Family secrets, painful betrayal, and a powerful comeback drive this emotional and addictive short drama.
#drama #romance #love #movie #lovestory #truelove #relationship #heartbreak #betrayal #couple
#drama #romance #love #movie #lovestory #truelove #relationship #heartbreak #betrayal #couple
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The Lycan seer said I was born to be a true Luna.
00:03Though the Lycan king himself announced me, his son's mate.
00:06But on our bonding day, my father's bastard daughter swapped the carriage and took my place.
00:11I caught it, stopped the ceremony, had her dragged out and sold to the pleasure dens.
00:16I entered the crown den, just like I was supposed to.
00:19Then on the day I went into labor, the healer said the pup was breach.
00:23Both of us might not survive.
00:25That's when Kale walked in.
00:26The Lycan prince, who had always given me everything I wanted, he walked in with her standing right beside him.
00:41Alara, if you hadn't lied about being born Luna, why would I have ever been forced to bond with you?
00:48Your mother is already in the warrior camps.
00:51Now it's your turn to taste the feeling of losing everything.
00:57Bella leaned close to my ear.
01:00That Luna seat you wanted?
01:02That man you wanted?
01:04They can only ever be mine.
01:07I died right there, consumed by rage.
01:10When I opened my eyes, I was back.
01:12Back on the day of the bonding ceremony.
01:14This time, I decided to give them exactly what they wanted.
01:18I am born under the moon's blessing, but the alpha throne?
01:21There is no reason it has to be his.
01:24The drums outside snapped me back.
01:26White silk, everywhere.
01:28I was reborn.
01:29Through the curtain, I heard my mother crying.
01:31Alara, once you pass through those gates, I can't protect you anymore.
01:35Hold your temper.
01:37Never speak against Kale.
01:38I felt the ache hit me hard.
01:40Last time, it was this exact moment I noticed something was wrong.
01:44I walked off my carriage, filed a complaint on the spot, dragged Bella right back out of
01:48that carriage.
01:49The Lichen King wanted her executed.
01:51My father had to kneel and use our ancestral honor seal just to keep her alive.
01:56What I never knew was that Kale had been secretly sending her money the whole time,
02:00waiting for my weakest moment to destroy me.
02:03Thinking about their faces still made me sick.
02:05This time, I sat still.
02:07I waited.
02:08Just as the carriage was about to move, I heard hooves.
02:11Then a voice I knew too well.
02:13Stop!
02:13My body went cold the second I heard it.
02:16That voice.
02:17In my past life, he used that same voice to whisper sweet things to me right before he
02:21threw me into the abyss.
02:23Kale blocked the whole procession, walked straight to the main carriage, pulled Bella out himself.
02:28How is this the bastard daughter?
02:30The Lichen King chose the illegitimate daughter.
02:33How was the carriage swapped?
02:35This is an act of deceiving the king!
02:37Kale didn't hear any of it.
02:38His eyes were only on her.
02:39Thank the moon we made it in time.
02:41Bella, this time I will make you my mate.
02:44I swear it.
02:46A cold shock ran through me.
02:48He was reborn too.
02:49Bella was flustered, but she couldn't hide how smug she was.
02:53My mother pushed through the crowd.
02:55Why is it you?
02:56Where is my Alara?
02:58Where have you hidden her?
02:59Kale shoved her aside.
03:02The lunar seat belongs to Bella alone.
03:06I already told his majesty.
03:08A wolf like Alara who spreads lies cannot enter the stronghold.
03:12The argument outside kept getting louder.
03:15I lifted the curtain and stepped down.
03:17My mother saw me in plain clothes.
03:19Everything that was supposed to be mine was draped on Bella.
03:22She snapped at Bella immediately.
03:25The Alpha gave you permission to attend out of compassion and you had the nerve to steal the Luma seat.
03:34But this was commanded by his majesty's own decree.
03:38Do you want the whole Blackwood pack buried with you?
03:40Bella and I love each other.
03:42If Alara hadn't made up that born Luna trick, she isn't even worthy of being in my presence.
03:49His majesty knows everything now.
03:51The decree will be withdrawn.
03:52I will never recognize this bonding.
03:55Sister, I don't know why the carriage was changed.
03:58But since this is Kale's wish, I dare not argue.
04:03Alara, be sensible.
04:05Don't disgrace the Blackwood pack.
04:06I congratulate the Lyman prince on getting exactly what he desires.
04:10He forgot something.
04:11I didn't need him to be myself.
04:14But whether he could hold that throne, that was another matter entirely.
04:19Kale looked surprised.
04:20He snorted and walked away with Bella.
04:22The crowd watched them go.
04:24I stood alone in the road in my bonding robes.
04:27My mother gripped my hand and turned on my father.
04:31Edmund Blackwood, this is the bastard you insisted on keeping.
04:34She had the nerve to scheme against Alara.
04:37If you don't fix this, I want a separation.
04:41My father said nothing.
04:42Mother, don't be angry.
04:44I chose not to bond with him.
04:47Isn't it good to have me by your side forever?
04:52Yes.
04:53My daughter was born under the moon's blessing.
04:56Go back to your room and have a rest.
04:58Today you were wronged, but Kale already has His Majesty's approval.
05:01I can't help you.
05:03You are always refined and sensible far more than Bella.
05:06But the whole Territory knows you were supposed to be bonded today.
05:09If you stay home now, everyone will talk.
05:11The Blackwood Pack will be the laughingstock of the Territory.
05:14I cut him off.
05:15So Father wants me to be that laughingstock?
05:18A legitimate daughter.
05:20The King's chosen mate stolen by a bastard.
05:22And now I'm supposed to step aside to cover it up?
05:26Before Nightfall, I'd already be everyone's gossip.
05:29Father, your real fear is I still want the lunar seat.
05:32That I'll create a war between sisters and expose how you favored a low she-wolf.
05:38Allowed a bastard to steal the legitimate daughter's bonding.
05:41Ruined the Blackwood Alpha's reputation.
05:44If I willingly bond with someone else, he could spin it as my own failure.
05:49If you want me to bond, I will bond.
05:51But I choose who.
05:54Otherwise, I bring everything before his majesty.
05:57Every detail about the she-wolf you kept.
06:00The bonding switch made against the royal recue.
06:03Kale claimed the King approved the swap.
06:05But they definitely did not tell the King that Bella was an illegitimate bastard.
06:10With the royal bloodline's honor at stake, his majesty would be furious.
06:15My father's eyes narrowed.
06:16He pulled his hand back.
06:18It seems Alara already has someone in mind.
06:20I didn't bother softening it.
06:22Is there a lone wolf in the Scholar's Hall called Ash Mercer?
06:26I want him.
06:27My father's face went dark immediately.
06:29Out of the question!
06:30The Blackwood Pack's legitimate daughter letting some penniless rogue court her.
06:34Even if he can read a few words, he will never set foot in this packhouse.
06:38I raised an eyebrow.
06:39Didn't father just say I could choose?
06:42Now you change your mind the moment you look at his background.
06:44Or maybe having one crown lunar isn't enough.
06:47Maybe father still wants to trade me for more power.
06:50And perhaps even...
06:51I covered my mouth fast.
06:53Put on a shocked look.
06:55My father glanced around at the guests and rebuked me.
06:57Enough!
06:58I watched him pace and found it laughable.
07:00In his eyes, I was probably nothing like the obedient daughter he used to know.
07:04Fine.
07:05Since you want to bond, then let it be as you say.
07:07He turned to leave.
07:08I called after him.
07:09One more thing.
07:10My bonding gifts must be double what Bella received.
07:13A legitimate daughter versus a bastard.
07:16Is that too much?
07:17He gritted his teeth.
07:19Granted.
07:20I also want a separation document between you and Mother.
07:23If you won't give it, I'll bring Mother before His Majesty and let the King decide.
07:28Ungrateful child!
07:29But I knew he had agreed.
07:30In my past life and this one...
07:32I must protect you.
07:32He only ever cared about his face and his power.
07:34Even if they cannot see it.
07:35I sent riders to find Ash Mercer immediately.
07:38I have a task for you.
07:38Told him to come in three days with bonding gifts.
07:40I want you to find someone.
07:41His reply came fast.
07:41For the Lady Alara.
07:42Every word shaking with nervous sincerity.
07:45To be favored by the pack princess is Ash's great fortune.
07:49I will prepare a hundred mile procession and see you bonded in splendor.
07:53I laughed softly.
07:54What I didn't expect.
07:55Before Ash Mercer even arrived, Kale came back to the pack house with Bella.
08:00A few days later, I was drinking tea with my mother in the main hall.
08:05You see the Lycan Prince and his Luna and still you do not bow.
08:09Are you waiting to be punished?
08:11Before I could respond, his attendant sees both of us.
08:25Has the Lion King's Register recorded Bella's name?
08:29If not, and you're already calling her Crown Luna, you're flouting His Majesty's own decree.
08:35Why would I bow to a Lion Prince who ignores pack law and deceives his king?
08:42My lord, everyone knows Sister has deep feelings for you.
08:48Acting out of emotion is only natural.
08:51Please don't harm your health.
08:56Sister, all of this is my fault.
08:59I couldn't control my feelings.
09:01But I never meant to hurt you.
09:04You have everything.
09:06The finest wolves in the territory would line up for you.
09:09I've had nothing from the beginning.
09:11Even seeing our father once was nearly impossible.
09:14I only reached for this one small warmth.
09:18So knowing full well the royal decree couldn't be refused,
09:22you secretly arranged your bonding behind the king's back.
09:24Risked the entire Blackwood pack.
09:27On the day of the ceremony.
09:29All for your uncontrollable feelings.
09:48Kale stared at the blood at my mouth.
09:52I am the Lycan Prince.
09:54The future Lycan King.
09:56Whatever Luna I chooses to seat,
09:58I will seat.
10:00How many lives do you have to spend on defiance?
10:06Shameless creature!
10:08Elara doesn't lower herself to argue with you.
10:11What does it matter that you clawed your way onto a high branch?
10:15A sparrow can't become a true wolf no matter how high she flies.
10:24You're looking to die.
10:26Stop!
10:28Is this how the future Lycan King treats pack members?
10:31Taking lives without cause.
10:33You can't even be sure you'll hold the Alpha Throne.
10:35His majesty is still strong and healthy.
10:39Coveting your father's seat this openly.
10:42Are you planning a coup?
10:58He had someone bandage my hand.
11:01Bella watched the whole thing.
11:03Jealousy surged across her face.
11:04She collapsed against Kale with tears in her eyes.
11:09It's all my fault.
11:10Please cast me out and give sister the Lunar Seat back.
11:16What kind of nonsense is that?
11:19You are the only one I will ever claim as my mate.
11:24Since they've made you this miserable,
11:27shall I have them thrown into the punishment den and flayed alive?
11:32Too easy your anger.
11:33I stared at him and the memories flooded back.
11:37Last time, I was near the end of my labor when he brought Bella to parade in front of my
11:41bedside.
11:42To vent Bella's anger, he had my mother bound and sent to the warrior camp,
11:46where she became a slave for any wolf to use as they pleased.
11:53When I finally saw my mother again, she was already a broken corpse, every bone shattered.
11:59I died, consumed by rage.
12:02I couldn't even kill him with my own hands.
12:05Being reborn, I swore to myself I would never let my mother be harmed again, not even a fraction.
12:12Bella was still crying beside us.
12:14How could that be?
12:16The lady is the mistress of this house.
12:19Who am I to give her orders?
12:22You are now the Crown Luna.
12:24You deserve this position.
12:26This one who has already taken a separation is of no account.
12:29Kale ignored her and commanded his attendants to seize my mother.
12:38Kale!
12:39Wrongdoing should not extend to family.
12:42If you have a quarrel, bring it to me!
12:47You think I dare not?
12:49I'll grant your wish right now.
13:02Want to save your mother?
13:04Kneel and slap yourself an apology to Bella.
13:08I'll release her when she says she's satisfied.
13:20I'll kneel.
13:22Let go of my mother!
13:31The slap and the apology.
13:34A liar won short and your mother loses a finger.
13:39I'll let go of my mother.
13:50I stared at my mother, collapsed unconscious on the floor.
13:54My tears were already gone.
13:56I couldn't even curse.
13:57All I could do was keep striking my face to bloody red,
14:00biting my lip until it broke.
14:03I begged the Crown Luna's forgiveness.
14:06I was blind and without sense.
14:09Bella watched me in silence.
14:12Oh my lord, have them stop.
14:14The sister's forehead is bleeding.
14:17Has my Bella's anger eased yet?
14:19The triumph barely contained on her face.
14:21Let sister rise.
14:23After all, I still want sister to come into the stronghold and take care of me.
14:27Kale laughed.
14:29Fine.
14:30Having shared blood as your personal attendant will mean better care.
14:34I know you have yearned for me and couldn't have me.
14:37Now I give you the chance to see me every day.
14:39You should be thanking Bella for her generous heart.
14:42Who would bond with someone selfish and with very little time left to live?
14:48His face transformed instantly.
14:52He raised his blade to run me through.
14:54Bold words.
14:56Let me see just how hard your spine really is.
14:59From the entrance came one announcement.
15:01The royal decree arrives.
15:03Kale froze.
15:04Released me.
15:05Knelt with everyone else.
15:06His face still venomous.
15:09My heart dropped back into my chest.
15:11I clung to the last thread of strength and knelt.
15:13Elder Haze walked in.
15:14The Lycan King's most trusted attendant.
15:17By the will of his majesty, the Lycan King, summon Kale, Elera, and Bella to the royal stronghold at once.
15:24Kale had no idea what this meant.
15:25He looked at Elder Haze without respect.
15:27Is that all?
15:28Did his majesty say nothing else?
15:31Or did you bungle the king's message?
15:33Shall I have your head removed?
15:35Elder Haze gave him a sideways glance.
15:37Lyam Prince, this servant dares not guess at his majesty's intent.
15:42All will be known once you enter the stronghold.
15:45Maybe the king wants to grant us the bonding in person.
15:49He summons sister too.
15:51His majesty is thorough.
15:53He won't let us be wronged.
15:55Kale's brow eased slightly.
15:57He glanced back at me with contempt.
16:00Are you not going to go change into something presentable?
16:03Appearing before the king covered in blood is a disgrace.
16:06I pressed my wounded palm and started to turn away.
16:09Elder Haze spoke up.
16:11His majesty's intent is immediate departure.
16:15If we are late, are you prepared to answer for it?
16:18I slipped a silver coin into Elder Haze's palm.
16:21Coaxed a warm smile from him.
16:25This servant thanks the young lady.
16:27I tidied my hair as best I could.
16:31Kale boarded a separate one behind us.
16:34I was still departing together with him after all.
16:38How unlucky.
16:39The carriage moved down the long avenue.
16:41My palms still seeped blood soaking through my sleeve.
16:45I thought about what Elder Haze just did for me.
16:47And I began to understand what I needed to do.
16:50In my past life, Elder Haze was the Liking King's most capable attendant.
16:55After Kale took the throne, all because he dared to counsel openly,
17:00Kale had his tongue cut out in front of the whole court,
17:03then beaten to death, blow by blow.
17:06By that time, I was already a wandering primal spirit.
17:11I watched him bleed out on the stones.
17:13The sorrow I felt had no words.
17:16I wrapped my wound with a clean cloth from my sleeve,
17:19called out through the curtain quietly.
17:21Elder Haze.
17:22What does the young lady require?
17:24You have served at his majesty's side for many years.
17:27What do you know to be the one thing most forbidden within these walls?
17:31A servant who waits on others.
17:33Who am I to speak freely of the stronghold's rules?
17:36Is the young lady testing me?
17:38You are a clever wolf, and you should not remain buried.
17:42I have only one question.
17:44If someone sought to overturn the order of this stronghold one day,
17:48would you go with the current?
17:49Or hold to your own conscience?
17:52After a moment, he dropped his voice lower.
17:55This servant has known only one master in this life.
17:58The one seated upon the Alpha Throne.
18:00Should anyone harbor thoughts toward what is not theirs to have,
18:04this servant will be the first to refuse them.
18:06I understood completely.
18:09With those words from you, I am at ease.
18:12Elder Haze said nothing more.
18:14Just gave me one long, meaningful look.
18:18Move along.
18:20Do not keep his majesty waiting.
18:22The carriages halted before the stronghold gate.
18:25Elder Haze led us through the long passage toward the Lycan King's Hall.
18:29The whole way there, Bella pressed close to Kale.
18:32Kept flicking glances at me with a smirk she couldn't hide.
18:36Kale strode like someone who had already won.
18:39I laughed coldly inside.
18:40Laugh while you still can.
18:42In the hall, I knelt before the throne and paid my respects properly.
18:46This subject, Allura Blackwood, greets his majesty.
18:49May his majesty have 10,000 years of reign.
18:53Your son greets his royal father.
18:56May his majesty be well.
18:58The Lycan Prince is actually willing to call me royal father.
19:02What an enormous honor.
19:05The entire hall went dead silent.
19:07Every person dropped to their knees.
19:10Your son would never dare.
19:13We beg his majesty to see clearly.
19:15The Lycan King descended from the high seat, face dark as a storm.
19:19Eyes bearing down on Kale like a death sentence.
19:22You dare to issue false royal decrees in my name now?
19:25What is there left that you cannot do?
19:28Kale and Bella both went completely still.
19:31Kale's mind went blank for a second.
19:33His gaze snapped to me.
19:34Your majesty, your son would never dare commit this crime.
19:37It was her.
19:38She withdrew from the bonding first.
19:41Deliberately pulled Bella forward to take the blame.
19:44Your son didn't want to shame the royal name.
19:47That's why it came to this.
19:49Your majesty, I knows nothing.
19:51I truly don't understand why sister would frame us like this.
19:55Allura has been willful since childhood.
19:57Abusing her status as the legitimate daughter.
20:00Your son could not bring himself to bond with someone of that character.
20:04If there is any fault, it rests entirely with your son.
20:08It has nothing to do with Bella.
20:10Listening to him twist everything, I felt nothing.
20:13In my past life, he did the same.
20:15Threw every drop of filth onto me.
20:17Elevated Bella into an innocent, untouched soul.
20:20This time, I was no longer the Alara who could be slaughtered as she lay.
20:23I watched their desperate scrambling and let out a cold laugh.
20:27Turned and spoke without flinching.
20:29Your majesty, the one who ordered the bonding carriage swapped, was someone from the Lichen
20:33Prince's own side.
20:34She bribed the Blackwood Pack steward.
20:37Had the ceremony attendant conceal everything.
20:40Stripped away every gift my mother prepared.
20:43Worked with the Lichen Prince to force the bonding through as a done deal.
20:48I did not.
20:50Your majesty, your son swears on his life.
20:53Bella is kind-hearted by nature.
20:55She could never do something like this.
21:04By your account, every single one of them has grown bold enough to deceive me to my face.
21:09The complaints spread across the floor.
21:11Dense text covering the entire document.
21:14Kale picked it up with shaking hands.
21:16After only a few lines, his face turned a sickly mix of white and green.
21:20I watched his fingers tremble.
21:22Sweat breaking out on his brow.
21:24Bella crumpled to the ground.
21:25So shaken, she forgot how to cry.
21:28I was deeply satisfied inside, but I showed nothing.
21:32Just kept my gaze down on those ink-red words on the floor.
21:35That was the Pack steward's signed confession from the Pack Justice Hall.
21:38Every detail.
21:39How he received Bella's payment.
21:41How he bribed the ceremony attendant.
21:44How the carriage was swapped.
21:46The moment I was reborn, I had him seized and delivered to the Pack Justice Hall overnight.
21:51Under hard interrogation, what little backbone he had turned to dust.
21:56My father had plenty of enemies in court.
21:58Finding wolves willing to file the petition wasn't difficult.
22:02But this wasn't even the most damning piece.
22:04The truly fatal surprise I had hidden inside the petition was a set of healing records from the Pack Healer's
22:09archive.
22:09Documenting how the High Consort, before she ever carried a child, had suffered an injury that left her permanently unable
22:17to conceive.
22:18His Majesty had already verified those records.
22:20There was no other explanation for the wave of murderous intent in his eyes.
22:24Kale was still fighting, crawling on his knees, pressing his brow into the cold stone floor.
22:30Your Majesty, this must be fabricated.
22:33The Pack steward was bought to drive a wedge between father and son!
22:38He raised his head, showing blood from the kneeling.
22:40Your Majesty, your son was raised by your hand.
22:44Named Lyon Prince by your decree.
22:47Has your son ever shown one moment of disloyalty?
22:51The Lycan King narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.
22:54Kale took that as an opening.
22:55It must be Alara.
22:58She acts out of scorned bitterness.
23:00She's been plotting to destroy me from the beginning!
23:03I watched them coldly, and finally spoke.
23:07The Lycan Prince keeps saying I act out of scorned bitterness.
23:09I dare to ask the Lyman Prince one question.
23:12On the day of our bonding ceremony, why did you take Bella and fled the territory in secret?
23:18Kale's face went rigid.
23:20Your carriage that day was stocked with three months of rations and travel funds,
23:25and border-crossing papers.
23:27If His Majesty truly approved, why would you not arrive with a full procession to claim your mate properly?
23:31Why flee in that frantic, furtive way?
23:33He opened and closed his mouth.
23:35You are making wild accusations.
23:37This Lycan Prince has never fled anywhere.
23:40I gave a faint smile and drew a letter from my sleeve.
23:43Please allow His Majesty to review this.
23:45It is correspondence between the Lycan Prince and Bella.
23:48It details how to swap the carriage, how to proceed without permission,
23:52how to use the deed already done to force His Majesty's hand.
23:56The Lycan Prince's private seal appears at the close.
23:59Elder Hayes received the letter and placed it before the royal seat.
24:02Every trace of color drained from Kale's face.
24:06In my past life, I stumbled upon this letter in Kale's hidden compartment in my final dying moments.
24:12I was powerless then.
24:13Could only watch as he burned it to ash.
24:16This life, I moved before him.
24:18On the second day after I was reborn, I had a copy made of that key.
24:23That letter was now resting quietly on the Lycan King's hand.
24:27The Lycan King unfolded the paper and scanned it in one sweep.
24:31Then he laughed, cold as something seeping up from the ground.
24:35Every spine in the room went rigid.
24:38Very good.
24:40Very good indeed.
24:41He folded the letter slowly and handed it to Elder Hayes.
24:46A son I raised for 20 years.
24:48And in the end, he is another wolf's blood entirely.
24:51Kale's whole body jolted.
24:52He stared in stunned disbelief.
24:54Your Majesty.
24:57What are you saying?
24:59Raised his hand toward Elder Hayes.
25:00Bring that out.
25:01Let him see.
25:06His gaze traveled between the king and my face.
25:09Finally fixed on me.
25:10His eyes churning with disbelief and hatred.
25:13Alara.
25:13What have you done?
25:15I did not answer.
25:16Elder Hayes returned, carrying a gilded wooden case.
25:19Inside were yellowed medical records and a sealed blood kin test report.
25:2323 years ago, the high consort, bitter over my neglect, gave in to her resentment.
25:29While confined to the exile wing, she took a guard as her secret lover and conceived an illegitimate pup.
25:34Because her body had been damaged, a miscarriage would have destroyed her last chance at motherhood.
25:39So she kept the pup hidden and gave birth in secret.
25:42That illegitimate pup is you.
25:46Kale.
25:47Kale knelt on the floor.
25:49No.
25:50Impossible.
25:51I am the Lycan prince.
25:53I am the firstborn legitimate heir.
25:55How could I possibly be?
25:57Your majesty, there must be an error.
26:01How could the lion prince not be?
26:03How could he possibly be?
26:04The Lycan king did not look at her at all.
26:07Guards.
26:08Guards.
26:09Remove his Lylan prince's robes.
26:12He is stripped of all rank.
26:13Exiled to the borderlands.
26:15Never permitted to return.
26:16Since you have been so devoted to him through all of this, I will grant your wish.
26:21You are to accompany him for the rest of your days.
26:24No separation shall ever be permitted.
26:28She opened her mouth to say something, then realized Kale was looking at her, those eyes
26:32cold as a viper's.
26:34Her whole body shuddered.
26:36It was all you.
26:37If you hadn't pushed me to it.
26:39If it weren't for you.
26:41What are you saying?
26:42It was you who, who ruined me.
26:45If not for you, this rotten she-wolf, I would never have come to this.
26:49I should have been the king.
26:51I should have been.
26:52Bella clutched her throat.
26:54Kale was restrained and still.
26:56But either of them again, raised his hand and signaled the guards to drag them away.
27:01Then Kale wrenched free of the guards and lunged straight at me.
27:05Elara, I am going to kill you.
27:07His hand hadn't even grazed my clothes before guards pinned him to the ground.
27:11He struggled to raise his head.
27:13You will definitely regret this.
27:14That once handsome face, now a mask of savagery.
27:18You will definitely regret this.
27:20I looked at him, and inside I was oddly calm.
27:23My palms still throbbed.
27:24He had stabbed it with a blade not long ago.
27:26My abdomen still ached.
27:28He had driven his boot into it not long ago.
27:30But in my heart, there was only the lightness of a burden finally lifted.
27:33He could never hurt me again.
27:35Kale was dragged away.
27:36Bella was escorted out after him.
27:38Her echoed down the long passage and dissolved into the stronghold.
27:42The hall held only me, the Lycan King, and a handful of attendants.
27:46He stood with his back to me, that imperial gold figure casting a long shadow across the stone floor.
27:52After a silence, he finally spoke.
27:55Elara.
27:56I knelt respectfully.
27:59This subject is here.
28:00He turned to face me, studied me for a long moment.
28:04You are a clever child.
28:06This subject would not dare.
28:09This subject only could not bear to watch someone deceive his majesty.
28:14Nor bear to see someone taint the royal bloodline with a false air.
28:18The Lycan King's eyes deepened.
28:20His voice carried a thread of exhaustion that was almost imperceptible.
28:23I was deceived for 23 years.
28:28Looked in that moment like nothing more than an old wolf who had been lied to for half his days.
28:32I did not speak.
28:33Some things were not mine to say.
28:35After a long while...
28:37Take her to the side chamber to rest.
28:39Have the healer come for her wounds.
28:41He glanced at me once more.
28:45I still have one matter to attend to.
28:47You should be present.
28:48I knew exactly what that matter was.
28:50Elder Hayes led me out through a covered walkway and into the side chamber.
28:54Simple and elegant.
28:55A light drift of alpha-musk incense curling from the burner.
28:59Young lady, please wait here.
29:01This servant will fetch the healer.
29:03Elder Hayes.
29:06Thank you for speaking up just now.
29:07Otherwise I might not have even had a chance to tidy myself before appearing before the king.
29:13Drouched in blood.
29:15He deflected twice, but in the end accepted it.
29:18Young lady is too kind.
29:21This servant only followed the proper rules.
29:23It amounted to nothing.
29:24He hesitated, then stepped closer.
29:26Does the young lady know who else his majesty summoned today?
29:29The answer had already taken shape in my mind.
29:32The young lady is of great buffing.
29:35Those with great blessing naturally meet with great fortune.
29:39I sat alone while servants cleaned my wounds and applied medicine.
29:43It nearly severed a tendon.
29:45It would likely leave a scar.
29:48No matter.
29:49Let it scar.
29:51This scar would be the most precious mark of this life.
29:54A reminder of the abyss I survived.
29:57A reminder that I would never let anyone wound me like that again.
30:00A reminder of the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the
30:00abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able
30:01to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the
30:01abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able
30:01to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the
30:01abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able
30:01to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the
30:01abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able
30:01to do with the abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the
30:01abyss I was able to do with the abyss I was able to do with the ab
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