- 23 hours ago
Reborn from Betrayal Bound to the Ancient Dragon
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Short filmTranscript
00:00This home end is exactly as it was in my previous life.
00:03Prince Solien of the Phoenix Court arrives in his full power, in surface form, and Mira is in his arms.
00:09My sister. My husband's arms. Around my sister.
00:12She looks at me over his shoulder. Satisfied? Certain.
00:16In my previous life, on the day of the bloom rite, my sister chose someone else.
00:21She persuaded the unwanted boar rider to pick me, claiming we were born for each other.
00:25Instead, I saved Prince Solien of the Phoenix Court by accident.
00:29He took me as his queen.
00:31After the bonding, I bore five heirs for the Phoenix bloodline, a clan that had gone generations without children.
00:36I became a legend across the Everlight realm.
00:39My sister, bonded to her chosen lord, was cast out for barrenness.
00:43I came home with my youngest.
00:45While I'm having a meal, my sister poisoned my bowl, me and my child both.
00:50When I woke, it was the day of the rite again.
00:53Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline. Choose freely.
00:57Everyone began searching for their desired partners and presenting them with flowers.
01:01I didn't want any of it.
01:02In my last life, childbirth had nearly killed me.
01:05I wasn't doing it again.
01:06I'd painted myself plain.
01:08Doll eyes and plain clothing.
01:10A man came over, took one look at my outfit, and left in disgust.
01:14One by one, even the boar knights found partners.
01:17I stood alone.
01:18Then the doors blew open.
01:19Prince Solien of the Phoenix Court.
01:21In his full power.
01:23In surface form.
01:24Mira saved my life.
01:25From this day forward, she is my true mate.
01:27Elder Sylvan was greatly startled, some even shedding tears of emotion.
01:31Mira looked at me over his shoulder.
01:33Satisfied.
01:34Certain.
01:35I knew then.
01:36She'd been reborn, too.
01:37Now I looked at her.
01:39Draped against Prince Solien.
01:40Already victorious.
01:42She thought she'd won.
01:43She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.
01:45Phoenix Court Lords are of the flame-touched element.
01:48Their mates sleep in flame-touched air.
01:50Bathe in flame-touched heat.
01:52Eat flame-touched food.
01:53For a bloodline like ours.
01:55Frostborn by nature.
01:56That's not a marriage.
01:58It's a slow execution.
01:59Last time I had no choice but to pretend to like it.
02:02Every day.
02:03I smiled through the sacred ember aisles.
02:05Through the scalding baths.
02:06Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.
02:09By the time I was pregnant, my soul core was already cracked.
02:13The children drew what was left.
02:14Meera was frostborn, too.
02:16She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.
02:19The whole keep celebrated.
02:21Every unmated girl in the Order delayed her own bonding to help prepare Meera's.
02:25The gift list ran ten feet long.
02:27Elder Sylvan nearly emptied the sanctuary's vaults.
02:29Trying to impress a man who didn't need impressing.
02:32Being the only one without a partner makes me the perfect candidate for handmaiden.
02:36Meela stepped forward.
02:37Before, you were the Elder.
02:39I deferred to you.
02:40How does this feel, sister?
02:41I said nothing.
02:42She stepped forward and struck my face.
02:44That look.
02:45You'll get used to it.
02:46Elder Sylvan has already agreed.
02:48You belong to me now.
02:50I'll hit you when I want.
02:52Praise you when I want.
02:53You have no say.
02:55Start learning.
02:56A courier arrived from Prince Solian.
02:58A phoenix mantle.
02:59Light as air.
03:00Heat resistant.
03:01Enchanted for speed.
03:03Meera touched it with both hands.
03:04I knew that mantle.
03:05For flame-touched bloodlines, it was a treasure.
03:08For frostborn bloodlines, it was a punishment.
03:11I'd worn it every day of my first marriage.
03:13It had carved away at my soul core for years.
03:16Meera would find that out eventually.
03:18Then a girl came running fast.
03:19Flame-touched damage on the Sacred Grove!
03:22What an awful omen.
03:23Today of all days.
03:24I didn't wait.
03:25I ran.
03:26The Sacred Grove was burning hard when I arrived.
03:28Black smoke.
03:29Screaming from inside the tree line.
03:31The Covenant elders stood at the edge and wouldn't move.
03:34That flame-touched power belongs to a phoenix-caught lord.
03:36We interfere.
03:37We offend him.
03:38Your sister's bonding is today.
03:39Don't make trouble.
03:40They're only low-rank familatives.
03:42I looked at him for a long moment.
03:44Then I went in.
03:45The smoke blinded me fast.
03:47The heat scorched my skin.
03:49But I was frostborn.
03:50Wherever I moved, cold spread behind me.
03:52It slowed the flames enough to matter.
03:54I remembered what Marin taught me.
03:56Clear a line.
03:57Deny the fire somewhere to go.
03:58I shifted to full form and called out.
04:02Stags, wolves, elephants, and bears.
04:05Here they come.
04:06A bear used its body as a shield.
04:08The wolves and elephants worked to clear a firebreak.
04:12We were once at a disadvantage.
04:13But then...
04:14Turned the tide.
04:16Then the woods began to shake.
04:17The ground split open.
04:19The crack widening steadily.
04:21Lord Calith of the Void soared out from within.
04:24He opened his maw and exuded bitter cold all around, putting out the flames.
04:28This grove is mine.
04:30Who damaged it?
04:31Hearing the noise, the elders and Mira came running.
04:34The Covenant elders said nothing.
04:36A thousand years in this valley.
04:37And nobody had thought to check whether something older...
04:39Anybody lived here.
04:41Look at her!
04:41Ash everywhere!
04:43Burned skin!
04:44It had to be her!
04:45Every eye turned.
04:46I was standing there with my hands at my sides.
04:48Charred.
04:48The same hands that had just spent an hour fighting the flames.
04:51I was certain someone would say it.
04:53Any of them.
04:54They'd all seen me go in.
04:55Elder Sylvan glanced at me.
04:56Then turned to look at Lord Calith.
04:58Lord Calith of the Void.
05:00Our wayward daughter did this.
05:01She is yours to punish.
05:03We offer her freely.
05:04I stood still.
05:05Not one of them spoke for me.
05:07This home end is exactly as it was in my previous life.
05:10Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court arrives in his full power.
05:13In surface form.
05:15And Mira is in his arms.
05:17My sister.
05:17My husband's arms.
05:18Around my sister.
05:20She looks at me over his shoulder.
05:22Satisfied?
05:23Certain.
05:23In my previous life.
05:24On the day of the bloom rite.
05:26My sister chose someone else.
05:28She persuaded the unwanted boar rider to pick me.
05:31Claiming we were born for each other.
05:33Instead.
05:33I saved Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court by accident.
05:37He took me as his queen.
05:38After the bonding.
05:39I bore five heirs for the Phoenix bloodline.
05:41A clan that had gone generations without children.
05:44I became a legend across the Everlight realm.
05:46My sister.
05:47Bonded to her chosen lord.
05:49Was cast out for barrenness.
05:51I came home with my youngest.
05:52While I'm having a meal.
05:54My sister poisoned my bowl.
05:56Me and my child both.
05:57When I woke.
05:58It was the day of the rite again.
06:00Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.
06:03Choose freely.
06:04Everyone began searching for their desired partners.
06:07And presenting them with flowers.
06:08I didn't want any of it.
06:09In my last life.
06:10Childbirth had nearly killed me.
06:12I wasn't doing it again.
06:13I'd painted myself plain.
06:15Doll eyes.
06:16And plain clothing.
06:17A man came over.
06:19Took one look at my outfit.
06:20And left in disgust.
06:21One by one.
06:22Even the boar knights found partners.
06:24I stood alone.
06:25Then the doors blew open.
06:27Prince Solian of the Phoenix court.
06:29In his full power.
06:30In surface form.
06:31Mira saved my life.
06:33From this day forward she is my true mate.
06:35Elder Sylvan was greatly startled.
06:37Some even shedding tears of emotion.
06:39Mira looked at me over his shoulder.
06:40Satisfied.
06:41Certain.
06:42I knew then.
06:43She'd been reborn too.
06:45Now I looked at her.
06:46Draped against Prince Solian.
06:48Already victorious.
06:48She thought she'd won.
06:50She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.
06:52Phoenix court lords are of the flame-touched element.
06:55Their mates sleep in flame-touched air.
06:58Bathe in flame-touched heat.
06:59Eat flame-touched food.
07:01For a bloodline like ours.
07:02Frostborn by nature.
07:04That's not a marriage.
07:05It's a slow execution.
07:07Last time I had no choice but to pretend to like it.
07:09Every day.
07:10I smiled through the sacred ember aisles.
07:12Through the scalding baths.
07:14Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.
07:16By the time I was pregnant, my soul core was already cracked.
07:20The children drew what was left.
07:22Mira was frostborn too.
07:23She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.
07:26The whole keep celebrated.
07:28Every unmated girl in the order delayed her own bonding to help prepare Mira's.
07:32The gift list ran ten feet long.
07:34Elder Sylvan nearly emptied the sanctuary's vaults.
07:37Trying to impress a man who didn't need impressing.
07:39Being the only one without a partner makes me the perfect candidate for handmaiden.
07:43Mila stepped forward.
07:44Before, you were the elder.
07:46I deferred to you.
07:47How does this feel, sister?
07:49I said nothing.
07:50She stepped forward and struck my face.
07:52That look.
07:52You'll get used to it.
07:54Elder Sylvan has already agreed.
07:56You belong to me now.
07:58I'll hit you when I want.
07:59Praise you when I want.
08:01You have no say.
08:02Start learning.
08:03A courier arrived from Prince Solian.
08:05A phoenix mantle.
08:07Light as air.
08:07Heat resistant.
08:08Enchanted for speed.
08:10Mira touched it with both hands.
08:11I knew that mantle.
08:13For flame-touched bloodlines, it was a treasure.
08:15For frostborn bloodlines, it was a punishment.
08:18I'd worn it every day of my first marriage.
08:20It had carved away at my soul core for years.
08:23Mira would find that out eventually.
08:25Then a girl came running fast.
08:26Flame-touched damage on the Sacred Grove!
08:29What an awful omen.
08:30Today of all days.
08:31I didn't wait.
08:32I ran.
08:33The Sacred Grove was burning hard when I arrived.
08:36Black smoke.
08:37Screaming from inside the tree line.
08:38The Covenant elders stood at the edge and wouldn't move.
08:41That flame-touched power belongs to a phoenix-caught lord.
08:44We interfere.
08:44We offend him.
08:45Your sister's bonding is today.
08:47Don't make trouble.
08:48They're only low-rank familatives.
08:50I looked at him for a long moment.
08:51Then I went in.
08:53The smoke blinded me fast.
08:54The heat scorched my skin.
08:56But I was frostborn.
08:57Wherever I moved, cold spread behind me.
09:00It slowed the flames enough to matter.
09:01I remembered what Maren taught me.
09:03Clear a line.
09:04Deny the fire somewhere to go.
09:05I shifted to full form and called out.
09:10Stags, wolves, elephants, and bears.
09:12Here they come.
09:13A bear used its body as a shield.
09:16The wolves and elephants worked to clear a firebreak.
09:19We were once at a disadvantage.
09:21But then...
09:22Turned the tide.
09:23Then the woods began to shake.
09:25The ground split open.
09:27The crack widening steadily.
09:29Lord Calith of the Void soared out from within.
09:31He opened his maw and exuded bitter cold all around, putting out the flames.
09:35This grove is mine.
09:37Who damaged it?
09:38Hearing the noise, the elders and Mira came running.
09:41The Covenant elders said nothing.
09:43A thousand years in this valley.
09:45And nobody had thought to check whether something older...
09:47Anybody lived here?
09:48Look at her!
09:49Ash everywhere!
09:50Burned skin!
09:51It had to be her!
09:52Every eye turned.
09:53I was standing there with my hands at my sides.
09:55Charred.
09:56The same hands that had just spent an hour fighting the flames.
09:59I was certain someone would say it.
10:01Any of them.
10:01They'd all seen me go in.
10:02Elder Sylvan glanced at me, then turned to look at Lord Calith.
10:06Lord Calith of the Void.
10:07Our wayward daughter did this.
10:09She is yours to punish.
10:10We offer her freely.
10:11I stood still.
10:12Not one of them spoke for me.
10:17My husband can't spark a baby.
10:19So he married me the ultimate fertility cheat code.
10:21He made me his queen, then crushed every dragon...
10:26Worse.
10:26He branmed slave across my forehead, forcing me to kneel by his bed and watch him hook up
10:30with his side chicks.
10:31And then, he straight up murdered me.
10:33This time, I refuse to become Luke's dragon queen.
10:37Instead, I choose the primal dragon.
10:39And in a single clutch, I give him 200 eggs.
10:42I wake up on the exact day he shows up to pick his bride.
10:44Luke is standing in the center of the hall.
10:46I am Luke, king of the shadow dragon kingdom.
10:48I have come to choose the strongest woman of the Emerald Clan as my queen.
10:51The second his voice reaches me, my blood turns to ice.
10:53I pull my hood down low, trying to sneak out through the shadows of the stone pillars.
10:57Sire, look at me.
10:58I've already reached Archmaster rank in healing magic.
11:00No, choose me.
11:01My dragon form rules the skies and my fertility is unpatched.
11:04I'll give you the strongest heir on the continent.
11:06They surge forward in a frenzy, each one looking ready to mate with Luke on the spot.
11:10I look at their eager faces and let out a quiet scoff.
11:12Then I turn to leave, only to freeze when my alpha father calls my name.
11:15Chloe, where do you think you're going?
11:19Get over here right now and greet the dragon king.
11:21Under countless jealous stares, I force myself forward.
11:24I lower my head and curly.
11:25My father practically glows with pride.
11:27Your majesty, this is Chloe Greenwood.
11:29He grabs my arm and pulls me closer.
11:31She possesses the talent of hyper fertile, a gift our clan hasn't seen in 10,000 years.
11:35If anyone can fill the royal nursery, it's her.
11:37Heat rushes to my face.
11:38I want to disappear.
11:39Then Luke starts walking towards me.
11:41Before he can say a word, I grab my sister's hand and pull her forward.
11:44Father, I'm still young.
11:45If we're discussing heirs, wouldn't Delilah be a better choice?
11:47Father's smile vanishes instantly.
11:49Delilah is the daughter of his mistress.
11:51She's never been his favorite.
11:52A marriage to the ruler of the continent is always meant to be mine.
11:55But after what happened in my previous life, I'd rather kill him than marry him again.
11:59This child is talking nonsense.
12:01Your majesty, perhaps one of my other daughters.
12:03Relief washes through me.
12:04Luke is far too proud to chase after someone who doesn't want him.
12:07And in my last life, he couldn't stand me.
12:09He'll choose someone obedient.
12:10Someone easy to control.
12:12Someone like Delilah.
12:13But Luke doesn't even glance at her.
12:14He walks straight toward me, then stops.
12:16Right in front of me.
12:17I've made my choice.
12:19Chloe Greenwood will be my one and only queen.
12:21Your majesty, I refuse.
12:22I already have a mate.
12:23We've completed our bond and in a few days he'll be here to claim me.
12:27I refuse to become your queen.
12:30Is she out of her mind?
12:32That's the dragon king she's talking to.
12:34Where are her manners?
12:35She rejected the dragon king?
12:36Does she have a death wish?
12:39Your majesty, please forgive her.
12:43She's been obsessed with magic lately.
12:45Maybe one of my other daughters would be a better choice.
12:47No.
12:48My heart skips a beat.
12:50That isn't the look of a man who's just been rejected.
12:52It looks like he's hated me for years.
12:55Wait.
12:55Could Luke have been reborn too?
12:57Could he remember everything from our previous life?
13:00No.
13:01That doesn't make sense.
13:02If he remembered our last life, I'd already be Ash.
13:07Since Chloe is waiting for her fated mate to come claim me,
13:11I suppose she won't mind if I stay a few more days.
13:16Father is furious.
13:18My secret mate bond just ruined everything he'd planned for me.
13:21He seals my wings and locks me away until Luke chooses a new queen.
13:24And somehow, things get even worse.
13:26Because Luke moves into the suite right next to mine.
13:29Luke is a complete lunatic.
13:31And he acts like he owns me.
13:33He barely leaves his room.
13:35Yet his cold, obsessive gaze finds me every time I step onto the balcony.
13:38If I want him to believe I already have a mate,
13:41then I need to sell the lie completely.
13:43The next day, my garden fills with bonfires and lavish parties every night.
13:47I lounge on a white tiger-pale sofa at the center of the party,
13:51drink in hand, and a handsome man beside me.
13:54Then everything falls apart.
13:58Luke storms into my party, shifts into his dragon form,
14:01and sends the man flying with his tail.
14:07And the guests scatter in terror.
14:09I make a run for it.
14:10But Luke turns human again and grabs me.
14:13And his lips brush my neck.
14:15I struggle against him.
14:17Luke!
14:17Are you insane?
14:18What are you doing?
14:21Why does that asshole get to touch you and I don't?
14:23I swear, Chloe, I can make you feel a million times better than he ever could.
14:29Give me a shot.
14:30I've got way more moves than that little punk.
14:33You're crazy!
14:34Get off me!
14:35He starts tearing at my clothes,
14:37his hand locking around my waist like iron.
14:40Chloe!
14:42Father!
14:43Your majesty, it's late.
14:45You should get some rest.
14:47My father's arrival is enough to make Luke back up.
14:50Father walks over and puts himself between us.
14:53Luke says nothing, just snits and leaves.
14:59I'm sorry, Chloe.
15:01I almost gave you to a monster.
15:07Father presses a golden dragon scale into my hand.
15:10Take this and go to the primer abyss.
15:14An ancient dragon sleeps there.
15:16He's hundreds of times stronger than Luke.
15:18Only he can protect you.
15:20Stay with him until a new queen is chosen.
15:23I leave at once and soon reach the primal abyss.
15:29Dragon statues cover the cliffs outside the cave,
15:32and red spider lilings bloom along the path.
15:34I head deeper into the cave, holding a small flame in my palm.
15:38The deeper I go, the stronger the scent of heat gets.
15:40My knees go weak, my face burning as I look deeper into the cave.
15:44The cave is huge and brightly lit.
15:45A stone bed sits in the middle, surrounded by treasure.
15:48A handsome man lies on the stone bed, groaning softly.
15:51His muscles flex and shift, golden light flickering under his skin.
15:54Are you the primal dragon, Sileus?
15:57Leave.
15:58Let me help with your heat.
15:59In return, I want your dragon eggs.
16:02Sivus is in heat, until his eyes land on the black spider lily on my collar stone.
16:07It's you.
16:08You know me?
16:09Before I can ask another question, his golden tail wraps around my waist and pulls me toward him.
16:14He flips me over and princes me down.
16:17You're my mate.
16:18We come together, and the mate bond is completed.
16:21Chloe, I'll give you the grandest wedding this continent has ever seared.
16:25The next morning, a tiny dragon wakes me up.
16:28Chloe, wake up!
16:29The clan's in trouble!
16:30What?
16:31I have to go home now.
16:32But Sileus is out, Nerev.
16:34I can't wait for him to come back.
16:41I get back to the Emerald Clan.
16:43Morgan, my closest sister, is sitting on the floor in tears.
16:48Morgan will be my queen.
16:50Say no, and I'll crush this place and take all your sisters.
16:57My husband can't spark a baby, so he married me the ultimate fertility cheat code.
17:01He made me his queen, then crushed every dragon.
17:05Worse, he brands Slave across my forehead, forcing me to kneel by his bed and watch him hook up with
17:10his side chicks.
17:12And then, he straight up murdered me.
17:13This time, I refuse to become Luke's dragon queen.
17:16Instead, I choose the primal dragon.
17:19And in a single clutch, I give him 200 eggs.
17:21I wake up on the exact day he shows up to pick his bride.
17:24Luke is standing in the center of the hall.
17:26I am Luke, king of the shadow dragon kingdom.
17:28I have come to choose the strongest woman of the Emerald Clan as my queen.
17:31The second his voice reaches me, my blood turns to ice.
17:33I pull my hood down low, trying to sneak out through the shadows of the stone pillars.
17:37Sire, look at me!
17:38I've already reached Archmaster rank and healing magic.
17:40No, choose me!
17:41My dragon form rules the skies and my fertility is unpatched.
17:44I'll give you the strongest air on the continent.
17:46They surge forward in a frenzy, each one looking ready to mate with Luke on the spot.
17:50I look at their eager faces and let out a quiet scoff.
17:52Then I turn to leave, only to freeze when my alpha father calls my name.
17:55Chloe, where do you think you're going?
17:59Get over here right now and greet the dragon king.
18:01Under countless jealous stares, I force myself forward.
18:04I lower my head and curly.
18:05My father practically glows with pride.
18:07Your majesty, this is Chloe Greenwood.
18:09He grabs my arm and pulls me closer.
18:11She possesses the talent of hyper fertile, a gift our clan hasn't seen in 10,000 years.
18:15If anyone can fill the royal nursery, it's her.
18:17Heat rushes to my face.
18:18I want to disappear.
18:19Then Luke starts walking towards me.
18:21Before he can say a word, I grab my sister's hand and pull her forward.
18:23Father, I'm still young.
18:25If we're discussing heirs, wouldn't Delilah be a better choice?
18:27Father's smile vanishes instantly.
18:29Delilah is the daughter of his mistress.
18:31She's never been his favorite.
18:32A marriage to the ruler of the continent is always meant to be mine.
18:35But after what happened in my previous life, I'd rather kill him than marry him again.
18:39This child is talking nonsense.
18:41Your majesty, perhaps one of my other daughters.
18:43Relief washes through me.
18:44Luke is far too proud to chase after someone who doesn't want him.
18:47And in my last life, he couldn't stand me.
18:49He'll choose someone obedient, someone easy to control, someone like Delilah.
18:52But Luke doesn't even glance at her.
18:54He walks straight toward me, then stops, right in front of me.
18:57I've made my choice.
18:59Chloe Greenworld will be my one and only queen.
19:01Your majesty, I refuse.
19:02I already have a mate.
19:03We've completed our bond and in a few days he'll be here to claim me.
19:07I refuse to become your queen.
19:10Is she out of her mind?
19:12That's the dragon king she's talking to.
19:14Where are her manners?
19:15She rejected the dragon king?
19:16Does she have a death wish?
19:19Your majesty, please forgive her.
19:23She's been obsessed with magic lately.
19:25Maybe one of my other daughters would be a better choice.
19:27No.
19:28My heart skips a beat.
19:30That isn't the look of a man who's just been rejected.
19:32It looks like he's hated me for years.
19:35Wait, could Luke have been reborn too?
19:37Could he remember everything from our previous life?
19:40No, that doesn't make sense.
19:42If he remembered our last life, I'd already be Ash.
19:47Since Chloe is waiting for her fated mate to come claim me,
19:51I suppose she won't mind if I stay a few more days.
19:57Father is furious.
19:58My secret mate bond just ruined everything he'd planned for me.
20:00He seals my wings and locks me away until Luke chooses a new queen.
20:04And somehow, things get even worse.
20:06Because Luke moves into the suite right next to mine.
20:09Luke is a complete lunatic.
20:11And he acts like he owns me.
20:13He barely leaves his room.
20:14Yet his cold, obsessive gaze finds me every time I step onto the balcony.
20:18If I want him to believe I already have a mate,
20:21then I need to sell the lie completely.
20:23The next day, my garden fills with bonfires and lavish parties every night.
20:27I lounge on a white tiger-pale sofa at the center of the party,
20:31drink in hand, and a handsome man beside me.
20:34Then everything falls apart.
20:38Luke storms into my party, shifts into his dragon form,
20:41and sends the man flying with his tail.
20:47And the guests scatter in terror.
20:49I make a run for it.
20:50But Luke turns human again and grabs me.
20:53And his lips brush my neck.
20:55Luke, I struggle against him.
20:57Luke, are you insane?
20:58What are you doing?
21:01Why does that asshole get to touch you and I don't?
21:03I swear, Chloe, I can make you feel a million times better than he ever could.
21:09Give me a shot.
21:10I've got way more moves than that little punk.
21:13You're crazy!
21:13Get off me!
21:15He starts tearing at my clothes, his hand locking around my waist like iron.
21:20Chloe!
21:22Father!
21:23Your majesty, it's late.
21:25You should get some rest.
21:27My father's arrival is enough to make Luke back up.
21:30Father walks over and puts himself between us.
21:33Luke says nothing, just snits and leaves.
21:39I'm sorry, Chloe.
21:41I almost gave you to a monster.
21:47Father presses a golden dragon scale into my hand.
21:50Take this and go to the Primer Abyss.
21:54An ancient dragon sleeps there.
21:56He's hundreds of times stronger than Luke.
21:58Only he can protect you.
22:00Stay with him until a new queen is chosen.
22:03I leave at once and soon reach the Primal Abyss.
22:09Dragon statues cover the cliffs outside the cave,
22:12and red spider lilings bloom along the path.
22:14I head deeper into the cave, holding a small flame in my palm.
22:18The deeper I go, the stronger the scent of heat gets.
22:20My knees go weak, my face burning as I look deeper into the cave.
22:24The cave is huge and brightly lit.
22:26A stone bed sits in the middle, surrounded by trash.
22:28On the day of our bonding rite, my fiancé paraded his pregnant mistress before everyone
22:32just to humiliate me, ordering me to raise their child.
22:35He thought I had no choice but to obey him, but I decided to just swap him for someone else.
22:40I am the divine maiden of the deer clan.
22:42When I was born, the high priest had prophesied that I possess the noblest bloodline and status.
22:46Whoever I bond with, I'll always be the most revered female in the tribe,
22:49entitled to everyone's worship.
22:51Naturally, my mate should be the most noble male.
22:53Yet, my fiancé Soren, the third prince of the fox clan, walked up to me, hand in hand with
22:58a delicate-looking woman.
22:59She wore the engagement necklace that Soren had once swore would be mine.
23:03He had vowed to place it on me with his own hands during our bonding rage.
23:07Lynette and I have already mated.
23:09She'd be my only mate if mother didn't force me to bond with you.
23:12Don't you ever dream that I'll love you!
23:15I just gave Lynette a light glance, but she acted like I'd hurt her, shrinking behind Soren in terror.
23:20Soren turned to her tenderly and gently touched her stomach.
23:25She's carrying my child.
23:26Once my cub is born, Elwyn will raise him as her own.
23:33Watching Lynette put on that pitiful act, I almost thought I'd actually done something wrong to her.
23:38I'll continue the rate, if you promise to treat Lynette well and serve her as your mistress.
23:44You'll wait on her hand and foot while she's carrying,
23:46tend to her recovery afterwards, and then raise the child on your own.
23:49I won't have Lynette exhausted by any of this.
23:52Oh, and since you're this divine maiden of the deer clan, you can personally toot our child.
23:57Make sure the child turns out well and make sure they treat Lynette right when they grow up.
24:00Elevin is so kind.
24:02I'm sure she won't give me a hard time.
24:04Soren and I hadn't fully completed the bonding rilt yet, so I still had the chance to call it off.
24:08I am no one's servant, and I'll never take care of the child you have with her.
24:12In that case, let's call off the bond.
24:15Whoever wants to be my mate today, step forward.
24:17I'll complete the rile with you right now.
24:24A flicker of Hesitantin crossed everyone's face.
24:26After all, my noble lineage was an irresistible prize.
24:30I thought someone would step up, but Soren just Soren just let out a cold scoff.
24:34Alera, stop embarrassing yourself.
24:36My mother arranged our bond, and our names are already carved together on the bonding stone.
24:40Even if I don't want you, you can't have anyone else.
24:43Anyone who tries will be going against the Fox King.
24:45It would be seen as treason!
24:48Soon as the word treason was mentioned, the crowd way silent.
24:52Sensing their fear, Soren wore a smug, triumphant look, staring down at me with utter arrogance.
24:57This was why he was so fearless.
24:59Even if he let me go, no one would dare to take me in.
25:02Elvin, look around.
25:04If you don't bond with me, you die.
25:07What's it gonna be?
25:08For a moment, I felt hopeless.
25:10Everyone wanted my status and my blood, but no one would actually help me.
25:16Just then, someone approached.
25:19The Queen of the Tribe, Nora.
25:26You filthy slave!
25:27How dare you seduce your master and disrupt the right!
25:29Guards!
25:30Branquist!
25:31Take this slave out and execute her at once!
25:33She's mine.
25:34Touch her, and you're dead.
25:37My dear, I know I failed to raise him well.
25:40I'm sorry you were treated like this.
25:43But today is the big day, and all the nobles are watching.
25:46Can you just play along for now and finish the reet?
25:49Trust me, I'll back you up later.
25:50I won't let that slave climb over you.
25:54You want me to be his partner only because of my bloodline?
25:57Our bond has not even been sealed yet, and Prince Sodan is already allowing a slave to flaunt herself before
26:01me.
26:02And now there is even a disgraceful child.
26:05I'll never consent to be the mate of such a man.
26:07You belong to the Crown!
26:09If you don't finish this, I promise your family will pay for it.
26:14Is this really my only fate?
26:16Finally, the silence broke.
26:17Does your offer still stand, Lady Elwynn?
26:20Everyone turned their heads and went silent as they saw someone slowly approaching the altar.
26:24No, wait.
26:26It was someone being pushed in a wheelchair.
26:28It was Avalian.
26:30The Fox King's eldest son and the rightful Crown Prince.
26:33They said he had a strange illness in his childhood.
26:36Whenever it flared up, he would lose his mind and become violently restless.
26:40A cruel complication of his condition left him frail and paralyzed.
26:43Unable to stand on his own.
26:45Only by finding your fated mate and bonding with her can you be soothed, and your strange affliction healed.
26:51But if you forge a bond with someone incompatible, your body will violently burst apart, and your partner will die
26:57right alongside you.
27:09He alone is destined to take the throne of the Fox King.
27:14Your Highness, this isn't a joke!
27:15You can't just bond with anyone!
27:17You'll be dead!
27:20Lady Elwynn, does your offer still stand?
27:22I looked into his blue eyes.
27:24They were as clear as water.
27:26Don't be a fool.
27:26If you bond with him, the ceremony will turn into your funeral.
27:29Don't gamble your life away.
27:30You don't have to do this.
27:31Do you know what will happen if you don't bond with Sorin?
27:34Sorin reached out his hand, like he was offering a collar.
27:37This is your last chance.
27:38Just give in.
27:39Everyone fell silent.
27:41They were all waiting for my answer.
27:43Eland, you'd better think this through!
27:45I heard my own footsteps, leaving those greedy gazes behind me.
27:49The chains binding me felt broken.
27:51I'd rather die than be a slave.
27:53Does your offer still hold?
27:55Yes.
27:55Everyone looked at each other and started whispering.
27:57I want to bond with her.
27:59Nora froze.
27:59Her face dark.
28:01But since Avarian was the crown prince, there was nothing she could do.
28:05Elerwynn, are you done playing this game?
28:07Apologize now and Lynette and I might forgive you.
28:09You may even keep your place by my side.
28:12Elowen, don't throw your life away just because of me.
28:14Everyone watched us without blinking.
28:17Aurelian cut his palm, and I did the same.
28:19We held hands, our blood mingling.
28:21A golden light lit up the altar.
28:23But then, terrifying black veins crawled up Aurelian's face.
28:26On the day of our bonding rite, my fiancé paraded his pregnant mistress before everyone
28:31just to humiliate me, ordering me to raise their child.
28:34He thought I had no choice but to obey him, but I decided to just swap him for someone
28:38else.
28:38I am the divine maiden of the deer clan.
28:40When I was born, the high priest had prophesied that I possess the noblest bloodline and status.
28:44Whoever I bond with, I'll always be the most revered female in the tribe, entitled to
28:48everyone's worship.
28:49Naturally, my mate should be the most noble male.
28:51Yet, my fiancé Sorin, the third prince of the fox clan walked up to me, hand in hand
28:56with a delicate looking woman.
28:58She wore the engagement necklace that Sorin had once swore would be mine.
29:01He had vowed to place it on me with his own hands during our bonding rage.
29:06Lynette and I have already mated.
29:08She'd be my only mate if mother didn't force me to bond with you.
29:11Don't you ever dream that I'll love you!
29:14I just gave Lynette a light glance, but she acted like I'd hurt her, shrinking behind Sorin
29:18in terror.
29:19Sorin turned to her tenderly and gently touched her stomach.
29:23She's carrying my child.
29:25Once my cub is born, Elwynn will raise him as her own.
29:32Watching Lynette put on that pitiful act, I almost thought I'd actually done something
29:36wrong to her.
29:37I'll continue the rate, if you promise to treat Lynette well and serve her as your mistress.
29:42You'll wait on her hand and foot while she's carrying, tend to her recovery afterwards,
29:46and then raise the child on your own.
29:48I won't have Lynette exhausted by any of this.
29:51Oh, and since you're this divine maiden of the deer clan, you can personally toot our
29:54child.
29:55Make sure the child turns out well and make sure they treat Lynette right when they grow
29:58up.
29:59Elwynn is so kind.
30:00I'm sure she won't give me a hard time.
30:02Sorin and I hadn't fully completed the bonding rilt yet, so I still had the chance to call
30:06it off.
30:06I am no one's servant, and I'll never take care of the child you have with her.
30:10In that case, let's call off the bond.
30:14Whoever wants to be my mate today, step forward.
30:16I'll complete the rile with you right now.
30:22A flicker of hesitantin crossed everyone's face.
30:25After all, my noble lineage was an irresistible prize.
30:28I thought someone would step up, but Sorin just Sorin just let out a cold scoff.
30:33Alera, stop embarrassing yourself.
30:34My mother arranged our bond, and our names are already carved together on the bonding
30:38stone.
30:38Even if I don't want you, you can't have anyone else.
30:41Anyone who tries will be going against the Fox King.
30:44It would be seen as treason!
30:47Soon as the word treason was mentioned, the crowd way silent.
30:50Sensing their fear, Sorin wore a smug, triumphant look, staring down at me with utter arrogance.
30:56This was why he was so fearless.
30:57Even if he let me go, no one would dare to take me in.
31:01Elvin, look around.
31:03If you don't bond with me, you die.
31:05What's it gonna be?
31:06For a moment, I felt hopeless.
31:08Everyone wanted my status and my blood, but no one would actually help me.
31:14Just then, someone approached.
31:17The Queen of the Tribe, Nora.
31:24You filthy slave!
31:26How dare you seduce your master and disrupt the right!
31:28Guards!
31:28Branquist!
31:29Take this slave out and execute her at once!
31:31She's mine.
31:32Touch her, and you're dead.
31:36My dear, I know I failed to raise him well.
31:39I'm sorry you were treated like this.
31:41But today is the big day, and all the nobles are watching.
31:44Can you just play along for now and finish the reet?
31:47Trust me, I'll back you up later.
31:49I won't let that slave climb over you.
31:52You want me to be his partner only because of my bloodline?
31:55Our bond has not even been sealed yet, and Prince Sodom is already allowing a slave to
31:59flaunt herself before me.
32:00And now there is even a disgraceful child.
32:03I'll never consent to be the mate of such a man.
32:06You belong to the crown.
32:08If you don't finish this, I promise your family will pay for it.
32:12Is this really my only fate?
32:14Finally, the silence broke.
32:16Does your offer still stand, Lady Elwynn?
32:18Everyone turned their heads and went silent as they saw someone slowly approaching the altar.
32:23No, wait.
32:25It was someone being pushed in a wheelchair.
32:27It was Avalian, the Fox King's eldest son and the rightful crown prince.
32:32They said he had a strange illness in his childhood.
32:34Whenever it flared up, he would lose his mind and become violently restless.
32:38A cruel complication of his condition left him frail and paralyzed, unable to stand on his own.
32:43Only by finding your fated mate and bonding with her can you be soothed, and your strange affliction healed.
32:49But if you forge a bond with someone incompatible, your body will violently burst apart, and your partner will die
32:56right alongside you.
32:57Ararian wasn't Nora's son.
33:01His mother was the previous mate of the Fox King, and she died to protect the king.
33:08He alone is destined to take the throne of the Fox King.
33:12Your Highness, this isn't a joke!
33:14You can't just bond with anyone!
33:16You'll be dead!
33:18Lady Elwynn, does your offer still stand?
33:21I looked into his blue eyes.
33:23They were as clear as water.
33:24Don't be a fool.
33:25If you bond with him, the ceremony will turn into your funeral.
33:27Don't gamble your life away.
33:28You don't have to do this.
33:29Do you know what will happen if you don't bond with Sorin?
33:32Sorin reached out his hand, like he was offering a collar.
33:35This is your last chance.
33:37Just give in.
33:38Everyone fell silent.
33:39They were all waiting for my answer.
33:42Eland, you'd better think this through!
33:44I heard my own footsteps, leaving those greedy gazes behind me.
33:47The chains binding me felt broken.
33:49I'd rather die than be a slave.
33:51Does your offer still hold?
33:53Yes.
33:54Everyone looked at each other and started whispering.
33:56I want to bond with her.
33:57Nora froze.
33:58Her face dark.
33:59But since Avarian was the crown prince, there was nothing she could do.
34:03Elowen, are you done playing this game?
34:05Apologize now, and Lynette and I might forgive you.
34:08You may even keep your place by my side.
34:10Elowen, don't throw your life away just because of me.
34:13Everyone watched us without blinking.
34:15Aurelian cut his palm, and I did the same.
34:17We held hands, our blood mingling.
34:20A golden light lit up the altar.
34:21But then, terrifying black veins crawled up Aurelian's face.
34:25Aurelian cut his palm, and I did the same.
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