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Short filmTranscript
00:00My fiancé brought his pregnant mistress to our mating ceremony and told me I would raise their child. He didn't
00:05say it in private. Damon said it on the altar where he was supposed to claim me. In front of
00:09the entire pack, Lyra stood beside him in pale gold silk, one hand resting on her belly. Lyra, my friend
00:14from the Omega Quarters, the girl who had slept two beds away from me for years, on her wrist was
00:18my silver bracelet. Last winter, Damon had given it to me after three young alphas mocked my Omega blood. He
00:23promised no one would ever make me bow again. A week ago, a servant came and asked me to send
00:28it back.
00:28For the ceremony. I didn't question it. Now I understood. Lyra saw me looking. She touched the bracelet gently, like
00:34it might break. He wanted me to have it. I hope you don't mind. She knew I did. Damon didn't
00:38stop her. He only looked at me, cold. I won't bond with you, Serafina. The elders care about your silver
00:43blood. They think it can crown the next Alpha King. He pulled Lyra closer. But Lyra is carrying my air.
00:50My throat burned. That bracelet was mine. Lyra flinched behind Damon's arm, as if I had hurt her. Damon glanced
00:55at the bracelet, then back at me.
00:57It was a promise to a girl who needed protecting. His hand covered Lyra's stomach. She gives me a future.
01:02Lyra looked at me from behind him, tears shining in her eyes. Small. Fragile. Victorious. Then Damon turned to the
01:07entire hall. When my pup is born, Serafina will raise it as her own.
01:13For one second, I thought I had misheard him. Then Damon made it worse. You'll serve Lyra through the pregnancy.
01:19Nurse her through recovery. Raise my air as your own. He said it like he was assigning chores to the
01:24lowest wolf in the room. Maybe he was. I was Serafina.
01:26The only silver blood air silver crest had seen in a thousand years. The prophecy said whoever completed a bond
01:32with me could awaken true Alpha power and claim the Alpha King's throne. But I was also an Omega. The
01:36rank everyone stepped on until they needed something. Damon had decided my blood was useful. But I was not. Lyra
01:42gave a soft gasp beside him.
01:43Damon, don't say it like that. Serafina has always been so good at taking care of people. In the Omega
01:49quarters, she helped everyone. I'm sure she won't punish an innocent pup just because she's hurt.
01:54The hall went silent. Every stare landed on me. Waiting for me to cry. To beg. To bow like a
01:59good little Omega. My eyes burned. Not because Damon had rejected me. Because Lyra knew every soft place I kept
02:04hidden. And still chose to press her hand against it.
02:06The claim was never sealed. No blood oath. No mark. Under the old laws it can still be revoked.
02:12One elder exchanged a look with another.
02:14That is technically true.
02:16I looked at Damon.
02:17I may be an Omega.
02:19But I am not her servant.
02:22And I will not raise the child you made with her.
02:26I revoke the claim.
02:27If any wolf here is willing to claim me tonight.
02:30I accept.
02:33The whispers came fast.
02:35Silver blood.
02:35Did Damon just throw away the prophecy?
02:38If someone claims her now.
02:39I could see it in their faces.
02:41Shock.
02:41Hunger.
02:42Calculation.
02:42For one second.
02:43I thought someone might actually step forward.
02:45Then Damon's voice cut through.
02:47Your name is still written into the royal reet.
02:49The room froze.
02:50Until the elders formally dissolve this ceremony.
02:52Anyone who steps forward.
02:53Is openly defying the crown.
02:55No one moved.
02:56That had been his plan.
02:57Not to bond me.
02:58Not to free me.
02:59To keep me trapped under the royal rite.
03:00Until the elders could turn me into something quieter.
03:03Something useful.
03:03Lyra's servant.
03:04His heir's caretaker.
03:05A silver blood Omega no other man would dare touch.
03:08Damon stepped close enough for only me to hear.
03:10Sarah.
03:11My chest twisted.
03:12That name used to be soft in his mouth.
03:13Tonight.
03:14It was a blade.
03:14Don't embarrass yourself.
03:16Then he turned to the hall.
03:17No one wants you badly enough to start a war.
03:19For one terrible second.
03:20I thought he was right.
03:21Not because I wasn't valuable.
03:22But because every wolf in that room wanted my blood more than they wanted to save me.
03:26Then the doors at the far end of the hall swung open.
03:28But before anyone could see who had entered.
03:30Moira arrived first.
03:32Moira.
03:33Damon's mother.
03:34The Luna matriarch.
03:35Swept into the hall like a storm in silk.
03:37She took one look at Lyra behind Damon.
03:39And slapped her across the face.
03:40The crack echoed off every wall.
03:41Shameless Omega.
03:43You dare turn a royal treat into a spectacle?
03:45Lyra fell to the floor.
03:46Clutching her cheek.
03:47Tears already spilling.
03:48Damon lunged forward and shielded her.
03:50She's under my protection.
03:51Moira stared at him like she was seeing him clearly for the first time.
03:54Then she turned to me.
03:55Her voice softened.
03:56Serafana dear.
03:57Damon has humiliated you.
03:58I will deal with him.
03:59But you must not act rashly.
04:01Let me close this ceremony quietly.
04:04The crown will keep you protected until we decide where you belong.
04:07Where I belonged.
04:08Not what I wanted.
04:08Not who I chose.
04:09I pulled my hand free.
04:10You bound me to Damon for my blood.
04:13Then he brought her here with his heir and told me to raise their child.
04:17My voice shook.
04:17But I did not stop.
04:18I will not be their servant.
04:20The hall went silent.
04:21I will not nurse his mistress through pregnancy.
04:23And I will not raise another woman's child because Damon thinks an Omega should be grateful for scraps.
04:29Moira's eyes hardened.
04:30Careful, girl.
04:31You are still standing inside a royal treat.
04:34Your blood belongs to Silverhrest before it belongs to you.
04:37My stomach went cold.
04:38There it was.
04:38Damon wanted me useful.
04:39Lyra wanted me beneath her.
04:41Moira wanted me on.
04:42If no one claims you tonight, the elders will decide your future.
04:45Damon smiled again.
04:46For the first time that night, I felt truly trapped.
04:48Then a low voice cut through the hall.
04:50Does her offer still stand?
04:52Every head turned.
04:54Kale stood at the far end of the hall.
04:55Tall.
04:56Dressed in black.
04:56Pale as winter.
04:57Aldrich's firstborn.
04:58Damon's older half-brother.
05:00The true alpha heir by blood.
05:01And the cursed one who still couldn't shift.
05:03He took one step forward.
05:04Then stopped.
05:05Just for half a second.
05:06His hand touched the doorframe.
05:08Everyone saw it.
05:09The cursed heir could barely stand.
05:10Damon laughed under his breath.
05:12Careful, brother.
05:13If she chooses you, she won't be a bride by sunrise.
05:16A few wolves laughed.
05:17Moira's face went white.
05:19Kale, don't be stupid.
05:20You know what silver blood does to a cursed wolf?
05:22It could kill you.
05:23Kale ignored her.
05:24His gray eyes stayed on me.
05:26What you just said.
05:27Does it still stand?
05:28My throat tightened.
05:29Before I could answer, Damon stepped in.
05:31No.
05:32The whole hall froze.
05:33Damon's smile sharpened.
05:34She said any wolf.
05:35Not a dead one pretending he still has a claim.
05:38Kale's face did not change.
05:39Damon moved closer to me.
05:41Look at him, Sarah.
05:42He can't protect you.
05:44He can't shift.
05:45He can barely stand.
05:46If you choose him, this wedding becomes a funeral before sunrise.
05:51Lyra's eyes widened, soft and wet.
05:52Don't do this to yourself, Serafina.
05:54You don't have to ruin yourself just because you're hurt.
05:57Moira seized the silence.
05:58If no suitable wolf claims you tonight, the elders will decide your future.
06:03The room closed around me again.
06:04Damon held out his hand.
06:06Not like a lover.
06:07Like a leash.
06:07Last chance, Sarah.
06:09His smile was cold.
06:10Stand down.
06:12For one second.
06:13The whole hall waited.
06:14They all thought I would break.
06:15I looked past his hand.
06:17At Kale.
06:17Thin as paper.
06:18Pale as death.
06:19A cursed air the entire pack had already buried.
06:22And still.
06:22He was the only man in that room who had asked for my answer.
06:25Not my blood.
06:26Not my obedience.
06:27Not my usefulness.
06:28My answer.
06:29So I stepped around Damon's hand.
06:30His smile vanished.
06:32Lyra's face changed.
06:33The hall went silent.
06:34I walked toward Kale.
06:35Every step felt like I was cutting a rope around my throat.
06:37Damon's voice snapped behind me.
06:39Serafina.
06:40I didn't stop.
06:41Girl, think carefully.
06:42I did.
06:43For the first time all night, I did.
06:45Then I stopped in front of Kale.
06:46He looked down at me.
06:47Gray eyes steady.
06:48What you said.
06:49Does it still stand?
06:50My hands were still shaking.
06:52But my answer did not.
06:53Yes.
06:53The hall exploded.
06:55Kale did not look at Damon.
06:56Did not look at Moira.
06:57Only me.
06:58Then I claim her.
06:59A few elders half rose.
07:00Then froze.
07:01Because a claim spoken and accepted before the right could not be taken back.
07:05Damon laughed.
07:05Loud enough for the whole hall to hear.
07:07Go on, brother.
07:08Take her hand.
07:09Are you done making a scene, Sarah?
07:11If you stop now, Lila and I might still forgive you.
07:14You can still stay where you belong.
07:16He looked me up and down.
07:17Lyra leaned into him.
07:18Worry flickering across her face like another part of the performance.
07:21The hall went dead silent.
07:23Kale held out his hand.
07:24At the same time, I reached for him.
07:26Our fingers locked.
07:27The ritual lines blazed white.
07:28Then black marks burst from beneath Kale's sleeve.
07:32They weren't veins.
07:33They were his curse.
07:34Black marks tore up Kale's arm, coiled around his throat, and climbed toward his face like
07:38something alive.
07:39The hall gasped.
07:40For one second, the gray in his eyes vanished, replaced by molten gold.
07:44Something caged.
07:45Something feral.
07:45The curse is activating.
07:47He can't hold it.
07:48Stop the ceremony.
07:50The elders surged forward, but the ritual lines had already locked around our wrists.
07:54Once a bond began, no one outside it could break it.
07:56Kale's hand tightened around mine.
07:58Too tight.
07:58His knees buckled.
07:59He hit the altar hard, blood spilling from his mouth onto the silver stone.
08:03The hall went silent.
08:04Kale looked up at me, gold flickering through the gray.
08:06Let go.
08:08If you stop now, you'll still make it out.
08:10He meant it.
08:11Even half dying in front of the entire pack, he was still trying to give me a way out.
08:15Damon stepped forward.
08:16Are you insane?
08:18I already told you, Sarah.
08:19If you stop this now, Lyra and I can still forgive you.
08:23I didn't look at him.
08:24Damon's tone sharpened.
08:25Don't throw your life away just to prove a point.
08:27Still, I did not look at him.
08:28My fingers tightened around Kale's.
08:30The curse burned black between us.
08:32Every wolf in that hall was waiting for me to let go.
08:34Instead, I leaned closer.
08:36Kale, get me.
08:37Then, without looking away from him, I reached for the silver edge of the altar.
08:42I didn't let go.
08:43With Kale's eyes locked on mine, I dragged my palm across the altar's silver edge.
08:47Pain cut sharp.
08:48Silver blood spilled over my skin.
08:50The entire hall gasped.
08:51Before anyone could stop me, I pressed my bleeding hand against the darkest knot of curse marks on Kale's wrist.
08:56Light exploded between us, cold and blinding, violent enough to shake the altar beneath us.
09:01Kale's body arched, and a broken sound tore from his throat.
09:04The curse fought back under my palm, black marks twisting up his skin, fighting to reach his throat again.
09:09So I pressed harder.
09:10Stay with me.
09:11The black marks stopped.
09:12Then slowly, unwillingly, they began to retreat.
09:15The ritual lines beneath our feet blazed white hot, spiraling around our joined wrists until a pale silver mark burned
09:21itself into both our skin.
09:22The bond didn't fail.
09:23It held.
09:24Kale collapsed to one knee, blood still on his lips.
09:26But the gold was leaving his eyes.
09:28Grey was coming back.
09:29He was alive.
09:30The oldest elder stared at our wrists.
09:32The bond is sealed.
09:33By old law, Seraphina of Silver Blood is now claimed by Kale, firstborn heir of Silvercrest.
09:40A sharp crack split the altar stone.
09:42The royal right mark that had held Damon's name beside mine burned black, then vanished.
09:46In its place, a new name carved itself into the silver light.
09:49Kale.
09:50Damon's face went white.
09:51He forced out a laugh.
09:53He's still cursed.
09:54You think your blood makes him stronger than me?
09:56Before I could answer, the silver mark on my wrist flared again.
10:00So did Kale's.
10:01The ritual light shifted.
10:02It no longer circled me alone.
10:03It moved around him.
10:04The elder's face drained of color.
10:06The blood accepted him.
10:07The hall went silent.
10:08Damon stopped breathing.
10:09The prophecy had not died.
10:11It had moved on.
10:13The hall stayed silent.
10:14Kale was still on one knee.
10:15Blood on his lips.
10:16One hand braced against the altar.
10:18But his grip on me never loosened.
10:19The silver mark on my wrist pulsed once.
10:21His answered.
10:22Damon finally found his voice.
10:24This isn't over.
10:25The oldest elder looked at the burned royal right mark, then at our joint hands.
10:28Damon's face hardened.
10:29He can barely stand.
10:30Kale slowly lifted his head.
10:32Through the bond.
10:32I felt the pain he was hiding.
10:34Sharp enough to cut through bone.
10:35Then he rose.
10:36Not easily.
10:37Not steadily.
10:37But he rose.
10:38Then watch me.
10:39No one laughed this time.
10:40Moira stepped forward at once.
10:42Kale.
10:42You need healers.
10:44Serafina will remain here until the council decides what happens next.
10:47Kale looked at her.
10:48No.
10:49One word.
10:49Low and final.
10:50The hall froze.
10:51Moira's expression tightened.
10:52This is not the time for pride.
10:54No one decides for my mate.
10:55A shiver moved through the room.
10:56For 13 years, they had spoken around him like he was already dead.
11:00Tonight, he did not raise his voice.
11:01But every wolf in that hall heard the command beneath it.
11:04Move.
11:05The wolves blocking the aisle stepped aside.
11:07Damon stared at me like he still expected me to look back.
11:09Lyra's fingers dug into his sleeve.
11:11I did not turn.
11:12Kale led me out of the hall.
11:13Each step costing him more than he let anyone see.
11:15Only when the doors closed behind us did his hand tighten around mine.
11:18His voice dropped.
11:19Now ask me what you really want to ask.
11:23Kale had said it outside the hall.
11:24His hand still wrapped around mine.
11:26For one second.
11:27The question almost escaped me right there.
11:29But then he swayed.
11:30Just once.
11:30Pain cut through his grip.
11:31So I swallowed the words and followed him to the north tower.
11:34No one stopped us.
11:35No one dared.
11:36His quarters were cold and almost bare.
11:37A narrow bed.
11:38A heavy desk.
11:39Maps pinned neatly to the walls.
11:40No flowers.
11:41No servants.
11:42Nothing prepared for a bride.
11:43But everything was clean.
11:45The bed was made sharp.
11:46The books were lined straight.
11:47Even the medicine bottles stood in order.
11:49Kale had been forgotten here.
11:50But he had not let himself fall apart.
11:52For the first time that night.
11:53No one was watching.
11:54No elders.
11:55No pack.
11:55No Damon.
11:56No Lyra.
11:56Just me and the cursed heir who had become my mate.
11:59Kale removed his black outer robe and set it aside.
12:01Without it.
12:01He looked even thinner.
12:02Too pale.
12:03Too tired.
12:03A man the curse had been eating alive for years.
12:06He leaned one hand against the desk.
12:07Mask.
12:08My fingers curled into my sleeves.
12:10Did you know that my blood could help you?
12:13Did you claim me because you wanted me?
12:15Or because my blood can keep you alive?
12:17Kale went very still.
12:19For one breath.
12:19I thought he would deny it.
12:20Then he looked at me.
12:21I don't want to lie to you.
12:22And suddenly.
12:23I knew.
12:24Whatever came next was going to hurt.
12:26Kale did not look away.
12:28That was how I knew the answer before he said it.
12:30Yes I knew your silver blood might hold back my curse.
12:33For a moment.
12:33I could not speak.
12:34Damon wanted an heir.
12:35The elders wanted a prophecy.
12:36And Kale wanted a cure.
12:38I stepped back before I could stop myself.
12:39Kale saw it.
12:40But he did not follow.
12:41If I only wanted your blood I could have asked for you years ago.
12:44Maybe you waited until I had nowhere else to go.
12:46The words came out smaller than I wanted.
12:48His face changed.
12:49Not anger.
12:50Something worse.
12:50Because he knew I had the right to think it.
12:52Maybe I deserve that.
12:53The fire cracked between us.
12:55I hated that he sounded honest.
12:56I hated that honesty still hurt.
12:58Then why tonight?
12:59Because Damon made you stand alone.
13:01And I know what that feels like.
13:02My fingers twisted in my sleeves.
13:04For a second.
13:04I forgot how to answer.
13:06Because he wasn't asking me to pity him.
13:07He was telling me he had seen me.
13:09If I stay.
13:10It won't be because you need me.
13:11I know.
13:13If I help you.
13:14It doesn't mean you get to use me.
13:16No.
13:17Never.
13:18The room went quiet.
13:19I looked at the place beneath his shirt.
13:20Where the curse had almost killed him in front of everyone.
13:22My hands were still shaking.
13:24But my voice came out clear.
13:25You claimed me before the whole pack.
13:28So show me.
13:29Seraphinda.
13:30Show me the curse.
13:32Hale did not move for a long moment.
13:34Then he loosened the ties of his shirt.
13:36The fabric fell open.
13:37The curse mark sat at the center of his chest.
13:39Dark red against bone pale skin.
13:41Coiled like something alive beneath his flesh.
13:43I had seen blood on him.
13:44I had seen him collapse at the altar.
13:46But this was worse.
13:47The curse was not just sealing his wolf.
13:48It was feeding on him.
13:49My fingers curled once before I forced them still.
13:52I need to touch it.
13:53Seraphina.
13:54You claimed me before the whole pack.
13:56Do not hide from me now.
13:58For one beat.
13:58I thought he would refuse.
13:59Then he gave a single nod.
14:01I pressed my palm flat against the mark.
14:03His whole body locked.
14:03Heat slammed into my hand.
14:05Sharp and violent.
14:05Not mine.
14:06His.
14:06My silver blood answered instantly.
14:08And something inside him answered back.
14:10I felt it hit the seal.
14:11Once.
14:11Twice.
14:12A wolf trapped behind iron.
14:13Throwing itself against the dark.
14:14Kale's breath broke.
14:15Gold flashed through his gray eyes.
14:17Your wolf is still there.
14:18His chest rose hard beneath my hand.
14:20It's not gone.
14:21I feel it every day.
14:22Gold bled through his eyes again.
14:24Like fire under ice.
14:25Then his grip tightened.
14:26And this time, when he said my name, it did not sound entirely human.
14:31I didn't even see him move.
14:32One second.
14:33I was standing in front of him.
14:34My palm pressed to his chest.
14:36The next.
14:36My back hit the bed.
14:37Kale was above me.
14:38One hand braced by my ear.
14:39The other locking around my wrist.
14:41Breathing like he'd been dragged up from deep water.
14:43The curse mark lazed under my palm.
14:45Its edges lit up.
14:45Spreading outward like cracks in burning glass.
14:47His eyes were wrong.
14:48I could feel his wolf pressing against the bond like it wanted to tear through his skin to reach me.
14:52His pupils narrowed.
14:53Jaw clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grind.
14:56Stop touching me.
14:57If you keep going.
14:58He didn't finish.
14:59Because the bond pulsed.
15:00I felt it.
15:01His wolf.
15:02Trapped behind that seal.
15:03Slamming toward my hand with everything it had.
15:05Kale stared down at me.
15:06Half broken.
15:06Half feral.
15:07Every muscle in his body was locked tight.
15:09Holding himself back.
15:10Even like this.
15:11He still wasn't hurting me.
15:12Then Kale kissed me.
15:13Not softly.
15:14Not carefully.
15:14Like the bond had finally pulled too hard for either of us to pretend it was only a ritual.
15:18The mark beneath my palm flared white gold.
15:20Kale's body locked.
15:21His eyes flashed full gold.
15:22For one terrifying second.
15:24I saw what had been trapped inside him for 13 years.
15:26Not the cursed prince.
15:28The wolf.
15:28Then the room burst into light.
15:30When the light faded.
15:32Kale was on the floor beside the bed.
15:34Unconscious.
15:34The curse mark on his chest had split straight down the center.
15:37For one terrified moment.
15:38I thought I had killed him.
15:40Then I felt it through the bond.
15:41A pulse.
15:42Weak.
15:42But there.
15:43I stayed beside him until his breathing steadied.
15:45Sometime before dawn.
15:46I must have fallen asleep.
15:47I woke to sunlight and the scratch of a pen.
15:49Kale was already at the desk.
15:51Writing like he had not collapsed in front of me hours ago.
15:53He still looked too thin.
15:54Too pale.
15:55But the hollowed out look was not as sharp as before.
15:57There was more color in his face.
15:59His hand no longer trembled around the pen.
16:01Small things.
16:02Impossible things.
16:03He noticed me watching and set the pen down.
16:05His eyes dropped to my bandaged palm.
16:07You reopened it last night.
16:08I looked at my hand.
16:09The cut from the altar had split again.
16:11I'm fine.
16:12No.
16:13You're bleeding from me.
16:15There's a medicine store in the eastern market.
16:16Their salves are better than anything kept in this tower.
16:19I almost laughed.
16:20After everything that happened you want to buy me medicine?
16:23I want to do one useful thing before you decide I'm only good at nearly dying.
16:26Before I could answer, a knock sounded.
16:28My lord, the eastern market opened early.
16:30A rare medicine shipment just arrived.
16:32Kale looked at my palm, then reached for his cloak.
16:34We go now.
16:36The market was loud and crowded.
16:38At the south stall, I heard Damon's voice.
16:40Damon's voice.
16:41The strongest prenatal tynener, my chosen mate, carries the future heir.
16:44He stood at the next stall with Lyra on his arm.
16:46When he saw me, his eyes dropped to my bandaged palm, then to the silver mark on my wrist.
16:50Already bleeding for him, Sarah?
16:52How was the first night?
16:53Or did the curse ruin that too?
16:55Serafina always had a habit of saving people who didn't choose her first.
16:59You used to call that kindness when you needed it from me.
17:02Sarah, I didn't mean...
17:03You mean everything.
17:04That's always been the problem.
17:06I turned to the shelf.
17:07Moonshade root.
17:07Exactly what could weaken a soul-level curse?
17:10My fingers closed around at first.
17:12Lyra's hand landed over mine.
17:13Eyes already wet.
17:14Serafina, please.
17:16I need this.
17:17I didn't let go.
17:18Lyra's lip trembled.
17:19She turned to Damon, voice barely a whisper.
17:21She won't even let me have medicine for our pup.
17:24Damon's face darkened instantly.
17:25He held out his hand.
17:27Give it to her.
17:29I picked it up first.
17:30Damon's smile died.
17:31Before he could speak, Kale stepped forward.
17:33The air shifted.
17:34Glass jars trembled on the shelf.
17:36She's my mate.
17:37Say one more word to her.
17:38Damon stepped back half a step.
17:40Instinct, not choice.
17:41Then something ugly settled in his face.
17:43He stopped looking at me.
17:44Do you remember that night, brother?
17:46The night you were cursed.
17:47You were six.
17:48You screamed for father for hours.
17:50He didn't come.
17:51Damon.
17:51I stepped in front of him.
17:53He blinked.
17:54Surprised.
17:55You talk about broken things a lot for someone whose mate moves you like a puppet with a single tear.
18:00Lyra's face went white.
18:02Damon's jaw tightened.
18:03I looked him up and down.
18:04At least Kale's curse has a cure.
18:06What's yours?
18:07Damon's mouth opened.
18:08Before he could answer, Kale's pressure slammed through the stall.
18:11He stepped back.
18:12Everyone saw it.
18:13Kale took the moonshade root from my hand and placed coins on the counter.
18:16This belongs to my mate.
18:17This isn't over.
18:19No.
18:19That's the problem.
18:20Damon dragged Lyra away before his wolf could betray him again.
18:24Only when they were gone did I see the blood at the corner of Kale's mouth.
18:27His curse had heard him act like an alpha and it was punishing him for it.
18:31I made him sit down.
18:33Kale tried to say he was fine.
18:34Then blood touched his lip again.
18:36I stared at him.
18:37No more pretending.
18:38The bond cracked the curse.
18:40But not enough.
18:41If I want to break it, I have to work on it directly.
18:45How?
18:46My blood.
18:47My hand on the mark.
18:49Every night.
18:50That will hurt you.
18:52It's my blood.
18:53I choose where it goes.
18:54For a moment, he said nothing.
18:56Then he sat on the bed and opened his shirt.
18:58The curse mark looked darker than before.
19:00Angrier.
19:01The moment my palm touched it, his whole body locked.
19:03The seal fought back.
19:04So did the wolf trapped beneath it.
19:06The first night, I kept my eyes on the mark.
19:08By the third, I could no longer ignore the way his breathing changed when the curse pushed back.
19:12The way his jaw clenched.
19:14The way he stared at the ceiling like counting stones was the only thing keeping him still.
19:18Does it hurt?
19:19No.
19:19By the fifth night, it had become routine.
19:22Touch the mark.
19:22Hold the pressure.
19:23Wait until the seal stopped fighting.
19:25Then pull away.
19:26So I pulled away like always.
19:27Kale caught my wrist.
19:28Not hard.
19:29Just fast enough to stop me.
19:31The bond snapped tight between us.
19:32My breath caught.
19:33His eyes lifted to mine.
19:35Dark in the firelight.
19:36Don't pull away like that.
19:37Why?
19:37Because when you do, the wolf wants to follow.
19:42I woke to a sound that didn't belong to any human throat.
19:44The bed beside me was empty.
19:46Kale was in the corner, on his knees.
19:48Body shaking so hard it looked painful to watch.
19:50His nails had turned to claws.
19:52They dragged across the stone, leaving deep white marks.
19:55Then he looked up.
19:56Gold eyes.
19:56Slit pupils.
19:57Too much wolf.
19:58Not enough man.
19:59Go.
20:00When you're close.
20:01The bond makes it worse.
20:02I got out of bed anyway.
20:03He hit the wall trying to get away from me.
20:05Serafina don't.
20:06I knelt in front of him and pressed my hand to his chest.
20:09Silver light burst between us.
20:10The curse mark split.
20:11Kale threw his head back with a sound that was half hell, half relief.
20:14Then he looked at me again, breathing hard, half man, half wolf, and said my name like
20:19it was the only thing keeping him from breaking apart.
20:21Tell me to stop.
20:23Say it now.
20:24And I still can.
20:26I'm not going anywhere, Kale.
20:29I didn't run.
20:30Kale stared at me, gold burning through gray.
20:32Then his hand caught my waist and the other came to the back of my neck.
20:35This was the wolf.
20:36The curse mark flared between us, silver and black light crashing together.
20:40Every touch cracked the seal whiter.
20:41I let my blood answer, let it flood every fracture.
20:44His claws drove into the stone beside me hard enough to split it.
20:47But he never hurt me.
20:48And the moment I understood that, the last piece of the seal gave way.
20:51The curse shattered.
20:52When the light died, the mark on his chest had faded to almost nothing.
20:55He looked different, stronger, warmer, more like the man he should have been all along.
21:00You should have run.
21:02You keep saying that.
21:04You never listen.
21:05Get used to it.
21:06Then he laughed, low, rough, real, lifted his hand to the back of my neck.
21:10And kissed me, not like the almost kiss the curse had stolen from us.
21:14This one didn't stop.
21:15His claws were gone.
21:16His hands were human again, steady, warm, and everywhere.
21:19Nothing interrupted us.
21:20Nothing pulled him away.
21:21When I woke hours later, the moon had crossed the entire sky.
21:24Kale's arm was around my waist.
21:26His breathing slow and deep against the back of my neck.
21:29The man pressed against me felt nothing like the one I had married.
21:31Broader, warmer, solid in a way that made me close my eyes and stay exactly where I was.
21:37Sunlight hit my face before I opened my eyes.
21:40The space beside me was empty, but still warm.
21:42Then I heard water running.
21:44Kale stood by the basin, splashing water over his face.
21:46And I froze.
21:47Because the man standing there did not look like the one I had married.
21:50The hollow frame was gone.
21:51The sharp bones had softened under lean muscle.
21:54His shoulders were broader now.
21:55For 13 years, the curse had been feeding on him.
21:58Now his body was taking everything back.
22:00What?
22:01Nothing.
22:02You look like you could actually win a fight now.
22:04His mouth twitched.
22:06I mean nothing, nothing.
22:07I could always win a fight.
22:09You couldn't survive a stair race two weeks ago.
22:11Then he lowered his head and kissed me.
22:13When he pulled back, something pulsed beneath my palm.
22:15I hadn't realized my hand was on his chest.
22:18His wolf hit the broken seal like a battering ram.
22:20Kale doubled over.
22:21Black lines flared across the faded curse mark.
22:23Blood dripped from his nose onto the floor.
22:25Kale!
22:26The curse cracked.
22:28But the wolf was waking too fast.
22:31I looked at the mark.
22:32Half faded, half burning.
22:33How long?
22:34Days.
22:36Not weeks.
22:37Kale wiped the blood away and reached for his coat.
22:39Then we move fast.
22:41Because Damon won't wait either.
22:44Kale's change was impossible to hide.
22:46The hollow look was fading from his face.
22:48His shoulders had filled out.
22:49He no longer looked like a man the stairs could kill.
22:52The first time Eldrick saw him cross the council hall without leaning on anything,
22:56the old Alpha King stopped mid-sentence.
22:58So did half the Elders.
22:59For one breath, they all stared.
23:01Then the moment passed.
23:02Eldrick looked back at the reports.
23:04An elder cleared his throat.
23:05A patrol captain lowered his eyes.
23:07Strength had returned to Kale's body, but not to his name.
23:10Thirteen years of being treated like a dead heir did not disappear because he could stand
23:13straight.
23:14Kale knew that better than anyone.
23:15So he stopped waiting for them to remember who he was.
23:18He worked.
23:18Border routes.
23:19Missing supplies.
23:20Patrol gaps.
23:21Old complaints no one had touched in years.
23:23He read everything.
23:24Checked everything.
23:25Corrected everything.
23:26At first, the captains ignored him.
23:28Then one of his warnings saved a patrol from walking into an ambush.
23:31By the next council, two warriors stood behind his chair without being ordered.
23:35By the fifth day, a dispute over Northern Territory reached the council table.
23:38No one had an answer.
23:40Eldrick's eyes moved across the room and, for the first time in 13 years, stopped on Kale.
23:44What do you think?
23:45The room went quiet.
23:46Kale answered like he had been waiting 13 years to be asked.
23:49By sunset, the news had reached Damon.
23:51That night, a patrol wolf came to the North Tower with a message.
23:54He wouldn't meet Kale's eyes.
23:56Damon says, the wolf swallowed.
24:00Enjoy pretending to be air while you can.
24:02Kale looked up from the border map.
24:03Tell him pretending was his mistake.
24:05The messenger froze.
24:06I'm done pretending.
24:09Lyra noticed it before Damon did.
24:11Every time someone said my name, Damon looked away too late.
24:14At first, Lyra pretended not to see it.
24:16Then she couldn't.
24:17That night, she found him alone.
24:19Am I not enough?
24:20Don't start.
24:21Her eyes filled.
24:22She reached for his hand.
24:23He pulled it away.
24:24I gave up everything for you.
24:26My friends.
24:27My place.
24:28I chose you over everyone.
24:30Our child is right here, Damon.
24:32He looked down at her hand, then removed it.
24:35Lyra's composure cracked.
24:36She doesn't love you.
24:37She chose the cursed one.
24:39She let you go without looking back.
24:41I'm the one who stayed.
24:42I'm the one carrying your air.
24:44Why isn't that enough?
24:45Because she's standing next to an alpha.
24:47The whole pack is starting to follow.
24:50And you're standing here crying.
24:52I'm carrying your-
24:53Then do it quietly.
24:55He walked out.
24:56Lyra knelt on the floor, tears running, hands on her belly, with no one left to perform
25:00for.
25:00The next afternoon, Damon found me alone.
25:03Sarah.
25:04Don't call me that.
25:06His jaw tightened.
25:07Then he smiled.
25:07You don't have to keep punishing me.
25:09Pretending you don't still love me must be exhausting.
25:12You were hurt.
25:13I understand.
25:15Lyra was scared.
25:16You two were friends once.
25:18Be generous.
25:19You want me to forgive her?
25:21I want you to stop embarrassing yourself.
25:24His eyes dropped to the silver mark on my wrist.
25:26Stop wasting your blood on him.
25:28That curse has been eating him for 13 years.
25:30You really think you can turn a ruined wolf into an alpha?
25:33Give your blood to me.
25:34I went still.
25:35Damon saw it and mistook it for hope.
25:37When I become alpha king, I can be generous too.
25:39Lyra gave me an heir.
25:40But you?
25:41You could still stand beside me.
25:43Maybe even as my Luna, if you learn your place.
25:46For one second, I could only look at him.
25:48You don't want me, Damon.
25:50You want my blood, my forgiveness, and my silence.
25:54I pulled my wrist away before he could touch the mark.
25:56And you don't get any of them.
25:57Fine.
25:58I'll break him in front of the whole pack.
26:00And when he falls, Sarah, don't come asking for mercy.
26:04By then you won't have a choice anymore.
26:06You won't have a choice anymore.