- 10 hours ago
Alpha, I've Learned to Unlove You HD
Category
π₯
Short filmTranscript
00:00Kale ripped my shirt open and froze. My back was covered in silver whip scars. Old and new. All from
00:05silver.
00:06What the hell happened here?
00:07I misbehaved. My wolf was bad. My voice was flat, like I was talking about someone else's pain.
00:13He stared at the scars he'd never seen. Then he said-
00:15You finally get it. You're not Luna material.
00:18He sent me to that camp three years ago, to train me into a proper Luna.
00:22I spent three years locked inside that Luna training camp.
00:26Now, I stopped loving him through the mate bond, just as he wanted.
00:30Then he came running back and said,
00:32I regret it.
00:33For eight years, the mate bond kept me by Kale Ashfield's side.
00:38Everyone said I was addicted to him.
00:40I was so drawn by the pull that I'd run off any she-wolf who got close to him.
00:45Whatever it took.
00:47Once, I used my future Luna status to make one of them leave Kale.
00:52The she-wolf laughed in my face.
00:57Being Kale's mate means an endless supply of power.
01:02Why would anyone walk away for such a pathetic threat?
01:06Then that she-wolf faked a fall down a flight of stairs.
01:13She forged a fear scent to make everyone think I attacked her.
01:18Kale thought I pushed her, and I ended up being sent to a Luna training camp by him.
01:23Other she-wolves went there to be trained into proper Lunas.
01:27I was sent there because Kale wanted me to stop clinging to him through the mate bond.
01:33In the end, I succeeded, only for him to tell me he regretted it.
01:38The moment I stout of the Luna training camp, I saw an Audi parked there.
01:44It looked totally out of place.
01:46I glanced at it and lowered my head, preparing to walk away.
01:52The person who got of the car called out to me.
01:55It was Kale.
01:56He had grown more mature in the last three years.
01:59I glanced at him once, then looked away.
02:03The staff at the camp taught us that staring at an Alpha was disobedience,
02:07especially at our own Alpha.
02:10Yes, after three years, I had been complete reformed.
02:16Kale told me to get in.
02:17I did so, sitting quietly in the back seat.
02:21I kept my head down, staring at my lap and not moving a messel.
02:26Kale sat beside me.
02:29I could feel the weight of his intense gaze.
02:31His Alpha scent made me tremble.
02:34But I couldn't move.
02:36The car was dead quiet.
02:38I held my breath, scared to make a peep.
02:40But a cough escaped me anyway.
02:48I've had this cough ever since the camp.
02:51The cough from the camp B-Dibs never healed.
02:54Kale glanced at me.
02:56Frowned.
02:57Then he turned away and rolled down the window,
03:00as if my cough disgusted him.
03:04The car pulled up at the Ashford pack house.
03:07Kale's grandmother, Maeve Ashford, lived there.
03:10The former Luna.
03:13It hit me why Kale had come to get me.
03:16Today, as I remembered, marked her 80th birthday.
03:20The pack gathering.
03:23Maeve had always believed I was Kale's true mate.
03:26The only person who did.
03:29Also the one who signed the Luna training camp admission order as former Luna.
03:37He got out of the car, didn't wait for me.
03:39I hesitated for a second, then blusted out,
03:43Um, Alpha.
03:45I didn't bring a gift.
03:49He stopped.
03:50For half a second, I still hoped he might say something like,
03:54It's fine, or my grandma won't care, but...
03:57Follow me.
03:58He walked through the door without looking back.
04:01My feet stopped at the steps.
04:03I didn't want to go in.
04:05My heart was pounding out of my chest.
04:08From fear.
04:11Sarah!
04:13You're back!
04:15Come in, dear!
04:17Maeve stood at the front door,
04:19her arms half open,
04:21waiting for me.
04:26I walked toward her,
04:27forcing my legs not to freeze up.
04:30Hello, Maeve.
04:32Sarah.
04:33Honey.
04:34Why are you being so distant?
04:38You're not mad at me for what happened, are you?
04:41Maeve stroked my hair,
04:43her eyes full of affection.
04:45I shook my head.
04:47Her touch felt warm,
04:49but it also reminded me of the last time she'd held me.
04:53three years ago,
04:55three years ago,
04:55in a pack council hallway.
04:57If Maeve hadn't threatened to harm herself to save me,
05:01I probably would have been banished from the pack.
05:04instead,
05:06she saved me from hell.
05:08But Luna Training Camp was just a different one.
05:12She led us inside.
05:14The dining room stretched before me.
05:17Long table.
05:18Dim yellow light.
05:21Three place settings,
05:22just like the dining hall at Luna Training Camp.
05:26I stopped at the doorway.
05:29My feet just wouldn't move.
05:31Sarah?
05:33Come sit, honey.
05:36Maeve's voice was gentle,
05:37but I couldn't make myself step forward.
05:41Dinner tables were dangerous places.
05:46I sat down at the very edge of the chair.
05:50Kale took the seat across from me.
05:53Maeve at the head.
05:55The spaghetti was already on the table.
06:00I stared at it.
06:03The rules from Luna Training Camp ran through my head.
06:07Head down.
06:09No sound.
06:11No reaching for anything else.
06:13Then I started eating as fast as I could.
06:19Serafina!
06:21Serafina!
06:23Yes, sir!
06:24I set down my fork and shot to my feet.
06:28The chair scraped the floor behind me.
06:30No one moved.
06:33Kale's hand was frozen mid-air,
06:36still holding his fork.
06:38Maeve's wine glass hovered halfway to her lips.
06:41I stared at the silverware I'd lined up straight.
06:44Then at my plate.
06:46It was empty and clean.
06:50I just stood there, waiting.
06:52Someone was supposed to tell me what to do next.
06:55But no one said anything.
06:58The silence was worse than any punishment.
07:01Then it hit me.
07:03I wasn't at the camp anymore.
07:05I wasn't at the camp anymore.
07:06My hands started shaking.
07:09You scared her, you big idiot!
07:12Maeve's voice cracked.
07:14She set down her glass and stared at Kale, her eyes wet.
07:18Neither of them looked at me.
07:20Kale's jaw was tight.
07:24He didn't defend himself.
07:26Sit down, Sarah.
07:28You're home now, sweetie.
07:30Just relax.
07:31I sat.
07:34But I couldn't eat another bite.
07:36Something about the way they looked at me, or didn't look at me, told me they'd seen it.
07:43The girl who walked in three years ago was gone.
07:46And the one sitting here now was someone they didn't recognize.
07:54Grandma was talking to you.
07:57Why weren't you listening?
07:59Kale's tone was sharp.
08:01I couldn't tell if he was mad I'd ignored Mae, or just ticked off about getting swatted.
08:06I'm sorry, Maeve.
08:07I was just very hungry.
08:09I didn't hear you.
08:11I gave her an apologetic look.
08:14The trainers at the camp always drilled it into us.
08:18Apologies have to be sincere.
08:21Only I knew the truth.
08:23It wasn't hunger.
08:24It was fear.
08:26Fear of getting punished for not eating fast enough, or for leaving food on my plate.
08:32I vaguely recalled her telling me to try the other food.
08:35I'd heard her, but I just couldn't react fast enough.
08:41So Kale called out to me.
08:43By the time dinner was over, my forehead was covered in a light sweat.
08:48I wasn't sure if it was from the heat in the room, or my own anxiety.
08:54Three years in that camp had taught me one thing.
08:58Never let your guard down.
09:00Not even at a dinner table.
09:03After dinner, I returned Grant Turn to Grandpa's old house.
09:08Thank you for the ride.
09:10I gave Kale a small bow.
09:13Maeve had wanted me to stay the night, but I'd turned her down.
09:16I didn't want any more contact with them than I had to.
09:20So I'd asked Kale to drive me home.
09:23Kale frowned.
09:25You really want to stay here?
09:26I glanced back at the house.
09:28It hadn't been touched in three years.
09:30Now, it was completely overgrown with weeds.
09:33But I nodded.
09:35I had nowhere else to go anyway.
09:37I was flat broke, and the clothes I was wearing were from three years ago.
09:41The Luna training camp had given us uniforms, so these clothes had never even been worn out.
09:48I bent down to pull some weeds.
09:52The little critters living there scurried away.
09:55I saw cockroaches, mice, and a snake, coiled in the corner, too lazy to move.
10:03Once upon a time, I would have jumped straight into Kale's arms.
10:08Now, I just stared at them calmly.
10:10I just stared at them calmly and looked for a stick to shoo the snake away.
10:17Kale pulled me back toward the car.
10:20What's wrong?
10:21I didn't even realize he was still there.
10:24Didn't you see that snake?
10:26Oh, right.
10:27I'd forgotten Kale hated reptiles.
10:30I saw it.
10:31It's fine.
10:33I'll just shoo it away with a stick.
10:37If it bothers you, you can just leave.
10:41I caught myself reassuring him.
10:43I reached for the door handle, ready to hop out.
10:46But Kale locked the doors and drove off.
10:49I quickly buckled my seatbelt.
10:55Where are you taking me?
10:57He didn't say a word.
10:58I didn't dare ask again.
11:00He took me to his private apartment.
11:03He closed the door behind us without a word.
11:06I couldn't leave.
11:07It was a keypad lock.
11:09He went straight to the shower, probably trying to wash off the creeps from seeing all those
11:13critters.
11:14I sat straight on the living room couch.
11:18About an hour later, Kale came downstairs in pajamas, his hair still wet.
11:23I knew better than to stare.
11:26Stay here until your place is cleaned up.
11:29You can sleep here tonight.
11:30I thought about it for a second, then nodded.
11:36That house was a mess.
11:38Tackling it all alone would have kept me going way past midnight.
11:42He walked over.
11:43I stood up and stepped aside without thinking.
11:46Kale grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.
11:50So you're over me?
11:52His expression was questioning.
11:55Yes.
11:57I didn't hesitate for a second.
11:59Any delay would have felt like an insult to everything I'd been through.
12:03That night, the nightmare returned.
12:07In my dream, countless eyes stared back at me, filled with hatred, disgust, and contempt.
12:15Every single one of them belonged to Kale.
12:19The next day, when Kale left for work, I asked him to drop me off downtown.
12:25He didn't seem to mind, as long as I wasn't in his way.
12:28I hesitated in front of a florist's hiring sign.
12:32I didn't have a college degree.
12:34I never finished college because Kale had me sent to that Luna training camp.
12:39Hunting for a job?
12:41The shop owner noticed me staring at the sign but not coming in, so he finally asked.
12:46I nodded.
12:47The owner looked to be in his mid-twenties, and he seemed pretty nice.
12:50The pay was $3,000 monthly, and no diploma was required.
12:55I just had to be on time to help out at the shop every day.
12:58I asked the owner for a $1,000 advance.
13:02Money makes the world go round.
13:05I needed it everything.
13:07My official start date was the next day.
13:09And surprise, Demar Simmons.
13:11He trusted me.
13:12I spent $400 on a used electric scooter from a local shop.
13:17Once upon a time, $400 wouldn't have meant snot to me.
13:21Now, I had to haggle just to get it for that price.
13:25It's not like I was an orphan or anything.
13:28Three years ago, my parents disowned me.
13:31Cast me out of the pack.
13:33The only person who'd ever really loved me, Grandpa, was gone a long time ago.
13:40If he were still here, I probably never would have ended up like this.
13:48I rode the scooter back to Grandpa's old house.
13:51The weeds outside were already gone.
13:53Kale must have sent someone to clear them.
13:56Inside, everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.
14:01It took me four hours just to make the place halfway livable.
14:05Most of the stuff inside was broken beyond fixing.
14:09I was trying to carry out the junk when I tripped.
14:12Everything went flying all over the floor.
14:14I was a mess.
14:15My knee hurt.
14:17And I was covered in dirt.
14:19I saw a pair of shiny leather shoes stop in front of me.
14:22I didn't even have to look up to know who they belonged to.
14:26I got up slowly, my knee throbbing with pain.
14:31Alpha Ashford, can I help you with something?
14:35I'd gone from calling him Kale to Alpha Ashford, putting him at arm's length with his title.
14:41It was better this way, keeping my distance.
14:45I never wanted to go back to that hellhole ever again.
14:48Kale's brow was frowed.
14:50Grandma sent me to check on how you're doing.
14:52Please tell her I'm fine, and she doesn't have to worry about me.
14:56I crouched back down to clean up the mess.
14:59That fall had just made everything worse.
15:04Kale grabbed me by the back of my collar.
15:06To tear, my shirt split right open.
15:09It was the same shirt worn yesterday, and the same one I'd had three years ago.
15:14The fabric was so thin it tore almost instantly.
15:18Alpha Ashford, have some respect!
15:22My voice was sharp with anger as I clutched the torn fabric.
15:27Thank God it was only the back that tore, but it was my only shirt.
15:30I hadn't had time to buy new clothes.
15:33And now how was I supposed to go shopping?
15:35But Kale's eyes were fixed on the scars on my back.
15:39What the hell happened here?
15:41I misbehaved.
15:43My wolf was bad.
15:45My voice was flat.
15:46Like I was talking about someone else's pain.
15:51You finally get it.
15:53You're not Luna material.
15:56He walked out.
15:58I glanced over my shoulder.
16:01My back was covered in scars.
16:03Old and new.
16:04All from silver whips.
16:06The newest ones were probably from a few days ago.
16:09I couldn't even remember exactly which day.
16:12They hadn't even fully healed yet.
16:17I found a dusty shirt in the closet, shook it off, and slipped it on right away.
16:23Pretty soon, I felt an itch on my back.
16:26Right over the wounds.
16:28They probably got infected.
16:31Of course, just as I was heading out to buy new clothes, Kale came back.
16:35Was he back to laugh at me?
16:37Change into these.
16:39He tossed a bag at me.
16:41I refused.
16:42He had a she-wolf lover.
16:46It felt wrong for him to be buying me clothes.
16:50But it'd been three years.
16:52Maybe Valeria was his chosen mate now.
16:55Not that I cared.
16:57Kale pulled me roughly back inside the house.
16:59I sat down and did what he told me.
17:03He cleaned the wounds on my back with antiseptic and rubbing alcohol.
17:07It stang.
17:08But I didn't make a sound.
17:10It was nothing next to what I'd been through.
17:12His hands were rough.
17:13But strangely careful.
17:15Like he was trying to undo something he couldn't name.
17:21Kale finished cleaning the wounds on my back.
17:24He helped pull my shirt down.
17:26His fingers brushed my skin.
17:28I flinched and stepped back.
17:30Kale pointed at the mark between my shoulder blades.
17:33What's this?
17:35This one was different from the others.
17:37Not a whip scar.
17:39Not a whip scar.
17:39A dark tokam.
17:40Carved into the skin like a burned into my flesh.
17:43This mark.
17:44What is it?
17:45He frowned.
17:47Who did this to you?
17:48My hand moved to cover the mark.
17:51I don't know.
17:53He stared at me.
17:54You don't know what happened to your own body.
17:56His voice was flat.
17:58Like he'd caught me in a lie.
17:59I woke up one morning and the mark was there.
18:02That's all I know.
18:03Kale looked at me for a long moment.
18:05Then he let out a short breath.
18:07Why did they do this to you?
18:09Because I misbehaved.
18:12But I'm good now.
18:14What did you do?
18:16One of the trainers caught me after I dropped food on the table.
18:20Kale frowned.
18:21He studied my face.
18:22Trying to decide if I was telling the truth.
18:25Elsewhere.
18:27Where else did they hurt you?
18:29I shook my head.
18:31I curled up when they hit me.
18:33My back was the only part they could reach.
18:39It's getting late.
18:40You should go now.
18:42I needed him out of this house.
18:44I'll crash here for the net.
18:45No.
18:46The word came out before I could stop it.
18:52Kale turned and stared at me.
18:55He looked like he couldn't believe what I'd just said.
18:59You can't stay here.
19:00My voice was shaking.
19:02My whole body was shaking.
19:04He took a step towards my bedroom.
19:06I moved between him and the door.
19:08I didn't think.
19:10My body just did it.
19:12Move.
19:13No.
19:14He reached for my arm.
19:15I yanked it back so hard I hit the wall.
19:18My chest was heaving.
19:20My hands came up.
19:22Then I realized what I was doing.
19:24At the camp, if you raised your hands, they'd beat you harder.
19:27They said you were resisting.
19:30Kale stopped walking.
19:32He stared at my shaking hands.
19:34At the way I was pressed against the wall.
19:37Sarah, calm down.
19:39I bolted.
19:40I ran into Grandpa's room and locked the door.
19:43Pressed my back against it.
19:45Listened.
19:46No footsteps.
19:48I slid down to the floor.
19:50My legs still wouldn't stop shaking.
19:54Late that night, I woke up in Grandpa's bed.
19:58My leg was throbbing.
19:59The knee I'd scraped when I tripped over the junk was swollen and hot.
20:04Then the pain moved up my back.
20:06Every wound Kale had cleaned was burning.
20:09I touched my forehead.
20:11My skin was on fire.
20:12I tried to stand.
20:14My legs folded and I hit the floor.
20:17The dust made me cough.
20:19At the camp, if you got sick, you stayed on the floor.
20:23No one came.
20:24The camp staff said sick people were just looking for attention.
20:28I didn't call for help.
20:30I laid there until the room started spinning.
20:33Until I couldn't tell if my eyes were open or closed.
20:38A shadow moved toward me.
20:41Then it covered me.
20:44When I opened my eyes again, the ceiling was white and the air stanked of bleach.
20:48An IV was taped to my arm.
20:51I was in the pack hospital.
20:54I didn't know how I got here.
20:56I pulled the IV out.
20:58Blood ran down my wrist.
21:00I re-reached for my shoes.
21:02Where are you off to?
21:04Kale was slumped in a chair.
21:06Next to my bed.
21:07His eyes read.
21:09I got a job.
21:10I start today.
21:11Do you even know you're running a fever?
21:14He sounded more tired than angry.
21:17Don't worry, Alpha Ashford.
21:22I'll pay you back for the medical bills as soon as I get my first paycheck.
21:25I slipped out before he could say anything else.
21:30I got on my scooter and made it to the flower shop just in time.
21:35The front window was covered in red hearts.
21:39A sign read, Valentine's Day Special.
21:43The flower shop was packed.
21:45I worked the register.
21:46Then, at Valeria Cross walked in.
21:53Valeria was arm in arm with Kale, laughing.
21:57I froze.
21:59Val Kale.
22:00The owner walked over and shook Kale's hand.
22:02The owner was Declan Cross, Valeria's brother.
22:06I had been working for her brother.
22:09Valeria spotted me.
22:10Her eyes went wide.
22:12She flinched and buried her face in Kale's chest.
22:15Cliffy, what is she doing here?
22:18She's the one who pushed me down the stairs.
22:20She pointed a shaking finger at me.
22:22Her voice trembling.
22:24Declan stared at me.
22:25His face twisted with the disgust.
22:28He grabbed my arm and shoved me out the door.
22:30I hit the ground.
22:33Kale stood in the doorway and watched.
22:35He didn't move.
22:37I pushed myself up, looked at him.
22:40I looked embarrassed.
22:42Maybe he couldn't stand it any longer.
22:44He threw me some money and turned away.
22:48I didn't want to lose this job.
22:51Fortunately, a restaurant hired me as a dishwasher.
22:55A few days later, Valeria came to that restaurant.
22:59She found me.
23:00Then she made sure I saw her every time when she came.
23:03I stayed in the back and scrubbed harder.
23:06I thought if I kept my head down, she would leave me alone.
23:11But Valeria wasn't done with me yet.
23:15I was carrying clean plates out to the dining area.
23:21Well, look who it is.
23:23The Silvercrest Pack Andrus?
23:25Rumanus.
23:26Oh, wait.
23:26Just a pathetic little shadow nobody wants around.
23:29A few girls blocked my way.
23:31My old college classmates.
23:33Valeria's friends.
23:34Valeria stood behind them, watching.
23:36No innocent act this time.
23:38I tried to walk past them.
23:40Did I say you could leave?
23:41One of them grabbed my hair and yanked hard.
23:44The plates crashed to the floor.
23:46The whole restaurant went quiet.
23:48All I could think about was how much those plates would cost me.
23:51What's going on here?
23:52Kale's voice.
23:53He was standing behind me.
23:55Before I could say anything,
23:57Aunt Valeria spoke up,
23:59her voice soft and shaking.
24:01Kale, we were just trying to make up with Sarah.
24:05Catch up a little.
24:06But then she lost her temper
24:08and tried to hit me with a plate.
24:12The manager rushed over
24:14and stared at the broken plates.
24:17Are you out of your mind?
24:19I opened my mouth.
24:21Don't.
24:22Just don't.
24:24He pointed at the door.
24:26Get out of my restaurant.
24:28Now.
24:29Valeria's friends smirked behind him.
24:32One of them gave me a little wave.
24:34Valeria was still tucked against Kale's chest,
24:37her shoulders shaking.
24:38The perfect victim.
24:40I waited for Kale to say something.
24:43He didn't.
24:44He only cared about comforting Valeria.
24:47He didn't even look at me.
24:49I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cash,
24:52handed it to the manager.
24:54It left me with ten ten dollars.
24:57I walked past Kale on my way out.
25:05Outside, the cold air hit my face.
25:09Ten dollars.
25:10I could buy herbs to sever the mate bond.
25:13That night, the full moon hung low outside Grandpa's window.
25:18I knelt in the moonlight and prayed to the moon goddess.
25:20I reject Kale Ashford as my mate.
25:24I sever this bond.
25:26Perhaps my prayer was too disrespectful to my alpha.
25:29The mate bond tore through me like a blade of fire through my soul.
25:34I curled up on the floor, convulsing.
25:38I lost track of time.
25:40Right as my eyes closed for good,
25:43I thought I saw Kale standing in the doorway.
25:47When is she going to wake up?
25:49She's been asleep for days.
25:51When I came to,
25:53it seemed I heard Kale's voice.
25:56Why was his wolf still calling to me?
25:59The rejection hadn't taken.
26:02I'd tried to set the bond,
26:04but Kale hadn't accepted it.
26:06It wasn't until a team of healers began examining me that I understood.
26:11Kale had rushed me here.
26:13Trying to sever the mate bond had nearly killed me.
26:17I'd been given a second chance.
26:19That figure I saw hadn't been an illusion.
26:23It was him.
26:25He'd heard me reject him.
26:26Are you sending me back?
26:28I looked at his his darkened expression.
26:31The healer says your wolf soul is weakening.
26:34Kale avoided my question.
26:36I nodded, but that wasn't the point.
26:39All I cared about was whether I had to be sent back.
26:42Why didn't you tell me?
26:44Would you have believed me if I had?
26:47Telling him would only have made him think I was making excuses to leave that camp.
26:54I had reached out to him.
26:56Each Luna candidate was granted a scheduled pack link to family twice a year.
27:01During my first six months, I called him once.
27:04I'm sick.
27:05I cough up blood sometimes.
27:07And they hit us.
27:08Can I please come home?
27:10I promise I won't bother you anymore.
27:13What did he say back then?
27:14Find a better excuse next time.
27:16Then he hung up.
27:18After that call, I was beaten again.
27:20I never called him after that.
27:22Why did I cough up blood?
27:26Their blows had landed on my back.
27:29Over and over.
27:32The internal damage eventually affected my stomach and lungs.
27:36Seeing Kale fall silence, I knew he still didn't believe me.
27:40I lowered my head and didn't ask again whether he'd send me back.
27:45Should I be sent back, I won't leave alive.
27:51And of a place like that, no one would notice whether a person was breathing.
27:58I thought once I got out, I could start over.
28:03But I was wrong.
28:05My peace was always shattered whenever Kale came into the picture.
28:12The at-healer called Kale out, saying some test results were ready.
28:17The door swung open as Kale strode back in.
28:22He yanked the blanket aside, then my hospital gown.
28:25The dark totem on my shoulder blades was exposed.
28:29This mark.
28:31What is this curse?
28:32His eyes were bloodshot, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he stared at me.
28:39He looked terrifying.
28:42Just like the camp trainers.
28:45They had that same look in their eyes.
28:48That look always came right before a silver whip.
28:52I pulled the blanket up and hid underneath it.
28:55The bed shifted as Kale sat down beside me.
29:00He gently tugged at the covers.
29:01Sarah, come out.
29:04You'll suffocate.
29:05His voice softened, as if he'd realized he'd scared me.
29:10Promise you won't hit me?
29:12My voice was muffled under the blanket.
29:15Only after he promised did I poke my head.
29:18He asked again, patient this time.
29:22What is this curse on your back?
29:24Who did this?
29:26I shook my head.
29:27I don't know.
29:29Kale took out his phone and said he would investigate this thoroughly.
29:34Ever since learning about my wolf soul weakening, we Kale had barely left my side.
29:40It was as if he was afraid I might try something again.
29:44But I saw that the Luna training camp had been shut down on television.
29:48No doubt it was Kale's doing.
29:51It claimed to shape proper Lunas for the Pax.
29:54Behind closed doors, it carved cursed totems into their skin and called it discipline.
30:00Did he do this to you too?
30:02Kale pointed at the screen.
30:04The man being interviewed was the infamous at director, spoke excitedly to the reporter.
30:10I was helping them.
30:12They should be thankful.
30:14Without my guidance, do you think they'd be so compliant now?
30:18Go ask their alphas.
30:19Their Lunas are perfectly obedient now, aren't they?
30:23Their cursed totems were my fair compensation.
30:25They made the Lunas obedient.
30:28My method was simple.
30:29Add something to their bedtime milk.
30:33Then carve the cursed totem between their shoulder blades.
30:37I'd watch them wake up as the totem burned into their skin.
30:43The man grew more angiomated as he spoke.
30:46I felt a wave of dread of dread seep into my bones.
30:50The bloody scene felt like it had happened yesterday.
30:54That night, I went to bed as usual.
30:57Four lights out, we all had to drink the milk the attenders brought.
31:02Refusal meant a beating.
31:03In my sleep, I felt like I was being restrained.
31:07Then, slowly, a burning pain carved between my shoulder blades.
31:13My eyes flew open to see the director's horrifying face hanging over me.
31:18It wasn't a dream.
31:21It wasn't a dream.
31:22He was staring intently at my shoulder blades.
31:26The pain made me black out.
31:29I didn't wake until the next day.
31:32He threatened me.
31:34If I ever spoke a word, the curse would fully activate and my wolf soul would be destroyed.
31:39No wonder so many people there moved stiffly.
31:43And no one ever said a thing.
31:47Sarah.
31:48Kale called me.
31:49I stared at him, my gaze empty.
31:54Then a mouthful of blood and spilled over.
31:57I collapsed.
32:01I had no idea how long I was out.
32:05When I woke up, I was still connected to a ventilator.
32:09I shifted my fingers, trying to wake Kale.
32:13His weight was resting on my hand, and it had gone Nirm.
32:19You're awake.
32:20How do you feel?
32:21You were in shock, did you realize?
32:23But I was in shock.
32:24How would I know?
32:25But was this really Kale?
32:27His jaw was shadowed with stubble.
32:30His eyes streeped with red.
32:32This wasn't the same cool, collected man I remembered.
32:35I tried to speak, but had no strength left.
32:39I just lay still.
32:40Let the healers and Kale do what they needed to do.
32:43I learned I'd been unconscious for four days.
32:47Kale had stayed by my side the whole time.
32:52That afternoon, a at-healer removed the ventilator.
32:56I could talk again.
32:58What's the prognosis?
33:00Weeks?
33:01Months?
33:02I knew my time was running out.
33:04Kale's hand, which had been holding a spoon to feed me broth, paused.
33:08After a long moment.
33:11The curse is devouring your wolf soul.
33:14Six months.
33:18Maybe less.
33:20A faint smile of relief touched my lips.
33:25Good.
33:26I could get to see Grandpa soon.
33:29The curse?
33:30I phrased it as a question, but I was sure.
33:33Even after, I'd learned to behave, and the beatings mostly stopped.
33:38I kept coughing up blood.
33:41The curse only grew worse.
33:46Kale nodded.
33:48Can I get back to work?
33:50Is there any way you could keep your chosen she-wolf from interfering?
33:55If they'd just leave me alone, I could work in peace.
33:59I still owe Declan $1,000.
34:02After all.
34:04She's not my chosen mate.
34:07I didn't care what Valeria was.
34:10I just needed her to stay away.
34:14I started a small street stall on a decent block, selling burritos.
34:19I had planned to find a regular job, but Kale forbade it.
34:23When he set his mind to something, no one could change it.
34:26He offered me to options, start my own small business or stay home.
34:31Doing something I chose, with the time I had left, was a good idea.
34:36I stood nervously behind my cart, worried no customers would come.
34:40The location was close to campus.
34:42Steady foot traffic from students and professionals.
34:45It was a fully licensed area for street vendors to operate.
34:49Best of all, it was close to Grandpa's house.
34:52Hey, how much for a burrito?
34:54I was lost in thought when a guy with a bright, easy smile walked up to my stall.
34:58I looked up and met his clear eyes.
35:00He had faint dimples, wearing a basketball jersey, a ball in his hand as if he'd just
35:06come from a game.
35:07I was caught off guard for a second.
35:09He spoke again before I came out of my trance.
35:12For some reason, looking into his eyes didn't make me uneasy at all.
35:17Usually, any eye contact filled me with dread so many pairs of eyes haunted my nights.
35:24Would you like to try one?
35:25It's free.
35:26Why free?
35:28Is it because I'm so good looking?
35:30He grinned and rubbed his chin playfully.
35:32His playful tone made my face grow warm.
35:36No, it's my first day.
35:38If it turns out, I'm palatable.
35:42I couldn't possibly take your money.
35:44I'd practiced at home over and over, but doing it for real felt completely different.
35:49Oh, so I'm your guinea pig.
35:51I thought I'd scared him off.
35:54No!
35:55Just kidding.
35:56Go ahead.
35:57I'll eat it however it turns out.
36:02He laughed warmly.
36:03Most vendors could make one in three to five minutes.
36:07My clumsy attempt took nearly seven.
36:10The outside was crispy, though not burnt.
36:16Maybe I should make you another one?
36:18This is perfect.
36:19He took the wrapped burrito and bit into it.
36:24It's great.
36:25Seriously, this is how it should be.
36:27Nice and crispy.
36:28His compliment made me smile.
36:30So, how much?
36:31You're not going to charge me an arm and a leg, are you?
36:34He widened his eyes in alarm.
36:36No.
36:37This one's complimentary.
36:39A lucky start for my first day.
36:41As he turned to leave, he glanced back and waved.
36:45I'm at Finn Whitmer, by the way.
36:47I watched him walk away.
36:49It struck me then how distant my own college days felt.
36:53If I hadn't been so reckless back then, I would have graduated a year ago.
36:59As the day went on, more customers came.
37:02I was almost too busy to keep up.
37:04But I got quicker and more confident with each one.
37:08I didn't pack up until I'd run out of ingredients.
37:11I'll drive you home.
37:13Kale pulled up beside me, in his car.
37:15It's fine.
37:16I have my scooter.
37:17I nodded toward my scooter parked nearby.
37:20It's getting chilly tonight.
37:23You'll catch a cold.
37:24I won't die from it.
37:26Serafina, how long are you going to keep fighting me on everything?
37:29Kale caught my wrist as I started to walk away.
37:32Alpha Ashford, do not forget.
37:34I was the one who attacked your Luna.
37:37I'm the one to blame.
37:39In that moment, to cut any last tie between us.
37:44Sera stopped lying.
37:46I know the truth now.
37:48She fell on her own.
37:50Suddenly, his arms came around me from behind.
37:56My body stiffened in his hold.
37:59So he knew.
38:00Hadn't he told me to protect Valeria?
38:03So you were protecting her?
38:04While I bore all the blame?
38:07No.
38:09I was afraid once you knew the truth.
38:11You'd hate me for not believing you sooner.
38:13I was wrong.
38:15I'm sorry.
38:16His arms tightened around me.
38:18I only found out two days ago.
38:22I went to tell Valeria to stay away from you and we argued.
38:26She let it slip.
38:28I could no longer hold back my tears.
38:31They fell onto the back of his hand.
38:33At least I would clear my name before I died.
38:36Don't cry, Sarah.
38:38He released me, bending down to wipe my tears.
38:42I sobbed uncontrollably in his arms.
38:44For a moment, neither of us spoke.
38:47Three years of silence.
38:49Three years of pain I'd swallowed without a word.
38:52And now, finally, someone believed me.
38:59I pointed to my chest.
39:01My wolf doesn't recognize you anymore.
39:04Kale, if I could, I'd wish we had never met.
39:07I wiped my tears and gave a faint smile.
39:10This is the last time I'll call you that.
39:14From now on, let's each live our own lives.
39:20I don't want to be your Luna anymore.
39:25And I want the mate-bond gone.
39:26I'd treat this as a goodbye.
39:28A proper end to those eight years I spent loving him.
39:33I could never forget the three years in that camp.
39:37And the person who'd sent me there was Kale himself.
39:43Sarah.
39:44He reached for me.
39:46But I stepped back.
39:48Alpha Ashford, please don't derp me again.
39:52I want my remaining time to be peaceful.
39:57With that, I left.
40:00I drove my scooter home.
40:03Kale's car followed at a distance in the rearview mirror.
40:07I ignored him.
40:10I went to my stall as usual every day.
40:13Kale watched from a distance.
40:15I just ignored him.
40:17Hey, I'm back.
40:19Brought my classmates to try your burritos.
40:21It was Finn, my first customer.
40:24I glanced at the two boys behind him and gave a slight nod and greeting.
40:28What kind would you like?
40:30A real sense of ease washed over me.
40:32Something I hadn't felt in a long time.
40:35Whatever you recommend.
40:36Maybe one of each.
40:38I'll take some back for my roommates too.
40:39One of his buddies said, eyeing the ingredients.
40:43So, how much?
40:44You didn't let me pay last time.
40:47You've got to charge me today, or I won't come back.
40:50I hadn't said I wouldn't charge him.
40:52I still needed to pay back my debt.
40:55Six dollars each.
40:56Cash only, though.
40:58If you don't have any, you can get change at the store down the block.
41:02I pointed to the sign on my cart and then toward the store down the block.
41:06Wait right here.
41:07I'll be back.
41:10I watched Finn walk away and sighed.
41:13The young seemed so full of life.
41:15It was easy to forget I was only a year older than him.
41:19Yet my life felt worlds apart.
41:23Hey, isn't he good looking?
41:25And he's single.
41:27Maybe give him a shot?
41:30His classmates clearly thought my glance at Finn meant more than it did.
41:35I shook my head and stayed silent.
41:38I was making around three to four hundred dollars a day.
41:42Soon, I had enough to repay my debt.
41:45Declan seemed to have been waiting for me.
41:47He looked different.
41:49Guilty, almost.
41:51I heard what really happened.
41:54Valeria admitted the truth to Kale.
41:58I'm sorry for what I did to you.
42:00I didn't reply.
42:03I placed the money on the counter.
42:05And left.
42:09Finally, I was free of that burden.
42:12Why did Finn keep coming to my stall?
42:14Did he really love burritos that much?
42:16Do you really like burritos that much?
42:19I finally asked.
42:21No.
42:21Why?
42:23Taking another bite.
42:25Why do you come every day?
42:27Were you short on money for meals?
42:29But he didn't look like he was struggling.
42:31Your scent makes me feel calm.
42:33Between bites.
42:34I didn't fully process his words.
42:37Not until he swallowed, leaned closer, and looked at me seriously.
42:40Be my chosen mate?
42:43I froze for a second, then shook my head.
42:46I'm still bound to Kale through the mate bond.
42:48The rejection didn't take.
42:49I tried, but he didn't accept it.
42:51I took his hand and placed it on my shoulder blade.
42:53There's a curse totem here.
42:55Then, I pointed to my chest.
42:57The curse is devouring my wolf soul.
42:59He shrugged, unfazed.
43:00I know.
43:02I've always known.
43:03How could he know?
43:04Reading my surprise.
43:06I'll tell you later.
43:08His hand lingered gently on my shoulder bead.
43:11Did it hurt?
43:12My eyes stung.
43:14No one had ever asked me that before.
43:16Not Kale.
43:17Not my parents.
43:19Not a single person in three years.
43:21But this young man did.
43:23Six months later, I held the medical report the healer had just given me.
43:27He said the curse's erosion was gradually receding.
43:31Finn had made sure I ate three meals a day.
43:34He walked me to every checkup.
43:36For the first time in years, I wanted to live.
43:40And it showed.
43:41With a positive mindset, consistent medication, and no late-night depressive episodes, full
43:47recovery was possible.
43:49There were cases of people surviving the curse.
43:52It just wasn't easy.
43:54But I had managed it.
43:56The moon goddess had heard my prayer that full moon night.
44:00Her blessing had been quietly healing my wolf soul all along.
44:09Hey, where are you?
44:11You're not at your stall today.
44:13My phone buzzed with a message from Finn.
44:16He'd bought me this phone himself.
44:19He'd claimed it was a one-plus-one deal.
44:22That he had an extra.
44:23And if I didn't take it, he'd throw it away.
44:26Who believed that?
44:28I certainly didn't.
44:30At the healing ward.
44:31Half an hour later, Finn Finn came gum-jogging toward me in his basketball jersey.
44:40What did the healer say?
44:42I put on a somber face, pretending to be downcast.
44:45I saw his expression dim.
44:47But he kept his voice steady.
44:49It's okay.
44:51I'll be with you every step of the way.
44:52I cut him off.
44:53Just kidding.
44:53The healer says I'm doing really well.
44:57I couldn't bear to tease him for long.
44:59You've gotten mean.
45:01He pretended to be upset, but then he picked me up and spun me around twice.
45:06So, does this mean you'll say yes?
45:09I blinked at him playfully.
45:11Say yes to what?
45:12I blinked at him playfully.
45:13Be my chosen mate.
45:14But I'm not completely healed yet.
45:16What if it comes back?
45:19I don't care.
45:20My job is to love you and make you happy.
45:22If you're happy, you'll get better.
45:23He hugged me tightly, nuzzling against me.
45:26Alright, I suppose I was around to say yes.
45:28I wrapped my arms around him in return.
45:30I sounded as if I was doing him a favor.
45:32The truth was, he had been the one settling for me all along.
45:38As Finn and I walked away hand in hand, I saw Kale.
45:44He stood watching us, his eyes red.
45:47I hadn't seen him in two or three months.
45:50The last time I saw him was when Maeve the former Luna passed away.
45:55He'd picked me up to attend the service, and that was it.
45:58I'd also repaid him for all the medical bills, even the money for the food cart.
46:03I knew he'd been watching me from a distance.
46:06He'd tried to approach me a few times, but I'd threatened to harm myself each time,
46:11and he'd finally stayed away.
46:14Sarah, who is this?
46:15His eyes were still red.
46:17He already knew the answer.
46:19My chosen mate.
46:21Finn answered first, raising our joined hands.
46:25Is he good to you?
46:27Yes.
46:29I know what it looks like when you love someone, Sarah.
46:32And I can see it's not me anymore.
46:34Took me a while to face it.
46:36Be happy.
46:37He turned and walked away, then stopped.
46:40His voice was barely a whisper, but I heard it through the bond.
46:44I, Kale Ashfield, reject you, Serafina, as my mate.
46:49A pause.
46:51I set you free.
46:53The mate bond snapped.
46:55Pain blinding.
46:56Searing pain ripped through my chest.
46:59I staggered.
47:00My knees buckling.
47:02Finn's arm caught me.
47:03I saw Kale stagger to his hand, gripping his chest.
47:07His wolf's howl cutting through the air before the bond went dead.
47:10He'd finally accepted my rejection.
47:13The thread that had bound me to him for eight years went silent.
47:16I didn't look back.
47:18Some people are meant to be part of your story, but not your ending.
47:23I heard later that Kale gave up his alpha title and went to help the she-wolves destroyed by the
47:29training camps.
47:30As for me, I was curled on the sofa, looking at the man in front of me.
47:36You said before that you knew about my health.
47:39How?
47:41I sprained my ankle during a game and ended on the healing woad.
47:45I was in the room next to yours.
47:47I overheard something while walking by, got curious, and looked through the glass.
47:52One look.
47:54And I just knew.
47:55He made it sound so casual.
47:57That's it?
47:58I didn't buy it.
47:59Your classmates mentioned something.
48:01My photo is your computer wallpaper.
48:04The one from when I was a sophomore.
48:06I meant the guys who had stopped by my stall for burritos.
48:12Sure enough, Finn looked briefly embarrassed.
48:17He was probably cursing them in his head.
48:21Okay, fine.
48:23I was an exchange student at your university in my freshman year, doing a photography project.
48:28You were there that day, so full of life, I couldn't help but take a picture.
48:32Later, I heard you were with Kale, so I kept my distance.
48:35I don't do home wrecking.
48:37He lifted his chin slightly.
48:39It wasn't until I saw you in the healing wound that I realized how stupid I'd been all along.
48:44If I had stepped in back then, maybe none of this would have happened to you.
48:48After that, I kept an eye on you, waiting until the day I ran into you at your stall.
48:53He looked genuinely remortful.
48:55I reached out and hugged him.
48:58Don't blame yourself.
48:59Some things were meant to happen.
49:01It wasn't your fault.
49:02I'd almost missed the chance to be with someone so wonderful.
49:06But in the end, nothing was too late.
49:10Other she-wolves went to the training camp to become proper lunas.
49:15I went to quit loving my mate.
49:17In the end, I didn't just quit him.
49:19I learned to love myself again.
49:21I learned to love myself again.
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