CRIMSON MOON THE REJECTED LUNA

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36 minutes ago

Transcript

00:00:00I died.

00:00:01A second later my eyes snapped open.

00:00:03I was reborn.

00:00:04Back on the day of the ceremony.

00:00:05How stupid was I in my past life.

00:00:07I waited like a loyal dog.

00:00:09Your little games won't work on me this time.

00:00:11Cutting Alaric off before he could claim me.

00:00:13I, Evelyn, reject my fated bond with Alpha Alaric.

00:00:16He crashed on his knees.

00:00:18His wolf howled in agony.

00:00:19Clash on the side hurts.

00:00:20But me.

00:00:20I felt nothing.

00:00:21No pain.

00:00:22No tearing.

00:00:23Nothing at all.

00:00:24He couldn't understand why I felt no backlash.

00:00:26I walked away without looking back.

00:00:28Evelyn, you bitch!

00:00:30Fucking a rogue in the sacred woods?

00:00:31No!

00:00:32It wasn't me!

00:00:34Alaric!

00:00:34Please look at me!

00:00:35That's not me!

00:00:39At this alone, it's moonate.

00:00:41Alpha Alaric was about to mark me.

00:00:43Then, a vision above the altar shattered the ceremony.

00:00:45I dropped to my knees, screaming my innocence.

00:00:47But no one listened.

00:00:49Alaric ripped the moonstone necklace from my neck.

00:00:51The ultimate symbol of Aluna.

00:00:52You don't deserve to be my mate.

00:00:58Behind him, my stepsister Serafina watched from the crowd, smiling sweetly, like she always

00:01:02did.

00:01:03Cast her out of Solarian!

00:01:04No!

00:01:05It wasn't me!

00:01:06Alaric!

00:01:07No!

00:01:08Hey!

00:01:08No!

00:01:08The guards dragged me away, shoved me out into the raised hands.

00:01:12I fell to the bottom of the floor.

00:01:13I die.

00:01:15A second later my eyes snapped open.

00:01:17I gasped for air.

00:01:18I was reborn, back on the day of the ceremony, before the nightmare began.

00:01:23Evelyn!

00:01:24You look stunning today!

00:01:25I grabbed her hand tightly, shoving her away in pure disgust.

00:01:29Serafina!

00:01:30You look stunning too!

00:01:31I turned to the center of the altar, cutting Alaric off before he could claim me.

00:01:35Enter, High Priestess!

00:01:37Everyone at the ceremony turned in confusion toward the priestess in white robes.

00:01:41High Priestess!

00:01:42Before the ceremony begins, I request the rite of truth!

00:01:50Serafina rubbed her wrist, glaring at me.

00:01:53At those words her face went instantly pay off.

00:01:55The priestess raised her staff.

00:01:57Evelyn, what is this?

00:01:59Serafina gaped at me.

00:02:00She never expected me to play her trump card first.

00:02:03The exact proof she used to ruin my last life.

00:02:06Keep watching.

00:02:07The next second the face in the vision peeled away.

00:02:09It was Serafina's person maid.

00:02:12You bitch!

00:02:13How dare you frame my sister!

00:02:15Without a flinch, she snapped her maid's neck.

00:02:20Evelyn, I'm so sorry!

00:02:22I had no idea this slut was trying to set you up!

00:02:25I stepped over with a sneer and leaned down to her ear.

00:02:27Save your tears, Serafina.

00:02:29Your little games won't work on me this time.

00:02:32Evelyn, that's enough!

00:02:33She's your sister!

00:02:34It wasn't her fault!

00:02:36He wiped her tears away gently.

00:02:38Then glared at me.

00:02:39You're about to be the Luna of Salarian.

00:02:41Show some grace.

00:02:43Watching him shield Serafina, I shook my head with a bitter laugh.

00:02:46How stupid was I in my past life?

00:02:48While he was busy fucking Serafina.

00:02:51I waited like a loyal dog, grateful he was even willing to mark me.

00:02:57All right, the ceremony continues.

00:03:00Evelyn, come here.

00:03:01Alaric let go of Serafina and held his hand out to me.

00:03:04Alaric!

00:03:05I reject your mark!

00:03:10What did you just say?

00:03:12I, Evelyn, reject my fated bond with Alpha Alaric.

00:03:16At that, the crowd erupted in murmurs.

00:03:19The next second, Alaric's pupils shrank.

00:03:21Thick blood surged up in his throat.

00:03:25Severn, a fated mate who incited once the seamless punishment in the path.

00:03:29Enough to shatter both our wolf souls.

00:03:31He crashed to his knees, bracing himself against the altar.

00:03:34His wolf howled in agony, crashing inside him.

00:03:37But me, I felt nothing.

00:03:39No pain.

00:03:40No tearing.

00:03:40Nothing at all.

00:03:41Alaric looked up at me in shock, mouth dripping with blood.

00:03:44He couldn't understand why I felt no backlash.

00:03:46Evelyn!

00:03:48You'll regret this!

00:03:50He dragged his broken body up and yanked Serafina over, right in front of everyone.

00:03:55He drove his fangs deep into her neck.

00:03:57Serafina let out a sweet, breathy moan.

00:03:59I heard Alaric's wolf screaming as an elephant.

00:04:02No!

00:04:03She's not our mate!

00:04:05Stop!

00:04:05He didn't stop.

00:04:06I walked away without looking back.

00:04:14Evelyn, you bitch!

00:04:15Fucking a rogue in the sacred woods!

00:04:17No!

00:04:18It wasn't me!

00:04:20Alaric!

00:04:20Please look at me!

00:04:21That's not me!

00:04:24At the saloon, it sneaked.

00:04:27Alpha Alaric was about to mark me.

00:04:28Then, a vision above the altar shattered the ceremony.

00:04:31I dropped to my knees, screaming my innocence.

00:04:33But no one listened.

00:04:35Alaric ripped the moonstone necklace from my neck, the ultimate symbol of Aluna.

00:04:38You don't deserve to be my mate.

00:04:44Behind him, my stepsister Serafina watched from the crowd, smiling sweetly, like she always did.

00:04:48Cast her out of Solarian!

00:04:50No!

00:04:50It wasn't me!

00:04:52Alaric!

00:04:53No!

00:04:53Hey!

00:04:54No!

00:04:54The guards dragged me away, shoved me out into the raised hands.

00:04:58I fell to the bottom of the floor.

00:04:59I die.

00:05:01A second later, my eyes snapped open.

00:05:03I gasped for air.

00:05:04I was reborn, back on the day of the ceremony, before the nightmare began.

00:05:08Serafina.

00:05:09Evelyn, you look stunning today.

00:05:11I grabbed her hand tightly, shoving her away in pure disgust.

00:05:15Serafina, you look stunning too.

00:05:17I turned to the center of the altar, cutting Alaric off before he could claim me.

00:05:21Enter High Priestess!

00:05:23Everyone at the ceremony turned in confusion toward the priestess in white robes.

00:05:27High Priestess, before the ceremony begins, I request the rite of truth.

00:05:36Serafina rubbed her wrist, glaring at me.

00:05:38At those words, her face went instantly payoff.

00:05:41The priestess raised her staff.

00:05:43Evelyn, what is this?

00:05:45Serafina gaped at me.

00:05:46She never expected me to play her trump card first.

00:05:48The exact proof she used to ruin my last life.

00:05:52Keep watching.

00:05:53The next second, the face in the vision peeled away.

00:05:55It was Serafina's person maid.

00:05:58You bitch!

00:05:59How dare you frame my sister!

00:06:01Without a flinch, she snapped her maid's neck.

00:06:06Evelyn, I'm so sorry!

00:06:08I had no idea this slut was trying to set you up!

00:06:11I stepped over with a sneer and leaned down to her ear.

00:06:13Save your tears, Serafina.

00:06:15Your little games won't work on me this time.

00:06:18Evelyn, that's enough!

00:06:19She's your sister!

00:06:20It wasn't her fault!

00:06:22He wiped her tears away gently, then glared at me.

00:06:25You're about to be the Luna of Salarian.

00:06:27Show some grace.

00:06:28Watching him shield Serafina,

00:06:30I shook my head with a bitter laugh.

00:06:32How stupid was I in my past life?

00:06:34While he was busy fucking Serafina.

00:06:37I waited like a loyal dog,

00:06:39grateful he was even willing to mark me.

00:06:43Alright.

00:06:44The ceremony continues.

00:06:46Evelyn, come here.

00:06:47Alaric let go of Serafina and held his hand out to me.

00:06:50Alaric!

00:06:51I reject your mark!

00:06:56What did you just say?

00:06:58I, Evelyn,

00:06:59reject my fated bond with Alpha Alaric.

00:07:02At that, the crowd erupted in murmurs.

00:07:04The next second, Alaric's pupils shrank.

00:07:07Thick blood surged up in his throat.

00:07:11Serafina fated Nathaniel and Serafina incited on his

00:07:13seamless punishment in the pelt,

00:07:15enough to shatter both our wolf souls.

00:07:17He crashed to his knees,

00:07:18bracing himself against the altar.

00:07:20His wolf howled in agony,

00:07:21crashing inside him.

00:07:23But me, I felt nothing.

00:07:25No pain.

00:07:26No tearing.

00:07:26Nothing at all.

00:07:27Alaric looked up at me in shock,

00:07:29mouth dripping with blood.

00:07:30He couldn't understand why I felt no backlash.

00:07:32Evelyn!

00:07:34You'll regret this!

00:07:36He dragged his broken body up,

00:07:38and yanked Serafina over,

00:07:39right in front of everyone.

00:07:41He drove his fangs deep into her neck.

00:07:43Serafina let out a sweet, breathy moan.

00:07:45I heard Alaric's wolf swing on her face.

00:07:48No!

00:07:49She's not our mate!

00:07:50Stop!

00:07:51He didn't stop.

00:07:52I walked away without looking back.

00:08:00Evelyn, you bitch!

00:08:01Fucking a rogue in the sacred woods!

00:08:03No!

00:08:04It wasn't me!

00:08:05Alaric,

00:08:06please look at me!

00:08:07That's not me!

00:08:10At the ceremony,

00:08:13Alaric was about to mark me.

00:08:14Then, a vision above the altar shattered the ceremony.

00:08:17I dropped to my knees,

00:08:18screaming my incense,

00:08:19but no one listened.

00:08:21Alaric ripped the moonstone necklace from my neck,

00:08:23the ultimate symbol of a luna.

00:08:24You don't deserve to be my mate!

00:08:30Behind him, my stepsister Serafina watched from the crowd,

00:08:32smiling sweetly,

00:08:33like she always did.

00:08:34Cast her out of Solarian!

00:08:36No!

00:08:36It wasn't me!

00:08:38Alaric!

00:08:39No!

00:08:39Hey!

00:08:40The guards dragged me away,

00:08:42shoved me out into the raised hands.

00:08:44I fell to the bottom of the cliff.

00:08:45I die.

00:08:47A second later, my eyes snapped open.

00:08:49I gasped for air.

00:08:50I was reborn,

00:08:51back on the day of the ceremony,

00:08:53before the nightmare began.

00:08:55Evelyn,

00:08:55you look stunning today.

00:08:57I grabbed her hand tightly,

00:08:58shoving her away in pure disgust.

00:09:01Serafina,

00:09:02you look stunning too.

00:09:03I turned to the center of the altar,

00:09:05cutting Alaric off before he could claim me.

00:09:07Enter, High Priestess!

00:09:09Everyone at the ceremony turned in confusion toward the priestess in white robes.

00:09:13High Priestess,

00:09:14before the ceremony begins,

00:09:16I request the rite of truth.

00:09:22Serafina rubbed her wrist, glaring at me.

00:09:24At those words, her face went instantly payoff.

00:09:27The priestess raised her staff.

00:09:29Evelyn, what is this?

00:09:31Serafina gaped at me.

00:09:32She never expected me to play her trump card first,

00:09:34the exact proof she used to ruin my last life.

00:09:37Keep watching.

00:09:39The next second,

00:09:40the face in the vision peeled away.

00:09:41It was Serafina's person maid.

00:09:44You bitch!

00:09:45How dare you frame my sister!

00:09:47Without a flinch,

00:09:48she snapped her maid's neck.

00:09:52Evelyn, I'm so sorry!

00:09:53I had no idea this slut was trying to set you up!

00:09:57I stepped over with a sneer and leaned down to her ear.

00:09:59Save your tears, Serafina.

00:10:01Your little games won't work on me this time.

00:10:04Evelyn, that's enough!

00:10:05She's your sister!

00:10:06It wasn't her fault!

00:10:08He wiped her tears away gently,

00:10:10then glared at me.

00:10:11You're about to be the Luna of Salarian.

00:10:13Show some grace.

00:10:14Watching him shield Serafina,

00:10:16I shook my head with a bitter laugh.

00:10:18How stupid was I in my past life?

00:10:20While he was busy fucking Serafina.

00:10:23I waited like a loyal dog,

00:10:24grateful he was even willing to mark me.

00:10:29All right.

00:10:30The ceremony continues.

00:10:32Evelyn, come here.

00:10:33Alaric let go of Serafina and held his hand out to me.

00:10:36Alaric!

00:10:37I reject your mark!

00:10:42What did you just say?

00:10:44I, Evelyn, reject my fated bond with Alpha Alaric.

00:10:48At that, the crowd erupted in murmurs.

00:10:50The next second, Alaric's pupils shrank.

00:10:53Thick blood surged up in his throat.

00:10:57Serafina faded, Nathaniel,

00:10:58who incited in his seamless punishment in the path,

00:11:01enough to shatter both our wolf souls.

00:11:03He crashed to his knees,

00:11:04bracing himself against the altar.

00:11:06His wolf howled in agony,

00:11:07crashing inside him.

00:11:09But me.

00:11:10I felt nothing.

00:11:11No pain.

00:11:11No tearing.

00:11:12Nothing at all.

00:11:13Alaric whipped up at me in shock,

00:11:15mouth dripping with blood.

00:11:16He couldn't understand why I felt no backlash.

00:11:18Evelyn!

00:11:19You'll regret this!

00:11:22He dragged his broken body up,

00:11:24and yanked Serafina over,

00:11:25right in front of everyone.

00:11:26He drove his fangs deep into her neck.

00:11:29Serafina let out a sweet, breathy moan.

00:11:31I heard Alaric's wolf screaming as a man said,

00:11:34No!

00:11:35She's not our mate!

00:11:36Stop!

00:11:37He didn't stop.

00:11:38I walked away without looking back.

00:11:43On April Fool's Day,

00:11:44Grayson handed me a divorce agreement.

00:11:46I've been married twice.

00:11:47I helped Spencer secure his family trust inheritance.

00:11:49I helped Ethan dodge an arranged marriage.

00:11:51I thought I'd finally married the right man.

00:11:53Then one day,

00:11:54I came home early from a business trip.

00:11:56I stood outside the door,

00:11:57catching every single word of the scheming going on.

00:11:59I'm definitely divorcing her.

00:12:01There's no way she'll dare go through a third divorce.

00:12:03Smart move.

00:12:04Picking April Fool's Day.

00:12:05Tell her it was an April Fool's joke.

00:12:06I've signed both copies.

00:12:07Since everyone's here.

00:12:09When are you moving out?

00:12:10This house is under my name after all.

00:12:13Would be under another woman's name.

00:12:14On April Fool's Day,

00:12:16Grayson handed me a divorce agreement out of nowhere.

00:12:18Your two ex-husbands called to taunt me yesterday.

00:12:20Said you're too uptight to take an April Fool's joke.

00:12:23That there's no way you'd actually sign divorce papers.

00:12:25I'd been married twice.

00:12:26Before we got married,

00:12:27I'd explained everything to Grayson.

00:12:29The first time I helped Spencer secure his family trust inheritance.

00:12:32The second time I helped Ethan dodge an arranged marriage.

00:12:35Both times.

00:12:36Clean breaks.

00:12:37No feelings.

00:12:38No baggage.

00:12:38If that bothers you, we don't have to-

00:12:40I trust you.

00:12:41The past is the past.

00:12:43From now on,

00:12:43I'm the only one you see.

00:12:45After we got married,

00:12:46he and my two ex-husbands were like oil and water.

00:12:48But with me,

00:12:49he was gentle.

00:12:50Attentive.

00:12:50I thought I'd finally married the right man.

00:12:53Then one day,

00:12:54I came home early from a business trip

00:12:55and heard him laughing and chatting with those two ex-husbands like old friends in the living room.

00:12:59The second before the key turned in the lock,

00:13:01I stood outside the door,

00:13:03catching every single word of the scheming going on in the living room.

00:13:05Relax.

00:13:06I'm definitely divorcing her.

00:13:08She's already been divorced twice.

00:13:10She's a joke all over the Upper East Side.

00:13:11There's no way she'll dare go through a third divorce.

00:13:14It was Grayson's voice stripped of the tenderness he always lavished on me.

00:13:18Smart move,

00:13:18picking April Fool's Day to hand her the divorce papers.

00:13:20Even if she loses it later,

00:13:22you just tell her it was an April Fool's joke.

00:13:24Vivian's wedding is next week.

00:13:25Her bachelorette party starts before that.

00:13:27Three of us have to be single.

00:13:30I escaped into the coffee shop across the street.

00:13:32I thought about the past.

00:13:34My first marriage,

00:13:35I did it to help my childhood friend Spencer Knox secure his family trust.

00:13:39My second marriage,

00:13:40I did it to help Ethan Sinclair dodge an arranged marriage his family was forcing on him.

00:13:44I never imagined everything I'd done for them

00:13:46would become the very reason they thought they could manipulate me.

00:13:49I sat in that cafe for a solid hour before I finally headed home.

00:13:54Why didn't you call?

00:13:55I would have picked you up.

00:13:56You eat yet?

00:13:57Already did.

00:13:59Babe, there's something I wanted to tell you.

00:14:01The company's hit a bit of a snag lately.

00:14:03We need to do some asset separation.

00:14:05The lawyer suggested we file for divorce first, just to perform a process.

00:14:11Once the crisis were over, we'll remarry.

00:14:13A few months tops.

00:14:14I know this is a bit out of nowhere,

00:14:16but Spencer and Ethan called today and was like,

00:14:17used to help them without a second thought.

00:14:19But now for me,

00:14:19it's a different story.

00:14:20Just taking digs the whole time.

00:14:22They even said,

00:14:23Grayson, a woman who's been divorced twice,

00:14:24wouldn't dare go for a third.

00:14:25Josephine definitely couldn't handle it.

00:14:27I've got it all figured out.

00:14:28Tomorrow's April Fool's.

00:14:29We go that day,

00:14:29get the papers,

00:14:30then throw right in their faces.

00:14:31Freak them the hell out.

00:14:32See if they ever dare look down on you again.

00:14:34Babe, you wouldn't want them thinking I can't even handle something this simple.

00:14:37Right?

00:14:39I won't.

00:14:40Then get some rest.

00:14:42Tomorrow we'll sign the papers and head to the...

00:14:46Give them a call.

00:14:49So they can stop chattering about it.

00:14:55Babe, you're the best.

00:14:58She signed.

00:14:58Told you,

00:14:59Josephine's always the easiest to handle.

00:15:01Alright, take care of Vivianas.

00:15:02I'll wrap up here and head over.

00:15:08Long time no see.

00:15:09Wanna grab a drink?

00:15:10Before,

00:15:11I would've replied.

00:15:12Sure.

00:15:13I would've carefully picked out what to wear,

00:15:15what makeup to put on.

00:15:16I would've thought about how to make Grayson look good in front of them.

00:15:19But now,

00:15:20I couldn't even be bothered to reply.

00:15:21I set my phone face down on the coffee table,

00:15:24got up,

00:15:24and walked to the kitchen.

00:15:26Passing by the study,

00:15:27Grayson was still on the phone.

00:15:28His voice was low,

00:15:29but carried a kind of ease I'd never heard before.

00:15:31The kitchen faucet was still running.

00:15:33I stood at the sink,

00:15:34washing the glasses one by one,

00:15:36setting them in the drying rack.

00:15:37As I finished the last one,

00:15:39my phone lit up again.

00:15:40This time,

00:15:41a message from Spencer.

00:15:42Heard you're getting divorced again?

00:15:44Grayson's a real piece of work.

00:15:45He doesn't deserve you.

00:15:46Don't be upset.

00:15:47In a few days,

00:15:48your grandpa's 80th birthday party is being held at the Quinn Estate.

00:15:51Ethan and I are coming to celebrate.

00:15:53Let's all catch up.

00:15:54What a sweet talker.

00:15:55Suddenly,

00:15:55I really wanted to know,

00:15:57what kind of person was Vivian, exactly?

00:15:59This home.

00:16:00This man.

00:16:01None of it would have anything to do with me.

00:16:04The person standing outside had a flush in her cheeks.

00:16:06Clearly she'd had more than a few drinks.

00:16:08Knew you'd still be up.

00:16:09What are you doing here?

00:16:11She didn't answer.

00:16:12Just swayed her way inside.

00:16:13It wasn't until she spotted me standing in the living room that she paused.

00:16:16Josephine's home too.

00:16:18Josephine?

00:16:18She's had too much to drink.

00:16:20We were taking her home,

00:16:21but she insisted on swinging by here.

00:16:23Grayson,

00:16:23your wife's right there.

00:16:24You ever heard of keeping things appropriate?

00:16:25You got her wasted and dropped her off at my place,

00:16:27and now I'm the one who needs to mind appearances?

00:16:29I got her drunk?

00:16:30You're the one posting on Insta about being newly single.

00:16:32Fine.

00:16:32You're a saint.

00:16:33You're the upstanding one.

00:16:34I delivered the girl who got drunk over you.

00:16:35Handle it however you want.

00:16:36The air felt frozen over.

00:16:38Spencer.

00:16:39Caught in the middle.

00:16:40Alright.

00:16:41Alright.

00:16:41Knock it off.

00:16:42Vivi just wanted to swing by on the way.

00:16:44I stood in the middle of the living room,

00:16:46watching the whole show from start to finish.

00:16:48Way too insane.

00:16:50All this time I thought the bond between me,

00:16:52Spencer,

00:16:53and Ethan was unbreakable.

00:16:54I'd even married both of them.

00:16:56When I was little and got hurt or upset,

00:16:57Spencer was always the one by my side.

00:16:59Ethan once even shielded me from a kidnapper with a knife.

00:17:02To me,

00:17:02they were closer than family.

00:17:04When Vivian showed up,

00:17:05bit by bit I became the afterthought.

00:17:07They only remembered I existed when they needed something from me.

00:17:10I walked to the coffee table and picked up the divorce agreement.

00:17:13Good timing, all of you.

00:17:15There's something I'd like you to witness in person.

00:17:18I've signed both copies.

00:17:19Since everyone's here,

00:17:20why not take a good look?

00:17:22Grayson's expression shifted slightly,

00:17:24but he recovered fast.

00:17:25Josephine,

00:17:26we can talk about this in private.

00:17:28You don't have to-

00:17:29Josephine's already put it out there.

00:17:31Mind if I ask,

00:17:33when are you moving out?

00:17:35This house is under my name after all.

00:17:39You're not planning to stay here forever, are you?

00:17:42The house in her name?

00:17:44He didn't deny it.

00:17:45In that instant,

00:17:46a flood of images rushed through my mind.

00:17:48This is our home.

00:17:49I'll handle the paperwork.

00:17:51Don't worry about it.

00:17:51And me,

00:17:52happily picking out the curtains,

00:17:53the couch,

00:17:54the dining table,

00:17:55every single piece of furniture in this place.

00:17:57I'd picked out myself,

00:17:58trip after trip to the store.

00:18:00I never cared whose name was on the deed,

00:18:02but it never crossed my mind

00:18:03that the home we built together would be under another woman's name.

00:18:06I'll leave right now.

00:18:07Josephine,

00:18:07tomorrow,

00:18:089am.

00:18:08See you at the courthouse.

00:18:11Waiting for the elevator,

00:18:13I could still hear voices from inside.

00:18:15Nailed it!

00:18:15She was even more cooperative than the day I asked her to marry me.

00:18:18The reflection in the mirror looked calmer than I expected.

00:18:22Come get me in a few days?

00:18:24Like I'd just stepped out for some air and would be back any minute.

00:18:27No need Grayson,

00:18:28don't bother coming for me.

00:18:33On April Fool's Day,

00:18:35Grayson handed me a divorce agreement out of nowhere.

00:18:38Your two ex-husbands called to taunt me yesterday.

00:18:40Said you're too uptight to take an April Fool's joke,

00:18:42that there's no way you'd actually sign divorce papers.

00:18:45I'd been married twice.

00:18:46Before we got married,

00:18:47I'd explained everything to Grayson.

00:18:48The first time I helped Spencer secure his family trust inheritance.

00:18:51The second time I helped Ethan dodge an arranged marriage.

00:18:55Both times,

00:18:56clean breaks,

00:18:57no feelings,

00:18:57no baggage.

00:18:58If that bothers you,

00:18:59we don't have to-

00:18:59I trust you.

00:19:00The past is the past.

00:19:02From now on,

00:19:03I'm the only one you see.

00:19:04After we got married,

00:19:05he and my two ex-husbands were like oil and water.

00:19:07But with me,

00:19:08he was gentle,

00:19:09attentive.

00:19:10I thought I'd finally married the right man.

00:19:12Then one day,

00:19:13I came home early from a business trip

00:19:15and heard him laughing and chatting with those two ex-husbands

00:19:17like old friends in the living room.

00:19:19The second before the key turned in the lock,

00:19:21I stood outside the door,

00:19:22catching every single word of the scheming going on in the living room.

00:19:25Relax.

00:19:26I'm definitely divorcing her.

00:19:27She's already been divorced twice.

00:19:29She's a joke all over the Upper East Side.

00:19:31There's no way she'll dare go through a third divorce.

00:19:34It was Grayson's voice stripped of the tenderness he always lavished on me.

00:19:37Smart move,

00:19:38picking April Fool's Day to hand her the divorce papers.

00:19:40Even if she loses it later,

00:19:41you just tell her it was an April Fool's joke.

00:19:43Vivian's wedding is next week.

00:19:45Her bachelorette party starts before that.

00:19:47Three of us have to be single.

00:19:49I escaped into the coffee shop across the street.

00:19:52I thought about the past.

00:19:53My first marriage,

00:19:55I did it to help my childhood friend Spencer Knox secure his family trust.

00:19:58My second marriage,

00:19:59I did it to help Ethan Sinclair dodge an arranged marriage his family was forcing on him.

00:20:03I never imagined everything I'd done for them

00:20:05would become the very reason they thought they could manipulate me.

00:20:08I sat in that cafe for a solid hour before I finally headed home.

00:20:14Why didn't you call?

00:20:15I would have picked you up.

00:20:15You eat yet?

00:20:17Already did.

00:20:18Babe, there's something I wanted to tell you.

00:20:20The company's hit a bit of a snag lately.

00:20:22We need to do some asset separation.

00:20:24The lawyer suggested we file for divorce first,

00:20:26just to perform a process.

00:20:30Once the crisis were over,

00:20:31we'll remarry.

00:20:32A few months tops.

00:20:34I know this is a bit out of nowhere,

00:20:35but Spencer and Ethan called today and was like,

00:20:37you used to help them without a second thought,

00:20:38but now for me it's a different story,

00:20:40just taking digs the whole time.

00:20:41They even said,

00:20:42Grayson, a woman who's been divorced twice,

00:20:44wouldn't dare go for a third.

00:20:45Josephine definitely couldn't handle it.

00:20:46I've got it all figured out.

00:20:47Tomorrow's April Fools.

00:20:48We go that day,

00:20:49get the papers,

00:20:50then throw right in their faces,

00:20:51freak them the hell out,

00:20:52see if they ever dare look down on you again.

00:20:53Babe, you wouldn't want them thinking

00:20:54I can't even handle something this simple.

00:20:56Right?

00:20:59I won't.

00:21:00Then get some rest.

00:21:02Tomorrow we'll sign the papers and head to the...

00:21:06Give them a call.

00:21:08So they can stop chattering about it.

00:21:14Babe, you're the best.

00:21:17She signed.

00:21:18I told you,

00:21:18Josephine's always the easiest to handle.

00:21:20Alright, take care of Viviana's,

00:21:21I'll wrap up here and head over.

00:21:22Heh.

00:21:27Long time no see,

00:21:28wanna grab a drink?

00:21:30Before,

00:21:30I would've replied.

00:21:31Sure.

00:21:32I would've carefully picked out what to wear,

00:21:34what makeup to put on.

00:21:35I would've thought about how to make Grayson look good in front of them.

00:21:38But now,

00:21:39I couldn't even be bothered to reply.

00:21:41I set my phone face down on the coffee table,

00:21:43got up,

00:21:44and walked to the kitchen.

00:21:45Passing by the study,

00:21:46Grayson was still on the phone.

00:21:47His voice was low,

00:21:49but carried a kind of ease I'd never heard before.

00:21:51The kitchen faucet was still running.

00:21:53I stood at the sink,

00:21:54washing the glasses one by one,

00:21:55setting them in the drying rack.

00:21:57As I finished the last one,

00:21:58my phone lit up again.

00:21:59This time,

00:22:00a message from Spencer.

00:22:01Heard you're getting divorced again?

00:22:03Heh.

00:22:03Grayson's a real piece of work.

00:22:04He doesn't deserve you.

00:22:06Don't be upset.

00:22:06In a few days,

00:22:07your grandpa's 80th birthday party

00:22:09is being held at the Quinn Estate.

00:22:10Ethan and I are coming to celebrate.

00:22:12Let's all catch up.

00:22:13What a sweet talker.

00:22:14Suddenly,

00:22:15I really wanted to know,

00:22:16what kind of person was Vivian, exactly?

00:22:19This home.

00:22:19This man.

00:22:20None of it would have anything to do with me.

00:22:23The person standing outside had a flush in her cheeks.

00:22:26Clearly she'd had more than a few drinks.

00:22:27Knew you'd still be up.

00:22:29What are you doing here?

00:22:30She didn't answer.

00:22:31Just swayed her way inside.

00:22:33It wasn't until she spotted me standing in the living room that she paused.

00:22:36Josephine's home too.

00:22:37Josephine?

00:22:38She's had too much to drink.

00:22:39We were taking her home,

00:22:40but she insisted on swinging by here.

00:22:42Grayson,

00:22:42your wife's right there.

00:22:43You ever heard of keeping things appropriate?

00:22:45You got her wasted and dropped her off at my place,

00:22:47and now I'm the one who needs to mind appearances?

00:22:48I got her drunk?

00:22:49You're the one posting on Insta about being newly single.

00:22:51Fine.

00:22:52You're a saint.

00:22:52You're the upstanding one.

00:22:53I delivered the girl who got drunk over you.

00:22:55Handle it however you want.

00:22:56The air felt frozen over.

00:22:57Spencer.

00:22:58Caught in the middle.

00:22:59Alright.

00:23:00Alright.

00:23:01Knock it off.

00:23:02Vivi just wanted to swing by on the way.

00:23:04I stood in the middle of the living room,

00:23:05watching the whole show from start to finish.

00:23:08Way too insane.

00:23:09All this time I thought the bond between me, Spencer, and Ethan was unbreakable.

00:23:14I'd even married both of them.

00:23:15When I was little and got hurt or upset,

00:23:17Spencer was always the one by my side.

00:23:19Ethan once even shielded me from a kidnapper with a knife.

00:23:21To me, they were closer than family.

00:23:23When Vivian showed up,

00:23:25bit by bit I became the afterthought.

00:23:27They only remembered I existed when they needed something from me.

00:23:29I walked to the coffee table and picked up the divorce agreement.

00:23:33Good timing, all of you.

00:23:34There's something I'd like you to witness in person.

00:23:37I've signed both copies.

00:23:39Since everyone's here, why not take a good look?

00:23:41Grayson's expression shifted slightly, but he recovered fast.

00:23:45Josephine.

00:23:46We can talk about this in private.

00:23:48You don't have to-

00:23:48Josephine's already put it out there.

00:23:50Mind if I ask?

00:23:52When are you moving out?

00:23:54This house is under my name after all.

00:23:58You're not planning to stay here forever, are you?

00:24:01The house in her name?

00:24:03He didn't deny it.

00:24:04In that instant, a flood of images rushed through my mind.

00:24:07This is our home.

00:24:09I'll handle the paperwork, don't worry about it.

00:24:11And me, happily picking out the curtains, the couch, the dining table.

00:24:15Every single piece of furniture in this place, I'd picked out myself.

00:24:18Trip after trip to the store.

00:24:19I never cared whose name was on the deed,

00:24:21but it never crossed my mind that the home we built together would be under another woman's name.

00:24:25I'll leave right now.

00:24:26Josephine.

00:24:27Tomorrow, 9 AM.

00:24:28See you at the courthouse.

00:24:31Waiting for the elevator, I could still hear voices from inside.

00:24:34Nailed it!

00:24:35She was even more cooperative than the day I asked her to marry me.

00:24:38The reflection in the mirror looked calmer than I expected.

00:24:42Come get me in a few days?

00:24:43Like I'd just stepped out for some air and would be back any minute.

00:24:46No need, Grayson.

00:24:47Don't bother coming for me.

00:24:50I'd been with Luca Russo for six years.

00:24:53Suddenly, he handed me a contract.

00:24:54But what I saw was...

00:24:56Mistress agreement.

00:24:56Three years.

00:24:57On call 24-7.

00:24:59He chose a marriage alliance for me.

00:25:00Serena, the daughter of the Vitoli family.

00:25:03I supported you for six years.

00:25:04I paid for your dad's nursing home.

00:25:06But that's mistress money, not girlfriend money.

00:25:08I signed my name on the last page.

00:25:10Vittoria DeLuca.

00:25:10I picked up my phone and made a call.

00:25:12Mom, get it started.

00:25:13She was saved by the Moretti family.

00:25:15To wake up, and to finally call her.

00:25:17We're even now.

00:25:18I walked...

00:25:21I'd been with Luca Russo for six years.

00:25:23Suddenly, he handed me a contract.

00:25:24I had thought that was a prenup.

00:25:26I was ready to sign.

00:25:27But what I saw was...

00:25:28Missed this agreement.

00:25:29Three years.

00:25:30On call 24-7.

00:25:32Renew if satisfied.

00:25:33My finger trembled.

00:25:34Luca, what does this mean?

00:25:36Luca leaned back on the sofa, smoking a cigar.

00:25:39He looked at me with cold eyes.

00:25:40My father is pushing hard.

00:25:41He chose a marriage alliance for me.

00:25:43Serena, the daughter of the Vitoli family.

00:25:45They hold the entire Adriatic arms line.

00:25:47And I need that.

00:25:48My voice trembled.

00:25:49And what about me?

00:25:50Luca looked up, sneered.

00:25:52Tesoro, give me a break.

00:25:54Your dad had left you with gambling debts.

00:25:56And I had paid for his care.

00:25:57Your ex stole your identity and left you with thugs.

00:26:00My men threw them into the Hudson River.

00:26:02I'm just asking you to be my secret lover.

00:26:04Is that too much?

00:26:05I looked at the sharp black text written on paper.

00:26:07Party B must be on call 24-7.

00:26:09Party B shall not appear at any family events or social gatherings.

00:26:13If Party B gets pregnant, she must handle it herself.

00:26:15The Russo family will not acknowledge the child.

00:26:17I stared at the last one.

00:26:19And my hand instinctively touched my belly.

00:26:21My fingers were ice cold.

00:26:22Sign it.

00:26:23Luca flicked the ash from the cigar.

00:26:25Why are you just staring at it?

00:26:27I put down the contract.

00:26:29My voice trembled.

00:26:30Luca.

00:26:31We've been together for six years.

00:26:33He laughed.

00:26:34So what?

00:26:35Did we ever plan on getting married?

00:26:36Those words stabbed me like a knife.

00:26:38For six years, he took me to every gala.

00:26:40And all the unmarried women looked at me with calculating eyes.

00:26:43But he always introduced me as his assistant.

00:26:46His mother, Rosa, had implied more than once.

00:26:49Miakara, you should find a good man to marry.

00:26:51I thought she was teasing us.

00:26:52Now I realized she was politely telling me to get out.

00:26:55What were these six years to you?

00:26:59Luca crushed the cigar and walked to me.

00:27:02It was a fair trade.

00:27:03I supported you for six years.

00:27:05I paid for your dad's nursing home.

00:27:06I cleared your ex's debt.

00:27:08I gave you a job.

00:27:08You've managed the Russo family's accounts for six years.

00:27:11If you leave, who would dare to hire you?

00:27:13He paused, then smiled.

00:27:15Tezora, be reasonable.

00:27:16You didn't hesitate to use me when you were in trouble.

00:27:19Now I'm using you.

00:27:20It's just business.

00:27:21I felt my eyes burn.

00:27:22But I didn't shed a single drop of tears.

00:27:24He never mentioned these things.

00:27:26Though I knew he was telling the truth.

00:27:27He was right.

00:27:28My father was a loser.

00:27:29He walked out on us to gamble.

00:27:31Then spent over a decade rotting away before showing up at my door with broken legs.

00:27:35I was soft.

00:27:36So I took him in.

00:27:37As for my ex, we only dated for a month.

00:27:39I didn't even know he used my identity to get a loan until three men with machetes showed up at

00:27:44my door.

00:27:44It was Luca's men who came and cleared the trouble.

00:27:47I knew I owed him.

00:27:48But I never thought he was keeping a ledger of every cent.

00:27:51So?

00:27:51I pushed his hand away.

00:27:52There was no love?

00:27:53Only investment?

00:27:54Luca laughed.

00:27:55Don't be silly.

00:27:56You call this an investment?

00:27:58I've got nothing back from you, haven't I?

00:28:00Luca dropped a black card on the table.

00:28:02Sign.

00:28:03And it's yours.

00:28:03In three years, if you want to stay, we will renew.

00:28:05If not, keep the money.

00:28:07500k.

00:28:08Enough to buy 10 lives.

00:28:09But not enough to buy me.

00:28:11I wanted to say something.

00:28:12But it was caught in my throat.

00:28:13Because I remembered the nursing home's call.

00:28:15If I don't pay, they'll kick my father out.

00:28:18Luca knew I needed money.

00:28:19So he just dropped that card in front of me.

00:28:21Like feeding a treat to a dog.

00:28:23Is it not enough?

00:28:24I get it.

00:28:25Six years for 500k isn't much.

00:28:27But that's mistress money, not girlfriend money.

00:28:30As of now, this is exactly what you're worth.

00:28:32He paused again and smiled.

00:28:33Of course you can refuse.

00:28:36But then...

00:28:39But then, you need to move out of this apartment.

00:28:41My heart felt like it was being crushed.

00:28:43Over the past six years, I have treated this place as my home.

00:28:46I planted the roses on the balcony myself.

00:28:48In the kitchen, my favorite vinegar always sat next to his jar of olives.

00:28:52Our travel photos are still on the nightstand.

00:28:54But in the end, I was just a tenant who could be kicked out at any time.

00:28:57Luca.

00:28:58My voice was still trembling.

00:28:59If you don't love me, let's say goodbye.

00:29:01You don't have to humiliate me like this.

00:29:03Love?

00:29:04He crushed the cigar, leaned in, put his hands on either side of the armrest.

00:29:08Did your father love you?

00:29:10Did your ex love you?

00:29:11Does anyone in this world truly care about you?

00:29:13He whispered, looked into my eyes.

00:29:15I paid your debts.

00:29:16I protected you.

00:29:18I can't give you a marriage.

00:29:20But I'm giving you a way to survive.

00:29:22My tears fell eventually.

00:29:23Cause at some point, I realized he's right.

00:29:25He handed me the pen, clearly running out of patience.

00:29:28Well, are you signing it or not?

00:29:30I opened my mouth.

00:29:31I looked at the pregnancy rule again.

00:29:32I swallowed my words.

00:29:33If my mother and I had planned to get married early next month,

00:29:36would you still have made me sign this?

00:29:38Married?

00:29:39He laughed.

00:29:40Planned with whom?

00:29:41Your drowned mother?

00:29:42Even without these changes, I never planned to marry you.

00:29:46You have quite an imagination.

00:29:48I closed my eyes.

00:29:49Six years.

00:29:50This marriage was never meant to be.

00:29:52I opened my eyes and picked up the pen.

00:29:54I signed my name on the last page.

00:29:56Vittoria DeLuca.

00:29:56My hands had stopped trembling.

00:29:58Luca collected the contract.

00:30:00Good girl.

00:30:01Everything stays the same.

00:30:03But from now on, in public, you call me Mr. Russo.

00:30:07He kissed my forehead coldly.

00:30:09Be good.

00:30:10Luca left.

00:30:11The door closed.

00:30:12He was gone.

00:30:13I looked down at the black card in my hand.

00:30:15I slowly squatted down on the floor, burying my face in my knees.

00:30:18I didn't know how long I'd been sitting here.

00:30:20My legs were numb, and my tears had finally dried up.

00:30:23I stood up unsteadily and walked into the bathroom.

00:30:25I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on my face repeatedly.

00:30:29Until I finally calmed down, I picked up my phone and made a call.

00:30:32Mom.

00:30:32You were right.

00:30:33I've lost.

00:30:34That thing you mentioned before?

00:30:36Get it started.

00:30:37I'm ready.

00:30:37The person on the other end paused.

00:30:39Are you sure?

00:30:40There's no turning back.

00:30:41I looked out at the cathedral.

00:30:43The bells were tolling like a funeral.

00:30:45It's Ave Maria.

00:30:47I'm sure.

00:30:50The next morning, I went to the nursing home.

00:30:52My father was in a wheelchair, being pushed into the yard by a nurse.

00:30:55He looked very old, like a hollow tree.

00:30:57His hair was completely white.

00:30:59Both his legs were gone.

00:31:00They had been crushed by a van six years ago.

00:31:03Victoria.

00:31:04His lips trembled.

00:31:05Something lit up in his murky eyes.

00:31:07I handed him that black card.

00:31:08There's 500k euros in here.

00:31:10It's enough for the best care and the best nurses.

00:31:13From today on, I won't see you again.

00:31:14Where...

00:31:15Where are you going?

00:31:16I'm going back to her, with a clean slate.

00:31:20I took out a photo and put it in his hand.

00:31:22It's a photo of my mom when she was young.

00:31:24Wearing a white dress, standing in a lemon grove, smiling brightly.

00:31:29She asked me to give you a message.

00:31:30I said...

00:31:31What message?

00:31:32La morte è troppo buona per te.

00:31:34He burst into tears, touching the photo with shaking hands.

00:31:37He had thought she had committed suicide.

00:31:39He had no idea she was actually alive.

00:31:41But he didn't know she was alive.

00:31:42She was saved by the Moretti family.

00:31:45It had all been a play she had staged to fake her death.

00:31:47She waited six years for me.

00:31:49She waited for me to lose everything, to wake up, and to finally call her.

00:31:54I turned to leave, but I stopped at the corner.

00:31:56Dad, that car back then?

00:31:58Was it your doing?

00:31:59The air went silent.

00:32:01He opened his mouth, then closed it.

00:32:03Tears streamed down his wrinkled face.

00:32:05No.

00:32:06Victoria, really, no.

00:32:08I didn't know that car was coming.

00:32:11I just saw it heading for you, and I...

00:32:14And you pushed me out of the way?

00:32:16Yes.

00:32:18I wanted to save you, even if it cost my life.

00:32:21I'm a deadbeat.

00:32:22I owe you and your mother too much.

00:32:23I closed my eyes.

00:32:25I believed him.

00:32:26A bastard father who abandoned his wife and daughter actually acted like a father in that moment.

00:32:32But that didn't mean I forgave him.

00:32:34That money is to pay you back for my life.

00:32:36We're even now.

00:32:37I walked out of the nursing home.

00:32:39I heard him crying and laughing behind me.

00:32:42She's alive.

00:32:43She's not dead.

00:32:44Good.

00:32:45Good.

00:32:46Good.

00:32:46Go now.

00:32:46Don't ever come back.

00:32:47I didn't look back.

00:32:50After that, I went back to work in the casino as usual.

00:32:53The Russo family owned many businesses, and the casino was just one of them.

00:32:58All the dirty money from weapons, smuggling, and loans was laundered through those accounts.

00:33:04And I was the one who kept the books.

00:33:06Luca walked in while I was organizing the monthly statements.

00:33:09He looked at me with no expression.

00:33:11When this quarter's books are done, bring them to my office.

00:33:13Yes, Mr. Russo.

00:33:14I replied naturally.

00:33:16Luca paused, looking surprised.

00:33:18You've adapted quickly.

00:33:19He whispered, and moved his finger across the back of my hand on purpose.

00:33:23I didn't move, nor react.

00:33:24Our relationship wasn't a secret.

00:33:26For six years, he picked me up from work and took me everywhere.

00:33:30The inner circle had always known an unspoken truth among them.

00:33:34But he never officially announced us.

00:33:36Since we were never official, calling him Mr. Russo now actually made things look more professional

00:33:41to others.

00:33:42At night, Luca sent me a location.

00:33:44I took a taxi here.

00:33:45I opened the door to a suite.

00:33:47The floor was covered in rose petals.

00:33:49A silk nightgown was hanging on a rack.

00:33:51The air was thick with the scent of Guerlain.

00:33:53That's the brand Serena liked.

00:33:55Seen enough?

00:33:55His voice came from behind.

00:33:57Luca leaned against the doorframe, looking at me with a half smile.

00:34:01The engagement party is next week.

00:34:04You're coming to help.

00:34:06Help with what?

00:34:07I channeled the calmness I had spent the last few days cultivating.

00:34:10They hired the best planning team in Sicily for their engagement party.

00:34:14They didn't need an ex-girlfriend getting in the way.

00:34:16Hosting guests.

00:34:18And...

00:34:19Serena feels you must witness our happiness.

00:34:21I let out a short laugh.

00:34:23That last part was the real reason.

00:34:25Fine.

00:34:26I will confirm the details with Mr. Russo tomorrow.

00:34:29If that's all, can I go?

00:34:30You aren't upset at all?

00:34:31Does Mr. Russo want me to be upset?

00:34:33He walked over and grabbed my chin.

00:34:35You've changed a lot lately.

00:34:36You've become a bit annoying.

00:34:37How does Mr. Russo want me to be?

00:34:39I can change.

00:34:41Years ago, he had been attracted to me because I was the closest person to him.

00:34:45Yet, I never asked for anything.

00:34:47Back then, he called it integrity.

00:34:49Now, he calls it annoying.

00:34:51It had never been me who changed.

00:34:52He stared at me for a long time and let go.

00:34:56Forget it.

00:34:57Go home.

00:34:58As I turned to leave, he suddenly hugged me from behind.

00:35:00He rested his chin on my shoulder.

00:35:02His voice muffled.

00:35:03Do you know why I won't let you leave?

00:35:05He meant the agreement.

00:35:06Because you are a good girl.

00:35:08You never make things difficult for me.

00:35:10You don't fight with me or ask where I've been.

00:35:13Not like her.

00:35:14She checks on me every day.

00:35:15He tightened his arms around me.

00:35:16Sometimes I think,

00:35:18if only you had a decent family background,

00:35:21I wouldn't have to marry someone else.

00:35:22I almost let out a laugh.

00:35:24In the end, he was blaming me for not having a high-class background.

00:35:27But he forgot that he was the one who came after me first.

00:35:31Mr. Russo.

00:35:32I gently pulled Luca's hands away.

00:35:35What color should I wear to the engagement party?

00:35:37I need to prepare in advance.

00:35:39His hands froze in midair.

00:35:41I ignored him and turned to leave.

00:35:43After I walked out of the hotel,

00:35:44I realized my palms were bleeding from my own fingernails.

00:35:49Hmph.

00:35:50After that, I went back to work in the casino as usual.

00:35:53The Russo family owned many businesses.

00:35:56And the casino was just one of them.

00:35:58All the dirty money from weapons,

00:36:00smuggling,

00:36:01and loans was laundered through those accounts.

00:36:04And I was the one who kept the books.

00:36:06Luca walked in while I was organizing the monthly statements.

00:36:09He looked at me with no expression.

00:36:11When this quarter's books are done, bring them to my office.

00:36:13Yes, Mr. Russo.

00:36:14I replied naturally.

00:36:16Luca paused, looking surprised.

00:36:17You've adapted quickly.

00:36:19He whispered, and moved his finger across the back of my hand on purpose.

00:36:22I didn't move, nor react.

00:36:24Our relationship wasn't a secret.

00:36:26For six years, he picked me up from work and took me everywhere.

00:36:30The inner circle had always known, an unspoken truth among them.

00:36:34But he never officially announced us.

00:36:36Since we were never official,

00:36:37calling him Mr. Russo now actually made things look more professional to others.

00:36:41At night, Luca sent me a location.

00:36:44I took a taxi here.

00:36:45I opened the door to a suite.

00:36:46The floor was covered in rose petals.

00:36:48A silk nightgown was hanging on a rack.

00:36:50The air was thick with the scent of Guerlain.

00:36:53That's the brand Serena liked.

00:36:54Seen enough?

00:36:55His voice came from behind.

00:36:57Luca leaned against the doorframe, looking at me with a half smile.

00:37:01The engagement party is next week.

00:37:03You're coming to help.

00:37:06Help with what?

00:37:07I channeled the calmness I had spent the last few days cultivating.

00:37:10They hired the best planning team in Sicily for their engagement party.

00:37:13They didn't need an ex-girlfriend getting in the way.

00:37:16Hosting guests.

00:37:18And...

00:37:18Serena feels you must witness our happiness.

00:37:21I let out a short laugh.

00:37:22That last part was the real reason.

00:37:25Fine.

00:37:25I will confirm the details with Mr. Russo tomorrow.

00:37:28If that's all, can I go?

00:37:30You aren't upset at all?

00:37:31Does Mr. Russo want me to be upset?

00:37:33He walked over and grabbed my chin.

00:37:34You've changed a lot lately.

00:37:36You've become a bit annoying.

00:37:37How does Mr. Russo want me to be?

00:37:39I can change.

00:37:41Years ago, he had been attracted to me because I was the closest person to him.

00:37:45Yet, I never asked for anything.

00:37:47Back then, he called it integrity.

00:37:49Now, he calls it annoying.

00:37:50It had never been me who changed.

00:37:52He stared at me for a long time and let go.

00:37:56Forget it.

00:37:56Go home.

00:37:57As I turned to leave, he suddenly hugged me from behind.

00:38:00He rested his chin on my shoulder, his voice muffled.

00:38:03Do you know why I won't let you leave?

00:38:05He meant the agreement.

00:38:06Because you are a good girl.

00:38:08You never make things difficult for me.

00:38:10You don't fight with me or ask where I've been.

00:38:12Not like her.

00:38:13She checks on me every day.

00:38:15He tightened his arms around me.

00:38:16Sometimes I think, if only you had a decent family background, I wouldn't have to marry

00:38:22someone else.

00:38:22I almost let out a laugh.

00:38:24In the end, he was blaming me for not having a high-class background.

00:38:27But he forgot that he was the one who came after me first.

00:38:31Mr. Russo.

00:38:32I gently pulled Luca's hands away.

00:38:35What color should I wear to the engagement party?

00:38:37I need to prepare in advance.

00:38:39His hands froze in mid-air.

00:38:41I ignored him and turned to leave.

00:38:43After I walked out of the hotel, I realized my palms were bleeding from my own fingernails.

00:38:48Hmm.

00:38:50I was betrayed by my best buddy and the woman I thought was my true love.

00:38:53But she pushed me off the tallest building in Vegas.

00:38:55My memories are like shredded playing cards.

00:38:57Sir, I'm Leah.

00:38:58My father Sam runs a small bar nearby.

00:39:00Who the hell said you could touch my bar stuff?

00:39:02He shoves hard.

00:39:03I stagger back.

00:39:04My lower back crashing into the bar.

00:39:06And when my elbow knocks over a stack of dice, the dice scatter across the counter.

00:39:10I grab a whiskey glass on Instance, scooping the scattered dice inside.

00:39:13Wrists rotating.

00:39:14Then flick.

00:39:15Flip themselves over in a vibration.

00:39:17A leopard.

00:39:17All sixes.

00:39:18The moment they shut me out the window, I heard Kate laugh.

00:39:21Say goodbye to your life of the Vegas gambling king, bro.

00:39:24That was John Miller speaking.

00:39:25My best friend.

00:39:26And Kate, my wife of three years, stood right beside it.

00:39:29His hand was sliding over her waist.

00:39:31She was still holding that bottle of champagne.

00:39:32She drugged me.

00:39:33Then they kissed.

00:39:34I started falling from 30 floors.

00:39:36The wind roared in my ears.

00:39:37Ten minutes ago, I was still at the table.

00:39:39Your turn?

00:39:40All in.

00:39:40I flipped the cards.

00:39:41Perfect 21.

00:39:42The crowd erupted.

00:39:43Confetti cannons fired.

00:39:44Golden paper rained from the ceiling.

00:39:46Vegas!

00:39:47Welcome your new king!

00:39:4950 million in prize money.

00:39:5110 years of gambling with zero losses.

00:39:53Then one glass of champagne.

00:39:54And everything went to zero.

00:39:55I was betrayed by my best buddy and the woman I thought was my true love.

00:39:58He forced me to sign the divorce papers.

00:40:00Transferred my trillion dollar fortune.

00:40:02I reached for her, but she pushed me off the tallest building in Vegas.

00:40:05The new legendary gambling king of Las Vegas.

00:40:08Falling on the very day of his coronation.

00:40:09Who am I?

00:40:10Where did I come from?

00:40:10My memories are like shredded playing cards scattered across the ground.

00:40:13Impossible to piece together into anything.

00:40:15Only hunger is real.

00:40:18Bad luck.

00:40:19Even trash wants to steal my food.

00:40:20The boot kicks my shoulder.

00:40:21I tumble backward.

00:40:22My skull cracks against concrete.

00:40:24The second kick is coming.

00:40:25Stop!

00:40:26I'll call the police!

00:40:29The homeless man mutters and shuffles away.

00:40:32The girl crouches down.

00:40:33Street light gills her hair with warm gold.

00:40:35Sir, are you okay?

00:40:36I stare at her blankly.

00:40:37Something churns in the depths of my memory.

00:40:39Shattering wine glasses.

00:40:41The world spinning.

00:40:41A pushing palm.

00:40:42The weightlessness of falling.

00:40:43But I can't catch a single clear face.

00:40:45We can help you contact your family.

00:40:47I don't know!

00:40:47I don't know anyone!

00:40:48Please don't kill me!

00:40:50Don't kill me!

00:40:51The girl in her father exchange glances.

00:40:53Dad, I think he has amnesia.

00:40:54And his hands!

00:40:55Both hands fractured.

00:40:56Without care, he won't last a few days.

00:40:58A few days.

00:40:59So that's all my life is worth.

00:41:00Sir, I'm Leah.

00:41:01My father Sam runs a small bar nearby.

00:41:04You can stay for a while.

00:41:05Maybe you'll remember something.

00:41:06Okay?

00:41:06I stare at that hand.

00:41:07Hesitate for one heartbeat.

00:41:09And slowly, slowly I take it.

00:41:11Sean!

00:41:11Table three needs another round!

00:41:14Sean!

00:41:15Whiskey on the rocks!

00:41:18The crowd roars.

00:41:19The atmosphere burns.

00:41:20Behind the bar, Sam and Leah watch from a distance.

00:41:23Smiles pulling at their mouths.

00:41:24Look at those moves.

00:41:25If I hadn't seen it myself, who'd believe this was the beggar from that alley?

00:41:28He wanted to save enough to pay us back for the medical bills.

00:41:31Medical bills?

00:41:32With what he's done to our revenue, I should be paying him a bonus.

00:41:35Your drink, miss.

00:41:35Their laughter never stops.

00:41:37They don't just order more.

00:41:37They stuff tips into my apron.

00:41:39Leo walks over.

00:41:40Hand me a water bottle.

00:41:40Dad couldn't stop talking about capable you are.

00:41:43I reach for it.

00:41:43Our fingertips brush.

00:41:45We both freeze.

00:41:46She jerks her hand back.

00:41:47Ears burning red.

00:41:48This isn't just helping out.

00:41:50This bar was dying before you came.

00:41:54Who the hell said you could touch my bar stuff?

00:41:56He grabs my collar.

00:41:57Alcohol and casino cigar.

00:41:58Stinch blasts my face.

00:42:00You've got it wrong, sir.

00:42:01I'm the server here, and we're actually closing the bar.

00:42:03Wrong my ass!

00:42:05I'm sick!

00:42:08When I opened my eyes again, I had gone back to the day of the bonfires of summer.

00:42:13In my past life, my brother saved her, only for her to scheme against him.

00:42:17He had forced a mating mark on her in the water, forcing him to take her as his Luna, only

00:42:21to return home crippled.

00:42:22Repaid him by forcing a vial of deadly wolf beet down his throat.

00:42:25Having regressed back to this lie, never let my brother march to his death again.

00:42:29The girl can be saved, but not by you.

00:42:32Silas, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:42:33I am pointing you toward a path of absolute fortune.

00:42:36You will get yourself a high-born Omega wife for free.

00:42:39At the bonfires of summer, Elena, the illegitimate Omega daughter of the Treasury Pax Alpha, fell into the lake.

00:42:46In my past life, my brother saved her, only for her to scheme against him.

00:42:50She tearfully claimed he had forced a mating mark on her in the water, forcing him to take her as

00:42:54his Luna.

00:42:55He forced it on me, under the water. I couldn't breathe. He held me down.

00:42:59She threatened to bring the scandal before the Lycan king and queen to destroy him.

00:43:07Since my brother was at the critical moment of inheriting the Silver Moon Pax Alpha title, I feared the scandal

00:43:12would ruin his future.

00:43:13I forced him to bow his head and marry her.

00:43:16Seven months later, she gave birth to twins.

00:43:18My brother endured the ultimate humiliation, raising another man's pups as his own.

00:43:22He bled for our pack on the brutal, rogue front lines, only to return home crippled.

00:43:27Yet, that ungrateful bitch and her two pups repaid him by forcing a vial of deadly wolfbeat down his throat,

00:43:33leaving him to die a bloody, agonizing death in his own bed.

00:43:37When I tried to report them to the Royal Pack Enforcers, my own fated mate, Donald, wrapped his leather belt

00:43:42around my neck, choking the life out of me.

00:43:44His last words echoed in my ears.

00:43:46If you report this, Elena and my two sons will pay with their lives.

00:43:52When I opened my eyes again, I had gone back to the day of the bone fires of summer.

00:43:57Seeing Elena drowning in the lake, I clutched my brother's arm tightly.

00:44:01Then, I turned to the scarred rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:44:05Simus, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:44:08Sister, someone fell into the water! We need to save her, fast!

00:44:10I looked at my brother gray, towering, muscular, and possessing an exceptionally powerful inner wolf.

00:44:16But in my mind, a horrific vision of my past life flashed before my eyes.

00:44:20Gray, crippled in both legs, left to die a miserable death, poisoned in a bed covered in filth and feces

00:44:26within our own pack house.

00:44:27Tears instantly spilled over.

00:44:30You are not going!

00:44:31I barked, grabbing Gray in a death grip.

00:44:35Having regressed back to this life, I would absolutely never let my brother march to his death again.

00:44:40Never again.

00:44:41Sister, why are you crying all of a sudden?

00:44:43These were tears of overwhelming joy.

00:44:45I'm fine.

00:44:46Just the wind.

00:44:47Watching the figure thrashing in the lake, Gray grew so anxious that his inner wolf began to howl in distress

00:44:52inside his mind.

00:44:53Sister, let me go!

00:44:53Saving a life comes first!

00:44:55I said you are not going!

00:44:57Gray stared at me in utter disbelief.

00:45:00Sister, have you lost your mind?

00:45:01A life is on the line!

00:45:02Our silver moon pack had always been known for our benevolence and charity.

00:45:06Forget a high-ranking wolf, even if a filthy rogue muth were drowning, we would still pull it out.

00:45:11The girl can be saved, but not by you.

00:45:13I turned around to the stout, rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:45:17Silas, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:45:19Silas was the lowest-ranking peck driver employed by our silver moon pack.

00:45:23He was broad-shouldered, thick-waisted, his face covered in nasty scars, and his breath reeked behind a mouthful of

00:45:30yellow teeth.

00:45:31Lazy to the bone, he spent his days loitering in underground gambling dens and low-end pubs.

00:45:36An ordinary servant like him would have been kicked out of the silver moon territory long ago.

00:45:41But Silas had a stroke of luck.

00:45:43He had a fiercely loyal father.

00:45:45Years ago, it was old Silas who carried our father, the old Alpha, on his back out of the mountain

00:45:51of corpses during the brutal rogue wars.

00:45:53Bound by that ultimate debt of gratitude, as long as the silver moon pack stood, we would support his family

00:45:59for generations.

00:46:00Thus, even though Silas was just a lowly rogue driver, his status in our territory was unique.

00:46:07Normally, even the core management like my brother and I had to give him some face and wouldn't order him

00:46:12around lightly.

00:46:13Today, only because our two exclusive drivers fell ill, he had stepped in as a temporary replacement,

00:46:19driving the SUV to bring my brother and me to this new moon festival.

00:46:27Silas froze for a second.

00:46:28Then, scratching his greasy hair, he let out a vulgar grin.

00:46:32The eldest miss, of course. This servant wants one.

00:46:35I pulled him aside.

00:46:37Silas, today I am pointing you toward a path of absolute fortune.

00:46:41Go down there and pull that drowning lady out of the water.

00:46:46But, the moment you save her, hide yourself in the dense bushes by the shore immediately.

00:46:51Suppress your aura.

00:46:53And make sure no one sees you.

00:46:55Do not come out until I call for you.

00:46:57As long as you do exactly what I say, I guarantee that after today, you will get yourself a high

00:47:03-born Omega wife for free.

00:47:05When the time comes, I'll even throw you a massive gift to make sure your wedding is as grand and

00:47:10rowdy as can be.

00:47:11Hearing this, Silas' eyes instantly lit up.

00:47:14His inner wolf let out an excited low growl in his chest, and he nodded frantically.

00:47:18This servant will obey your every command, eldest miss!

00:47:21Go! Save her!

00:47:25At the bonfires of summer, Elena, the illegitimate Omega daughter of the Treasury Pax Alpha, fell into the lake.

00:47:31In my past life, my brother saved her, only for her to scheme against him.

00:47:35She tearfully claimed he had forced a mating mark on her in the water, forcing him to take her as

00:47:40his Luna.

00:47:40He forced it on me, under the water! I couldn't breathe! He held me down!

00:47:45She threatened to bring the scandal before the Lycan king and queen to destroy him.

00:47:52Since my brother was at the critical moment of inheriting the Silver Moon Pax Alpha title, I feared the scandal

00:47:57would ruin his future.

00:47:58I forced him to bow his head and marry her.

00:48:01Seven months later, she gave birth to twins.

00:48:03My brother endured the ultimate humiliation, raising another man's pups as his own.

00:48:08He bled for our pack on the brutal rogue frontlines, only to return home crippled.

00:48:13Yet that ungrateful bitch and her two pups repaid him by forcing a vial of deadly wolfbeat down his throat,

00:48:18leaving him to die a bloody, agonizing death in his own bed.

00:48:22When I tried to report them to the Royal Pack Enforcers, my own fated mate, Donald, wrapped his leather belt

00:48:28around my neck, choking the life out of me.

00:48:30His last words echoed in my ears.

00:48:31If you report this, Elena and my two sons will pay with their lives!

00:48:37When I opened my eyes again, I had gone back to the day of the bone fires of summer.

00:48:42Seeing Elena drowning in the lake, I clutched my brother's arm tightly.

00:48:47Then, I turned to the scarred rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:48:51Simus, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:48:53Sister!

00:48:54Someone fell into the water!

00:48:55We need to save her, fast!

00:48:56I looked at my brother Grey, towering, muscular, and possessing an exceptionally powerful inner wolf.

00:49:01But in my mind, a horrific vision of my past life flashed before my eyes.

00:49:05Grey, crippled in both legs, left to die a miserable death, poisoned in a bed covered in filth and feces

00:49:11within our own packhouse.

00:49:12Tears instantly spilled over.

00:49:16You are not going!

00:49:17I barked, grabbing Grey in a death grip.

00:49:20Having regressed back to this life, I would absolutely never let my brother march to his death again.

00:49:25Never again.

00:49:27Sister, why are you crying all of a sudden?

00:49:28These were tears of overwhelming joy.

00:49:30I'm fine, just the wind.

00:49:32Watching the figure thrashing in the lake, Grey grew so anxious that his inner wolf began to howl in distress

00:49:37inside his mind.

00:49:38Sister, let me go! Saving a life comes first!

00:49:40I said you are not going!

00:49:43Grey stared at me in utter disbelief.

00:49:45Sister, have you lost your mind? A life is on the line!

00:49:48Our silver moon pack had always been known for our benevolence and charity.

00:49:51Forget a high-ranking wolf, even if a filthy rogue muth were drowning, we would still pull it out.

00:49:56The girl can be saved, but not by you.

00:49:59I turned around to the stout, rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:50:02Silas, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:50:05Silas was the lowest-ranking peck driver employed by our silver moon pack.

00:50:09He was broad-shouldered, thick-waisted, his face covered in nasty scars, and his breath reeked behind a mouthful of

00:50:16yellow teeth.

00:50:17Lazy to the bone, he spent his days loitering in underground gambling dens and low-end pubs.

00:50:22An ordinary servant like him would have been kicked out of the silver moon territory long ago.

00:50:26But Silas had a stroke of luck.

00:50:28He had a fiercely loyal father.

00:50:30Years ago, it was old Silas who carried our father, the old Alpha, on his back out of the mountain

00:50:36of corpses during the brutal rogue wars.

00:50:38Bound by that ultimate debt of gratitude, as long as the silver moon pack stood, we would support his family

00:50:44for generations.

00:50:46Thus, even though Silas was just a lowly rogue driver, his status in our territory was unique.

00:50:52Normally, even the core management like my brother and I had to give him some face and wouldn't order him

00:50:57around lightly.

00:50:58Today, only because our two exclusive drivers fell ill, he had stepped in as a temporary replacement, driving the SUV

00:51:06to bring my brother and me to this new moon festival.

00:51:12Silas froze for a second.

00:51:14Then, scratching his greasy hair, he let out a vulgar grin.

00:51:17The eldest miss, of course, this servant wants one.

00:51:21I pulled him aside.

00:51:23Silas, today, I am pointing you toward a path of absolute fortune.

00:51:27Go down there and pull that drowning lady out of the water.

00:51:32But, the moment you save her, hide yourself in the dense bushes by the shore immediately.

00:51:37Suppress your aura.

00:51:38And make sure no one sees you.

00:51:41Do not come out until I call for you.

00:51:43As long as you do exactly what I say, I guarantee that after today, you will get yourself a high

00:51:49-born omega wife for free.

00:51:51When the time comes, I'll even throw you a massive gift to make sure your wedding is as grand and

00:51:56rowdy as can be.

00:51:57Hearing this, Silas' eyes instantly lit up.

00:51:59His inner wolf let out an excited low growl in his chest, and he nodded frantically.

00:52:03This servant will obey your every command, eldest miss!

00:52:06Go! Save her!

00:52:10At the bonfires of summer, Elena, the illegitimate omega daughter of the Treasury Pax Alpha, fell into the lake.

00:52:17In my past life, my brother saved her, only for her to scheme against him.

00:52:21She tearfully claimed he had forced a mating mark on her in the water, forcing him to take her as

00:52:25his luna.

00:52:26He forced it on me, under the water!

00:52:28I couldn't breathe! He held me down!

00:52:30She threatened to bring the scandal before the Lycan king and queen to destroy him.

00:52:38Since my brother was at the critical moment of inheriting the Silver Moon Pax Alpha title, I feared the scandal

00:52:43would ruin his future.

00:52:44I forced him to bow his head and marry her.

00:52:46Seven months later, she gave birth to twins.

00:52:49My brother endured the ultimate humiliation, raising another man's pups as his own.

00:52:53He bled for our pack on the brutal rogue frontlines, only to return home crippled.

00:52:58Yet that ungrateful bitch and her two pups repaid him by forcing a vial of deadly wolfbeat down his throat,

00:53:03leaving him to die a bloody, agonizing death in his own bed.

00:53:08When I tried to report them to the royal pack enforcers,

00:53:11my own fated mate, Donald, wrapped his leather belt around my neck, choking the life out of me.

00:53:15His last words echoed in my ears.

00:53:17If you report this, Elena and my two sons will pay with their lives!

00:53:23When I opened my eyes again, I had gone back to the day of the bone fires of summer.

00:53:28Seeing Elena drowning in the lake, I clutched my brother's arm tightly.

00:53:32Then, I turned to the scarred rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:53:36Simus, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:53:39Sister, someone fell into the water! We need to save her, fast!

00:53:41I looked at my brother, Grey, towering, muscular, and possessing an exceptionally powerful inner wolf.

00:53:47But in my mind, a horrific vision of my past life flashed before my eyes.

00:53:51Grey, crippled in both legs, left to die a miserable death, poisoned in a bed covered in filth and feces

00:53:57within our own packhouse.

00:53:58Tears instantly spilled over.

00:54:01You are not going!

00:54:02I barked, grabbing Grey in a death grip.

00:54:05Having regressed back to this life, I would absolutely never let my brother march to his death again.

00:54:11Never again.

00:54:12Sister, why are you crying all of a sudden?

00:54:14These were tears of overwhelming joy.

00:54:16I'm fine, just the wind.

00:54:17Watching the figure thrashing in the lake, Grey grew so anxious that his inner wolf began to howl in distress

00:54:23inside his mind.

00:54:24Sister, let me go! Saving a life comes first!

00:54:26I said you are not going!

00:54:28Grey stared at me in utter disbelief.

00:54:31Sister, have you lost your mind? A life is on the line!

00:54:33Our silver moon pack had always been known for our benevolence and charity.

00:54:37Forget a high-ranking wolf, even if a filthy rogue muth were drowning, we would still pull it out.

00:54:42The girl can be saved, but not by you.

00:54:44I turned around to the stout, rogue werewolf waiting nearby.

00:54:48Silas, do you want a she-wolf for yourself?

00:54:50Silas was the lowest-ranking peck driver employed by our silver moon pack.

00:54:54He was broad-shouldered, thick-waisted, his face covered in nasty scars, and his breath reeked behind a mouthful of

00:55:01yellow teeth.

00:55:02Lazy to the bone, he spent his days loitering in underground gambling dens and low-end pubs.

00:55:07An ordinary servant like him would have been kicked out of the silver moon territory long ago, but Silas had

00:55:13a stroke of luck.

00:55:14He had a fiercely loyal father.

00:55:15Years ago, it was old Silas who carried our father, the old Alpha, on his back out of the mountain

00:55:21of corpses during the brutal rogue wars.

00:55:24Bound by that ultimate debt of gratitude, as long as the silver moon pack stood, we would support his family

00:55:30for generations.

00:55:31Thus, even though Silas was just a lowly rogue driver, his status in our territory was unique.

00:55:38Normally, even the core management like my brother and I had to give him some face and wouldn't order him

00:55:43around lightly.

00:55:44Today, only because our two exclusive drivers fell ill, he had stepped in as a temporary replacement, driving the SUV

00:55:51to bring my brother and me to this new moon festival.

00:55:57Silas froze for a second.

00:55:59Then, scratching his greasy hair, he let out a vulgar grin.

00:56:03The eldest miss, of course, this servant wants one.

00:56:06I pulled him aside.

00:56:08Silas, today, I am pointing you toward a path of absolute fortune.

00:56:12Go down there and pull that drowning lady out of the water.

00:56:17But, the moment you save her, hide yourself in the dense bushes by the shore immediately.

00:56:22Suppress your aura.

00:56:24And make sure no one sees you.

00:56:26Do not come out until I call for you.

00:56:29As long as you do exactly what I say, I guarantee that after today, you will get yourself a high

00:56:34-born omega wife for free.

00:56:36When the time comes, I'll even throw you a massive gift to make sure your wedding is as grand and

00:56:41rowdy as can be.

00:56:42Hearing this, Silas' eyes instantly lit up.

00:56:45His inner wolf let out an excited low growl in his chest, and he nodded frantically.

00:56:48This servant will obey your every command, eldest miss!

00:56:52Go! Save her!

00:56:53Before the black castle of House Blackthorn, a broken man knelt in the ice.

00:56:57Heavy black chains pierced through his shoulders.

00:56:59Seeing the man's face, I was completely froze.

00:57:02I reached the chains binding my uncle and cut them apart with one step.

00:57:05I came back to destroy them.

00:57:07Watch carefully, uncle. Every person who destroyed our family will die.

00:57:11Who broke my uncle's legs. Tyran stepped up.

00:57:13I snapped it with my boot.

00:57:15A stroke of blue-green sword light crossed Tyran at the waist.

00:57:18You killed my sons! I'll tear your entire bloodline apart!

00:57:23Don't worry. I'll make your whole family reunite in hell.

00:57:26Dozens of room needles spun between my fingers.

00:57:29The next second, every glowing needle pierced into the serpent guardian's back.

00:57:32The serpent bloodline's eyes flew open.

00:57:34The fire curse that had consumed her body for centuries rapidly faded from the sleep.

00:57:37After all these centuries, someone has finally broken my curse.

00:57:40I rose to my feet and stepped down once. All eight guardians attacked at the same time.

00:57:46I slowly lifted my crimson eyes.

00:57:49Behind me, the phantom of an enormous black dragon emerged from the darkness.

00:57:54A dragon bloodline seen only once in centuries! Possessing both destruction and healing!

00:58:00Go to take your revenge, Lucian Dracias.

00:58:03Let the world fear your name! Hail the Lord of Dragons!

00:58:08Those who slaughtered my clan back then. No one will survive this time.

00:58:14A Rolls Royce was speeding toward House Blackthorn, the murderer of my family.

00:58:18Inside, Sylvia Vale just cut the connection to the crystal communicator.

00:58:22Miss Vale, you summon the Shade. He's the ultimate hunter of House Vale.

00:58:28Anyone who touches Lucian becomes an enemy. With the Shade, even House Blackhaunts will think twice before making a move.

00:58:38I sat beside her in silence, one hand resting on the hilt of the seraphic sword.

00:58:41Sylvia looked at me, and the coldness in her eyes faded for a moment.

00:58:44You don't have to carry this alone anymore, Lucian.

00:58:47Sylvia, I'll protect you too. The car drifted to a violent stop before the black castle of House Blackthorn.

00:58:53At the center of the castle gate, a broken man knelt in the ice.

00:58:56Heavy black chains pierced through his shoulders and wrapped around his throat.

00:59:00A rusted metal bowl sat beside him, filled with rotten scraps and dirty water.

00:59:03Eat up, old dog!

00:59:04Lord Blackthrone said you're not allowed to die yet.

00:59:06Twenty years, and this cripple still refuses to rot.

00:59:08Seeing the man's face, I was completely froze. My eyes were bloodshut.

00:59:11Dark energy exploded through my body.

00:59:13Lucian, your power!

00:59:15I could barely hear her. My eyes remained fixed on the broken man chained in snow.

00:59:19Uncle...

00:59:23Seraphic sword closed around cum.

00:59:25I vanished.

00:59:26My lord, catch!

00:59:27A crescent of black energy sliced through the air.

00:59:30Six heads flew upward at once.

00:59:32I walked through them like death itself.

00:59:34The seraphic sword danced once more.

00:59:37Bodies split cleanly in half.

00:59:39Limbs scattered across the frozen ground.

00:59:41I reached the chains binding my uncle and cut them apart with one strike.

00:59:44Then I dropped to my knees before him, cracking the stone floor beneath us.

00:59:47Uncle, I came too late.

00:59:48I'm sorry.

00:59:49The old man slowly lifted his head.

00:59:52His cloudy eyes trembled as recognition returned.

00:59:56You...

00:59:56You're alive.

00:59:59It's really you.

01:00:00Lucian.

01:00:01Yes.

01:00:03I came back to destroy them.

01:00:06His shaking hand touched my hair like he still remembered the child I once was.

01:00:09You have to run!

01:00:10House Blackthorn has an A-rank hunter!

01:00:12You can't fight them!

01:00:13I rose slowly to my feet.

01:00:16Watch carefully, uncle.

01:00:18Every person who destroyed our family will die kneeling before you.

01:00:22Warriors flooded out from inside the castle.

01:00:24Their leader pointed his blade at you.

01:00:25You bastard!

01:00:26Do you know where you are?

01:00:27My figure became a blur as I moved through the crowd.

01:00:32Please!

01:00:34Spare me!

01:00:34Won't you spare my family?

01:00:36Stepping over blood and corpses, I walked forward.

01:00:38Then my voice echoed telepathically across the entire castle like the roar of a dragon.

01:00:42House Blackhill, come outside and die.

01:00:45I stood among the corpses.

01:00:46Sylvia and Magnus entered behind me with ten hunters.

01:00:49Is everyone in House Blackhorn already dead?

01:00:52Get out here!

01:00:53Inside the luxurious hall of the castle,

01:00:55Victor Blackthorn sat calmly across from Adrian Morkant of the Black Magic Counts.

01:00:59The two were in the middle of a chess match.

01:01:01Tyron, Gideon, go deal with it.

01:01:03Don't let Mr. Morak see a joke.

01:01:04Yes, father.

01:01:05Looks like some fearless fool came to seek death tonight.

01:01:08I want to go watch the show.

01:01:11After you.

01:01:12Tyron and Gideon led a group of guards into the courtyard and stopped before me.

01:01:15Where did this bastard come from?

01:01:16How dare you cause trouble at House Blackthorn?

01:01:21Open your damn eyes and look carefully, Tyron.

01:01:24Sylvia Vale?

01:01:25You brought all these people just for this pretty boy?

01:01:27Planning to rebel?

01:01:29He's under my protection.

01:01:31Anyone who touches him becomes an enemy of House Vale.

01:01:35To wipe out House Blackthorn, I alone am enough.

01:01:39Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

01:01:41Kill him!

01:01:42The guards charged more instantly.

01:01:44Then a black shadow flashed across the courtyard like a phantom.

01:01:48The shade?

01:01:49House Vale actually sent him?

01:01:52Ha ha ha ha!

01:01:53Sylvia Vale, just wait.

01:01:54After I capture this little bastard, I'll enjoy you all night long.

01:01:58You're courting death!

01:02:03Looking for death!

01:02:05Behind them, Victor and Adrian stepped out with over a dozen hunters.

01:02:08I raised my head and locked my eyes on Victor.

01:02:10Who broke my uncle's legs.

01:02:12Tyron stepped up.

01:02:14You mean the dog chained outside?

01:02:15I snapped it with my boot.

01:02:17What are you going to-

01:02:20Stroke of blue-green sword light crossed Tyron at the waist.

01:02:23Ah!

01:02:24My legs!

01:02:25My legs are gone!

01:02:26Brother!

01:02:27Fenwick, kill him!

01:02:30Die!

01:02:31I swung from where I stood.

01:02:39This-

01:02:40This can't be-

01:02:41Fenwick is an A rank hunter.

01:02:43Excellent.

01:02:43Such a magnificent body.

01:02:45Mr. Blackthorn, take him alive.

01:02:46I want to bring him back to the Black Magic Council for dissect.

01:02:48Mr. Morkant, he hurt my son and killed our A rank hunter.

01:02:52If we don't grind him into dust, House Blackhorn becomes a laughing stock.

01:02:56Are you really willing to risk your dealings with the Black Magic Council over this?

01:03:01Victor snapped.

01:03:02Teeth clenched.

01:03:04All units, kill him!

01:03:06Dozens of hunters moved to form a killing encirclement.

01:03:10I'll ask one more time.

01:03:12Who broke my uncle's legs?

01:03:14A white-haired elder stepped forward and laughed.

01:03:18I did.

01:03:19I cut him apart piece by piece.

01:03:22I kept him kneeling like a dog for five years.

01:03:25And now you-

01:03:28Stand in my way and die.

01:03:32I passed the elder without stop.

01:03:34The smile froze.

01:03:36A thin red line appeared across his throat.

01:03:38Then his head slipped from his body.

01:03:41I caught it in one hand without looking back.

01:03:43And walked out of House Blackthorn.

01:03:45Kill him!

01:03:46Don't let him escape!

01:03:47Rage echoed from inside the castle.

01:03:49Outside the gates, I dropped to my knees in the snow.

01:03:52Before me, my uncle.

01:03:53Broken, barely alive.

01:03:55I placed the head at his feet.

01:03:56It rolled gently across the ice.

01:03:58Uncle.

01:03:58My voice shook.

01:03:59The bastard who hurt you back then.

01:04:02I've killed him.

01:04:03His entire body trembled as he stared at it.

01:04:05You-

01:04:05You really did it.

01:04:07Good child.

01:04:09You avenged them.

01:04:10You avenged our family.

01:04:12No.

01:04:13My voice turned cold again.

01:04:16This isn't over.

01:04:17And I'm going to erase House Blackhill completely.

01:04:20I stepped back to the gates.

01:04:21The courtyard had already turned into a slaughterhouse.

01:04:24Screams filled the courtyard.

01:04:25Tyran dragged himself through the blood, half collapsed.

01:04:27Brother!

01:04:28Save me!

01:04:29Get a healer!

01:04:31I appeared for a tyrant.

01:04:32He froze.

01:04:34You-

01:04:35I pointed my sword forward.

01:04:37A surge of sword energy instantly pierced through Tyran's room, leaving a char, blood-blackened

01:04:42whole.

01:04:45Brother-

01:04:45Gideon roared in grief and rage.

01:04:47Brother!

01:04:47You monster!

01:04:48I'll kill you!

01:04:53I pulled the sword free.

01:04:54Blood rained down.

01:04:56Gideon collapsed upright for a brief moment and then fell heavily to the ground.

01:05:00Victor stood among the corpses.

01:05:01His aura went unstable.

01:05:03Rage spiraling out of control.

01:05:05You killed my sons!

01:05:07You killed everything!

01:05:09I'll tear your entire bloodline apart!

01:05:11I wiped the blood from my face slowly.

01:05:13Then I smiled.

01:05:15I raised the seraphic sword.

01:05:16Don't worry.

01:05:18I'll make your whole family reunite in hell.

01:05:20My husband threw my corpse into the dragon scale.

01:05:23I drew my last breath in unbearable agony.

01:05:25I opened my eyes anew.

01:05:27Reborn at the glacier banquet.

01:05:28In that instant, I understood.

01:05:30He had been reborn too.

01:05:31Then declared to everyone.

01:05:33I, the third prince, will take only Lilina Vos.

01:05:36He sneered at me.

01:05:37How dare you dream of marrying me.

01:05:39And I declared to the entire court.

01:05:40I will not marry Lucian.

01:05:42I choose him.

01:05:43Archduke of the Eternal Frost.

01:05:44My husband threw my corpse into the dragon scale ice lake.

01:05:4810,000 years of ice.

01:05:50Ice speared through me.

01:05:51Soul frozen solid.

01:05:53Bones trapped in eternal ice.

01:05:55This was the second time I gave him everything.

01:05:57And died with nowhere to be buried.

01:05:59Born blind in my past life, I bore the silver frost dragon soul.

01:06:03Able to understand dragon tongue and use soul sight to read the hearts of others.

01:06:07I married third prince Lucian against dragon taboos.

01:06:09I shed half my dragon blood and drained my soul sight.

01:06:12And sacrificing 10 years to crown him emperor with my own hands.

01:06:16Yet on Lucian's coronation day, my elder sister Lila was held down on the bed by the brutal elder prince.

01:06:21Abused relentlessly till she perished.

01:06:24When Lucian found out, he stood over my sister's corpse.

01:06:27Gripped my jaw.

01:06:27And forced heart burning poison down my throat.

01:06:30Lila should have been mine.

01:06:31You made her end up with my brother.

01:06:32Leading to her cruel death.

01:06:34This is all your fault.

01:06:35I drew my last breath in unbearable agony.

01:06:38I opened my eyes anew.

01:06:39Reborn at the glacier banquet where my sister and I chose our spouses.

01:06:43Lucian's eyes were crimson as blood.

01:06:44The exact same look he had worn the night he killed me.

01:06:47He strode right past me and took Lila's hand.

01:06:49As if fearing anyone would stand in his way.

01:06:51In that instant, I understood.

01:06:53He had been reborn too.

01:06:54And he remembered everything.

01:06:56Lila curled against his chest.

01:06:58Eyes red rimmed.

01:06:59Playing the fragile victim.

01:07:00But beneath it, her envy was so thick it could not be hidden.

01:07:03He sneered at me.

01:07:04How dare you dream of marrying me.

01:07:06You are not even worthy to lace Lina's shoes.

01:07:08Heavens!

01:07:09Even the third prince won't take the blind one!

01:07:12Exactly.

01:07:12Blind.

01:07:13And still scheming to climb above her status.

01:07:15Doesn't she know what she is?

01:07:17Laughter erupted around me.

01:07:18And all eyes locked on me.

01:07:20I swept my soul sight across the entire hall.

01:07:22Lucian's soul blazed scarlet with greed.

01:07:25Lila's glinted jade green with venomous envy.

01:07:27All souls in this hall were drowned in abysmal corruption.

01:07:30Just then, cold mist erupted.

01:07:32And a glacial chill swept the heavens and earth.

01:07:35A man descended from the clouds in a chariot of ice crystal.

01:07:38Wreathed in frost fog.

01:07:39An obsidian ice dragon coiling above him.

01:07:42When his cold jade wheelchair touched the ground.

01:07:44Our gazes locked.

01:07:45I turned my soul sight upon his soul.

01:07:47He bore a crystalline heart of glowing gold.

01:07:49Pure.

01:07:50Untainted.

01:07:51Sovereign beyond measure.

01:07:52That was the last true dragon bloodline left in this world.

01:07:56And I declared to the entire court.

01:07:58I will not marry Lucian.

01:07:59Lucian cast me one contemptuous glance.

01:08:01Then declared to everyone.

01:08:03I, the third prince, will take only Lilina Vos.

01:08:06Heiress of House Vos as my wife in this life.

01:08:08She is the one I truly love.

01:08:11In this life, I will have no other.

01:08:13The other nobles turned pitying eyes on me.

01:08:15No sane man would ever choose to marry her.

01:08:17Of course she's a frost blind witch.

01:08:19Trash like her belongs locked in a tower.

01:08:21Not standing at the glacier betrothal ball.

01:08:23I was the second daughter of House Vos.

01:08:25Of the gilded empire of the south.

01:08:27From childhood I had been locked in a cold attic.

01:08:30Abused and tormented.

01:08:31But my elder sister, she was the jewel of the realm.

01:08:34A beauty beyond mortal description.

01:08:36So our family adored her.

01:08:37Granting her every wish.

01:08:39And me, they see me as a mistake.

01:08:40That never ought to exist.

01:08:42Lucian half knelt before her.

01:08:44Uttering his solemn oath.

01:08:45Lilina, accept my mark.

01:08:47I swear I will make you the most exalted woman in this world.

01:08:50He believed that even without me, he could still take the throne in this life.

01:08:54But he did not know.

01:08:55Until the day I died last life, I had been hiding one secret from him.

01:08:58Yes, I couldn't open my eyes.

01:09:00But that had never stopped me from seeing.

01:09:02With these blind eyes, I could pierce the human soul.

01:09:05Envy turned a soul emerald green.

01:09:08Hatred dyed the soul obsidian black.

01:09:10In my last life, I had used this gift to steer him clear of every blade and every poisoned cup.

01:09:15I told him whom to trust, whom to slay.

01:09:17That was how he climbed onto the throne.

01:09:18This time, since he insists on marrying my sister, I shall let him have exactly what he wants and see

01:09:24what price he pays for it.

01:09:25I hope he will not regret it.

01:09:27I'm only a blind girl.

01:09:28Truly, I'm not fit to marry you.

01:09:30You blind fool.

01:09:31At least you know your place.

01:09:32A useless frost blind witch.

01:09:34Even if you were the last woman in the world, I would not pick you.

01:09:36Now crawl to me on your knees.

01:09:37Hearing his sneers, Mother clutched her kerchief, nearly revealing my secret.

01:09:41Elara is blind, yet whoever weds her can claim the throne.

01:09:45Thankfully, her voice was small.

01:09:47No one heard.

01:09:47I squeezed her hand, and she went silent.

01:09:49Beneath my ice silk blindfold, I swept my gaze across the princes at the feast.

01:09:53The second prince, sinister and ruthless.

01:09:55His soul was ash gray.

01:09:57The fourth prince, a lecher with a manor full of concubines.

01:10:00His soul was a lurid red.

01:10:01In my last life, I had chosen Lucian because his soul looked purer than any other man's.

01:10:05I never imagined.

01:10:06He was simply better at hiding it.

01:10:08Not until the day he killed me did I finally see the true color of Lucian's soul.

01:10:11Dark violet fading to black.

01:10:13Hatred rooted deep in his soul.

01:10:14I swore I would never repeat the mistakes of my past life in this life.

01:10:18Lila arched her brow at me.

01:10:19Little sister, look around.

01:10:21Pick whoever you like.

01:10:22Anyone you fancy.

01:10:24I'll let you have him.

01:10:25The smug color blooming in her heart was ugly, glaring.

01:10:28Lucian saw that I ignored her and flared up on her behalf.

01:10:30Elara, when no one wants you, I'll take you in, alright?

01:10:33And make this blind girl nothing but a foot washer!

01:10:35I was about to say that not one of the princes in this hall had caught my eye.

01:10:38And then I heard it.

01:10:39The slow turning of wheels drawing closer.

01:10:41The man in the wheelchair.

01:10:42Silver hair.

01:10:43Ice blue eyes.

01:10:44A face pale and cold as carved jade.

01:10:47I saw his dragon soul was gold.

01:10:49Pure, blazing, blinding gold.

01:10:51The mark of the highest dragon line.

01:10:53In my last life, Caelan Blackthorn, Archduke of the Eternal Frost in the North, never appeared at the Glacier Betrothal

01:10:59Ball.

01:10:59Later, while I was helping Lucian seize the throne, Caelan had retreated to his Frostlands domain in the North.

01:11:05The realm fell into chaos.

01:11:07He led his dragon legions in defense of his city, shielded its people from the fires of war, and fought

01:11:12until his very last breath.

01:11:13And I, I chose the wrong man, ending up with my soul sealed in frostlight, forever barred from reincarnation.

01:11:20But this time...

01:11:22I choose him.

01:11:24Archduke of the Eternal Frost, they say he's cursed.

01:11:27His legs ruined for over a decade.

01:11:28He probably can't even stand.

01:11:30He must be picking up the unwanted blind one as a decoration, just to save face.

01:11:35Alara, what a pick.

01:11:36Sightless yourself, you picked a crippled man.

01:11:38A blind woman with a crippled man, what a laughable perfect mismatch.

01:11:42Alara, you don't know he's confined to a wheelchair.

01:11:44I'll let you choose anew.

01:11:45If you fail to find a proper husband, you may be my maid when I marry and I'll keep you

01:11:48fed.

01:11:49I, Alara Voss, will never be anyone's servant.

01:11:52If not a servant, what else do you imagine?

01:11:54Someone will actually marry you?

01:11:56Alara, look at yourself clearly.

01:11:58How could you ever compare with your sister Lila?

01:12:01Through it all, Kalen had said nothing.

01:12:03He simply moved his ice crystal wheelchair forward, until he was directly facing me.

01:12:07Then he took my hand, and laid it gently on his knee.

01:12:10Through the fabric, I feel his vivid warmth and beating heart.

01:12:13Then his cool fingertip touched the edge of my ice silk blindfold.

01:12:17A frost blue light shimmered in resonance with my own.

01:12:19My blood began to boil.

01:12:21I could almost hear him whispering to me in the dragon tongue.

01:12:24My dragon speaker, I've finally waited for you.

01:12:28Lucian cast me one contemptuous glance, then declared to everyone.

01:12:32I, the third prince, will take only Lilina Voss, heiress of House Voss, as my wife in this life.

01:12:37She is the one I truly love.

01:12:39In this life, I will have no other.

01:12:42The other nobles turned pitying eyes on me.

01:12:44No sane man would ever choose to marry her.

01:12:46Of course, she's a frost blind witch.

01:12:47Trash like her belongs locked in a tower, not standing at the glacier betrothal ball.

01:12:52I was the second daughter of House Voss, of the Gilded Empire of the South.

01:12:56From childhood, I had been locked in a cold attic, abused and tormented.

01:13:00But my elder sister, she was the jewel of the realm, a beauty beyond mortal description.

01:13:04So our family adored her, granting her every wish.

01:13:07And me, they see me as a mistake that never ought to exist.

01:13:11Lucian half knelt before her, uttering his solemn oath.

01:13:13Lilina, accept my mark.

01:13:16I swear I will make you the most exalted woman in this world.

01:13:19He believed that even without me, he could still take the throne in this life.

01:13:22But he did not know.

01:13:23Until the day I died last life, I had been hiding one secret from him.

01:13:27Yes, I couldn't open my eyes.

01:13:29But that had never stopped me from seeing.

01:13:31With these blind eyes, I could pierce the human soul.

01:13:34Envy turned a soul emerald green.

01:13:36Hatred dyed the soul obsidian black.

01:13:38In my last life, I had used this gift to steer him clear of every blade and every poisoned cup.

01:13:43I told him whom to trust, whom to slay.

01:13:45That was how he climbed onto the throne.

01:13:47This time, since he insists on marrying my sister, I shall let him have exactly what he wants.

01:13:52And see what price he pays for it.

01:13:54I hope he will not regret it.

01:13:55I'm only a blind girl.

01:13:57Truly, I'm not fit to marry you.

01:13:58You blind fool.

01:13:59At least you know your place.

01:14:01A useless frost blind witch.

01:14:02Even if you were the last woman in the world, I would not pick you.

01:14:05Now crawl to me on your knees.

01:14:06Hearing his sneers, Mother clutched her kerchief, nearly revealing my secret.

01:14:10Elara is blind.

01:14:12Yet whoever weds her can claim the throne.

01:14:14Thankfully, her voice was small.

01:14:15No one heard.

01:14:16I squeezed her hand, and she went silent.

01:14:18Beneath my ice silk blindfold, I swept my gaze across the princes at the feast.

01:14:22The second prince, sinister and ruthless.

01:14:24His soul was ash gray.

01:14:26The fourth prince, a lecher with a manor full of concubines.

01:14:28His soul was a lurid red.

01:14:30In my last life, I had chosen Lucian because his soul looked purer than any other man's.

01:14:34I never imagined.

01:14:35He was simply better at hiding it.

01:14:36Not until the day he killed me did I finally see the true color of Lucian's soul.

01:14:40Dark violet fading to black.

01:14:41Hatred rooted deep in his soul.

01:14:43I swore I would never repeat the mistakes of my past life in this life.

01:14:46Lila arched her brow at me.

01:14:48Little sister, look around.

01:14:50Pick whoever you like.

01:14:51Anyone you fancy.

01:14:52I'll let you have him.

01:14:53The smug color blooming in her heart was ugly.

01:14:56Glaring.

01:14:56Lucian saw that I ignored her and flared up on her behalf.

01:14:59Alara, when no one wants you, I'll take you in, alright?

01:15:02And make this blind girl nothing but a foot washer!

01:15:04I was about to say that not one of the princes in this hall had caught my eye.

01:15:07And then I heard it.

01:15:08The slow turning of wheels drawing closer.

01:15:10The man in the wheelchair.

01:15:11Silver hair.

01:15:12Ice blue eyes.

01:15:13A face pale and cold as carved jade.

01:15:15I saw his dragon soul was gold.

01:15:17Pure, blazing, blinding gold.

01:15:20The mark of the highest dragon line.

01:15:21In my last life, Caelan Blackthorn, Archduke of the Eternal Frost in the North,

01:15:26never appeared at the Glacier Betrothal Ball.

01:15:28Later, while I was helping Lucian seize the throne,

01:15:31Caelan had retreated to his Frostlands domain in the North.

01:15:34The realm fell into chaos.

01:15:35He led his dragon legions in defense of his city.

01:15:38Shielded its people from the fires of war.

01:15:40And fought until his very last breath.

01:15:42And I...

01:15:43I chose the wrong man.

01:15:45Ending up with my soul sealed in frostlight.

01:15:47Forever barred from reincarnation.

01:15:49But this time...

01:15:51I choose him.

01:15:53Archduke of the Eternal Frost.

01:15:54They say he's cursed.

01:15:55His legs ruined for over a decade.

01:15:57He probably can't even stand.

01:15:58He must be picking up the unwanted blind one as a decoration.

01:16:02Just to save face.

01:16:04Alara, what a pick.

01:16:05Sightless yourself, you picked a crippled man.

01:16:07A blind woman with a crippled man.

01:16:09What a laughable perfect mismatch.

01:16:10Alara, you don't know he's confined to a wheelchair.

01:16:12I'll let you choose anew.

01:16:14If you fail to find a proper husband,

01:16:15you may be my maid when I marry and I'll keep you fed.

01:16:17I, Alara Voss, will never be anyone's servant.

01:16:21If not a servant, what else do you imagine?

01:16:23Someone will actually marry you?

01:16:25Alara, look at yourself clearly.

01:16:27How could you ever compare with your sister Lila?

01:16:29Through it all, Kalen had said nothing.

01:16:32He simply moved his ice crystal wheelchair forward until he was directly facing me.

01:16:36Then he took my hand and laid it gently on his knee.

01:16:39Through the fabric, I feel his vivid warmth and beating heart.

01:16:42Then his cool fingertip touched the edge of my ice silk blindfold.

01:16:45A frost blue light shimmered in resonance with my own.

01:16:48My blood began to boil.

01:16:50I could almost hear him whispering to me in the dragon tongue.

01:16:53My dragon speaker, I've finally waited for you.

01:16:56The door to Silas' bedroom was ajar.

01:16:58Through the crack, cast two intertwined figures on the wall.

01:17:01It was Vivian.

01:17:02She saved your life.

01:17:04Silas scoffed.

01:17:05Her only value in life is to be our stepping stone.

01:17:07But accidentally kicked a shard of gravel in the corner.

01:17:10The next second, the door was flung open and Silas stood shirtless in the doorway.

01:17:15Looks like our little sacrifice heard something he shouldn't have.

01:17:17I didn't resist, only looking at Silas indifferently.

01:17:20Silas, I pulled you back from the brink of death.

01:17:23I gave you everything.

01:17:24You can't do this to me.

01:17:25He sneered.

01:17:26How dare a lowly trash like you stand beside me.

01:17:30Slammed me violently onto the cold sacrificial stone.

01:17:33In the dead of night, the iron swamp wolf den was chilled by the stench of blood seeping from the

01:17:37cracks in the rocks.

01:17:38I carried a jar of freshly brewed medicine, my steps as light as a cat's.

01:17:42Three days ago, Silas had cut his shoulder with silver while clearing out roaming wolves, and I was bringing him

01:17:48medicine as usual.

01:17:50The door to Silas's bedroom was ajar.

01:17:52Through the crack, the flickering firelight cast two intertwined figures on the wall.

01:17:56Silas was shirtless, and in the throes of lust, black claws sprouted from his fingertips, and gray wolf fur appeared

01:18:02on his cheekbones.

01:18:03It was Vivian.

01:18:05She raised her head and let out a low laugh.

01:18:07She scratched the old wound on Silas's back with her fingertips and dug her nails into the flesh.

01:18:13Be gentle, Silas.

01:18:15Control your wolf nature and don't leave a permanent mark.

01:18:20Otherwise, tomorrow's ceremony will be ruined.

01:18:22I raised an eyebrow, showing no surprise, only a slight disappointment.

01:18:26Yet another candidate had fallen before ambition and vanity.

01:18:29I am the moon goddess, descended to earth in the form of a classless omega, seeking an heir worthy of

01:18:36the ancient bloodline.

01:18:37To ensure absolute fairness in the trial, I completely sealed away all divine power, even stripping werewolves of their most

01:18:43basic self-healing abilities and senses.

01:18:46Silas was a candidate I had observed for half a year.

01:18:48I had saved his life and tacitly allowed him to publicly declare me his partner, merely to see his true

01:18:53nature up close.

01:18:54The sounds from under the door continued.

01:18:56I turned to leave, but accidentally kicked a shard of gravel in the corner.

01:19:03The next second, the door was flung open, and Silas stood shirtless in the doorway.

01:19:08Vivian stepped out, toying with a silver knife in his hand.

01:19:13Looks like our little sacrifice heard something he shouldn't have.

01:19:16I straightened up and calmly looked at them.

01:19:18I gave you a chance, Silas.

01:19:20Silas's face instantly contorted into a ferocious grin.

01:19:23He grabbed my neck, the force so strong it felt like he wanted to crush my bones.

01:19:28Cut the fucking act!

01:19:30You heard it all, so we ain't waiting till tomorrow!

01:19:35Perfect timing.

01:19:37The full moon has already risen.

01:19:41Hold the ceremony early, lest something unforeseen happens.

01:19:45I didn't resist, only looking at Silas indifferently.

01:19:48You'll regret this.

01:19:50Silas sneered.

01:19:51Regret?

01:19:51Dragging me towards the sacrificial site on the mountaintop.

01:19:54My biggest regret is that I didn't just kill you back then!

01:19:58He dragged me through the silent corridor, the guards along the way knowingly lowering their heads when they saw Vivian.

01:20:03The full moon hung like a plate above the territory of the iron swamp wolves.

01:20:07Silas slammed me violently onto the cold sacrificial stone.

01:20:10This sacrificial altar was a mortal plaything I had carved myself a thousand years ago.

01:20:15I never imagined they would place me on their own altar for execution.

01:20:18When I struggled to sit up, my broken body aching.

01:20:21Silas looked down at me, his eyes filled with disgust.

01:20:26Simus, I pulled you back from the brink of death!

01:20:29I gave you everything!

01:20:30You can't do this to me!

01:20:32I tested his conscience one last time.

01:20:34He sneered.

01:20:36How dare a lowly trash like you stand beside me?

01:20:40Don't embarrass yourself!

01:20:41But they didn't know any wolf that blasphemes against the gods will be forever stripped of its wolf soul, reduced

01:20:47to a mindless, soulless being.

01:20:49I pitied them and wanted to leave the wolf pack a final shred of forgiveness.

01:20:53I am the moon goddess!

01:20:54Those who harm me will suffer the consequences!

01:20:57Before the words were even finished, Vivian's knife had already slashed across my face, leaving a bloody gash.

01:21:05Dare to pretend to be the moon goddess?

01:21:08Strip her naked!

01:21:09Let everyone see her despicable nature!

01:21:15Silas urged with disgust.

01:21:17She's nothing but a sacrifice, Viv.

01:21:20Not worth a second glance.

01:21:22Get it over with.

01:21:23Instinct roared within me, urging me to run.

01:21:25I took off running.

01:21:27The sealed divine power within me struggling weakly, unable to even muster a shred of transformation.

01:21:33Vivian flicked her wrist, and four silver blades appeared out of thin air, slicing into my calves.

01:21:37I fell heavily to the ground.

01:21:41Vivian, why?

01:21:42Why did you do this?

01:21:43Every fifty years, the moon god will grant a qualified wolf the ability to awaken ancient bloodlines.

01:21:49The summoning ritual requires the sacrifice of a sinful wolf to purify the sins of the clan.

01:21:55I've always been kind!

01:21:56Never done or done evil!

01:21:58How can you treat me like this?!

01:22:00Isn't that simple?

01:22:02I've already mastered the sin transfer spell.

01:22:05All I need to do is I transfer all committal onto you, isn't it, no?

01:22:09I was filled with sorrow.

01:22:10If this fabricated ritual were completed, the punishment wouldn't just fall on them, but would devour the entire path.

01:22:17The Iron Swamp wolves had prided themselves for generations on upholding honor and protecting the innocent.

01:22:22I couldn't bear to see it perish because of the sins of two wolves.

01:22:25Please!

01:22:26Stop!

01:22:27Just say what you want!

01:22:29Don't do this!

01:22:30This time, the awakening will be foolproof.

01:22:34He bound my wrists with silver cords, the silver searing my skin.

01:22:38He seized my hair and wrenched it harshly backward, forcing Vivian to perform the sin transference ritual.

01:22:43It felt as if every nerve across my body burned all at once.

01:22:47Countless sinful memories that never belonged to me surged into my mind.

01:22:51Massacres, betrayals, poisonings.

01:22:53Each one enough to make even the fiercest roaming wolves tremble with fear.

01:22:56I screamed in torment.

01:22:58He sneered.

01:22:59Be obedient.

01:23:00Once we attain awakening, we shall remember all you have done for us.

01:23:06My Lunar Goddess powers have yet to revive, leaving me with nothing but feeble words.

01:23:11I am the Moon Goddess!

01:23:14Lay a hand on me, and you shall lose everything in the end!

01:23:18Fingers were ruthlessly severed right on the sacrificial stone platform.

01:23:21I wailed in sheer agony.

01:23:23In an instant, a clap of thunder split the sky.

01:23:28They didn't know this thunder was a warning of divine punishment.

01:23:32Just then, an elderly wolf approached.

01:23:35He was Elder Marcus, who had spent years providing medical care in border villages, and thus recognized me.

01:23:40I forced my mutilated hand to wave.

01:23:43Marcus!

01:23:43Vivian's eyes were icy.

01:23:45With a flick of her wrist, my tongue was severed.

01:23:47The stench of blood reached Marcus, who stopped.

01:23:50What are you doing here?

01:23:52Silas abruptly stepped in front of me, shielding my face.

01:23:55Marcus!

01:23:56We've captured a notorious roaming wolf and are performing a blood sacrifice.

01:24:00I've never heard of this.

01:24:01Are you sure she's guilty?

01:24:04Vivian handed him the documents.

01:24:06My father signed them.

01:24:08Aren't you supposed to be on your medical mission?

01:24:09Don't waste time.

01:24:11Marcus hesitated, his gaze lingering on me for a moment.

01:24:14I feel like she looks familiar.

01:24:16Silas brushed it off, making excuses that she was just a roaming wolf.

01:24:19My face was pressed to the ground, all filthy and disheveled.

01:24:23Marcus did not linger, and continued onward.

01:24:25Watching Marcus's figure recede into the distance, the last vestige of strength in my body dissipated, and I fainted.

01:24:31A bucket of cold water jolted me awake.

01:24:34Vivian leaned down and smirked.

01:24:35It's not your time to die yet.

01:24:38Take her to the high priest's altar.

01:24:40Silas said coldly.

01:24:42You know why?

01:24:43You're too kind.

01:24:44Always looking after me so well.

01:24:46But every bit of it just keeps reminding me how badly hurt I was!

01:24:50How close I came to dying right in front of you!

01:24:52How weak and helpless I used to be!

01:24:54But I am a beta of the werewolf clan!

01:24:57I deserve nothing but admiration!

01:25:01How could I ever have been saved by someone like you?

01:25:05A rankless Omega.

01:25:06How is this new arc?

01:25:06How is it Dalekind апwilis?

CRIMSON MOON THE REJECTED LUNA

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