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Don't miss a single moment of this captivating short drama. We bring you the best billionaire romance, intense revenge stories, and high-quality web series tailored for you.
🔔 Make sure to FOLLOW our channel so you never miss an update!
Disclaimer: All content is properly licensed and distributed.
#full #shortdrama #fullepisode #fullmovie #engsub #reelshort #dramabox #shortmax #goodshort #moboreel #kalostv #topshort
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I cast the bloodthrall curse on Adrian, binding his body to mine.
00:03For that, he hates me for five long years.
00:06Before he dies, he refuses to even glance at our child.
00:08The first bond ends here.
00:10I open my eyes again.
00:11I found a way to break the bloodthrall.
00:13Blood.
00:14The blood of the one your heart truly beats for.
00:17Adrian's heart beats for Vivienne.
00:18Vivienne won't marry him.
00:20I will.
00:20This time, Ben scoffs, like he has just heard a cruel joke.
00:24You do that out of the goodness of your heart?
00:26What is this, another scheme?
00:27You'll have her.
00:28I cast the bloodthrall curse on Adrian, binding his body to mine.
00:32For that, he hates me for five long years.
00:34By day, he cuts me down with cruel words.
00:37Yet at night, he comes to my bed like an addict, lost in me.
00:40Later, I am pregnant.
00:42On the day of my deadly labor, he forces a witch to cast a spell.
00:45Before he dies, he refuses to even glance at our child.
00:48This cursed bond ends here.
00:50Next life, let me be with her.
00:52I'm begging you, please.
00:54Tears run down my face as I nod.
00:56Satisfied at last, he closes his eyes.
00:59The Wren family hates me and casts me out.
01:01I hate myself, too.
01:02If I had only let him be with my sister, Vivienne, none of this would have happened.
01:06The agonizing pain of the mother curse tears through my heart.
01:09I don't resist.
01:10I let it carry me after Adrian into death.
01:13I open my eyes again.
01:14Adrian pins me against the wall, crushing my throat.
01:17His eyes blood-red.
01:20The bloodthrall is acting up.
01:22His breath is heavy.
01:23His body aches to get near me, but his will resists.
01:26How dare you!
01:27Just to keep me from marrying Vivienne.
01:29You cursed me with the bloodthrust?
01:31Five years I couldn't sleep without crawling to your door.
01:34My own body betrayed everything I am.
01:36Vivienne.
01:37She's your sister.
01:38You'd watch her walk into her own grave by marrying that... that thing?
01:42The man Vivienne is meant to marry is the Duke of Ravenhollow Lord Cassian Vyre, the true
01:46power behind the bloodthrall.
01:48His three human brides all died on their wedding notes.
01:51Whispers say he drained them dry.
01:53Two centuries ago, the great war between humans and vampires ended with the Accord.
01:57It decreed vampires may not feed on humans at will.
02:00Any who do would be put to death by the bloodcourt.
02:02The human crown recognizes the bloodcourt's political authority and may not refuse its marriage
02:06decrees.
02:07Countless hunters died for this peace.
02:09The greatest sacrifice came from the oldest hunter bloodline, my family, the Ashvords.
02:13For two centuries, humans and vampire lords have ruled side by side and we recall.
02:18Over the years, the vampires have recovered their strength, while the hunter families have
02:22steadily declined under restraint.
02:24Now the Duke of Ravenhollow asks our family for a bride.
02:27It is a pure, calculated insult.
02:29But if we refuse, humanity can't bear his wrath, nor can we bear the price of breaking
02:33the treaty first.
02:34Father and mother have no power to fight, only to agree.
02:37But he named no specific daughter.
02:39Any Ashford girl may wed him.
02:40In my past life, I cast the bloodthrall on Adrian.
02:44What I had done could not be undone.
02:45That left only Vivienne to marry the Duke.
02:48Right now, I calmly pull my wrist from his grip.
02:50Vivienne won't marry him.
02:52I will.
02:53This time, I will give you what you want.
02:58Adrian freezes, then scoffs, like he has just heard a cruel joke.
03:03You?
03:04What nonsense, do you even hear yourself?
03:06The Duke is a 600-year-old vampire.
03:09He killed his three wives and countless hunters.
03:11All of Ravenhollow fears him.
03:13Every family with a daughter prays to stay out of his sight.
03:16I keep my word.
03:17Seeing how sure I am, Adrian looks away in disgust.
03:20Break this damn curse, Vivienne is none of your concern.
03:23I will break the bloodthrall and marry the Duke in Vivienne's place.
03:26Adrian laughs again, sharp with mockery.
03:28He taps my shoulder and jerks his hand back in revulsion.
03:31You'd do that out of the goodness of your heart?
03:33What is this, another scheme?
03:35Some new way to torment her?
03:37Scorn fills his face.
03:38Poison laces his voice.
03:40He is all barbs, refusing to let me near.
03:42A sharp pain hits my chest, stealing my breath.
03:45I bury the last trace of my love for him in my eyes, looking straight at him.
03:49You'll have her.
03:50Just wait.
03:51Only seven days left until the Duke's wedding.
03:53By then, the bloodthrall inside us will reach its peak.
03:56The thrall surge will shatter both our minds.
03:58I need to act fast.
04:00I need to act fast.
04:02I track down the hidden shop beneath gallows.
04:04Lena Black Rose hangs over the door.
04:06It never withers.
04:07Madame Voss sits behind the counter.
04:09She is the witch who helped me cast the spell.
04:11Her single eye gleams in the candlelight.
04:14Another Ashfield girl.
04:15She doesn't even look up.
04:17You hunters always end up at my door eventually.
04:20I tell her what I need.
04:21She pulls a dark red flower from a glass cloche,
04:23veins running through its petals like living flesh, the oblivion bloom.
04:27It can devour the power of the bloodthrall.
04:29Madame Voss twirls the stem.
04:30But I only have one.
04:31It breaks the bond for one person.
04:33The other suffers double the backlash.
04:36It doesn't matter.
04:37Tell me how to use it.
04:38Heart's blood.
04:39The blood of the one your heart truly beats for.
04:43Feed it to the flower.
04:45Watch the petals turn from black to red.
04:47Then eat it.
04:48The curse will break.
04:49My heart beats for Adrienne.
04:51Adrienne's heart beats for Vivienne.
04:52If I hurt Vivienne for her blood, Adrienne will probably kill me.
04:56My head pounds with exhaustion.
04:58Yet I don't stop to rest.
04:59Getting on my horse, I ride alone across the moors back to Raven Hollow.
05:02I return to Ashford House.
05:04Adrienne is already there.
05:05At once, I hold the oblivion bloom out before him.
05:08I found a way to break the bloodthrall.
05:10Feed this flower with your heart's blood and Vivienne's.
05:12Before I can finish, Adrienne strikes my hand away.
05:15The obsidian box hits the ground.
05:16The oblivion bloom rolls out.
05:18It falls into the thick bushes of the black rose garden.
05:23Are you quite finished?
05:25Heart's blood.
05:26Only you could conceive of something so twisted.
05:28You might as well just ask for our lives.
05:32We are the ones under the bloodthrall.
05:34Why do you need Vivienne's blood?
05:37You can't even make your lies sound convincing.
05:40I feel a sudden lurch, like stepping off a cliff.
05:42My throat goes tight and I swallow hard.
05:44My hands drop to my sides.
05:46The bloom drinks from the one your heart beats for.
05:49And yours beats for Vivienne.
05:52I give up trying to explain.
05:53I throw myself into the black rose bushes searching for the oblivion bloom.
05:57Thorns slash my arms and cheek.
05:59The sting comes again and again.
06:00Seeing me bleed, Adrienne jumps in after me.
06:03He hauls me to my feet and locks his arms around my waist.
06:06What are you doing?
06:07You've lost your mind.
06:08Every time he touches me, I mistake it for love.
06:11Then Vivienne appears.
06:12And every mistake shatters.
06:13I wrench free of his arms.
06:15As I fall to the ground, my palm lands upon the missing flower.
06:18A soft whimper escapes my throat.
06:20Is it joy or pain?
06:21I can't tell.
06:22Adrienne thinks I am insane.
06:24He turns and leaves without a backward glance.
06:26So I have to go to Vivienne first.
06:30The bloodthrall is acting up.
06:32His breath is heavy.
06:33His body aches to get near me, but his will resists.
06:36How dare you!
06:37Just to keep me from marrying Vivienne.
06:39You cursed me with the bloodthrust?
06:41Five years I couldn't sleep without crawling to your door.
06:44My own body betrayed everything I am.
06:46Vivienne.
06:47She's your sister.
06:48You'd watch her walk into her own grave by marrying that... that thing?
06:52The man Vivienne is meant to marry is the Duke of Ravenhollow Lord Cassian Vyre, the true
06:56power behind the blood pool.
06:57His three human brides all died on their wedding notes.
07:01Whispers say he drained them dry.
07:03Two centuries ago, the great war between humans and vampires ended with the Accord.
07:07It decreed, vampires may not feed on humans at will.
07:10Any who do would be put to death by the Blood Court.
07:12The human crown recognizes the Blood Court's political authority and may not refuse its marriage
07:16decrees.
07:17Countless hunters died for this peace.
07:19The greatest sacrifice came from the oldest hunter bloodline, my family, the Ashvords.
07:23For two centuries, humans and vampire lords have ruled side by side under the Accord.
07:28Over the years, the vampires have recovered their strength.
07:31While the hunter families have steadily declined under restraint, now the Duke of Ravenhollow
07:35asks our family for a bride.
07:36It is a pure, calculated insult.
07:39But if we refuse, humanity can't bear his wrath.
07:41Nor can we bear the price of breaking the treaty first.
07:44Father and mother have no power to fight, only to agree.
07:47But he named no specific daughter.
07:49Any Ashford girl may wed him.
07:50In my past life, I cast the blood thrall on Adrienne.
07:53What I had done could not be undone.
07:55That left only Vivienne to marry the Duke.
07:58Right now, I calmly pull my wrist from his grip.
08:00Stop. Vivienne won't marry him.
08:02I will.
08:03This time, I will give you what you want.
08:08Adrienne freezes, then scoffs, like he has just heard a cruel joke.
08:13You? What nonsense. Do you even hear yourself?
08:16The Duke is a 600-year-old vampire.
08:19He killed his three wives and countless hunters.
08:21All of Ravenhollow fears him.
08:23Every family with a daughter prays to stay out of his sight.
08:26I keep my word.
08:27Seeing how sure I am, Adrienne looks away in disgust.
08:30Break this damn curse. Vivienne is none of your concern.
08:33I will break the blood thrall and marry the Duke in Vivienne's place.
08:36Adrienne laughs again, sharp with mockery.
08:38He taps my shoulder and jerks his hand back in revulsion.
08:41You'd do that out of the goodness of your heart?
08:43What is this, another scheme?
08:45Some new way to torment her?
08:46Scorn fills his face.
08:48Poison laces his voice.
08:49He is all barbs, refusing to let me near.
08:52A sharp pain hits my chest, stealing my breath.
08:55I bury the last trace of my love for him in my eyes, looking straight at him.
08:58You'll have her.
09:00Just wait.
09:01Only seven days left until the Duke's wedding.
09:03By then, the blood thrall inside us will reach its peak.
09:06The thrall surge will shatter both our minds.
09:08I need to act fast.
09:12I track down the hidden shop beneath gallows.
09:14Lena Black Rose hangs over the door.
09:16It never withers.
09:17Madame Vos sits behind the counter.
09:19She is the witch who helped me cast the spell.
09:21Her single eye gleams in the candlelight.
09:23Another Ashfield girl.
09:25She doesn't even look up.
09:26You hunters always end up at my door eventually.
09:29I tell her what I need.
09:31She pulls a dark red flower from a glass cloche,
09:33veins running through its petals like living flesh, the oblivion bloom.
09:37It can devour the power of the blood thrall.
09:38Madame Vos twirls the stem.
09:40But I only have one.
09:41It breaks the bond for one person.
09:43The other suffers double the backlash.
09:46It doesn't matter.
09:47Tell me how to use it.
09:48Heart's blood.
09:49The blood of the one your heart truly beats for.
09:53Feed it to the flower.
09:55Watch the petals turn from black to red.
09:57Then eat it.
09:58The curse will break.
09:59My heart beats for Adrienne.
10:01Adrienne's heart beats for Vivienne.
10:02If I hurt Vivienne for her blood, Adrienne will probably kill me.
10:06My head pounds with exhaustion.
10:07Yet I don't stop to rest.
10:09Getting on my horse, I ride alone across the moors back to Raven Hollow.
10:12I return to Ashford House.
10:14Adrienne is already there.
10:15At once, I hold the oblivion bloom out before him.
10:18I found a way to break the blood thrall.
10:20Feed this flower with your heart's blood and Vivienne's.
10:22Before I can finish, Adrienne strikes my hand away.
10:25The obsidian box hits the ground.
10:26The oblivion bloom rolls out.
10:28It falls into the thick bushes of the black rose garden.
10:33Are you quite finished?
10:35Heart's blood.
10:36Only you could conceive of something so twisted.
10:38You might as well just ask for our lives.
10:42We are the ones under the blood thrall.
10:44Why do you need Vivienne's blood?
10:47You can't even make your lies sound convincing.
10:49I feel a sudden lurch, like stepping off a cliff.
10:52My throat goes tight and I swallow hard.
10:54My hands drop to my sides.
10:56The bloom drinks from the one your heart beats for.
10:59And yours beats for Vivienne.
11:02I give up trying to explain.
11:03I throw myself into the black rose bushes searching for the oblivion bloom.
11:07Thorns slash my arms and cheek.
11:08The sting comes again and again.
11:10Seeing me bleed, Adrienne jumps in after me.
11:13He hauls me to my feet and locks his arms around my waist.
11:16What are you doing?
11:16You've lost your mind.
11:18Every time he touches me, I mistake it for love.
11:21Then Vivienne appears.
11:22And every mistake shatters.
11:23I wrench free of his arms.
11:25As I fall to the ground, my palm lands upon the missing flower.
11:28A soft whimper escapes my throat.
11:30Is it joy or pain?
11:31I can't tell.
11:32Adrienne thinks I am insane.
11:34He turns and leaves without a backward glance.
11:36So I have to go to Vivienne first.
11:40The night I left my marriage with nothing, I wandered the streets of New York alone.
11:44A small ad on the side of the road caught my eye.
11:46Room and board included.
11:47That's what got me.
11:48I walked straight into the mansion of Nathan Sterling, the richest man in New York.
11:52We're locked in a silent battle.
11:53No!
11:54Make her leave!
11:55I don't want her!
11:56They're all bad women!
11:57Relax.
11:57I'm not here to feed you.
11:58I'm feeding Spider-Man.
11:59Eat more.
12:00You need to be full to save the world.
12:01There's a baby Spider-Man here too?
12:03Can you share some of your food with him?
12:05Well, since Spider-Man said so, I guess you can have a little.
12:09As I said this, Luca came over and grabbed my right hand.
12:11Three days after my divorce, I was married again.
12:14The night I left my marriage with nothing, I wandered the streets of New York alone.
12:17A small ad on the side of the road caught my eye.
12:23Room and board included.
12:24That's what got me.
12:25That same night, I dragged my suitcase to the address on the ad.
12:28I walked straight into the mansion of Nathan Sterling, the richest man in New York.
12:34Mr. Sterling is looking for a mother for his child.
12:37Not a wife for himself.
12:38I need you to be very clear on that.
12:40Mr. Sterling is an exceptional man.
12:42Don't get any ideas.
12:44I kept my head slightly down, eyes forward.
12:46Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
12:48To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
12:51I had only gotten divorced that morning.
12:53Remarriage?
12:53Couldn't be further from my mind.
12:55I nodded respectfully.
12:56I understand I won't get any ideas.
12:59You have my word.
12:59But taking care of a kid and having a roof was a lifeline for me.
13:03George gave a curt nod and led me to the dining room.
13:05At a massive long table, a young father and his son were locked in a silent battle.
13:10He man sat there holding a bowl and a spoon, his expression dark.
13:14Just one bite.
13:15Luca.
13:16One tiny bite.
13:18Can you do that for me?
13:22Sir, another applicant is here.
13:23This one seems honest.
13:25That face?
13:26I'd seen it on the cover of Forbes before.
13:28Unfairly handsome.
13:29The kind of face you don't forget.
13:31What's your name?
13:32Claire Bennett.
13:34Give it a try.
13:39So this was the job interview.
13:40I had to nail this.
13:42If I could stay, at least I wouldn't be sleeping on the street tonight.
13:45I put on what I hoped was a warm, motherly smile and walked toward the boy.
13:55No!
13:56Make her leave!
13:57I don't want her!
13:58They're all bad women!
14:00So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
14:04Relax.
14:05I'm not here to feed you.
14:06I'm feeding Spider-Man.
14:07You're fine.
14:07Eat more.
14:08You need to be full to save the world.
14:10Kids who don't eat are too weak.
14:11Can't even protect themselves.
14:13Let alone own all of humanity.
14:15Oh, you want the potatoes?
14:16The boy lay there looking dejected.
14:18Potatoes give you strength.
14:19But I pretended not to see.
14:21Not until his nose turned red and his eyes got watery did I act like I just spotted him.
14:25There's a baby Spider-Man here too?
14:27Peter Parker, can you share some of your food with him?
14:30He needs to eat so he can grow up big and strong like you.
14:34Sure.
14:36Well, since Spider-Man said so, I guess you can have a little, but don't eat too much, okay?
14:42If you get stronger than him, he'll be sad.
14:55That night I stayed in the villa.
14:57Luca and I were on the second floor.
14:59Nathan Sterling had the third floor to himself.
15:03You are never to go up to the third floor.
15:05A woman once snuck up to climb into Mr. Sterling's bed in the middle of the night and was thrown
15:09out the window.
15:12I won't, I promise.
15:14Luca was only four, but he could already sleep in his own room. That made my work a lot easier.
15:23Claire, let's talk.
15:25Sure, Mr. Sterling.
15:27You're good with kids? Have you had any of your own?
15:30No, but I helped look after my ex-husband's sister's kids for two years.
15:35Back then, my ex's family thought I didn't make enough money, so they made me quit my job.
15:39After I quit, they said I was lazy and had nothing to do.
15:41So they fired the sister's nanny and made me take over.
15:45You're divorced, why?
15:47We came from different worlds.
15:52You know, I need to find a mother for Luca.
15:54He has no sense of security. He won't leave the house, won't go to preschool.
15:58I'm busy with work, so I need someone patient to be his mother.
16:01I'll have you sign a prenup. Everything stays separate.
16:05I understand.
16:08Rich people are all like this.
16:09My first marriage was for love.
16:11But because the gap between our families was too big, I signed a prenup too.
16:15So when the love ran out and we divorced, I had nothing left.
16:17Not even my wedding ring.
16:18Let alone someone like Nathan, a man at the very top.
16:21Of course he'd be careful about marriage.
16:23Honestly, I'd be happy just having a place to stay.
16:25We don't have to make it official.
16:26The marriage is for Luca.
16:28I want him to have a long-term mother.
16:29And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
16:32Then we'll do it your way.
16:33Don't worry.
16:34I'll give you $50,000 a month for personal spending.
16:38Mr. Sterling, can I ask, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
16:43Of course.
16:44That money is yours.
16:46Okay, then.
16:47I don't have any needs in our sex life right now, so you'll stay on the second floor.
16:51Okay.
16:51I don't either.
16:52Just like that, three days after my divorce, I was married again.
16:55Same as the first time, no wedding.
16:59Take this.
17:02No need.
17:03For Luca.
17:05Oh, okay.
17:06Thank you for your ring.
17:14What's wrong?
17:15Claire, can you read me a bedtime story?
17:18I'll get my dad to pay you more, but if you don't want to, that's fine.
17:22Come here.
17:26That night, Luca fell asleep in my bed after his book.
17:29The next morning, when Nathan heard, he was genuinely surprised.
17:32Claire, thank you.
17:34I'll add 10,000 a month.
17:36Mr. Sterling, that's way too much.
17:38It really was.
17:40In my last marriage, I did so much more than this.
17:42During the day, I watched my ex's sister's kids.
17:45At night, I cooked for my ex, satisfying his needs in bed, then got up in the middle of the
17:49night to clean the house.
17:54It's not like we can't afford a maid.
17:55But Claire just sitting all day doing nothing, that doesn't seem right.
17:59Even after all that, when we divorced, they said I'd been living the good life for three
18:03years, and they sent me out with nothing.
18:08Mr. Sterling, that's too much.
18:10This is just what I should be doing.
18:11As I said this, Luca came over and grabbed my right hand.
18:14The women came before you only cared about pleasing me, ignoring Luca's feelings.
18:18The extra $10,000 is settled.
18:20Thank you, Mr. Sterling.
18:22From that day on, Luca was glued to me.
18:25Nathan was busy, so most of the time, it was just the two of us at home.
18:28I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
18:31When he got scared, I held him tightly and comforted him gently.
18:34But he still didn't want to leave the villa until the day I needed to go to the hospital
18:37for a follow-up.
18:39Wait for me at home?
18:40I'll be back soon.
18:42He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
18:44He didn't say anything.
18:45Just looked up at me with those big, sad eyes.
18:50He's afraid you'll leave and not come back.
18:53I'm not leaving.
18:54I'll be back after my appointment and then we'll read together.
18:57You play by yourself for a little while?
19:03Luca, you want to go to the hospital with Claire?
19:09My God!
19:11He is finally willing to leave the house!
19:17The night I left my marriage with nothing, I wandered the streets of New York alone.
19:21A small ad on the side of the road caught my eye.
19:27Room and board included.
19:28That's what got me.
19:29That same night, I dragged my suitcase to the address on the ad.
19:32I walked straight into the mansion of Nathan Sterling, the richest man in New York.
19:37Mr. Sterling is looking for a mother for his child.
19:41Not a wife for himself.
19:42I need you to be very clear on that.
19:43Mr. Sterling is an exceptional man.
19:46Don't get any ideas.
19:48I kept my head slightly down, eyes forward.
19:50Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
19:52To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
19:54I had only gotten divorced that morning.
19:56Remarriage?
19:57Couldn't be further from my mind.
19:58I nodded respectfully.
20:00I understand I won't get any ideas.
20:02You have my word.
20:03But taking care of a kid and having a roof was a lifeline for me.
20:07George gave a curt nod and led me to the dining room.
20:09At a massive long table, a young father and his son were locked in a silent battle.
20:14He man sat there holding a bowl and a spoon, his expression dark.
20:17Just one bite.
20:19Luca.
20:20One tiny bite.
20:21Can you do that for me?
20:25Sir, another applicant is here.
20:27This one seems honest.
20:29That face?
20:30I'd seen it on the cover of Forbes before.
20:32Unfairly handsome.
20:32The kind of face you don't forget.
20:35What's your name?
20:36Claire Bennett.
20:38Give it a try.
20:42So this was the job interview.
20:44I had to nail this.
20:46If I could stay, at least I wouldn't be sleeping on the street tonight.
20:49I put on what I hoped was a warm, motherly smile and walked toward the boy.
20:59No, make her leave.
21:00I don't want her.
21:01They're all bad women.
21:04So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
21:08Relax.
21:09I'm not here to feed you.
21:09I'm feeding Spider-Man.
21:10You're fine.
21:11Eat more.
21:12You need to be full to save the world.
21:13Kids who don't eat are too weak.
21:15Can't even protect themselves.
21:16Let alone own all of humanity.
21:19Oh, you want the potatoes?
21:20The boy lay there looking dejected.
21:22Potatoes give you strength.
21:23But I pretended not to see.
21:25Not until his nose turned red and his eyes got watery did I act like I just spotted him.
21:29There's a baby Spider-Man here too?
21:31Peter Parker.
21:32Can you share some of your food with him?
21:34He needs to eat so he can grow up big and strong like you.
21:38Sure.
21:40Well, since Spider-Man said so, I guess you can have a little, but don't eat too much, okay?
21:45If you get stronger than him, he'll be sad.
21:59That night I stayed in the villa.
22:01Luca and I were on the second floor.
22:03Nathan Sterling had the third floor to himself.
22:07You are never to go up to the third floor.
22:09A woman once snuck up to climb into Mr. Sterling's bed in the middle of the night and was thrown
22:13out the window.
22:15I won't.
22:16I promise.
22:18Luca was only four, but he could already sleep in his own room.
22:21That made my work a lot easier.
22:26Claire, let's talk.
22:28Sure, Mr. Stalin.
22:30You're good with kids?
22:32Have you had any of your own?
22:34No, but I helped look after my ex-husband's sister's kids for two years.
22:38Back then, my ex's family thought I didn't make enough money, so they made me quit my job.
22:42After I quit, they said I was lazy and had nothing to do.
22:45So they fired the sister's nanny and made me take over.
22:49You're divorced.
22:50Why?
22:51We came from different worlds.
22:55You know, I need to find a mother for Luca.
22:57He has no sense of security.
22:59He won't leave the house.
23:00Won't go to preschool.
23:01I'm busy with work, so I need someone patient to be his mother.
23:05I'll have you sign a prenup.
23:06Everything stays separate.
23:08I understand.
23:11Rich people are all like this.
23:13My first marriage was for love.
23:15But because the gap between our families was too big,
23:17I signed a prenup too.
23:18So when the love ran out and we divorced,
23:20I had nothing left.
23:21Not even my wedding ring.
23:22Let alone someone like Nathan, a man at the very top.
23:25Of course he'd be careful about marriage.
23:27Honestly, I'd be happy just having a place to stay.
23:29We don't have to make it official.
23:30The marriage is for Luca.
23:31I want him to have a long-term mother.
23:33And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
23:35Then we'll do it your way.
23:37Don't worry.
23:38I'll give you $50,000 a month for personal spending.
23:42Mr. Sterling, can I ask,
23:44if we divorce someday,
23:45can I keep the money you've given me?
23:47Of course.
23:48That money is yours.
23:50Okay then.
23:51I don't have any needs in our sex life right now,
23:53so you'll stay on the second floor.
23:55Okay.
23:55I don't either.
23:56Just like that,
23:56three days after my divorce,
23:58I was married again.
23:59Same as the first time,
24:00no wedding.
24:03Take this.
24:05No need.
24:07For Luca.
24:08Oh, okay.
24:10Thank you for your ring.
24:18What's wrong?
24:19Claire,
24:20can you read me a bedtime story?
24:22I'll get my dad to pay you more,
24:24but if you don't want to,
24:25that's fine.
24:26Come here.
24:30That night,
24:31Luca fell asleep in my bed after his book.
24:33The next morning,
24:34when Nathan heard,
24:34he was genuinely surprised.
24:36Claire,
24:37thank you.
24:38I'll add $10,000 a month.
24:39Mr. Sterling,
24:40that's way too much.
24:42It really was.
24:43In my last marriage,
24:44I did so much more than this.
24:46During the day,
24:47I watched my ex's sister's kids.
24:49At night,
24:49I cooked for my ex,
24:50satisfying his needs in bed,
24:52then got up in the middle of the night
24:53to clean the house.
24:57It's not like we can't afford a maid.
24:59But Claire just sitting all day doing nothing,
25:01that doesn't seem right.
25:03Even after all that,
25:04when we divorced,
25:05they said I'd been living the good life for three years.
25:07And they sent me out with nothing.
25:11Mr. Sterling,
25:12that's too much.
25:13This is just what I should be doing.
25:15As I said this,
25:16Luca came over and grabbed my right hand.
25:17The women came before you
25:19only cared about pleasing me,
25:20ignoring Luca's feelings.
25:21The extra $10,000 is settled.
25:24Thank you, Mr. Sterling.
25:26From that day on,
25:27Luca was glued to me.
25:28Nathan was busy,
25:29so most of the time,
25:30it was just the two of us at home.
25:32I tried my best to play with him
25:33and made him happy every day.
25:35When he got scared,
25:36I held him tightly
25:36and comforted him gently.
25:38But he still didn't want to leave the villa
25:39until the day I needed to go to the hospital
25:41for a follow-up.
25:43Wait for me at home?
25:44I'll be back soon.
25:46He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
25:48He didn't say anything.
25:49Just looked up at me with those big,
25:51sad eyes.
25:54He's afraid you'll leave
25:55and not come back.
25:57I'm not leaving.
25:58I'll be back after my appointment
25:59and then we'll read together.
26:00You play by yourself for a little while?
26:07Luca, you want to go to the hospital with Claire?
26:13My God!
26:14He is finally willing to leave the house!
26:18Eight years ago,
26:19I was the best savage diver on the coast.
26:22Then they called me a murderer.
26:23I spent eight years in prison,
26:24but I didn't kill Zach.
26:26Jasmine went down two hours ago!
26:27She still hasn't come back up!
26:29Go get your sister!
26:30She's not my sister.
26:31My ears are damaged.
26:32The pressure could kill me.
26:33Five million.
26:34That should cover one dive.
26:36Eight years ago,
26:37Jasmine saved my life
26:38and I married you!
26:39You got that scar saving me.
26:41For me and for yourself.
26:42That scar?
26:43She got it after I saved both of you.
26:45Ten years ago,
26:46We found the dive site!
26:47Eight years ago,
26:48I was the best savage diver on the coast.
26:50Then they called me a murderer.
26:52They said I cut my dive partner
26:53Zach's air hose for gold from a sunken wreck.
26:55I spent eight years in prison,
26:57but I didn't kill Zach.
26:59Jasmine did.
27:00That morning,
27:00I was getting fresh at the dock.
27:02My mother ran toward me.
27:04Elena!
27:05Jasmine went down two hours ago!
27:07She still hasn't come back up!
27:09Go get your sister!
27:11She's not my sister.
27:13And I can't dive anymore.
27:15My ears are damaged.
27:17The pressure could kill me.
27:19Severe eardrum damage.
27:21Deep pressure exposure could be fatal.
27:23I'm not refusing to save her!
27:24I'm telling you I could die!
27:26Adrian Lane stepped out of a black car.
27:28My ex-husband.
27:29He held my old wedding ring.
27:31Bring Jasmine back.
27:32If you save her,
27:33I'll marry you again.
27:36I'm not going.
27:40You're going down Stroll.
27:41Whether you want to or not.
27:44My father snatched the report
27:45and threw it into the fish blood.
27:47Prison taught you nothing.
27:48You're still heartless.
27:50Five million.
27:51That should cover one dive.
27:55Isn't she that murderer?
27:56Her sister is dying,
27:57and she's talking about money?
27:58For eight years,
27:59Adrian never visited me.
28:00Now he came to pay me to die.
28:05No.
28:09You are going down today,
28:10or I'll make sure the whole city knows one thing.
28:13You let another person die.
28:15Oh.
28:16You are my daughter,
28:17and you won't even save your own sister!
28:21Recorder!
28:22I ran.
28:23Behind me,
28:24Adrian shouted.
28:25Whoever finds Elena Cole,
28:27I'll pay one million dollars.
28:29Bring her back.
28:30Now!
28:32I ran back to my rental.
28:34My phone kept buzzing.
28:41I turn on the video.
28:43My mother was crying on camera.
28:45Elena killed a man once!
28:47Now poor Jasmine is trapped underwater.
28:50Elena can save her,
28:51but she ran!
28:52If anyone knows where Elena is,
28:54tell me!
28:54I'll pay one million dollars!
28:56Find her.
28:56She thinks she can hide?
28:58Elena Cole!
28:59Come out!
28:59Elena Cole!
29:00Come out!
29:07Apologize.
29:09Say you left Jasmine to die.
29:13I didn't kill anyone!
29:17If she won't walk,
29:19drag her.
29:20Dad, I could die!
29:23Jasmine may not be my blood,
29:25but she is a better daughter
29:27than you ever were.
29:31Elena,
29:33don't make this worse.
29:35Jasmine is almost out of oxygen!
29:37If Jasmine dies,
29:39I will never forgive you.
29:45Take her to the boat.
29:50Bring Jasmine back.
29:52You kidnapped me!
29:53If you save her,
29:54I'll marry you again.
29:55My hearing aid was gone.
29:56It lay on the deck.
29:58Cracked.
29:58Barely working.
29:59I crawled toward it.
30:00Adrian stepped on it.
30:01Your sister is dying,
30:03and you care about this piece of junk?
30:05I need it to hear.
30:06Oh my god!
30:07You can hear me right now!
30:09Eight years ago,
30:10Jasmine saved my life!
30:12And I married you!
30:13You already owe her!
30:15Now you still refuse to save her?
30:17How can a woman be this cruel?
30:19You're her sister.
30:20You're my ex-wife.
30:21Didn't you see the scar on her shoulder?
30:23She got that scar saving me.
30:24For me?
30:25And for yourself!
30:26You should go down there
30:27and bring Jasmine back!
30:28That scar?
30:29She got it after I saved both of you.
30:31Ten years ago,
30:31the current dragged Adrian under.
30:33I pushed Adrian back to the surface.
30:35Then I pushed Jasmine up too.
30:37I was the one left underwater.
30:39Three days later,
30:40Jasmine stole my story,
30:41and Adrian believed her.
30:43He grabbed my chin.
30:44What the hell is wrong with you?
30:46Even now,
30:47you're still trying to smear your sister?
30:49Do you even have a heart?
30:50Hey!
30:51We found the dive site!
30:55My father snatched the report
30:56and threw it into the fish blood.
30:58Prison taught you nothing.
30:59You're still heartless.
31:02Five million.
31:03That should cover one dive.
31:06Isn't she that murderer?
31:07Her sister is dying,
31:08and she's talking about money?
31:09For eight years,
31:10Adrian never visited me.
31:11Now he came to pay me to die.
31:17No.
31:20You are going down today,
31:22or I'll make sure the whole city knows one thing.
31:24You let another person die.
31:26Oh.
31:27You are my daughter,
31:29and you won't even save your own sister!
31:32Recorder!
31:33I ran.
31:34Behind me,
31:35Adrian shouted,
31:36Whoever finds Elena Cole,
31:38I'll pay one million dollars.
31:40Bring her back.
31:41Now!
31:43I ran back to my rental.
31:45My phone kept buzzing.
31:52I turn on the video.
31:54My mother was crying on camera.
31:56Elena killed a man once!
31:58Now poor Jasmine is trapped underwater.
32:01Elena can save her,
32:02but she ran!
32:03If anyone knows where Elena is,
32:05tell me!
32:05I'll pay one million dollars!
32:07Find her.
32:08She thinks she can hide?
32:09Elena Cole!
32:10Come out!
32:10Elena Cole!
32:11Come out!
32:19Apologize.
32:21Say you left Jasmine to die.
32:24I didn't kill anyone!
32:29If she won't walk,
32:30drag her.
32:31Dad, I could die!
32:35Jasmine may not be my blood,
32:36but she is a better daughter
32:38than you ever were.
32:42Elena,
32:44don't make this worse.
32:46Jasmine is almost out of oxygen!
32:48If Jasmine dies,
32:50I will never forgive you.
32:57Take her to the boat.
33:02Bring Jasmine back.
33:03You kidnapped me!
33:04If you save her,
33:05I'll marry you again.
33:06My hearing aid was gone.
33:08It lay on the deck.
33:09Cracked.
33:09Barely working.
33:10I crawled toward it.
33:12Adrian stepped on it.
33:13Your sister is dying,
33:14and you care about this piece of junk?
33:16I need it to hear.
33:17Oh my God!
33:18You can hear me right now!
33:20Eight years ago,
33:22Jasmine saved my life,
33:23and I married you!
33:24You already owe her!
33:26Now you still refuse to save her?
33:28How can a woman be this cruel?
33:30You're her sister.
33:31You're my ex-wife.
33:33Didn't you see the scar on her shoulder?
33:34She got that scar saving me.
33:36For me,
33:36and for yourself,
33:37you should go down there
33:38and bring Jasmine back.
33:39That scar?
33:40She got it after I saved both of you.
33:42Ten years ago,
33:43the current dragged Adrian under.
33:44I pushed Adrian back to the surface.
33:46Then I pushed Jasmine up too.
33:48I was the one left underwater.
33:50Three days later,
33:51Jasmine stole my story,
33:52and Adrian believed her.
33:54He grabbed my chin.
33:55What the hell is wrong with you?
33:57Even now,
33:58you're still trying to smear your sister?
34:00Do you even have a heart?
34:01Hey!
34:02We found the dive site!
34:07It was the day of the rite again,
34:09and he had his arm around my sister's waist.
34:12She thought she'd won.
34:13It's a slow execution.
34:15I swam.
34:16The sacred wreath was burning hard when I arrived.
34:19Then Thessaly pointed at me.
34:20Ash everywhere!
34:22Burned scales!
34:23It had to be her!
34:24Not one of them spoke for me.
34:26The sea serpent spoke again,
34:28quieter this time.
34:29Enough!
34:30The girl comes with me.
34:31What a-
34:31This scene is exactly as it was in my previous life.
34:34The sky outside has turned the color of a wound.
34:37The shark lord stands before us in his full power,
34:40in surface form.
34:41But how could it be Thessaly in his arms?
34:43In my previous life,
34:45on the day of the title covenant rite,
34:47my sister chose the lionfish fae.
34:49She left the whale shifter,
34:51the one nobody wanted for me.
34:53It was fate.
34:54A drift born for a beast.
34:57Instead,
34:57I saved a shark lord by accident.
34:59He took me as his queen.
35:01After the bonding,
35:02I bore five heirs for the shark bloodline.
35:05My sister,
35:05bonded to the lionfish fae,
35:07was cast out for barrenness.
35:09And I woke.
35:10It was the day of the rite again.
35:12Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.
35:15Choose freely.
35:16The hall filled with glances,
35:18with offered flowers,
35:19with quiet negotiations between bodies and bloodlines.
35:22I didn't want any of it.
35:24Then the doors blew open.
35:26He arrived in a surge of volcanic current,
35:29a shark lord in his full power,
35:31and he had his arm around my sister's waist.
35:34Thessaly saved my life.
35:35From this day forward,
35:37she is my true mate.
35:38A shark lord choosing one of ours,
35:40choosing her as first and only.
35:43It hadn't happened in living memory.
35:45I knew then.
35:46She'd been reborn too.
35:47Now I looked at her,
35:49draped against the shark lord,
35:50already victorious.
35:51She thought she'd won.
35:53She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.
35:55Shark lords are of the volcanic current element.
35:58Their mates sleep in volcanic current,
36:00bathe in volcanic current,
36:02eat volcanic current food.
36:04For a bloodline like ours,
36:05deep current by nature,
36:07that's not a marriage.
36:08It's a slow execution.
36:09Last time I had no choice but to pretend to like it.
36:12Every day,
36:13I smiled through the sacred thermal vent walks,
36:16through the scalding baths,
36:17through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.
36:19By the time I was pregnant,
36:21my core was already cracked.
36:23Thessaly was deep current too.
36:24She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.
36:27The whole keep celebrated.
36:29Every unmated girl in the order delayed her own bonding,
36:32to help prepare Thessaly's.
36:34The gift list ran ten feet long.
36:36The high warden nearly emptied the sanctuary's vaults.
36:39I was the only unmated woman left.
36:41That made me the obvious choice for handmaid.
36:45Thessaly stood over me and smiled.
36:47Before you were the elder,
36:48I deferred to you.
36:49How does this feel, sister?
36:51I said nothing.
36:51She stepped forward,
36:52and struck my face.
36:54The high warden has already agreed.
36:55You belong to me now.
36:57I'll hit you when I want.
36:58Praise you when I want.
37:00You have no say.
37:01Start learning.
37:02A courier arrived from the Shark Lord.
37:04A volcanic silk mantle,
37:06white as seafoam,
37:07heat-resistant,
37:08enchanted for speed.
37:10Thessaly touched it with both hands.
37:12I knew that mantle.
37:14For volcanic current bloodlines,
37:15it was a treasure.
37:16For deep current bloodlines,
37:18it was a punishment.
37:19I'd worn it every day of my first marriage.
37:22It had carved away at my core for years.
37:24Thessaly would find that out eventually.
37:27Then a girl came swimming fast.
37:28Volcanic current damage on the sacred wreath!
37:30What an awful omen.
37:32Today of all days.
37:34I didn't wait.
37:35I swear.
37:36The sacred wreath was burning hard when I arrived.
37:39Black clouds of silt,
37:41screaming from inside the coral night.
37:43The Covenant Warden stood at the edge,
37:44and wouldn't move.
37:46That volcanic current belongs to a Shark Lord.
37:48We interfere, we offend him.
37:49One of them said.
37:50Your sister's bonding is today.
37:52Don't make trouble.
37:53They're only low-rank Faliliives.
37:55I looked at him for a long moment.
37:57Then I went in.
37:58The silt blinded me fast.
38:00The thermal current scorched my scales.
38:02But I was deep current.
38:04Wherever I moved, cold spread behind me.
38:06It slowed the thermal currents enough to matter.
38:08I remembered what my foster mother taught me.
38:10Clear a line.
38:12Deny the thermal current somewhere to go.
38:14I tide shifted to full form and called out.
38:16Shark.
38:17Manta ray.
38:18Swordfish.
38:19Sea turd they came.
38:20They carried cold hardy vessels in their jaws.
38:23A whale used its mouth.
38:24Sea urchins and mantis shrimp worked the thermal breaks.
38:27We were losing.
38:28Then we weren't.
38:29Then the wreath shook.
38:31The seabeds split open.
38:33A sea serpent came out that black.
38:35Ancient Marjana took block the light from above.
38:38He opened his mouth and cold water poured.
38:41The thermal current died.
38:43The sea serpent's voice didn't come from one direction.
38:46This wreath is mine.
38:48Who damaged it?
38:50The covenant wardens said nothing.
38:52A thousand tidal cycles in this valley.
38:54And nobody had thought to check whether something older already lived here.
38:57Then Thessaly pointed at me.
38:59Look at her.
39:00Ash everywhere.
39:01Burned scales.
39:03It had to be her.
39:04Every eye turned.
39:05I was standing there with my hands at my sides.
39:07Charred.
39:08Bleeding in two places.
39:09The same hands that had just spent an hour fighting the thermal current.
39:12I was certain someone would say it.
39:14Any of them.
39:15They'd all seen me swim in.
39:16The covenant warden looked at me for a long time.
39:19Then he bowed.
39:21The sea rank and sovereign.
39:22Our wayward daughter did this.
39:24She is yours to punish.
39:25We offer her freely.
39:26I stood still.
39:27Not one of them spoke for me.
39:29I had bent myself in half for these people in my last life.
39:33I had scalded from volcanic current.
39:36From the inside out.
39:37Carrying children for a clan that wasn't mine.
39:40For a man who never once made me warm.
39:43I'd done it for them.
39:45Kept them safe.
39:46Kept them proud.
39:47And now.
39:48They were handing me to a sea serpent.
39:50Just to buy themselves quiet.
39:52I looked at the covenant warden.
39:54The volcanic current was shark made.
39:56Everyone here knows that.
39:57I'm deep current.
39:59How would I produce sacred thermal current?
40:02Thessaly cut in immediately.
40:03You're my handmaid.
40:04You had access to my husband's tide brands.
40:06Easy enough to steal a spark.
40:08Sea serpent sovereign.
40:09The evidence speaks for itself.
40:11She damaged your sacred wreath.
40:12I held up my hands.
40:14The skin had peeled back in places.
40:16If I started it.
40:17Why did I try to stop it?
40:20To look innocent.
40:23I laughed.
40:24It came out wrong.
40:26Too much feeling in it.
40:27What do I have to gain?
40:28Any of it.
40:30What exactly do you think I wanted?
40:32The covenant warden stood.
40:34Sylvain.
40:35Just admit it.
40:37That was my name.
40:38Sylvain.
40:39I looked at him for a long moment.
40:41I'm done with this covenant.
40:43All of it.
40:44Every debt between us is settled.
40:46The sea serpent spoke again.
40:48Quieter this time.
40:49Enough.
40:49The girl comes with me.
40:51Whatever she is to you, she isn't anymore.
40:53The darkness rolled toward me.
40:55I closed my eyes.
40:59This scene is exactly as it was in my previous life.
41:03The sky outside has turned the color of a wound.
41:06The shark lord stands before us in his full power.
41:08In surface form.
41:09But how could it be Thessaly in his arms?
41:12In my previous life, on the day of the title covenant rite, my sister chose the lionfish
41:17fay.
41:17She left the whale shifter, the one nobody wanted, for me.
41:21It was fate.
41:23A drift born for a beast.
41:25Instead, I saved a shark lord by accident.
41:28He took me as his queen.
41:29After the bonding, I bore five heirs for the shark bloodline.
41:33My sister, bonded to the lionfish fay, was cast out for barrenness.
41:37And I woke.
41:38It was the day of the rite again.
41:40Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.
41:43Choose freely.
41:44The hall filled with glances.
41:46With offered flowers.
41:47With quiet negotiations between bodies and bloodlines.
41:51I didn't want any of it.
41:52Then the doors blew open.
41:54He arrived in a surge of volcanic current.
41:57A shark lord in his full power.
41:59And he had his arm around my sister's waist.
42:02Thessaly saved my life.
42:04From this day forward, she is my true mate.
42:06A shark lord choosing one of ours.
42:09Choosing her as first and only.
42:11It hadn't happened in living memory.
42:13I knew then.
42:14She'd been reborn too.
42:16Now I looked at her.
42:17Draped against the shark lord.
42:18Already victorious.
42:20She thought she'd won.
42:21She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.
42:24Shark lords are of the volcanic current element.
42:26Their mates sleep in volcanic current.
42:29Bathe in volcanic current.
42:30Eat volcanic current food.
42:32For a bloodline like ours.
42:34Deep current by nature.
42:35That's not a marriage.
42:36It's a slow execution.
42:38Last time I had no choice but to pretend to like it.
42:41Every day.
42:41I smiled through the sacred thermal vent walks.
42:44Through the scalding baths.
42:46Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.
42:48By the time I was pregnant, my core was already cracked.
42:51Thessaly was deep current too.
42:53She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.
42:55The whole keep celebrated.
42:58Every unmated girl in the order delayed her own bonding to help prepare Thessaly's.
43:02The gift list ran ten feet long.
43:05The high warden nearly emptied the sanctuary's vaults.
43:07I was the only unmated woman left.
43:10That made me the obvious choice for handmaid.
43:13Thessaly stood over me and smiled.
43:15Before you were the elder, I deferred to you.
43:18How does this feel, sister?
43:19I said nothing.
43:20She stepped forward and struck my face.
43:22The high warden has already agreed.
43:24You belong to me now.
43:25I'll hit you when I want.
43:27Praise you when I want.
43:28You have no say.
43:29Start learning.
43:30A courier arrived from the Shark Lord.
43:32A volcanic silk mantle, white as seafoam, heat-resistant, enchanted for speed.
43:38Thessaly touched it with both hands.
43:40I knew that mantle.
43:42For volcanic current bloodlines, it was a treasure.
43:45For deep current bloodlines, it was a punishment.
43:48I'd worn it every day of my first marriage.
43:50It had carved away at my core for years.
43:53Thessaly would find that out eventually.
43:55Then a girl came swimming fast.
43:57Volcanic current damage on the sacred wreath!
43:58What an awful omen.
44:00Today of all days.
44:02I didn't wait.
44:04I swam.
44:05The sacred wreath was burning hard when I arrived.
44:08Black clouds of silt.
44:09Screaming from inside the coral night.
44:11The Covenant Warden stood at the edge and wouldn't move.
44:14That volcanic current belongs to a Shark Lord.
44:16We interfere, we offend him.
44:18One of them said.
44:19Your sister's bonding is today.
44:20Don't make trouble.
44:21They're only low-rank Falilius.
44:23I looked at him for a long moment.
44:25Then I went in.
44:26The silt blinded me fast.
44:28The thermal currents scorched my scales.
44:31But I was deep current.
44:32Wherever I moved, cold spread behind me.
44:34It slowed the thermal currents enough to matter.
44:36I remembered what my foster mother taught me.
44:39Clear a line.
44:40Deny the thermal current somewhere to go.
44:42I tide shifted to full form and called out.
44:45Shark.
44:46Manta ray.
44:46Swordfish.
44:47Sea turd they came.
44:48They carried cold hardy vessels in their jaws.
44:51A whale used its mouth.
44:53Sea urchins and mantis shrimp worked the thermal breaks.
44:55We were boozing.
44:56Then we weren't.
44:58Then the wreath shook.
45:00The seabeds split open.
45:01A sea serpent came out that black.
45:04Ancient Marjana took block the light from above.
45:06He opened his mouth and cold water poured.
45:09The thermal current died.
45:11The sea serpent's voice didn't come from one direction.
45:14This wreath is mine.
45:16Who damaged it?
45:18The covenant wardens said nothing.
45:20A thousand tidal cycles in this valley.
45:22And nobody had thought to check whether something older already lived here.
45:26Then Thessaly pointed at me.
45:27Look at her.
45:28Ash everywhere.
45:30Burned scales.
45:31It had to be her.
45:32Every eye turned.
45:33I was standing there with my hands at my sides.
45:35Charred.
45:36Bleeding in two places.
45:37The same hands that had just spent an hour fighting the thermal current.
45:41I was certain someone would say it.
45:43Any of them.
45:43They'd all seen me swim in.
45:45The covenant warden looked at me for a long time.
45:48Then he bowed.
45:49The sea rank and sovereign.
45:51Our wayward daughter did this.
45:52She is yours to punish.
45:54We offer her freely.
45:55I stood still.
45:56Not one of them spoke for me.
45:58I had bent myself in half for these people in my last life.
46:01I had scalded from volcanic current.
46:04From the inside out.
46:06Carrying children for a clan that wasn't mine.
46:09For a man who never once made me warm.
46:11I'd done it for them.
46:13Kept them safe.
46:14Kept them proud.
46:15And now.
46:16They were handing me to a sea serpent.
46:18Just to buy themselves quiet.
46:20I looked at the covenant warden.
46:22The volcanic current was shark made.
46:24Everyone here knows that.
46:26I'm deep current.
46:28How would I produce sacred thermal current?
46:30Thessaly cut in immediately.
46:32You're my handmaid.
46:33You had access to my husband's tide brands.
46:35Easy enough to steal a spark.
46:36Sea serpent sovereign.
46:37The evidence speaks for itself.
46:39She damaged your sacred wreath.
46:40I held up my hands.
46:42The skin had peeled back in places.
46:44If I started it.
46:45Why did I try to stop it?
46:48To look innocent.
46:51I laughed.
46:52It came out wrong.
46:54Too much feeling in it.
46:55What do I have to gain?
46:57Any of it.
46:58What exactly do you think I wanted?
47:00The covenant warden stood.
47:03Sylvain.
47:04Just admit it.
47:05That was my name.
47:06Sylvain.
47:07I looked at him for a long moment.
47:09I'm done with this covenant.
47:11All of it.
47:12Every debt between us is settled.
47:14The sea serpent spoke again.
47:16Quieter this time.
47:17Enough.
47:18The girl comes with me.
47:19Whatever she is to you, she isn't anymore.
47:22The darkness rolled toward me.
47:24I closed my eyes.
47:25I closed my eyes.
47:28This scene is exactly as it was in my previous life.
47:31The sky outside has turned the color of a wound.
47:34The shark lord stands before us in his full power.
47:37In surface form.
47:38But how could it be Thessaly in his arms?
47:40In my previous life, on the day of the title covenant rite, my sister chose the lionfish
47:45fay.
47:45She left the whale shifter.
47:47The one nobody wanted for me.
47:49It was fate.
47:51A drift born for a beast.
47:53Instead, I saved a shark lord by accident.
47:56He took me as his queen.
47:58After the bonding, I bore five heirs for the shark bloodline.
48:01My sister, bonded to the lionfish fay, was cast out for barrenness.
48:06And I woke.
48:07It was the day of the rite again.
48:08Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.
48:11Choose freely.
48:12The hall filled with glances, with offered flowers, with quiet negotiations between bodies
48:18and bloodlines.
48:19I didn't want any of it.
48:21Then the doors blew open.
48:22He arrived in a surge of volcanic current.
48:25A shark lord in his full power.
48:28And he had his arm around my sister's waist.
48:31Thessaly saved my life.
48:32From this day forward, she is my true mate.
48:34A shark lord choosing one of ours.
48:37Choosing her as first and only.
48:39It hadn't happened in living memory.
48:41I knew then.
48:42She'd been reborn too.
48:44Now I looked at her.
48:45Draped against the shark lord.
48:47Already victorious.
48:48She thought she'd won.
48:50She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.
48:52Shark lords are of the volcanic current element.
48:55Their mates sleep in volcanic current.
48:57Bathe in volcanic current.
48:59Eat volcanic current food.
49:00For a bloodline like ours.
49:02Deep current by nature.
49:03That's not a marriage.
49:05It's a slow execution.
49:06Last time I had no choice but to pretend to like it.
49:09Every day.
49:09I smiled through the sacred thermal vent walks.
49:12Through the scalding baths.
49:14Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.
49:16By the time I was pregnant, my core was already cracked.
49:19Thessaly was deep current too.
49:21She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.
49:24The whole keep celebrated.
49:26Every unmated girl in the order delayed her own bonding to help prepare Thessaly's.
49:30The gift list ran ten feet long.
49:33The high warden nearly emptied the sanctuary's vault.
49:36I was the only unmated woman left.
49:38That made me the obvious choice for handmaid.
49:42Thessaly stood over me and smiled.
49:44Before you were the elder, I deferred to you.
49:46How does this feel, sister?
49:47I said nothing.
49:48She stepped forward and struck my face.
49:50The high warden has already agreed.
49:52You belong to me now.
49:54I'll hit you when I want.
49:55Praise you when I want.
49:56You have no say.
49:58Start learning.
49:59A courier arrived from the Shark Lord.
50:01A volcanic silk mantle, white as seafoam, heat-resistant, enchanted for speed.
50:06Thessaly touched it with both hands.
50:09I knew that mantle.
50:10For volcanic current bloodlines, it was a treasure.
50:13For deep current bloodlines, it was a punishment.
50:16I'd worn it every day of my first marriage.
50:18It had carved away at my core for years.
50:21Thessaly would find that out eventually.
50:23Then a girl came swimming fast.
50:25Volcanic current damage on the sacred wreath!
50:27What an awful omen.
50:28Today of all days.
50:31I didn't wait.
50:32I swear.
50:33The sacred wreath was burning hard when I arrived.
50:36Black clouds of silt.
50:38Screaming from inside the coral light.
50:39The Covenant Warden stood at the edge and wouldn't move.
50:42That volcanic current belongs to a Shark Lord.
50:45We interfere, we offend him.
50:46One of them said.
50:47Your sister's bonding is today.
50:49Don't make trouble.
50:50They're only low-rank Faliliives.
50:51I looked at him for a long moment.
50:53Then I went in.
50:55The silt blinded me fast.
50:57The thermal current scorched my scales.
50:59But I was deep current.
51:00Wherever I moved, cold spread behind me.
51:03It slowed the thermal currents enough to matter.
51:05I remembered what my foster mother taught me.
51:07Clear a line.
51:08Deny the thermal current somewhere to go.
51:11I tide shifted to full form and called out.
51:13Shark.
51:14Manta ray.
51:15Swordfish.
51:16Sea turd.
51:16They came.
51:17They carried cold hardy vessels in their jaws.
51:19A whale used its mouth.
51:21Sea urchins and mantis shrimp worked the thermal breaks.
51:24We were losing.
51:25Then we weren't.
51:26Then the reef shook.
51:28The seabed split open.
51:30A sea serpent came out back black.
51:32Ancient Marjana took block the light from above.
51:35He opened his mouth and cold water poured.
51:38The thermal current died.
51:39The sea serpent's voice didn't come from one direction.
51:42This reef is mine.
51:44Who damaged it?
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