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Too Late, My Rejected Mate #englishsub #fullmovie | Full Short Drama | English Sub 2026
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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. At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues. On one side was
00:08Kael, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years. On the other was Kael, the alpha
00:12cursed by the dark witch. My father, the lion king, looked at me solemnly. Selene, you are a noble
00:18lichen princess. No weather wolf alpha in this world is worthy of you. That is why you must choose
00:25a mate and support him as the next lichen king. My mother gripped my hand tightly. Tell
00:30us, who do you choose? After a moment of silence, I pointed to the dark, battered statue. I choose
00:37Kael. My father's face changed in shock. The witch's curse inside Kael can't be broken.
00:42He's nothing but a useless wolf. Why not choose Kael? You've loved him for 18 years. Exactly.
00:47As long as you bond with Kael, he can use your bloodline to become the strongest alpha in
00:51history. What an honor that would be. I ignored their pleas. All I could think of was my previous
00:57life. In that life, I had married beneath my status and chosen Kael at all costs, using
01:02my noble bloodline to push him onto the throne. But once he held power, he turned around and
01:07married his first love, an omega named Alara, then demoted me to a servant. To improve Alara's
01:12bloodline, Kael even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:17fed it to Alara. Alara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot. Sister, I'll enjoy
01:21your bloodline, your lover, and live happily ever after. Kael cut open my stomach while
01:26I was still alive, dug out our unborn child, and smashed it viciously onto the ground.
01:31Alara and I are the ones who truly love each other. Bonding with you was just a political
01:35marriage. Salema, the more I look at you, the more disgusting you are. As I lay dying,
01:40Kael, who had been locked in the dungeon, transformed on the night of the full moon, snapped his
01:44chair and killed Kael and Alara. He kissed me with desperate tenderness, hoping to save me
01:49with his own life's blood. Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood flowed through
01:53Kael's veins. On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and
01:57become the strongest wolf alive. But I had lost too much blood. I still died on the blood
02:02moon altar. My thoughts returned to the present. Silently, I clenched my fists.
02:06Father, mother, my mind is made up. I will bond with Kael and help him become the next
02:25king. As 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. Just then,
02:34Kael stormed into the blood moon altar and seized my hand.
02:37Salana, come out with me!
02:39Without another word, Kael dragged me out of the blood moon altar. I was about to refuse,
02:45but the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart. It forced me to submit it to him.
02:50My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice. They did not stop Kael's violence.
02:57They merely snorted coldly and turned away. Kael dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
03:03When I looked up, I saw Alara sitting on the throne. She looked so proud, as if she were the
03:09lichen
03:09princess. The moment she saw Kael dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her
03:15little mouth in feigned surprise. Oh, sister! How did you end up in such a state? Kael be gentler
03:22with her. Kael snorted and slapped me to the floor.
03:27Selina, did you beg the lichen king to arrange a marriage between us again?
03:31His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
03:34Do you think that if you keep pestering me, I'll marry you sooner or later? Let me tell you
03:40something. You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met. Even if you knelt and begged me,
03:44I wouldn't spare you another glance. I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth,
03:49my fingers slowly curling into my palm. I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
03:54Kael gave a disdainful laugh. Please, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
03:58without my affection, you can't even survive. Kael, don't say that about sister. She only acts
04:06this way because she loves you too much. Her voice was soft enough to melt and her eyes red in
04:11the
04:11slate. She truly looked like a considerate, gentle, younger sister. You're too kind. That's your
04:18problem. Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you. Kael patted Alina's hand, then turned to me.
04:25How about this? I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
04:29Kael pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall. Selina, from now on the pure silver ice
04:34in your bedchamber belongs to Alara. She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
04:40My breath stopped for an instant. The pure silver ice coffin was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
04:45What did it mean to give it away? It meant that the lowest omega had stepped onto the head of
04:50the
04:50Lyman princess. As for you, Caleb's lips curled into a smile full of malice. The pigsty on the west
04:58side of the palace is still empty. Starting tonight, you'll sleep there. The moment he said
05:05that, the nobles in the royal hall burst into laughter. How entertaining. The mighty Lycan princess,
05:11ordered by the man she loves to sleep in a pig sit. Caleb clearly doesn't want her, yet she keeps
05:14throwing herself at him. She deserves it. She chased him for 18 years and ended up chasing
05:18into a pig sick. What a disgrace to the royal family. I lowered my head, my nails digging into
05:24my palm. I wanted to defend myself out loud. I did not love Caleb. I would rather marry the
05:29cursed Kael than have anything to do with Caleb. But the potion bound me tightly. The mere thought
05:34of resistance sent a pain through me that seemed to drill into my bones. Fine. Besides, the pure
05:39silver ice coffee can go to Lyman. I'll sleep in the pigsty. Caleb froze for a moment, then burst
05:44into laughter. He said to Lyman over his shoulder. This is the kind of bitch she is. The harder you
05:48trample her, the more she clings to you. Lyman lowered her head, the corner of her mouth lifting
05:51for the briefest instant. When she looked up again, her face was full of concern. Sister, the pigshed is
05:56so dirty. How can you live there? She stole the man you love, and you're still worried about her.
06:00How can anyone in this world be as kind as you? He lowered his head and kissed Lyman.
06:03It was not a light, fleeting kiss. It was deep and deliberately drawn out. Alina rose onto her
06:07toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her peach blossom eyes looked past Caleb's neck,
06:11staring at me in blatant triumph. The main hall erupted with the noble's applause and cheer.
06:15If Selina were half as gentle as Allura, she wouldn't be despised this badly.
06:18Allura is soft, delicate, and so understanding. No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:22I turned my head away, unwilling to look. Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the
06:27side of the hall. It was a savage wild wolf. Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:32My face went pale with shock. An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away. I ran toward him. After all our years together,
06:38I thought he would at least reach out and block the attack. Caleb, save me!
06:41But before I could finish calling for help, his leg had already lifted. He kicked me hard in the
06:44side. Get away!
06:45My whole body flew sideways and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
06:49Squish! Blood 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. I wanted to scream. But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face,
06:59no sound came out at all. At that moment, the guards finally rushed forward and they cut the
07:02wolf down. When its claws were pulled from my shoulder, they dragged out a spray of blood.
07:06Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and look at him.
07:10Were you trying to run toward me just now? Did you think I would save you?
07:12His fingers tightened.
07:13Salima, don't think too highly of yourself. I would rather save a lamb than save you.
07:17My lips had gone white from pain, but I could not say a single word.
07:20Alara was still standing there, both hands covering her mouth.
07:22That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:25What a shame. She actually survived.
07:27Caleb snored. My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once
07:30felt for Caleb me. I never imagined he wanted me dead, or that he would shove me toward the
07:34blade himself. Alara lifted her head from Caleb's arms.
07:37Caleb, you're so good to me. Will sister be angry?
07:39Salona is a hopeless lovesick through and through. She's loved me for 18 years so much that she
07:43doesn't even know what dignity is. No matter whether I hit her, curse her, make her sleep in a
07:45pig head, or even kick her under a wolf's claws, she'll forgive me unconditionally. Then she'll crawl
07:49back like a dog and kneel to lick my feet.
07:52Alara lowered her lashes and sighed softly.
07:54Sister 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,
08:04Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
08:06Treat her? Does she deserve that?
08:07Caleb, someone, throw her into the pig bed.
08:10Rotting 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 tilt their heads, obscene smiles hanging from their mouths.
08:22Lion princess. The pig shed must be rough. Why 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? Some filthy whore. You're worse than a sow.
08:36The 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.
08:47Their 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.
08:55Moonlight 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.
09:05Lord Caleb, we were only...
09:06Get out.
09:08The guards scrambled away. My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:12Had he remembered how deeply I had loved him for 18 long years?
09:16Caleb walked toward me.
09:17He bent down, seized my wrist, and dragged me out of the mud, his voice low.
09:20Lara was frightened. She's a mania to begin with.
09:22And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even a mania.
09:24He released my wrist. I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:27And after that, Caleb looked at the place while he was bleeding.
09:31His expression changed.
09:33You have noble Lyman blood. Perfect.
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.
09:49But Alara?
09:50He 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.
09:58What am I to you?
09:59A piece of trash.
10:00You can summon and dismiss at will.
10:01I was completely disheartened.
10:02I no longer had even the strength to resist as Caleb dragged me into the 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.
10:16If 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.
10:29It's all my useless body's fault.
10:30If I could, I really wouldn't want to use your blood.
10:33Caleb 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.
10:40The 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 close. Don't try anything.
10:47The moment the door closed, Alara suddenly sat up from the couch.
10:50My heart lurched. Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:53Alara 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.
11:00Weakly, I said,
11:01You walked.
11:02Alara giggled.
11:03You didn't really think I was anemic, did you?
11:05I'll tell you the truth.
11:07I 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,
11:13I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14Albeit, she paused.
11:15Something even nobler than me.
11:17It felt as if an invisible hand had clenched around my heart.
11:20She did not just want my blood.
11:21She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:24Caleb walked in.
11:25Alana's body stinted.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:30Everything about Alana is fake.
11:31Alara's face went white.
11:33She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling twice.
11:35Caleb, I didn't mean to lie to you.
11:38Tears 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,
11:47Caleb 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?
11:54Alara 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.
12:04If 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, if sister's blood flowed inside me,
12:13then when I loved you, it 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.
12:20You're the only one I love.
12:21I watched them kiss in front of me.
12:23Lips pressed to lips.
12:25Shadows overlapping.
12:27My blood was still flowing out, yet neither of them looked at me once.
12:31Sister's blood seems to be flowing a little slowly.
12:34Caleb walked over, raised his hand, and 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.
12:50A fourth!
12:52Every blow landed with full force.
12:55Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:57Come here.
12:58You try.
12:59Alara walked over timidly, shaking her head.
13:02I don't dare.
13:02Caleb gripped her hand, guided her wrist, and brought her palm down across my face.
13:06One slap!
13:07Then another!
13:08My face swelled, and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
13:12Alara said softly,
13:13Caleb, sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snorted.
13:17Selina, I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:19Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:21I agree.
13:22But you can only be a breeder.
13:24Alara is my only Luna.
13:26He released her hand.
13:28Also, I need you to draft a treaty.
13:30The West Coast Wolf Clan will give two-thirds of its territory to us on the East Coast.
13:34He straightened and looked down at me.
13:35Sign it, and 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.
13:42Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses.
13:48Two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:50A permanent submission treaty.
13:52Renouncing my right as air, my fingers trembled.
13:54This was practically a treaty of surrender and humiliation.
13:58No, I could not sign it.
14:00Caleb'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, grabbed my hair, and wrenched my face upward.
14:10Then I'll record how humiliated you look.
14:12He took a recording crystal from his waist and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you, the noble lichen princess of the West Coast,
14:18kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:20The recording crystal flashed red.
14:22My wretched state.
14:23My blood.
14:23My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
14:26All of it was captured inside that tiny stone.
14:28Tell me, if I spread the contents of this crystal throughout the entire Wolf Clan,
14:31where will the lichen came with his face?
14:33A copy of sweetness surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb, must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense!
14:38Sign!
14:39He brutally pressed my hand down,
14:40stained it with my own blood,
14:42and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
14:44I struggled desperately, but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:48Wait.
14:48Add another quiz.
14:49After you remember,
14:50he was forced next to Elana every morning and evening.
14:52On your knees.
14:53She sits, you kneel.
14:53She drinks tea, you serve it.
14:55Tears of humiliation filled my eyes.
14:56Add another.
14:57He said, tilting his head as he thought.
14:59If we have a child,
15:00your own flesh and blood must call Elora Mother.
15:02As for you,
15:03you're only quick to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory.
15:06Dignity.
15:06Forcing bloodline.
15:07Descendants.
15:08Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:10At last, he's finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the porch,
15:12read it from start to finish,
15:14and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto him.
15:17Wear this to the engagement bank of tomorrow.
15:19It was the cross linen garment of a lowly laborer.
15:21The cuffs were worn ragged,
15:22and the collar was stained with blackened grease.
15:24Come wearing it.
15:25Let everyone see how lowly
15:26the noble lion princess is before me, Caleb.
15:28The royal hall was brightly lit the next day,
15:31and music drifted through the air.
15:32Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast
15:34gathered together,
15:35the clink of wine bales rising and falling.
15:37Everyone turned to look.
15:38Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
15:41First they froze.
15:42Then laughter exploded.
15:43The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet
15:46dressed like a slave.
15:47Isn't she ashamed?
15:48I think she did it on purpose,
15:50pretending to be pitiful,
15:51trying to win sympathy so Caleb will change his mind.
15:53What a cheap trick.
15:54Who would fall for that?
15:55I lowered my head,
15:57unable to stop myself from quietly sobbing.
15:59I had tried to resist,
16:00but the moment that thought appeared,
16:01the potion turned into thousands of needles
16:03stabbing viciously into my heart.
16:05It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then, a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:09Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:11He wore the silver-gray formal attire of the east coast,
16:14his cape trailing across the floor.
16:15Alara held his arm in a moon-white glass gazon,
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 and looked me up and down.
16:26Then he suddenly laughed.
16:28I told you to wear slave clothes and you wore them.
16:31I told you to sign the treaty and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pygnist and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
16:38Do you see this?
16:39This is the Lycan princess.
16:40She does whatever I say.
16:42More obedient than a dog.
16:43Hit her.
16:44Curse her.
16:44Humiliate her.
16:45And all she knows how to do is wag her tail.
16:48Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve,
16:51her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb,
16:53sister can't really still want to marry you, can she?
16:56Caleb pulled her into his arms and 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 over the west coast,
17:07I'll divorce her immediately and marry you in full glory.
17:09No matter how I treat her,
17:11she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
17:14All right.
17:15Then I'll wait for you to marry me in full glory.
17:19Caleb kissed her.
17:19Then,
17:20seeing my desolate expression,
17:21he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:23He took the recording crystal from his chest and raised it high.
17:25Oh, right.
17:26Let me show everyone something interesting.
17:29The crystal lit up.
17:29In the image,
17:30I knelt on the ground,
17:31my face covered in blood,
17:32my head forced down as I signed the treaty.
17:34The nobles laughed even louder.
17:36That's too miserable.
17:37The mighty Lycan princess bullied to this extent.
17:40What a bone-deep humiliation.
17:42Laughter surged from all directions,
17:43drowning me.
17:44At that moment,
17:45a 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.
17:50He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall
17:51and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene,
17:53even now,
17:53do you still intend to marry Kale and give up Caleb?
17:56Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face,
17:59at the swollen corner of my mouth,
18:01and at the bruises on my wrist from the silver tube.
18:03You would rather endure so much suffering than marry Kale,
18:05it seems your mind truly is made up.
18:07Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:09My tears fell beyond my control.
18:11My father turned and walked step-by-step towards the platform at the center of the main hall.
18:15Caleb was still holding up the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:19Everyone,
18:19tonight's engagement banquet was originally meant to announce the betrothal between my daughter Selene and the East Coast Alpha Caleb.
18:25He paused.
18:27However,
18:27at my daughter's firm request,
18:28I now formally announce,
18:30in my capacity as Lycon King,
18:32Selene will marry another Alpha,
18:34Kale.
18:34Caleb froze where he stood.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:39Kale stood stunned.
18:40He looked at my father,
18:41then at me,
18:41and suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
18:44Lycon King,
18:44please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me for 18 years.
18:47For my sake,
18:48she was even willing to sleep in a pig hole.
18:49How could she possibly marry a useless wolf?
18:52He turned and walked toward me,
18:53his tone still full of condescending charity.
18:55Selene,
18:55I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me on purpose,
18:59aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake in public now,
19:02I can still treat you well like before.
19:04I looked quietly at his arrogant face.
19:06Take your Omega and get out of my sight.
19:08I let out a long breath of relief.
19:09The secrecy potion had worn off.
19:11At last,
19:12I could say what I wanted to say.
19:13The smile on Caleb's face finally collapsed.
19:15Fine,
19:16fine.
19:16You don't know what's good for you,
19:17do you?
19:18He suddenly took the unequal treaty from his chest and raised it toward my father.
19:21Lyon King,
19:22Selene has already signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not marry me today,
19:25two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed under the dress has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
19:33Caleb had not expected my father,
19:34who had always been cold,
19:36to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No!
19:39Selene must marry me!
19:40He released the pressure of an East Coast Alpha,
19:42transformed into a giant wolf,
19:43and lunged,
19:44reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand was about to touch me,
19:47the clouds in the sky broke apart,
19:49and a blood-red full moon hung overhead.
19:50In the corner,
19:51Kale,
19:51who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time,
19:53suddenly let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted from his eyes.
19:56With a deafening crack,
19:57the thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
19:59A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instance,
20:02Kale transformed into an ancient lycan.
20:03He brought one claw down hard,
20:05and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood again and again,
20:08unable to move.
20:09The nobles all retreated in terror.
20:11Caleb's eyes were full of unwillingness and fear.
20:14Knowing he was no match for Kale,
20:16he could only flee the hall in humiliation with the screaming Alada.
20:19Kale,
20:20you useless wolf!
20:21Don't get cocky!
20:21I'll take Selene back!
20:22I walked onto the high corridor,
20:24and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped back to their residence,
20:27when they ran straight into a group of loyal guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly throwing,
20:31box after box of their belongings into the mud.
20:33Alara froze,
20:34then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
20:37My jewels!
20:38My gown!
20:38How dare you touch my things!
20:40The guard captain said coldly,
20:42This is the Lyman King's order.
20:44Caleb linched his fists and gritted his teeth.
20:46It must be Selene!
20:47She must have spoken ill of us to the Lycan King!
20:49Alara turned back,
20:50clutching Caleb's arm tightly as tears of grievance streamed down her face.
20:52Caleb,
20:52is sister still holding a grudge against me?
20:54I can give up anything,
20:55but you gave me all these things.
20:56Caleb looked at the mess on the ground,
20:58and pulled Alara into his arms in distress.
21:00Don't cry.
21:01This is just Selene playing hard to get.
21:02He deliberately raised his voice,
21:03and husted with absolute confidence.
21:05She thinks that if she takes everything back,
21:06I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much.
21:08Without me, she can't survive.
21:10Looking at his self-euphorious face,
21:11I found him utterly laughable.
21:13Why did he think I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom,
21:16and now,
21:16I also had Kale who was willing to protect me.
21:18I did not want to look at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned to the hall.
21:25Yet three hours later,
21:26the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor to report to me.
21:31Lycan princess,
21:32Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace
21:34and demand an explanation for you.
21:38I snorted coldly.
21:40You let him in?
21:41The guard captain said respectfully.
21:44It seems he lost his privilege J token during the fight.
21:46We stopped him outside the gate.
21:48If he has no token,
21:49then tell him to get lost.
21:51I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard,
21:52beside a stone table.
21:53I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Kale,
21:55who had returned to human form.
21:56Kale had just broken through the witch's curse,
21:58and his face was still somewhat pale.
22:00But every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose,
22:03he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us
22:05and draped it gently understanding.
22:06I lifted my head and smiled at him.
22:08There were no unnecessary words between us,
22:11yet we shared an understanding as if our souls resonated.
22:13Just then,
22:14rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw Kale being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates
22:20by two fully armed royal guards.
22:22How dare you?
22:22I need to come down, but you guys don't meet me!
22:23The guard captain answered coldly.
22:25Without the life and princess's privilege J token,
22:27no one may enter.
22:28Kale insisted on forcing his way in,
22:29but the guards shoved him back without mercy,
22:31making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state,
22:34my face held no expression.
22:36He should finally realize that without my protection,
22:38he could not take a single step on the west coast.
22:41Kale knew he could not force his way through the palace gates.
22:43He could only run to one corner of the gate
22:45and stare through the iron bars at me in the courtyard.
22:47When he saw Kale papaling a cloak over me,
22:49and saw me smiling at Kale,
22:51the muscles in his face twitched out of control.
22:53For eighteen years I had only ever had eyes for him.
22:55I had never smiled that way at another man.
22:57He gripped the iron bars hard,
22:58his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me,
23:00Selene, come out here!
23:01I am your fated mate!
23:03At the sound of his voice,
23:04the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head,
23:07my gaze resting on Caleb's flushed face for one second.
23:09There was no anger in my eyes,
23:11nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were looking at a patch of empty air.
23:13Drag him away,
23:14I ordered coldly.
23:15The guards stepped forward.
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Caleb roared in fury.
23:19He punched two guards to the ground,
23:21and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
23:24Selene!
23:25Why are you pretending to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down his game piece,
23:29and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant,
23:31he transformed into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying pressure erupted,
23:39crushing Caleb in place.
23:40Caleb's bones cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not defeat Kale,
23:44he could only retreat in humiliation
23:45and snar through gritted teeth.
23:46Fine!
23:47Selene,
23:48don't regret this.
23:49Even if you come kneeling 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 with a bright red invitation.
23:56Lycan princess,
23:56Caleb has gone mad!
23:58He has publicly announced to the whole clan
23:59that he is marrying Elera,
24:01and he tells everyone
24:02that once you see the invitation,
24:03you'll break down,
24:04admit your mistake,
24:04and cry as you beg him to change his mind.
24:06I did not even look at the invitation.
24:08I lifted my teacup and took a sip.
24:10Let him.
24:11Without West Coast royal funding,
24:13what would he use to hold a respectable wedding?
24:15And he still thought I would apologize to him?
24:18Did he truly think I still loved him?
24:20That afternoon,
24:21with maids accompanying me,
24:22I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage
24:23for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass the most luxurious
24:26tailor shop in the city.
24:27I had just reached the opposite side of the shop
24:28when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
24:29Dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
24:31It scratches my skin!
24:32Can you afford to pay for it,
24:33you lowly dog?
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment,
24:36Caleb,
24:36who had just returned from buying mutton,
24:38froze at the shop entrance.
24:39Elera turned her head.
24:40When she met Caleb's shocked gaze,
24:41her face instantly went deathly pale.
24:43She had never expected Caleb
24:44to witness her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes, meanwhile,
24:46were full of suspicion and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate Elera
24:48he praised to everyone
24:49as someone who would shed tears
24:50even over stepping on an ant?
24:52Elera immediately squeezed out tears
24:53and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
24:55Caleb, this tailor pricked me
24:56on purpose with a needle.
24:58It hurt so much
24:59that I lost control of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me, all right?
25:02Caleb stiffly patted 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.
25:10Watching from the corner,
25:11I suddenly came up with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain
25:14carry a brocade box
25:15and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb,
25:17Lion Princess Selina
25:18has sent you a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name,
25:21Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
25:23He eagerly took the brocade box,
25:25the corners of his mouth
25:26rising beyond his control.
25:27I knew it.
25:28She really couldn't hold back after all.
25:31She'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 that inside
25:39would be a tear-stained apology letter.
25:41Only a wooden sword
25:43snapped cleanly in half.
25:44It was the first token of affection
25:46young Caleb had given me
25:47one summer ten years ago.
25:49Back then,
25:49he had patted his chest and said,
25:51Selina,
25:52if anyone bullies you from now on,
25:53I'll protect you with this sword.
25:55I had once treasured
25:56that wooden sword
25:56as if it were my life,
25:57but now I had broken it
25:59and returned it to him
26:00as a wedding gift.
26:01I saw clearly
26:02how Caleb's hand
26:03trembled uncontrollably
26:04around the broken sword.
26:05His face,
26:06which had been wild with joy,
26:08turned deathly white.
26:09No,
26:10this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped the broken sword
26:12tightly,
26:13his lips shaking.
26:15How could she bear to 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!
26:23He suddenly lifted his head,
26:24looking around the street
26:25in panic like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless,
26:29I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:33Three days later,
26:34on the day of the wedding,
26:35without West Coast support,
26:36the East Coast chapel
26:37was decorated
26:38in 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
26:46whispered among themselves.
26:48Beside him,
26:48Alara saw his distraction
26:50and immediately grew angry.
26:52Caleb,
26:53everyone is watching us.
26:54Today is our happy day.
26:56Can you focus on me?
26:57But Caleb pulled his hand away
26:58irritably
26:59and murmured
27:00like a lost soul.
27:01She can't really not come,
27:03can she?
27:04She clearly loves me so much.
27:06How could she watch me
27:07marry someone else
27:08with 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
27:22and 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
27:39from the altar
27:39to 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
27:45and sat down elegantly.
27:46I'm not here
27:47to steal the groom.
27:48Continue your wedding.
27:49Don't mind me.
27:50Caleb froze where he stood.
27:51He grinned his teeth,
27:52still stubbornly staring at me.
27:54Don't regret this.
27:55The priest cleared his throat
27:57and began reading
27:57the lengthy vows.
27:58Lord Kale,
27:59whether in poverty or wealth,
28:01are you willing
28:01to take Alara
28:02as your wife?
28:03I...
28:03Kale drew out the word.
28:04His gaze was locked
28:05firmly on me,
28:06as if saying,
28:06Selina,
28:07if you stand up
28:07and stop me now,
28:08I'll cancel the wedding
28:09at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly
28:11lifted the red tea
28:12and turned my head
28:13to speak softly to Kale.
28:14Kale,
28:15has the West Coast
28:15border defense map
28:16been checked?
28:17Kale brushed a fallen
28:18leaf from my shoulder,
28:19his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference,
28:22Caleb's face
28:22instantly turned ashen.
28:24Alara stood beside him,
28:25gritting her teeth
28:25as she urged in a low voice,
28:27If Kale,
28:27everyone is waiting
28:28for your vow.
28:29If not for me,
28:29then for our child.
28:30Kale froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:32Alara showed a shy smile
28:34and nodded.
28:34Of course.
28:35Your own flesh and blood.
28:37Kale sighed and nodded.
28:39All right,
28:39since you're carrying my child,
28:40I should indeed give you
28:41a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:45I do.
28:46Just then,
28:47the chapel's enormous
28:48stained glass window
28:49shattered with a crash,
28:50and more than a dozen
28:51rogue werewolves
28:52with blood-red eyes
28:53rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly
28:55fell into chaos.
28:57Nobles screamed
28:58and fled in every direction.
28:59This group of rogue werewolves
29:00had an extremely clear target.
29:02They did not even look
29:03at the bride
29:03and grew on the altar.
29:04Raising bright curved blades,
29:06they charged straight toward me.
29:07Kill the lichen princess!
29:09Caleb watched the werewolves
29:10lunging toward me,
29:11his mind going blank.
29:13Selene!
29:14Watch out!
29:14Without hesitation,
29:16he moved to rush down
29:17from the altar
29:17and save me.
29:19But the instant he took one step,
29:21Alana screamed
29:22and threw herself at him,
29:23clinging tightly
29:24around his waist.
29:26Caleb!
29:27Help 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, Alara!
29:32Let go!
29:33Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard
29:35to prow Alina's hands away,
29:36but Alina clung to him
29:37like an octopus.
29:38Her cries piercing.
29:40You're not allowed to go!
29:41I am your bride!
29:44Because of that
29:45one second delay,
29:46the strongest rogue
29:47willwolf had already
29:48rushed in front of me.
29:49He raised a curved blade
29:50coated in green poison
29:52and slashed viciously
29:53towards my back.
29:55Caleb 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,
30:08caught the descending
30:08poisoned blade barehanded.
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
30:20and cracks spread
30:21across the chapel floor.
30:22Within a few moves,
30:23those vicious assassins
30:24did not even have room
30:24to resist before their limbs
30:26were broken and they were
30:26hurled miserably to the ground.
30:28From beginning to end,
30:29Cale shielded me
30:29completely behind him.
30:30Not even a strand of my hair
30:31was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Cale
30:33finally push Alera away
30:35and stumble over
30:36with his 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 Cale used
30:47to hold his sword
30:48dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be
30:49the hero who protected me,
30:50but only now did he realize
30:52he had already lost
30:52both the right
30:53and the strength
30:53to protect me.
30:54The royal guards
30:55quickly rushed into the chapel
30:56and restrained
30:57all the badly injured assassins.
30:58Cale stood
30:59and coldly opened
31:00the assassin leader's clothes,
31:01pulling a blood-stained
31:02piece of parchment
31:03from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it
31:06and my gaze
31:06instantly turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn
31:10defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alera,
31:13who was trembling
31:13on the steps,
31:14and it was drawn with ink,
31:17specially supplied
31:17to the East Coast royal family.
31:20All eyes in the hall
31:21snapped onto Alera.
31:23Is there a traitor
31:24in the East Coast?
31:25Facing everyone's suspicion,
31:27Aloda's face went deathly pale.
31:28She shook her head
31:29desperately as she backed away.
31:30It wasn't me,
31:31I didn't Caleb believe me,
31:32I really didn't.
31:33Seeing the guards
31:33with blades in hand,
31:34Aloda used her best trick.
31:36Her eyes rolled back
31:36and she let out
31:37a string cry.
31:38Ugh, my heart,
31:39my anemagia's acting up again.
31:41Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
31:42She collapsed
31:42with perfect accuracy
31:43toward Caleb's arms.
31:44Caleb's brows knitted.
31:45Instinctively,
31:45he reached out to catch her.
31:47Step aside.
31:47An aged yet majestic voice
31:48rang out.
31:49The high-ranking witch doctor
31:50accompanying us
31:51strode forward
31:51and seized Elena's wrist.
31:52Alora 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,
32:00she stood with a cold laugh
32:00and announced
32:01to everyone present,
32:02This omega has no trace
32:03of any blood disease
32:04in her body.
32:04Her vitality is stronger
32:05than that of a bison.
32:06Caleb went rigid,
32:07his eyes widening in disbelief.
32:09You're lying.
32:10She clearly fainted
32:11from anemia before.
32:12She even needed
32:13some of these blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:15That was a false weakness
32:16created by black magic herbs.
32:18Not only that,
32:19the witch doctor
32:19looked at Alina
32:20on the floor with contempt.
32:21He is not pregnant at all.
32:24What did you say?
32:25Caleb looked as if
32:26he had been struck by lightning.
32:28He stumbled half a step back.
32:29Just then,
32:30the assassin leader
32:31pinned to the ground,
32:32sat out a mouthful
32:32of bloody Sava
32:33and glared viciously
32:34at Alia.
32:34It was this bitch.
32:35She gave us the defense map
32:36and told us to kill
32:37the Lycan princess
32:38in the chaos.
32:39She said once it was done,
32:40she'd give us half
32:41of the West Coast territory.
32:42With irrefutable evidence
32:43before everyone,
32:44Alora's disguise
32:45was completely torn apart.
32:46No!
32:47This isn't true!
32:48Caleb looked at Alara
32:49with bloodshot eyes,
32:51his voice trembling.
32:52So you've been lying
32:53to me all along?
32:53The anemia was fake
32:55and the pregnancy
32:55was fake too?
32:57Alara knew she had
32:58nowhere left to retreat.
32:59She broke down instantly
33:00and crawled to Caleb's feet,
33:02clenching his leg
33:03as tears and snot
33:04covered her face.
33:04Caleb, listen to me!
33:05I was forced!
33:06They threatened me!
33:07She begged frantically
33:08like a pitiful worm,
33:09not a strice remaining
33:10of her former
33:10delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much!
33:13Protect me with your
33:14East Coast privileges
33:15like 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
33:22and stared at her
33:23with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate
33:24first love
33:25for whom he had
33:26given up everything
33:27and even broken
33:28with the West Coast.
33:29For 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 to bleed.
33:36Each truth that came
33:37too late
33:37filled Caleb
33:38with unbearable regret.
33:40What kind of person
33:40had he lost?
33:41Someone who had loved
33:42him so deeply?
33:44With a thud,
33:45Caleb's legs gave out
33:46and he collapsed heavily
33:47to his knees
33:48in the ruins.
33:49His face streamed
33:50with tears
33:50as he turned
33:51and crawled toward me.
33:53His eyes read,
33:55Selina,
33:55I'm sorry.
33:57I was blind.
33:58I was a fool.
33:59I was wrong.
34:01Please forgive me.
34:02Faced with Caleb's repentance,
34:03I had no interest
34:04in even stopping.
34:05Calmly,
34:06I looked away,
34:07took a clean silk
34:08handkerchief from my sleeve
34:09and pulled Kale's hand
34:11toward me.
34:12Did it hurt
34:13when you crushed
34:14that poisoned blade?
34:15No.
34:16As long as you're unharmed,
34:17that's all that matters.
34:19Let's go.
34:20It's too filthy here.
34:23Icali dropped
34:23the pankage beside
34:24Caleb's hand,
34:25linked arms with Kale
34:27and walked straight
34:28out of the chapel.
34:29Caleb froze
34:30where he was.
34:31At last,
34:31he understood.
34:32I was no longer
34:33willing to give him
34:34even hatred.
34:35He knelt there,
34:35watching helplessly
34:36as Kale and I
34:37left side by side,
34:38his 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
34:50on a massive scale.
34:51The West Coast
34:51defense line
34:52is in critical danger.
34:53Caleb suddenly
34:54lifted his head,
34:55a crazed light
34:55flashing in his eyes.
34:57War.
34:57War has come.
34:59As long as I earn
35:00great merit
35:00on the battlefield,
35:02as long as I prove
35:03my worth,
35:04Selina will surely
35:05look at me again.
35:06The rogue werewolves
35:07invaded on a massive scale
35:09and the flames of war
35:10spread quickly.
35:11Kale volunteered
35:12to command the armies,
35:13going from former useless wolf
35:15to present ancient wolf king
35:16and led the troops out
35:17to suppress the rebelt.
35:18As for Caleb,
35:19because of his blindness,
35:21foolishness,
35:21and sheltering of a traitor,
35:23he had been stripped
35:23of all status
35:24and reduced completely
35:25to a commoner.
35:26He could have hidden
35:27in 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 set out,
35:39I stood personally
35:39atop the high city wall
35:40to see Kale off.
35:41Below the wall,
35:42the army stood
35:43in solemn formation.
35:44Kale sat on his warhorse
35:45and looked up at me
35:46with deep affection
35:47before the entire army.
35:49I placed a wolf-tooth amulet
35:51for protection
35:52around Kale's neck
35:52with my own hands,
35:54then bent down
35:55and gently kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your
35:58triumphant return.
36:00Kale's eyes burned hot.
36:02In front of everyone,
36:03he kissed the back
36:04of my hand.
36:06For you,
36:08I will bring victory.
36:09And down in the muddy
36:10infantry ranks,
36:11Kale, dressed in coarse linen,
36:13stared famously
36:13at the scene,
36:14watching me give another man
36:15my favor.
36:16Jealousy and regret
36:17twisted together in his heart.
36:18Once, that place had been his.
36:20That amulet had once
36:21been prepared for him.
36:22He bit hard enough
36:23to slit his lip.
36:24Selene,
36:25I'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,
36:33then stepped onto the battlefield
36:34without looking back.
36:36Battle reports
36:36from the front lines
36:37were sent back
36:37to the capital every day.
36:39On the battlefield,
36:40Kale planned and commanded
36:40with brilliant strategy.
36:42Not only was he not
36:42dragged down by the witch's curse,
36:44he displayed the bearing
36:44of an unparalleled general.
36:46He won every battle
36:47and became the hero
36:47admired by the entire army.
36:49Caleb, meanwhile,
36:50fought in the lowest trenches
36:51like a beast that did not care
36:53whether it lived or died.
36:55He deliberately refused
36:56to wear heavy armor,
36:57allowing enemy blades
36:59to lead hideous wounds
37:00across 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
37:07the guilt in his heart.
37:08He fought desperately for merit,
37:09charging forward like a madman
37:11and 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.
37:16But he did not know
37:17that 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 brutal
37:24breakout 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.
37:34That was my territory.
37:37My banner.
37:38Caleb's eyes went red
37:39as he roared
37:40and threw himself forward.
37:44No one touches
37:45Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body
37:47to shield the flagpole,
37:49refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish!
37:51An enemy spear
37:52ruthlessly pierced
37:53through the soldier's abdomen.
37:55He vomited
37:56a mouthful of blood,
37:57but his hands
37:58still clung tightly
37:59to the banner
38:00as he collapsed heavily
38:02into a pool of blood.
38:04The dark, damp
38:05woundager's camp
38:06was filled with
38:06the thick smell of blood
38:07and screams of pain.
38:08Caleb's injuries
38:09were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced
38:10through his abdomen
38:11and his high fever
38:12would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat,
38:14barely breathing.
38:15In the extreme agony
38:16between dreams and waking,
38:17he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return
38:19to 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
38:24Brother Caleb,
38:25blushing while I handed him
38:26that wooden sword.
38:27Brother Caleb,
38:28will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:33I'll protect you
38:34for 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.
38:44In his coma,
38:44tears of pain
38:45streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly
38:47at empty air
38:47as he murmured
38:48in a broken, miserable voice.
38:49It's lame.
38:50I was wrong.
38:51Please, don't go.
38:52But in the illusion,
38:53I pulled my hand away coldly
38:55and turned away
38:56without hesitation.
38:56Just as he was drowning
38:58in unbearable pain,
38:59in reality,
39:00he suddenly felt
39:01a pair of cooled hands
39:02touch his forehead.
39:03Then a bottle
39:04of high-grade royal potion
39:05with a faint fragrance
39:06was 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.
39:19Summoning all his strength,
39:20he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes
39:22in wild joy,
39:23a smile of attestation
39:24already lifting
39:25the corner of his mouth.
39:26But when he saw
39:26the person before him clearly,
39:27he felt as if he had fallen
39:28to an ice cower.
39:29The person standing by his bed
39:30was not me at all,
39:31but an old logistics medic
39:32with a face full of wrinkles.
39:33Young man,
39:33you're awake.
39:34Tough life you've got.
39:34A spear went clean through you.
39:35You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic
39:37pulled the stopper
39:37from the potion bottle
39:38and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink.
39:40This was personally ordered
39:41by Commander Kale.
39:43In recognition of your
39:43suicide squad's merit
39:44in protecting the banner,
39:46every severely injured member
39:47has been given
39:47a royal potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily
39:49at the potion bottle.
39:50His fingers tightened
39:51inch by inch,
39:52his knuckles turning white.
39:53So 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,
40:10a piece of air
40:11that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched
40:13the potion bottle tightly,
40:15tears falling
40:15and heavy drops
40:16onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly,
40:18he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me.
40:21So being ignored
40:22is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later,
40:26the rebellion
40:26of the rogue werewolves
40:27was completely pacified
40:28and the border welcomed
40:30a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned
40:32in triumph.
40:33The gates of the capital
40:34opened wide
40:35and citizens lined
40:36the streets cheering
40:36as they welcomed home
40:37the hero who had saved
40:38the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile,
40:40on the execution ground,
40:41on the other side
40:41of the city,
40:42Alara,
40:42who had served
40:43as an insider
40:44for the rogue werewolves,
40:45was finally facing
40:46her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge
40:47of the crowd,
40:48a man with a crippled leg
40:49and a body covered in mud
40:50staggered forward.
40:51He wore ragged linen,
40:52his appearance withered,
40:53his vacant gaze
40:54fixed on the cross.
40:55A rough rope
40:55was looped around
40:56Alara's neck.
40:56Her hair hung loose
40:57as she struggled violently
40:58and screamed in agony.
40:59Ah, Caleb!
41:00Save me!
41:01For the sake of the love
41:02we once shared,
41:03save me!
41:03But Caleb merely
41:04looked at her coldly.
41:05The old obsession
41:05was gone from his eyes,
41:07leaving only the remort
41:08of a man who had been
41:08blind in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious
41:11woman full of lies,
41:12he should now have been
41:12standing on the execution platform,
41:14receiving the admiration
41:15of the whole clan
41:15as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command,
41:18Alarma's struggle stopped.
41:19She hung in the wind
41:20like a scrap of cloth.
41:21Caleb lowered his head,
41:22feeling nothing
41:22but emptiness inside.
41:23At that moment,
41:24cheers a hundred times
41:25louder than before,
41:26trint-remmily 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,
41:33Lord Kale!
41:33At the sound of my name,
41:35Caleb trembled violently.
41:37He snapped his head up
41:38and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped
41:42in the center of the square.
41:43Kale dismounted,
41:45not even bothering
41:45to brush off
41:46the dust of war
41:47clinging 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
41:59from the carriage.
42:00By now,
42:01I 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
42:14on tiptoe,
42:15trying to see my face clearly.
42:16But when his gaze landed on me,
42:19his whole body froze
42:20as if he had plunged into ice,
42:22because my other hand
42:23was gently resting
42:24on my noticeably rounded belly.
42:27Lord Kale and her highness
42:28already have a child.
42:29They really are
42:30a match made in heaven.
42:31The commoners beside him
42:33discussed it excitedly.
42:34Their words pierced
42:36Caleb's soul
42:37like ten thousand arrows.
42:39Not only had she married
42:40someone else,
42:41she was carrying
42:42another 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
42:48even after he kicked her
42:49into a wolf's claws,
42:50now truly belonged
42:51to someone else completely.
42:53A violent,
42:53cramping 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,
43:00stirring 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,
43:18even mockery or hatred.
43:19As long as it proved
43:20I still cared about him,
43:21he 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,
43:27a stone,
43:27a pile of trash
43:28no one cared about.
43:29No lingering,
43:30no pause.
43:31I naturally looked away
43:33and turned to Cale beside me.
43:34Look,
43:35the wind is rising.
43:36Let's go home,
43:37I said,
43:38smiling gently at Cale.
43:39Cale lowered his head
43:40and kissed my forehead
43:41with deep affection,
43:42wrapping me
43:42and our unborn child
43:43tightly in his broad cloak.
43:45All right.
43:46Let's go home.
43:48The last spark inside Cale
43:50was completely extinguished
43:52in that moment.
43:53A pain that cut to the marrow
43:55left him unable to stand.
43:57He collapsed heavily
43:59into the muddy water.
44:00The cheering crowd
44:01surrounded Cale and me
44:03as we went farther
44:04and farther away.
44:06All that remained for Cale
44:08was a ground full of flowers
44:10crushed mercilessly by hooves
44:11and the rest of a life
44:13he could never redeem.
44:15Years later,
44:16my aging father formally abcated.
44:18I put on the crown,
44:20symbolizing supreme power
44:21and became the greatest
44:22lichen princess
44:23in West Coast history.
44:25Cale guarded me
44:25and our child
44:26with unwavering loyalty.
44:28The internal strife
44:29and external threats
44:29of the past
44:30were completely pacifluved
44:31and the wolf clans
44:32entered an unprecedented
44:33golden era.
44:35My name became
44:36the highest symbol
44:37of power and glory.
44:38As for the name Caleb,
44:39it vanished from
44:40everyone's memory
44:41like an insignificant
44:42speck of dust.
44:44No one mentioned
44:45the once arrogant
44:46East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:47No one remembered
44:48his ridiculous,
44:49shabby wedding.
44:50Ten years later,
44:51in the most remote,
44:52dilapidated slum
44:53on the East Coast,
44:54the cold wind howled
44:55as it swept garbage
44:55across the ground.
44:56A broken down tavern
44:57reeking of mold
44:58and cheap alcohol
44:59stood with its drafty
45:00wooden door half open.
45:01An old werewolf
45:02who had lost his left leg
45:03and one arm,
45:04his face weathered
45:05by hardship,
45:06limped through the door
45:07and shuffled to the bar.
45:08It was Caleb.
45:10But he was filthy
45:11from head to toe,
45:12with not the slightest traces
45:13of an alpha left in him.
45:15With 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.
45:22Give me a cup
45:23of the cheapest ale.
45:25The 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.
45:33He simply picked up the cup,
45:35dragged his crippled leg
45:36and stumbled
45:38to the darkest corner
45:39of the tavern.
45:40Through drunken,
45:41blurred eyes,
45:42he lifted his head
45:43and looked at an old poster
45:45pasted 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,
45:56I 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.
46:08Only then did he carefully,
46:10across the empty space,
46:12gently touch my cheek
46:13on the poster.
46:15I was the treasure
46:16he had once had
46:17within easy reach,
46:18only to trample
46:19into the mud
46:20with his own hands.
46:21Cloudy tears
46:22mixed with cheap ale
46:24and rolled down
46:24his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman,
46:27he cried and laughed,
46:29then slapped himself
46:30hard twice,
46:31letting out
46:32a piercing wail.
46:35If that day
46:36I hadn't abandoned you,
46:38if that day
46:39I hadn't driven you
46:41to the pig bed
46:42for that bitch,
46:43hadn't drained your blood,
46:47would you still love me?
46:50I'm sorry.
46:52Why say you don't?
46:54In the ruined tavern,
46:56no one paid any attention
46:57to the raravings
46:59of a disabled old man.
47:00Everyone was celebrating
47:02the queen's
47:02prosperous reign.
47:03Who cared about
47:04about a drunkard's tears?
47:06Outside the window,
47:08the raging snowstorm
47:09completely swallowed
47:10his cries.
47:11He could only carry
47:12the regret
47:13he would never be able
47:15to make up for,
47:17slowly ending
47:18the rest of his life
47:19in endless loneliness
47:21and ruin.
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