me, her lips moved in a low murmur.
07:58What a useless wild wolf. It couldn't even kill Selene.
08:02Then she looked away and said gently to Caleb,
08:03Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
08:05Treat her? Does she deserve that?
08:07Caleb, someone, throw her into the pig bed.
08:09Rotting mud in the pig shed swallowed my ankles.
08:12Two black pigs shoved their snouts toward me, snuffing as they sniffed the blood on my legs.
08:16I backed away until my spine hit the fence.
08:18The guards watching me tilted their heads, obscene smiles hanging from their mouths.
08:22Lion princess, the pig shed must be rough.
08:25Why not come enjoy yourself in my bed instead?
08:27Another guard picked up a wooden stick, shoved it through the gaps in the fence, and jebbed my hip.
08:31Oh, still pretending to be noble?
08:33You filthy whore. You're worse than a sow.
08:35The guard thrust the stick again, harder this time, striking the wound on my shoulder.
08:40My vision went black, and I collapsed to my knees in the mud.
08:43The black pigs, excited by the scent of blood, surged forward restlessly.
08:46Their snorting swallowed me whole.
08:48With tongues cocked and filthy, they licked at my face.
08:50Just then, someone kicked the gate open.
08:52I turned my head. Caleb stood in the doorway.
08:54Moonlight fell from behind him, casting a long black shadow across the ground.
08:58He looked at me kneeling in the mud, then at the two guards.
09:01Who did this to me?
09:02The smiles froze on the guards' faces.
09:04Lord Caleb, we were only...
09:06Get out.
09:07The guards scrambled away.
09:09My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:11Have you remembered how deeply I have loved him for 18 long years?
09:15Caleb walked toward me.
09:17He bent down, seized my wrist, and dragged me out of the mud, his voice low.
09:19Lara was frightened.
09:20She's a mimic to begin with.
09:22And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even weaker.
09:24He released my wrist.
09:25I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:27I remember.
09:28Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
09:31His expression changed.
09:33First, you have noble Lyman blood.
09:35Perfect.
09:37Give your blood to her.
09:39My heart stopped for a beat.
09:4218 years.
09:43I had loved Caleb for a full 18 years, yet he had never once truly looked at me.
09:48But Alara?
09:49He held her in his palms as if afraid she would fall, kept her in his mouth as if afraid
09:53she would melt.
09:54For the slightest discomfort, Caleb could generously order me to give her my blood.
09:57What am I to you?
09:58A piece of trash.
09:59You can summon and dismiss it, Will.
10:01I was completely disheartened.
10:02I no longer had even the strength to resist as Caleb dragged me into a side hall.
10:06He tied my arm firmly to the arm press of a chair.
10:08A thin silver tube pierced my vein.
10:10Blood flowed down the tube, drop by drop, into a porcelain basin.
10:13Caleb bent down and spoke against my ear.
10:15Don't move.
10:15If the blood doesn't flow fast enough, I'll stab you a few more times.
10:18On the other side, Alara lay half-reclined on a soft couch.
10:21She watched my blood drip away, something bright gleaming in her pupils.
10:24Sister, it must hurt so much, doesn't it?
10:26Her voice was light and trembling.
10:28It's all my useless body's fault.
10:30If I could, I really wouldn't want to use your blood.
10:32Caleb went to the couch and gathered Alara's hand into his palm.
10:35You really are too kind.
10:36Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered a few words into Caleb's ear.
10:39The lichen king wants me to fight.
10:41Caleb frowned slightly.
10:42He took two steps toward the door, then looked back at me.
10:44Stay put.
10:45Don't try anything.
10:46Don't.
10:47The moment the door closed, Alara suddenly sat up from the couch.
10:49My heart lurched.
10:50Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:52Alara walked up to me, bent down, dipped a finger into the blood in the porcelain basin,
10:56and brought it to her nose.
10:57Wow, so this is the scent of lichen blood.
10:59Delicious.
10:59Weakly, I said,
11:00Yeah, you walked.
11:02Alara giggled.
11:03You didn't really think I was anemic, did you?
11:05I'll tell you the truth.
11:06I was pretending.
11:07My pupil shrunk.
11:08What I want is your bloodline.
11:10As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body,
11:12I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14I'll be too paused.
11:15Something even nobler than me.
11:17It felt as if an invisible hand had clenched around my heart.
11:19She did not just want my blood.
11:20She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:23Caleb walked in.
11:25Alana's body stint.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:29Everything about Alana is fake.
11:31Alara's face went white.
11:32She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling twice.
11:35Caleb, I didn't mean to lie to you.
11:37Tears instantly filled her eyes.
11:39I just envy sister so much.
11:42She was born the noble lichen princess while I have nothing.
11:45To everyone's surprise,
11:46Caleb walked to Alara's side and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
11:49You really are something.
11:50If you wanted her blood, you should have just said so.
11:52Why go through such a long act?
11:53Alara froze, then buried her face in his chest.
11:56I was afraid you'd be angry.
11:57Angry?
11:58Caleb laughed.
11:59He turned his head to look at me.
12:01Using this bitch's blood to improve your bloodline is her honor.
12:03If it would make you happy, I'd drain her into a dried wolf course.
12:06Alara lifted tearful eyes and tugged lightly at his lapel.
12:09I only thought,
12:10if sister's blood flowed inside me,
12:13then when I loved you,
12:14it would be as if both of us were loving you together.
12:16Caleb lowered his head and kissed the top of her hair.
12:18Silly girl.
12:19You're the only one I love.
12:21I watched them kiss in front of me.
12:23Lips pressed to lips.
12:25Shadows overlapping.
12:26My blood was still flowing out.
12:29Yet neither of them looked at me once.
12:31Sister's blood seems to be flowing a little slowly.
12:34Caleb walked over,
12:35raised his hand,
12:36and slapped me across the face.
12:38The corner of my mouth split open.
12:40Fresh blood streamed down from my lips.
12:42There.
12:43Isn't there more blood now?
12:46He slapped me again.
12:48Then a third time.
12:49A fourth.
12:51Every blow landed with full force.
12:54Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:56Come here.
12:57You try.
12:58Alara walked over timidly,
13:00shaking her head.
13:01I don't dare.
13:02Caleb gripped her hand,
13:03guided her wrist,
13:04and brought her palm down across my face.
13:06One slap.
13:07Then another.
13:08My face swelled,
13:09and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
13:11Alara said softly,
13:13Caleb,
13:13sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snorted.
13:16Selina,
13:17I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:19Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:20I agree.
13:22But you can only be a breeder.
13:24Alara is my only Luna.
13:26He released her hand.
13:27Also,
13:28I need you to draft a treaty.
13:29The West Coast Wolf Clan
13:31will give two-thirds of its territory to us on the East Coast.
13:33He straightened and looked down at me.
13:35Sign it,
13:36and I'll marry you.
13:37If you don't...
13:38He turned and wrapped an arm around Alara's waist.
13:40I'll kill you.
13:41Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses,
13:47two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:49A permanent submission treaty,
13:51renouncing my right as air.
13:53My fingers trembled.
13:54This was practically a treaty of surrender and humiliation.
13:57No,
13:58I could not sign it.
13:59Caleb's eyes darkened.
14:01He lifted his foot and stepped on the back of my neck,
14:03forcing my head hard contoured the floor.
14:05You won't sign?
14:06He crouched,
14:07grabbed my hair,
14:08and wrenched my face upward.
14:09Then I'll record how humiliated you look.
14:11He took a recording crystal from his waist
14:13and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you,
14:15the noble lichen princess of the West Coast,
14:17kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:19The recording crystal flashed red.
14:21My wretched state.
14:22My blood.
14:23My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
14:25All of it was captured inside that tiny stone.
14:28Tell me,
14:28if I spread the contents of this crystal
14:30throughout the entire Wolf Clan,
14:31where will the lichen came from his face?
14:33A copy sweetly surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb,
14:35must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense!
14:38Sign!
14:38He brutally pressed my hand down,
14:40stained it with my own blood,
14:41and forced my handprint onto the tree.
14:43I struggled desperately,
14:45but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:47Wait.
14:48Add another clause.
14:49After you marry her,
14:50these pair stands to allow her
14:51every morning and evening.
14:51On your knees.
14:52She sits,
14:53you kneel.
14:53She drinks tea,
14:54you serve it.
14:54Tears of humiliation filled my eyes.
14:56Add another.
14:57He said,
14:57tilting his head as he thought.
14:58If we have a child,
14:59your own flesh and blood
15:00must call it Laura Mother.
15:02As for you,
15:02you're only fit to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory.
15:05Dignity.
15:06Forcing bloodline.
15:07Descendants.
15:07Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:09At last,
15:10it was finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the portrait,
15:12read it from start to finish,
15:13and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto my head.
15:17Wear this to the engagement banker tomorrow.
15:18It was the cross linen garment
15:20of a lowly laborer.
15:21The cuffs were worn ragged
15:22and the collar was stained with blackened grease.
15:23Come wearing it.
15:24Let everyone see how lowly
15:26the noble lion princess is before me, Caleb.
15:28The royal hall was brightly lit the next day
15:30and music drifted through the air.
15:32Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast
15:34gathered together,
15:34the clink of wine bales rising and falling.
15:37Everyone turned to look.
15:38Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
15:40First they froze.
15:41Then laughter exploded.
15:43The mighty lichen princess
15:44came to her own engagement banquet
15:45dressed like a slave.
15:47Isn't she ashamed?
15:48I think she did it on purpose,
15:49pretending to be pitiful,
15:50trying to win sympathy
15:51so Caleb will change his mind.
15:53What a cheap trick.
15:54Who would fall for that?
15:55I lowered my head,
15:56unable to stop myself
15:57from quietly sobbing.
15:58I had tried to resist,
15:59but the moment that thought appeared,
16:01the potion turned into thousands of needles
16:03stabbing viciously into my heart.
16:04It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then,
16:07a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:09Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:11He wore the silver-gray formal attire
16:12of the east coast,
16:13his cape trailing across the floor.
16:15Alara held his arms
16:16in a moon-white glass gazown,
16:18pearls pimmed at her temples.
16:19Caleb is here.
16:20The nobles parted to make way for them.
16:22Caleb walked up to me
16:23and looked me up and down.
16:25Then he suddenly laughed.
16:28I told you to wear slave clothes,
16:29and you wore them.
16:30I told you to sign the treaty,
16:31and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pygdist,
16:33and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands
16:36to the hall full of nobles.
16:37Do you see this?
16:38This is the Lycan princess.
16:40She does whatever I say.
16:41More obedient than a dog.
16:43Hit her.
16:43Curse her.
16:44Humiliate her.
16:45And all she knows how to do
16:46is wag her tail.
16:47Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve,
16:50her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb,
16:53sister can't really still
16:54want to marry you, can she?
16:55Caleb pulled her into his arms
16:57and kissed her forehead.
16:58A sinister smile on his lips.
16:59She loves me so much,
17:00of course she still wants to marry me.
17:02But don't worry.
17:03I have a plan.
17:04Once I get real power
17:05over the west coast,
17:06I'll divorce her immediately
17:07and marry you in full glory.
17:09No matter how I treat her,
17:10she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
17:14All right.
17:15Then I'll wait for you to marry me
17:17in full glory.
17:18Caleb kissed her.
17:19Then,
17:19seeing my desolate expression,
17:21he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:22He took the recording crystal
17:24from his chest
17:24and raised it high.
17:25Oh, right.
17:26Let me show everyone
17:27something interesting.
17:28The crystal lit up.
17:29In the image,
17:30I knelt on the ground,
17:31my face covered in blood,
17:32my head forced down
17:33as I signed the treaty.
17:34The nobles laughed even louder.
17:36That's too miserable.
17:37The mighty Lycan princess
17:38bullied to this extent.
17:40What a bone-deep humiliation.
17:41Laughter surged from all directions,
17:43drowning me.
17:43At that moment,
17:44a hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
17:46I turned my head.
17:47It was my father,
17:48the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
17:49He led me behind a pillar
17:50at the side of the hall
17:51and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene,
17:53even now,
17:53do you still intend to marry Kale
17:54and give up Caleb?
17:55Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face,
17:59at the swollen corner of my mouth,
18:00and at the bruises on my wrist
18:01from the silver tube.
18:02You would rather endure
18:03so much suffering
18:04than marry Caleb.
18:05It seems your mind truly is made up.
18:07Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:08My tears fell beyond my control.
18:10My father turned
18:11and walked step by step
18:12towards the platform
18:13at the center of the main hall.
18:15Caleb was still holding up
18:16the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:18Everyone,
18:19tonight's engagement banquet
18:20was originally meant
18:21to announce the betrothal
18:22between my daughter Selene
18:23and the East Coast Alpha Caleb.
18:25He paused.
18:26However,
18:27at my daughter's firm request,
18:28I now formally announce,
18:29in my capacity as Lycan king,
18:31Selene will marry another Alpha,
18:33Kale.
18:34Caleb froze where he stood.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:38Caleb stood stunned.
18:40He looked at my father,
18:41then at me,
18:41and suddenly let out
18:42a swanful laugh.
18:43Lycan king,
18:44please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me
18:46for 18 years.
18:47For my sake,
18:47she was even willing
18:48to sleep in a pig hole.
18:49How could she possibly
18:50marry a useless wolf?
18:51He turned and walked toward me,
18:53his tone still full
18:53of condescending charity.
18:55Selene,
18:55I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me
18:58on purpose, aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake
19:01in public now,
19:02I can still treat you
19:02well like before.
19:03I looked quietly
19:04at his arrogant face.
19:05Take your Omega
19:06and get out of my sight.
19:07I let out a long
19:08breath of relief.
19:09The secrecy potion
19:10had worn off.
19:11At last,
19:11I could say what
19:12I wanted to say.
19:13The smile on Caleb's face
19:14finally collapsed.
19:15Fine, fine.
19:16You don't know
19:16what's good for you,
19:17do you?
19:17He suddenly took
19:18the unequal treaty
19:19from his chest
19:19and raised it
19:20toward my father.
19:21Lyon king,
19:21Selene has already
19:22signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not
19:24marry me today,
19:24two-thirds of the
19:25West Coast territory
19:26belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed
19:29under Dedress
19:29has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast
19:31does not recognize
19:32that thing.
19:33Caleb had not
19:33expected my father,
19:34who had always been cold,
19:35to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No!
19:38Selene must marry me!
19:39He released the pressure
19:40of an East Coast alpha,
19:42transformed into
19:42a giant wolf,
19:43and lunged,
19:44reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand
19:46was about to touch me,
19:47the clouds in the sky
19:48broke apart,
19:48and a blood-red full moon
19:49hung overhead.
19:50In the corner,
19:51Cale,
19:51who had been bound
19:51by magical iron chains
19:52all this time,
19:53suddenly let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted
19:55from his eyes.
19:55With a deafening crack,
19:57the thick chains
19:57were torn apart
19:58by brute force.
19:58A terrifying pressure
19:59swept through the hall
20:00like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instant,
20:02Cale transformed
20:02into an ancient life.
20:03He brought one claw
20:04down hard,
20:04and Caleb was knocked
20:05straight back
20:06into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood
20:07again and again,
20:08unable to move.
20:09The nobles all
20:10retreated in terror.
20:11Caleb's eyes were full
20:12of unwillingness and fear.
20:14Knowing he was
20:14no match for Cale,
20:15he could only flee
20:16the hall in humiliation
20:17with the screaming allotta.
20:19Cale, you useless wolf!
20:20Don't get cocky!
20:21I'll take Selene back!
20:22I walked onto the high corridor
20:23and looked coldly down
20:24at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped
20:26back to their residence
20:27when they ran straight
20:28into a group of loyal guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly
20:30throwing, box after box
20:31of their belongings
20:32into the mud.
20:33Alara froze,
20:34then threw herself
20:35into the muddy water
20:35and screamed.
20:36My jewels!
20:37My gown!
20:38How dare you touch my thing!
20:40The guard captain
20:41said coldly,
20:42This is the Lyman King's order.
20:43Caleb linched his fists
20:44and gritted his teeth.
20:45It must be Selene!
20:46She must have spoken
20:47ill of us to the Lycan King!
20:48Alara turned back,
20:49clutching Caleb's arm tightly
20:50as tears of grievance
20:51streamed down her face.
20:52Caleb,
20:52is sister still holding
20:53a grudge against me!
20:54I can give up anything,
20:54but you gave me
20:55all these things!
20:56Caleb looked at the mess
20:57on the ground
20:57and pulled Alara
20:58into his arms in distress.
20:59Don't cry.
21:00This is just Selene
21:01playing hard to get.
21:02He deliberately raised
21:03his voice and hussed
21:03with absolute confidence.
21:04She thinks that if she
21:05takes everything back
21:06I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much.
21:08Without me she can't survive.
21:09Looking at his
21:10self-ephorious face,
21:11I found him utterly laughable.
21:12Why did he think
21:13I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom
21:15and now,
21:16I also had Kale
21:17who was willing to protect me.
21:18I did not want to look
21:19at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned
21:22to the hall.
21:24Yet three hours later,
21:26the guard captain
21:27suddenly came up
21:28to the corridor
21:28to report to me.
21:30Lycan princess,
21:32Caleb says he wants
21:33to enter the inner palace
21:34and demand an explanation
21:35for you.
21:38I snorted coldly.
21:40You let him in?
21:41The guard captain
21:42said respectfully.
21:43It seems he lost
21:44his privileged J token
21:45during the fight.
21:46We stopped him
21:47outside the gate.
21:48If he has no token
21:49then tell him to get lost.
21:50I returned to the inner palace
21:51dot in the courtyard
21:52beside a stone table
21:53I played an ancient
21:53wolf clan war game
21:54with Kale
21:54who had returned
21:55to human form.
21:55Kale had just broken
21:56through the witch's curse
21:57and his face
21:58was still somewhat pale
21:59but every movement
22:00of his was exceedingly
22:01gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose
22:03he thoughtfully picked up
22:04a white fox fur
22:04between us
22:05and draped it
22:05gently understanding.
22:06I lifted my head
22:07and smiled at him.
22:08There were no unnecessary
22:09words between us
22:10yet we shared an understanding
22:11as if our souls resonated.
22:13Just then,
22:14rough shoving
22:14and furious roars
22:15came from beyond
22:16the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw
22:17Kaleeb being stopped
22:18mercilessly outside
22:19the palace gates
22:20by two fully armed royal guards.
22:21How dare you!
22:22I'm the east of the
22:22The guard captain
22:23answered coldly
22:24Without the life
22:25and princess's
22:25privilege yoke token
22:26no one may enter.
22:27Kaleeb insisted
22:28on forcing his way in
22:29but the guards
22:30shoved him back
22:30without mercy
22:31making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state
22:33my face held no expression.
22:35He should finally realize
22:36that without my protection
22:38he could not take
22:38a single step
22:39on the west coast.
22:40Kaleeb knew
22:41he could not force
22:41his way through
22:42the palace gates.
22:43He could only run
22:43to one corner of the gate
22:44and stare through
22:45the iron bars
22:46at me in the courtyard.
22:46When he saw Kale
22:47papaling a cloak over me
22:48and saw me smiling at Kale
22:50the muscles in his face
22:51twitched out of control.
22:52For 18 years
22:53I had only ever
22:54had eyes for him.
22:54I had never smiled
22:55that way at another man.
22:56He gripped the iron bars hard
22:58his eyes reddening
22:58as he lost control
22:59and shouted at me
23:00Selene come out here
23:01I am your fated mate!
23:02At the sound of his voice
23:03the hand with which
23:04I was placing a piece
23:05paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head
23:06my gaze resting
23:07on Kaleeb's flushed face
23:08for one second.
23:09There was no anger
23:10in my eyes
23:10nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were
23:12looking at a patch
23:12of empty air.
23:13Drag him away
23:14I ordered coldly.
23:15The guards stepped forward
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Kaleeb roared in fury
23:18He punched two guards
23:20to the ground
23:20and glared at me
23:22with bloodshot eyes.
23:23Selene!
23:24Why are you pretending
23:25to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down
23:27his game piece
23:28and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant
23:31he transformed
23:32into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you
23:35to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying
23:38pressure erupted
23:38crushing Kaleeb in place.
23:40Kaleeb's bones
23:41cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not
23:42defeat Kale
23:43he could only retreat
23:44in humiliation
23:45and snar through
23:45gritted teeth.
23:46Fine!
23:47Selene!
23:47Don't regret this!
23:48Even if you come
23:49kneeling to beg me
23:50I won't look at you again.
23:51A few days later
23:52my personal lady-in-waiting
23:53entered angrily
23:54with a bright red invitation.
23:55Lycan princess
23:56Kaleeb has gone mad!
23:57He has publicly announced
23:58to the whole clan
23:59that he is marrying Elera
24:00and he tells everyone
24:01that once you see
24:02the invitation
24:02you'll break down
24:03admit your mistake
24:04and cry as you beg him
24:05to change his mind.
24:06I did not even look at the invitation.
24:08I lifted my teacup
24:09and took a sip.
24:10Let him.
24:11Without West Coast
24:12royal funding
24:12what would he use
24:14to hold a respectable wedding?
24:15And he still thought
24:16I would apologize to him?
24:17Did he truly think
24:18I still loved him?
24:20That afternoon
24:20with maids accompanying me
24:21I left the palace
24:22in a sheep-drawn carriage
24:23for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass
24:24the most luxurious
24:25tailor shop in the city.
24:26I had just reached
24:27the opposite side of the shop
24:28when I heard a crisp slap
24:29from inside.
24:29You dare put this
24:29rough rotten fabric
24:30against me?
24:31It scratches my skin!
24:32Can you afford to
24:32pay for it?
24:33You lonely dog!
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment
24:35Caleb,
24:36who had just returned
24:37from buying mutton
24:37froze at the shop entrance.
24:38Elera turned her head.
24:39When she met Caleb's
24:40shocked gaze
24:41her face instantly
24:41went deathly pale.
24:42She had never expected
24:43Caleb to witness
24:44her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes,
24:45meanwhile,
24:46were full of suspicion
24:47and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate
24:48Alera he praised
24:49to everyone
24:49as someone who
24:49would shed tears
24:50even over stepping
24:51on an ant?
24:51Alera immediately
24:52squeezed out tears
24:53and threw herself
24:53into Caleb's arms
24:54in grievous.
24:55Caleb,
24:55this tailor pricked me
24:56on purpose
24:57with a needle.
24:57It hurt so much
24:58that I lost control
24:59of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me,
25:01alright?
25:01Caleb stiffly
25:02patted her back,
25:03his voice dry.
25:04It's fine.
25:05I don't blame you.
25:06But the seed of doubt
25:07had already been planted
25:08deep in Caleb's heart.
25:09Watching from the corner,
25:11I suddenly came up
25:11with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain
25:13carry a brocade box
25:14and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb,
25:17Lion Princess Selina
25:18has sent you
25:18a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name,
25:20Caleb's eyes
25:21instantly lit up.
25:22He eagerly took
25:23the brocade box,
25:24the corners of his mouth
25:25rising beyond his control.
25:27I knew it.
25:28She really couldn't
25:29hold back after all.
25:30She's finally bowing to me.
25:33I watched Caleb's arrogance
25:34with cold eyes.
25:35Full of expectation,
25:36he opened the brocade box,
25:38seeming certain
25:38that inside would be
25:39a tear-stained apology letter.
25:41Only a wooden sword
25:42snapped cleanly in half.
25:44It was the first token
25:45of affection young Caleb
25:46had given me
25:47one summer ten years ago.
25:48Back then,
25:49he had patted his chest
25:50and said,
25:51Selina,
25:51if anyone bullies you
25:52from now on,
25:53I'll protect you
25:54with this sword.
25:54I had once treasured
25:55that wooden sword
25:56as if it were my life,
25:57but now I had broken it
25:59and returned it to him
25:59as a wedding gift.
26:00I saw clearly
26:02how Caleb's hand
26:02trembled uncontrollably
26:04around the broken sword.
26:05His face,
26:06which had been wild with joy,
26:07turned deathly white.
26:08No,
26:09this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped
26:11the broken sword tightly,
26:13his lips shaking.
26:14How could she bear
26:15to break it?
26:16She must be trying
26:17to make me angry, right?
26:18Selina,
26:19come out!
26:20I know you're nearby!
26:22Come out!
26:22He suddenly lifted his head,
26:24looking around the street
26:25and panicked like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless,
26:29I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:33Three days later,
26:33on the day of the wedding,
26:35without West Coast support,
26:36the East Coast chapel
26:37was decorated
26:37in an extremely shabby manner.
26:39Caleb stood at the altar,
26:40his face pale
26:41and his eyes hollow.
26:42Again and again,
26:43he looked toward the chapel's
26:44tightly shut doors.
26:45The guests below
26:45whispered among themselves.
26:47Beside him,
26:48Alara saw his distraction
26:50and immediately grew angry.
26:52Caleb,
26:53everyone is watching us.
26:54Today is our happy day.
26:55Can you focus on me?
26:57But Caleb pulled his hand away
26:58irritably
26:59and murmured like a lost soul.
27:01She can't really not come,
27:02can she?
27:03She clearly loves me so much.
27:06How could she watch me
27:07marry someone else
27:07with her own eyes?
27:09His mind was full of me.
27:10He did not look at Alana at all.
27:12Alara clenched her fists
27:13in resentment.
27:14So jealous,
27:14she was nearly going mad.
27:16Just as the priest frowned
27:17and prepared to read the vows,
27:18the Master of Ceremony
27:19outside announced loudly,
27:21Lycon Princess
27:21and Lord Kale have arrived.
27:23The heavy doors
27:24were pushed open.
27:25Wearing a noble
27:26black formal dress,
27:27I held Kale's arm
27:28and walked calmly
27:29into the chapel.
27:30The moment Caleb saw me,
27:31his dead eyes
27:32instantly lit up.
27:33Selina,
27:34you came.
27:35His voice trembled
27:36with excitement.
27:37He flung Alara's arm away
27:38and came down
27:38from the altar to greet me.
27:40But I did not spare him
27:41a single extra glance.
27:42I walked straight
27:43to the front row
27:44of guest seats
27:44and sat down elegantly.
27:46I'm not here
27:46to steal the groom.
27:47Continue your wedding.
27:48Don't mind me.
27:49Caleb froze where he stood.
27:51He grinned his teeth,
27:52still stubbornly staring at me.
27:53Don't regret this.
27:55The priest cleared his throat
27:56and began reading
27:57the lengthy vows.
27:58Lord Kale,
27:59whether in poverty or wealth,
28:00are you willing
28:01to take Alara as your wife?
28:02I...
28:03Kale drew out the word.
28:04His gaze was locked firmly on me,
28:05as if saying,
28:06Selina,
28:06if you stand up
28:07and stop me now,
28:08I'll cancel the wedding
28:08at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly
28:11lifted the red tea
28:12and turned my head
28:12to speak softly to Kale.
28:14Kale,
28:14has the West Coast border
28:15defense mat been checked?
28:16Kale brushed a fallen leaf
28:17from my shoulder,
28:18his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference,
28:22Caleb's face
28:22instantly turned ashen.
28:23Alara stood beside him,
28:24gritting her teeth
28:25as she urged in a low voice,
28:26If Caleb,
28:27everyone is waiting for your vow.
28:28If not for me,
28:29then for our child.
28:30Kale froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:31Alara showed a shy smile
28:33and nodded.
28:34Of course.
28:35Your own flesh and blood.
28:37Caleb sighed and nodded.
28:38All right.
28:39Since you're carrying my child,
28:40I should indeed
28:41give you a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:44I do.
28:45Just then,
28:46the chapel's enormous
28:47stained glass window
28:48shattered with a crash,
28:49and more than a dozen
28:50rogue werewolves
28:51with blood-red eyes
28:52rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly
28:55fell into chaos.
28:56Nobles screamed
28:57and fled in every direction.
28:58This group of rogue werewolves
29:00had an extremely clear target.
29:01They did not even look
29:02at the bride
29:03and grew on the altar.
29:04Raising bright curved blades,
29:05they charged straight toward me.
29:07Kill the lichen princess!
29:09Caleb watched the werewolves
29:10lunging toward me,
29:11his mind going blank.
29:12Selene!
29:13Watch out!
29:14Without hesitation,
29:15he moved to rush down
29:16from the altar
29:17and save me.
29:18But the instant he took one step,
29:20Alana screamed
29:21and threw herself at him,
29:23clinging tightly
29:24around his waist.
29:25Caleb!
29:26Help me!
29:27I'm so scared!
29:28Don't leave me!
29:29Caleb was suddenly tripped up
29:30and shouted in panic.
29:31Get off!
29:31Elyra, let go!
29:32Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard
29:34to prow Alina's hands away,
29:36but Alina clung to him
29:37like an octopus,
29:38her cries piercing.
29:39You're not allowed to go!
29:41I am your bride!
29:43Because of that
29:44one second delay,
29:46the strongest rogue willwolf
29:47had already rushed
29:48in front of me.
29:49He raised a curved blade
29:50coated in green poison
29:51and slashed viciously
29:53towards my back.
29:54Caleb screamed in despair.
29:56No!
29:59At the critical moment,
30:00Cale snutted coldly.
30:01His tall body
30:02instantly blocked me.
30:03He did not even
30:04transform into wolf form.
30:05He merely lifted one hand
30:06and with a crisp clang,
30:07caught the descending
30:08poisoned blade
30:09barehanded.
30:10Under the terrified gaze
30:11of the rogue werewolf,
30:12Cale turned his wrist
30:13and the curved blade
30:14forged of fine steel
30:15shattered inch by inch.
30:16You're caught in death.
30:17The terrifying pressure
30:18of an ancient wolf king
30:19erupted instantly
30:19and cracks spread
30:20across the chapel floor.
30:21Within a few moves,
30:22those vicious assassins
30:23did not even have room
30:24to resist before
30:25their limbs were broken
30:26and they were hurled
30:26miserably to the ground.
30:27From beginning to end,
30:28Cale shielded me
30:29completely behind him.
30:30Not even a strand
30:31of my hair was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Caleb
30:33finally push Alera away
30:34and stumble over
30:36with a sword in hand.
30:37He foes two steps away.
30:40Cale was kneeling
30:41on one knee before me,
30:43checking with extreme care
30:44whether I had been frightened.
30:46The hand Caleb used
30:47to hold his sword
30:47dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be
30:49the hero who protected me,
30:50but only now did he realize
30:51he had already lost
30:52both the right
30:52and the strength
30:53to protect me.
30:54The royal guards
30:55quickly rushed into the chapel
30:56and restrained
30:56all the badly injured assassins.
30:58Cale stood and coldly opened
30:59the assassin leader's clothes,
31:01pulling a blood-stained piece
31:02of parchment from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it
31:05and my gaze instantly turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn
31:09defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alera,
31:12who was trembling on the steps,
31:14and it was drawn with ink,
31:16specially supplied
31:17to the East Coast royal family.
31:19All eyes in the hall
31:21snapped onto Alera.
31:22Is there a traitor
31:24in the East Coast?
31:25Facing everyone's suspicion,
31:27Elota's face went deathly pale.
31:28She shook her head desperately
31:29as she backed away.
31:30It wasn't me.
31:31I didn't Caleb believe me.
31:31I really didn't.
31:32Seeing the guards
31:33with blades in hand,
31:34Elota used her best trick.
31:35Her eyes rolled back
31:36and she let out a string cry.
31:38Ugh, my heart.
31:39My anemagia is acting up again.
31:40Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
31:41She collapsed with perfect accuracy
31:43toward Caleb's arms.
31:44Caleb's brows knitted.
31:45Instinctively,
31:45he reached out to catch her.
31:46Step aside.
31:47An aged yet majestic voice rang out.
31:49The high-ranking witch doctor
31:50accompanying us
31:50strode forward
31:51and seized Alana's wrist.
31:52Alera panicked
31:53and tried to pull her hand back.
31:54Don't touch me, Caleb!
31:56Blue investigative magic
31:57glowed in the witch doctor's palm.
31:58After only a few seconds,
31:59she stood with a cold laugh
32:00and announced to everyone present,
32:01This omega has no trace
32:02of any blood disease in her body.
32:04Her vitality is stronger
32:05than that of a bison.
32:06Caleb went rigid,
32:07his eyes widening in disbelief.
32:08You're lying!
32:09She clearly fainted
32:10from anemia before.
32:12She even needed
32:12to lose blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:15That was a false weakness
32:16created by black magic herbs.
32:17Not only that,
32:18the witch doctor
32:19looked at Alana
32:20on the floor with contempt.
32:21She is not pregnant at all.
32:24What did you say?
32:25Caleb looked as if
32:26he had been struck by lightning.
32:27He stumbled half a step back.
32:29Just then,
32:30the assassin leader
32:30pinned to the ground,
32:31spat out a mouthful
32:32of bloody Sava
32:33and glared viciously at Alaya.
32:34It was this bitch.
32:35She gave us the defense map
32:36and told us to kill
32:37the Lycan princess in the chaos.
32:38She said once it was done,
32:39she'd give us
32:40half of the West Coast territory.
32:42With irrefutable evidence
32:43before everyone,
32:44Alara's disguise
32:45was completely torn apart.
32:46No!
32:47This isn't true!
32:48Caleb looked at Alara
32:49with bloodshot eyes,
32:50his voice trembling.
32:51So you've been lying
32:52to me all along?
32:53The anemia was fake
32:54and the pregnancy
32:55was fake too?
32:57Alara knew
32:57she had nowhere left
32:58to retreat.
32:59She broke down instantly
33:00and crawled to Caleb's feet,
33:02clenching his leg
33:02as tears and snot
33:03covered her face.
33:04Caleb!
33:04Listen to me!
33:05I was forced!
33:06They threatened me!
33:07She begged frantically
33:07like a pitiful worm,
33:08not a strice remaining
33:09of her former
33:10delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much!
33:13Protect me with your
33:14East Coast privileges
33:14like you used to, alright?
33:16Looking at the ugly woman
33:17before him,
33:18Caleb felt his stomach
33:19churn with disgust.
33:20He kicked Alarka away
33:21and stared at her
33:22with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate
33:24first love
33:25for whom he had
33:25given up everything
33:26and even broken
33:27with the West Coast.
33:28For this lying bitch,
33:30he had forced me
33:31to sleep in a pigsty.
33:32For this vicious woman
33:33who had never been ill,
33:34he had forced me
33:35to bleed.
33:35Each truth that came
33:36too late
33:37filled Caleb
33:38with unbearable regret.
33:39What kind of person
33:40had he lost?
33:41Someone who had loved
33:42him so deeply.
33:43With a thud,
33:44Caleb's legs gave out
33:46and he collapsed heavily
33:47to his knees
33:47in the ruins.
33:48His face streamed
33:49with tears.
33:50As he turned
33:51and crawled toward me,
33:52his eyes read,
33:54Selina,
33:55I'm sorry.
33:56I was blind!
33:58I was a fool!
33:59I was wrong!
34:00Please forgive me!
34:01Faced with Caleb's
34:02repentance,
34:03I had no interest
34:03in even stopping.
34:05Calmly,
34:06I looked away,
34:07took a clean silk
34:08handkerchief from my sleeve
34:09and pulled Cale's hand
34:10toward me.
34:12Did it hurt
34:13when you crushed
34:13that poisoned blade?
34:15No.
34:16As long as you're unharmed,
34:17that's all that matters.
34:18Let's go.
34:19It's too filthy here.
34:22I calli dropped
34:23the package beside
34:24Caleb's hand,
34:25linked arms with Cale
34:26and walked straight
34:28out of the chapel.
34:29Caleb froze
34:29where he was.
34:30At last,
34:31he understood.
34:31I was no longer
34:32willing to give him
34:33even hatred.
34:34He knelt there,
34:35watching helplessly
34:36as Cale and I
34:36left side by side,
34:37his nose stinging.
34:39What will it take?
34:41What will it take
34:42for you to forgive me?
34:43Just then,
34:44a messenger
34:44covered in blood
34:45stumbled into the hall.
34:47Report!
34:48Rogue werewolves
34:49are invading
34:49on a massive scale!
34:50The West Coast
34:51defense line
34:51is in critical danger!
34:53Caleb suddenly
34:53lifted his head,
34:54a crazed light
34:55flashing in his eyes.
34:56War.
34:57War has come.
34:58As long as I earn
34:59great merit
35:00on the battlefield,
35:01as long as I prove
35:03my worth,
35:04Selina will surely
35:05look at me again.
35:06The rogue
35:06werewolves invaded
35:07on a massive scale,
35:08and the flames of war
35:10spread quickly.
35:11Cale volunteered
35:11to command the armies,
35:13going from former
35:14useless wolf
35:14to present ancient wolf
35:15king,
35:16and led the troops out
35:17to suppress the rebelt.
35:18As for Caleb,
35:19because of his blindness,
35:20foolishness,
35:21and sheltering of a traitor,
35:22he had been stripped
35:23of all status
35:24and reduced completely
35:25to a commoner.
35:26He could have hidden
35:26in the rear
35:27and clung to life,
35:28but in order to stir
35:29even the slightest ripple
35:30in my heart,
35:31he concealed his name
35:32and voluntarily joined
35:33the suicide squad
35:34with the highest death rate,
35:35becoming the lowest
35:36ranking footseller.
35:37On the day the army
35:38set out,
35:38I stood personally
35:39atop the high city wall
35:40to see Kale off.
35:41Below the wall,
35:42the army stood
35:42in solemn formation.
35:44Kale sat on his warhorse,
35:45and looked up at me
35:46with deep affection
35:47before the entire army.
35:48I placed a wolf-tooth amulet
35:50for protection
35:51around Kale's neck
35:52with my own hands,
35:53then bent down
35:54and gently kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your
35:58triumphant return.
35:59Kale's eyes burned hot.
36:01In front of everyone,
36:03he kissed the back of my hand.
36:06For you,
36:07I will bring victory.
36:09And down in the muddy
36:10infantry ranks,
36:11Caleb,
36:11dressed in coarse linen,
36:13stared famously at the scene,
36:14watching me give another man
36:15my favor.
36:16Jealousy and regret
36:16twisted together in his heart.
36:18Once,
36:18that place had been his.
36:20That amulet had once
36:20been prepared for him.
36:22He bit hard enough
36:22to split his lip.
36:24Selene,
36:24I'll prove to you
36:25that I'm stronger than Kale.
36:29I'm the alpha worthy of you.
36:31He swore it silently
36:32in his heart,
36:32then stepped onto the battlefield
36:34without looking back.
36:35Battle reports
36:36from the front lines
36:37were sent back
36:37to the capital every day.
36:38On the battlefield,
36:39Kale planned and commanded
36:40with brilliant strategy.
36:41Not only was he not
36:42dragged down by the witch's curse,
36:43he displayed the bearing
36:44of an unparalleled general.
36:45He won every battle
36:46and became the hero
36:47admired by the entire army.
36:49Caleb, meanwhile,
36:50fought in the lowest trenches
36:51like a beast
36:52that did not care
36:53whether it lived or died.
36:54He deliberately refused
36:56to wear heavy armor,
36:57allowing enemy blades
36:58to leave hideous wounds
36:59across his body.
37:01Every time he was injured,
37:02every time he bled,
37:03he felt he was paying back
37:04the debt for once
37:05draining my blood.
37:06He felt he was easing
37:06the guilt in his heart.
37:07He fought desperately for merit,
37:09charging forward like a madman
37:10and cutting down
37:11countless enemy heads,
37:12only hoping that his name
37:13might appear once
37:14in the military reports
37:15and be seen by me.
37:15But he did not know
37:16that when I read the reports,
37:18my gaze only stopped
37:19on Kale's name.
37:20I did not care
37:21which common soldier
37:22had earned credit.
37:23During an especially
37:24brutal breakout battle,
37:25the rogue werewolf army
37:26surrounded the suicide squad.
37:28A military banner
37:29representing the West Coast
37:30royal family
37:31was about to be cut down.
37:33That was my territory.
37:36My banner.
37:38Caleb's eyes went red
37:39as he roared
37:40and threw himself forward.
37:43No one touches
37:44Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body
37:47to shield the flagpole,
37:48refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish.
37:51An enemy spear
37:52ruthlessly pierced
37:53through the soldier's abdomen.
37:54He vomited a mouthful of blood,
37:57but his hands still clung
37:58tightly to the banner
37:59as he collapsed heavily
38:01into a pool of blood.
38:03The dark, damp woundager's camp
38:05was filled with the thick smell
38:06of blood and screams of pain.
38:08Caleb's injuries
38:08were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced
38:10through his abdomen
38:10and his high fever
38:11would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat,
38:13barely breathing.
38:14In the extreme agony
38:15between dreams and waking,
38:17he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return
38:18to that summer
38:19ten years ago.
38:20A little version of me
38:21followed behind him,
38:22eyes full of worship,
38:23as I called him
38:23Brother Caleb,
38:24blushing while I handed him
38:25that wooden sword.
38:26Brother Caleb,
38:27will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:32I'll protect you
38:33for the rest of your life.
38:35But the scene shifted.
38:36It became me locked
38:37inside the reeking pig pet.
38:38My face covered in blood,
38:39looking at him in despair
38:40as he married Alara.
38:42No, don't look at me like that.
38:43In his coma,
38:44tears of pain
38:45streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly
38:46at empty air
38:47as he murmured
38:47in a broken, miserable voice.
38:49Celine, I was wrong.
38:50Please, don't go.
38:51But in the illusion,
38:53I pulled my hand away coldly
38:54and turned away
38:55without hesitation.
38:56Just as he was drowning
38:57in unbearable pain,
38:59in reality,
39:00he suddenly felt a pair
39:01of cooled hands
39:02touch his forehead.
39:03Then a bottle of
39:03high-grade royal potion
39:05with a faint fragrance
39:05was placed in his hand.
39:07This familiar scent
39:08belonged only to potions
39:09the royal family
39:10was qualified to use.
39:12Caleb's whole body jolted.
39:14It's hard to let you go see.
39:18Summoning all his strength,
39:20he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes
39:22in wild joy,
39:23a smile of adtespitation
39:24already lifting
39:25the corner of his mouth.
39:25But when he saw
39:26the person before him clearly,
39:27he felt as if he had
39:28fallen to an ice caller.
39:29The person standing by his bed
39:30was not me at all,
39:30but an old logistics medic
39:31with a face full of wrinkles.
39:32Young man, you're awake.
39:33Tough life you've got.
39:34A spear went clean through you.
39:35You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic pulled the stopper
39:37from the potion bottle
39:38and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink.
39:40This was personally ordered
39:41by Commander Cale.
39:42In recognition of your
39:43Suicide Squad's merit
39:44in protecting the banner,
39:45every severely injured member
39:46has been given a royal potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily
39:49at the potion bottle.
39:50His fingers tightened
39:50inch by inch,
39:51his knuckles turning white.
39:52So it was not for him.
39:54So he was only
39:55the most insignificant one
39:56among tens of thousands
39:57of wounded soldiers.
39:58He had risked his life
39:59to prove himself
40:00and repay his debt.
40:01But in the end,
40:02the harm he had done me,
40:03the feelings he had for me
40:04did not even qualify him
40:05to be hated by me anymore.
40:07I had completely treated
40:08as an unrelated stranger,
40:09a piece of air
40:10that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched
40:13the potion bottle tightly,
40:14tears falling
40:15and heavy drops
40:16onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly,
40:17he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me.
40:20So being ignored
40:22is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later,
40:25the rebellion
40:26of the rogue werewolves
40:27was completely pacified
40:28and the border welcomed
40:29a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned
40:32in triumph.
40:32The gates of the capital
40:34opened wide
40:34and citizens lined
40:35the streets cheering
40:36as they welcomed home
40:37the hero who had
40:38saved the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile,
40:39on the execution ground,
40:40on the other side
40:41of the city,
40:42Alara,
40:42who had served
40:43as an insider
40:43for the rogue werewolves,
40:44was finally facing
40:45her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge
40:47of the crowd,
40:48a man with a crippled leg
40:48and a body covered in mud
40:49staggered forward.
40:50He wore ragged linen.
40:52His appearance withered,
40:53his vacant gaze
40:53fixed on the cross.
40:54A rough rope was looped
40:55around Alara's neck.
40:56Her hair hung loose
40:57as she struggled violently
40:57and screamed in agony.
40:59Ah, Caleb!
41:00Save me!
41:00For the sake of the love
41:01we once shared,
41:02save me!
41:03But Caleb merely
41:03looked at her coldly.
41:05The old obsession
41:05was gone from his eyes,
41:06leaving only the remort
41:07of a man who had been
41:08blind in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious
41:10woman full of lies,
41:11he should now have been
41:12standing on the execution platform,
41:14receiving the admiration
41:14of the whole clan
41:15as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command,
41:17Alarma's struggle stopped.
41:18She hung in the wind
41:19like a scrap of cloth.
41:20Caleb lowered his head,
41:22feeling nothing but emptiness inside.
41:23At that moment,
41:24cheers a hundred times
41:25louder than before
41:25Prince Remi erupted
41:27from the front of square.
41:28It's the Lycan princess's
41:29royal carriage!
41:30She has come personally
41:31to welcome the hero,
41:32Lord Kale!
41:33At the sound of my name,
41:34Caleb trembled violently.
41:36He snapped his head up
41:38and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped
41:41in the center of the square.
41:43Kale dismounted,
41:44not even bothering
41:45to brush off the dust of war
41:46clinging to him
41:47and strode to the carriage.
41:49With extreme tendness,
41:50he extended his hand to me.
41:52I lifted the velvet curtain,
41:54placed my hand in his palm,
41:56gathered my magnificent skirts,
41:58and stepped down
41:58from the carriage.
41:59By now,
42:00I was no longer
42:01the pitiful woman
42:02who had been forced
42:03to wear coarse slave linen.
42:04My face shone
42:05with a bright smile
42:06Kaylee had never seen before.
42:08It was the kind of glow
42:09that could only appear
42:10when someone was surrounded
42:11by absolute love.
42:12In the crowd,
42:13Caleb desperately stood on tiptoe,
42:15trying to see my face clearly.
42:16But when his gaze
42:17landed on me,
42:18his whole body froze
42:19as if he had plunged into ice.
42:21Because my other hand
42:23was gently resting
42:24on my noticeably rounded belly.
42:26Lord Kale and her highness
42:27already have a child.
42:29They really are
42:29a match made in heaven.
42:31The commoners beside him
42:32disgusted excitedly.
42:34Their words pierced
42:35Caleb's soul
42:36like ten thousand arrows.
42:38Not only had she married
42:40someone else,
42:40she was carrying
42:41another man's child.
42:43The girl who had once
42:44had eyes only for him,
42:46the girl who had refused
42:47to leave him
42:47even after he kicked her
42:48into a wolf's claws,
42:50now truly belonged
42:51to someone else completely.
42:52A violent cramp of pain
42:54nearly stole Caleb's breath.
42:55His eyes were bloodshot
42:56and a hopeless whimper
42:57rose in his throat.
42:58A light breeze passed,
42:59stirring several fallen leaves.
43:01As if sensing something,
43:02I casually swept my gaze
43:03across the crowded masses.
43:05Across the noisy sea of people,
43:06my eyes briefly met Caleb's.
43:08In that instant,
43:09Caleb's breathing stopped.
43:10His whole body went rigid
43:11and his lips trembled violently.
43:12Tears filled his bloodshot eyes.
43:14How desperately he wished
43:15to see even the slightest
43:16ripple in my eyes.
43:17Pity, even mockery or hatred.
43:18As long as it proved
43:19I still cared about him,
43:20he would have been willing
43:21to die on the spot.
43:22But my gaze was absolutely calm.
43:24It was as if I were looking
43:25at a tree by the roadside,
43:26a stone, a pile of trash
43:28no one cared about.
43:29No lingering, no pause.
43:31I naturally looked away
43:32and turned to Caleb beside me.
43:34Look, the wind is rising.
43:36Let's go home, I said,
43:37smiling gently at Caleb.
43:39Caleb lowered his head
43:39and kissed my forehead
43:40with deep affection,
43:42wrapping me and our unborn child
43:43tightly in his broad cloak.
43:45All right.
43:46It's warm.
43:48The last spark inside Caleb
43:50was completely extinguished
43:51in that moment.
43:53A pain that cut to the marrow
43:54left him unable to stand.
43:57He collapsed heavily
43:59into the muddy water.
44:00The cheering crowd
44:01surrounded Cale and me
44:02as we went farther
44:04and farther away.
44:06All that remained for Caleb
44:08was a ground full of flowers
44:09crushed mercilessly by hooves
44:11and the rest of a life
44:13he could never redeem.
44:14Years later,
44:15my aging father formally abcated.
44:17I put on the crown,
44:19symbolizing supreme power
44:21and became the greatest
44:22lichen princess
44:23in West Coast history.
44:24Cale guarded me and our child
44:26with unwavering loyalty.
44:27The internal strife
44:28and external threats
44:29of the past
44:30were completely pass-approved
44:31and the wolf clans
44:32entered an unprecedented
44:33golden era.
44:34My name became
44:35the highest symbol
44:36of power and glory.
44:37As for the name Caleb,
44:39it vanished from
44:40everyone's memory
44:41like an insignificant
44:42speck of dust.
44:43No one mentioned
44:44the once arrogant
44:45East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:47No one remembered
44:48his ridiculous,
44:49shaby wedding.
44:49Ten years later,
44:50in the most remote,
44:51dilapidated slum
44:52on the East Coast,
44:53the cold wind howled
44:54as it swept garbage
44:55across the ground.
44:56A broken-down tavern
44:57reeking of mold
44:57and cheap alcohol
44:58stood with its drafty
44:59wooden door half-open.
45:00An old werewolf
45:01who had lost his left leg
45:03and one arm,
45:04his face weathered
45:04by hardship,
45:06limped through the door
45:06and shuffled to the bar.
45:07It was Caleb,
45:09but he was filthy
45:10from head to toe
45:11with not the slightest
45:12traces of an alpha
45:14left in him.
45:14With trembling fingers,
45:16he dug a few copper coins
45:17smeared with grease
45:18from his torn pocket
45:19and pushed them
45:20towards the bartender.
45:21Give me a cup
45:23of the cheapest ale.
45:24The bartender
45:26set a cup of murky ale
45:27heavily in front of him
45:28with a look of disgust.
45:30The old werewolf
45:31did not mind.
45:32He simply picked up
45:34the cup,
45:35dragged his crippled leg
45:36and stumbled
45:37to the darkest corner
45:38of the tavern.
45:39Through drunken,
45:41blurred eyes,
45:42he lifted his head
45:43and looked at an old poster
45:44pasted on the mottled wall.
45:46On the poster,
45:47written in ornate lettering,
45:49were the words,
45:50celebrating the tenth
45:51wedding anniversary
45:52of Lycan Princess and Kale.
45:54At the center of the image,
45:55I wore a crown,
45:57my smile noble and bright,
45:59my eyes filled with happiness.
46:01The old werewolf
46:02raised his rough,
46:03frostbitted hand
46:04and paused in midair
46:06for a long time.
46:07Only then did he carefully,
46:09across the empty's face,
46:12gently touch my cheek
46:13on the poster.
46:14I was the treasure
46:16he had once had
46:16within easy reach,
46:18only to trample into the mud
46:20with his own hands.
46:21Cloudy tears mixed with cheap ale
46:23and rolled down
46:24his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman,
46:27he cried and laughed,
46:28then slapped himself hard,
46:30twice,
46:31letting out a piercing wail.
46:34If that day
46:35I hadn't abandoned you,
46:38if that day
46:39I hadn't driven you
46:41to the pig fed for that bitch,
46:43hadn't drained your blood,
46:46would you still love me?
46:50I'm sorry.
46:52I'm sorry.
46:53My sin.
46:53No.
46:54In the ruined tavern,
46:56no one paid any attention
46:57to the raravings
46:58of a disabled old man.
47:00Everyone was celebrating
47:01the queen's prosperous reign.
47:03Who cared about
47:04about a drunkard's tears?
47:06Outside the window,
47:07the raging snowstorm
47:08completely swallowed his cries.
47:11He could only carry the regret
47:13he would never be able
47:15to make up for,
47:16slowly ending
47:17the rest of his life
47:19in endless loneliness
47:21and ruin.
47:22And ruin.
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