- 4 hours ago
Betrayal and Rebirth 🌷
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:09It's not just a big thing.
00:14I'm gonna have to keep it on the way.
00:15I'm gonna have to leave.
00:15I'm gonna have to leave.
00:15I'm gonna have to leave.
00:16I'm gonna have to leave.
00:16I know, I know.
00:20I know.
00:26I know.
00:28I know.
00:29I'm going to fall into my eyes.
00:35I'm going to die.
01:01Let's go.
01:31Real short, every second is drama.
01:59I refused, but on a stormy night rope of thunder, my father used absolute alpha command.
02:04He crushed my will, took control of my mind, and personally delivered me to the prison transplant.
02:09My fiancé, my fated mate, Kaylin, the strongest alpha in the pack, held back his raging wolf era and said
02:14to me,
02:15Lyra, when you get out, we'll complete the mate bond. Endure these seven years, for now.
02:21Seven years later...
02:23Lyra, once you leave Silvermoon Penitentiary, keep your wolf under control and do not look back.
02:29I took the mold-smelling canvas bag from the guard's hand and limped through the iron gates,
02:33dragging the leg that had been ruined by four silver shackles.
02:36A black military SUV waited outside the territory.
02:39The window rolled down, revealed Kaylin's sharp, striking face.
02:42Seven years had passed, and he looked exactly the same.
02:44The suffocating pressure of a top-tier alpha still radiated from him.
02:47Lyra, instinctively I shrunk back before forcing myself in the passenger seat.
02:51In the rearview mirror I caught sight of my own reflection, pale, gaunt,
02:54my neck covered in burn scars left by silver weapon.
02:57You've suffered these past seven years. I'll keep my promise, Kaylin said.
03:02At the next full moon night, I'll officially mark you and make you my Luna.
03:06He reached over and covered my rough hand with his.
03:08There was no spark, no shiver, no bond.
03:11I looked into his golden-green eyes, where my withered reflection stared back at him,
03:15and slowly pulled my hand away.
03:17Even the wolf inside me could not be bothered to wimpy.
03:20Okay.
03:22Seven years in Silvermoon Penitentiary.
03:242,557 days soaked in blood and violence.
03:27Long enough to see Kaylin and my family for what they truly were.
03:29They had never loved me, and I no longer wanted to be his mate.
03:32Sensing my indifference, Kaylin let out a low, irritated sound.
03:35Selina knows you're coming back today.
03:37Her trauma response disorder is acting up again.
03:40Your parents and your sister are all at PAC Medical Center calming her down.
03:44I closed my eyes.
03:45The SUV drove into the heart of Crescent Moon Pack territory.
03:49An hour later, we arrived at my home.
03:51Only the Beta Butler and a few Omega Solvents were inside the manor.
03:54They caught the cheap, sour prison smell clinging to me, and the disgust in their eyes was impossible
03:58to hide.
03:59My parents loved only Selina.
04:01To the servants, I had never been the eldest daughter of this house.
04:04The Beta Butler bowed respectfully to Kaylin first.
04:07Only then did he turn to me.
04:08Miss Lyra, Luna says that now you've returned, you are to stay inside your own scent circle.
04:13Do not wander around and disgrace the pack.
04:14Disgrace.
04:15I had endured seven years of silver burns in Salud's place.
04:19How had I become the shameful one?
04:21But my expectations had died seven years ago, on that storm-filled night when they used Alpha
04:26Command to force my confession.
04:27I understand.
04:28I turned toward the side entrance.
04:30Then Kaylin stiffened, receiving an urgent mind link.
04:33His pupils sharpened into slits.
04:35Lyra, Selen's scent is weakening.
04:38She needs me.
04:39Go rest.
04:40He did not wait for a reply.
04:41He turned at once and disappeared into the night.
04:44I limped back to the storage room that belonged to me, and curled up on the narrow wooden bed.
04:51Late that night, drifting between sleep and exhaustion, I heard voices downstairs in the living room.
04:57It was my Beta sister, Chloe.
04:59Alpha father, Luna mother.
05:01Selina is in terrible shape mentally.
05:03Shouldn't we move Lyra out of the manor?
05:05If Selina catches her scent, she'll have another episode.
05:08My father sighed, but said nothing.
05:10My mother answered first.
05:11She carries our blood.
05:12If we throw her out the moment she gets back from prison, what will the other packs say?
05:15Then what are we supposed to do?
05:16Chloe paced the room, agitation sharp in her voice.
05:19My father finally spoke.
05:21When Selene returns, order Lyra to suppress every trace of her scent.
05:26She is not to appear in front of Selene.
05:27She is not to leave her room for any reason.
05:29My eyes stayed shut, but a burning ache rose behind them.
05:33Then the custom comm device hidden beneath my pillow began to vibrate.
05:37An encrypted message.
05:38Miss Lyra, congratulations.
05:40You have passed the evaluation for the Global Institute for Werewolf and Supernatural Secrecy.
05:45Once you accept the contract, you will depart in ten days, on the night of the full moon,
05:49under a new identity for Sanctum Isle on Dominica Island.
05:52Your pack identity will be permanently erased.
05:54You may not contact any outside wolves for five years.
05:57I did not hesitate.
05:59On the holographic display, I signed my name.
06:02Lyra.
06:03I had passed the Institute selection process seven years ago.
06:06Before I could take the oath and join, my parents sent me to Silvermoon Penitentiary.
06:11Shortly before my release, I applied again.
06:13As expected, I passed.
06:15Ten days.
06:16If I could endure ten more days, I would sever the pack bond tying me to this frozen family forever.
06:23The next morning, I washed up and pushed open the warped door.
06:28A rich, sugary omega scent flooded the hallway.
06:31Selena was back.
06:33Dressed in a flowing white gown, she sat in the center of the leather sofa like a princess on display.
06:38My alpha father, my luna mother, Chloe, and Kaylin all surrounded her as if she was the center of their
06:45world.
06:45The beta butler set down an elegant cake.
06:48In perfect unison, everyone said,
06:51Happy awakening day, Selena.
06:52Selena smiled sweetly and thanked them all.
06:55Then she lifted her chin.
06:56I just got out of the sterile recovery room.
06:59Did anyone get me something special?
07:01My parents and Chloe each presented expensive gifts.
07:04Kaylin was reaching for his own.
07:07When his sharp gaze found me standing in the shadows.
07:11Lyra, you're awake.
07:12Come here, celebrate with us.
07:14Selena turned toward me, releasing a cloud of innocent pheromones.
07:17Sorry, sis.
07:18My nerve pain flared up yesterday, so I couldn't come pick you up.
07:21You're not mad, are you?
07:23Before I could answer, Kaylin spoke for me.
07:25Lyra isn't petty.
07:27She wouldn't blame you.
07:28At that, Selena boldly slipped her arm through his and looked straight at me.
07:32Since it's my awakening day, give me a present too.
07:36She smiled.
07:37I want Kaylin as my mate.
07:38Stealing another wolf's mate was one of the greatest taboons in Pac-Law.
07:42Yet after she said it openly, no one in the room object.
07:45Every wolf there stayed silent.
07:47Their status, their pressure, their authority all pushed toward one thing.
07:51My surrender.
07:52Rage surged through my blood.
07:54I clenched my fists.
07:55And if I say no?
07:58Selena froze for half a second, then switched to French and whimpered dramatically.
08:02I was only joking.
08:04I didn't realize my sister's feral instinct was this savage.
08:08My Luna mother answered her in the same flawless French.
08:11Don't be afraid, Selena.
08:12Lyra spent too long out in the wild.
08:14Her bloodline is beneath yours.
08:16My alpha father released the calming scent of pine.
08:19Blood means nothing.
08:20Your mother and I have only one true daughter.
08:23Chloe joined in without hesitation.
08:25That's right, Selena.
08:26You're my only sister.
08:27I forced down the bitterness rising in my chest and pretended not to understand a word.
08:31And instead, I turned to Kaylin.
08:33What are they saying?
08:34His throat tightened before he answered.
08:37Selena said she was joking.
08:39Everyone just thinks you're being too sensitive.
08:41The room reeked of lies.
08:43What none of them knew was that I had understood every word.
08:46My Luna mother was a world-renowned painter.
08:49My alpha father had once ruled the business world.
08:51But ever since they brought me back from St. Mary's home, they despised the habits I had picked up surviving
08:56on my own.
08:57Every resource, every ounce of love, they gave it all to Selene.
09:02Ten years ago, when Selena was accepted into Elite Art Academy, the entire pack celebrated her.
09:06What they never knew was that I had been admitted to the most prestigious university in the country.
09:10I had also taught myself French, Italian, and Spanish.
09:13None of it mattered now.
09:14Soon I would be gone from this territory for good.
09:17I just got out of Silvermoon Penitentiary.
09:18I want some air outside the territory.
09:20You all enjoy the party.
09:21Under their contemptuous stares, I dragged my damaged leg towards the door.
09:25Behind me, their laughter and French mockery tangled together.
09:28Not one of them remembered.
09:30Today was my awakening day, too.
09:32Once I left the territory, I suppressed my wolf aura and took a bus to downtown Seattle.
09:36Because of my prison record, the pack had erased my education and every official file tied to my name.
09:41With a ruined leg and no history, I could only find work at a run-down roadside diner.
09:45It would be enough to survive the next ten days.
09:48The irony was almost funny.
09:50Ever since they brought me back at fifteen, they had resented me for not being as accomplished as Selena and
09:55cut me off completely.
09:56I had paid for school, food, and survival by working in the human world.
10:00At eleven thirty that night, I finished washing the last dish.
10:04When I stepped outside, freezing rain hit my face.
10:07Then another scent cut through the storm.
10:09Cold fur.
10:10Powerful.
10:11A top-tier alpha.
10:12Kaelin stepped out of a black SUV and strode straight toward me.
10:16Lyra, why have you been gone so long?
10:19He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to the car.
10:21The rear door was already open.
10:24Lyra, happy awakening day.
10:26The words hit me like a blow.
10:27I stood there, frozen.
10:29Kaelin's pack and mine had been alive for generations.
10:32Our territories shared a border, and our families had been bound by an old promise long before either of us
10:38was born.
10:38Even after I went missing in Blackwood Forest at the age of two and was not found again until I
10:43was fifteen, bruised and scarred, that ancient agreement never changed.
10:48I still remember the first time I saw Kaelin after I was brought back.
10:52He stood in the sunlight wearing a white shirt, powerful enough to command submission, yet somehow warm at the same
10:59time.
10:59In that cold territory, he was the only one who never recoiled from the wild scent clinging to me.
11:05He used his alpha pressure to shield me.
11:07He brought me prey and gifts on holidays.
11:10He was the only person in that steel and stone world who had ever been kind to me.
11:15And when he was ambushed by a rival pack and left gravely empty, I gave him an echidna.
11:19I poured the core of my wolf vitality into him without hesitation.
11:23Yet, in the end, he was also the one who used alpha authority to send me to Silvermoon Pennipotentiary with
11:29his own hands.
11:30Lyra, what is it?
11:32Kaelin's deep voice pulled me back to the present.
11:34Did you think I forgot your awakening day?
11:37I answered evenly, thank you.
11:38Then he handed me another beautifully wrapped box.
11:41When I opened it, I found a custom-made red wedding gown for a bonding right.
11:46Do you remember telling me as a child that you wanted to wear a red dress when we completed our
11:51mate bond?
11:51I had it made early.
11:54Do you like it?
11:55Bitterness filled my throat.
11:57Alpha, you remembered wrong.
11:59I don't like wedding dresses.
12:01And I hate red.
12:02The headmistress at St. Mary's home once told me she had found me abandoned outside a bridal shop.
12:07At the time, I had been wearing an expensive red dress.
12:09After I was old enough to remember, every full moon night I would return to bridal shop windows by instinct.
12:16Wearing red clothes so my people could follow my scent signature and bring me home.
12:21Kaelin's eyes tightened.
12:23Just like he had years ago, he reached over and ruffled my hair.
12:26I'm sorry.
12:26I remembered wrong.
12:28Come on.
12:28I'll take you to dinner.
12:29On the drive back, he kept my hand clasped tightly in his.
12:33Lyra, why is your scent so faint?
12:35Why are you thinner than before?
12:37And your leg, he never finished.
12:39A shrink ringtone cut through the car.
12:41The screen flashed one name, Selina.
12:44The moment he answered, panic flooded his face.
12:47Turn around.
12:48Now, back to the territory.
12:49The whole drive back, he spoke into the comdibession non-stop, trying to soothe her.
12:54When we rushed into the manor grounds, I looked up.
12:58Selina stood on the rooftop in a white dress, swaying at the edge.
13:01The moment she caught our scent, Selina looked down at us from above.
13:05Her face was pale as paper.
13:06My sister is back, she whispered.
13:09A worthless Omega like me should step aside now.
13:12Goodbye?
13:13Then she jumped.
13:14The Pac-Manon was only one story high.
13:16The roof was barely 30 feet above the ground.
13:18But when Selina fell, every one of my so-called family moved on instinct.
13:22My father, my mother, Chloe, even Kaelin.
13:24All of them lodged forward in a frenzy to save the weaker wolf.
13:27That night, the scream of ambulance sirens echoed over the territory.
13:32After they all left for the hospital, I dragged my ruined leg back to the storage room and
13:37collapsed onto the hard wooden bed.
13:38I turned on my com device.
13:4012.20 AM.
13:41The top-tier alpha had broken his promise.
13:43He had not stayed to celebrate my awakening day.
13:45But my wolf made no wounded cry.
13:47Inside me, there was only emptiness.
13:49I closed my eyes and fell into a heavy sleep.
13:51Eight days left.
13:52For the next five days, I hid my scent and worked at the diner.
13:55My parents and Chloe stayed at the hospital, wrapping Selina in layers of protective scent.
13:59Not once did they return home.
14:00Then, on the 5th, the television above the counter played a news report.
14:04Alpha King announces his engagement to Selim of Crescent Moon Pack.
14:07My pupils snapped into slits.
14:09That night, I pushed open the wooden door and returned to the territory.
14:12The thick scent of a gathering hit me immediately.
14:15My parents were there.
14:16Chloe was there.
14:17Selina was there.
14:18Kaelin's cold fur scent filled the living room.
14:20My Luna mother caught the smell of grease and dirt clinging to me and began criticizing me sharply in French.
14:27My father silenced her with a hard look.
14:30Only then did she force a smile.
14:32Lyra, you're finally home.
14:34My father released a wave of alpha pressure and spoke like a judge delivering sentence.
14:38The healers say Selina's omega depression syndrome is getting worse, so we made a decision for you.
14:43Your mate bond will be transferred to Selina.
14:45You have no objection, do you?
14:46I listened in silence to the verdict they had already decided.
14:49They had used power to cut away everything that was mine.
14:51Now they pretended to ask for my opinion.
14:53I turned to Kaelin.
14:54And you agreed to this too?
14:55He crossed the room in a few strides and seized my cold hand.
14:59Selina's only obsession right now is completing the bonding right with me.
15:02Don't worry, little wolf.
15:04I would never betray you.
15:06I'm only going through the motions.
15:07He was going to mark another she-wolf.
15:09How could that be anything but betrayal?
15:11I ripped my hand from his grasp.
15:13Fine.
15:14Do whatever you want.
15:15Something in Kaelin's chest seemed to tighten and he reached for me again.
15:21Then Selina released a flood of sorrowful pheromones.
15:24If you don't want this, sister, then forget it.
15:26Her voice broke.
15:27She dug her nails into the back of her own hand until blood welled up, filling the room with the
15:30metallic smell of it.
15:31Chloe rushed to stop her from hurting herself.
15:33Lyra!
15:34Then she turned on me, baring her fangs.
15:36Can't you smell how sick Selina is?
15:38Do we all have to get on our knees and beg before you'll finally say yes?
15:41My own blood sister had long since been twisted by this diseased pack.
15:45Chloe's furious shout dragged me back into old memories.
15:48When I first returned to the territory, they forced me to give my best den to Selina.
15:53Later, they took away my chance for higher education and handed it to her instead.
15:57Then seven years ago, Selina broke the pack's highest law.
16:00The memories crashed over me like a tidal wave and set my anger ablaze.
16:04I met Chloe's hostile blares with a cold smile.
16:06Fine.
16:07If every one of you gets on your knees and submits to me, I'll agree to give Selina the mate
16:11contract.
16:11The living room fell silent.
16:13They had never expected the obedient Lyra to say something so defiant.
16:16I dragged my damaged leg back to my cramped room.
16:19Late that night, my comm device vibrated.
16:21Kaelin.
16:24Lyra, Selina once saved my life.
16:27She even gave me her kidney, the core of her wolf vitality.
16:29That's why I have to complete the bonding rite with her this time.
16:32It felt as if a silver hammer had smashed straight into my chest.
16:35Alpha, when you were injured, I was the one who saved you.
16:37I gave you my kidney.
16:38Silence answered me.
16:40Then Kaelin spoke, his voice colder than ice.
16:42When did you learn to lie, Lyra?
16:43Selina saved me.
16:44Your parents and the healers can swear to it in the pack's name.
16:48I'm disappointed in you.
16:49The blood in my body turned to ice.
16:50I laid there on the cold bed, unable to speak.
16:52Eight years ago, when Kaelin was nearly killed in that ambush, I never hesitated.
16:56I was tested as a match.
16:57I gave away a piece of self to save him.
17:00Now my devotion had become a wedding gift for another Omega.
17:02And I, a discarded wolf with no records and no standing, did not even have the right to defend my
17:07own truth.
17:07After a long time, I spoke softly.
17:09Believe whatever you want.
17:10I had already decided to abandon you completely.
17:13I ended the call and closed my eyes.
17:15The second to last day.
17:17After finishing another shift of miserable labor, I stepped out of the diner.
17:21That familiar black SUV was parked outside the shopping center.
17:23Then fireworks flowed over Grand Avenue District.
17:26Hundreds of drones rose into the sky and formed a glowing message.
17:28Alpha Kaelin will love Lyra forever.
17:30I stared upward for a long time, unable to move.
17:32Kaelin strode toward me, his voice low and gentle.
17:35What happened yesterday was my fault.
17:37But you have to believe me.
17:38The one I truly love, deep in my soul, is you.
17:41So you don't need to lie just to claim someone else's credit.
17:44For a moment, I wanted to throw back my head and howl.
17:47Not because I was touched.
17:48Because he was absurd.
17:49How could he join hands with my own family?
17:50To tear me apart again and again?
17:52Then look me in the eye and call it love?
17:54He pinched my hollow cheek, lightly.
17:56You're too thin.
17:57Why aren't you eating proper, Lily?
17:59I lifted my eyes sharply.
18:01I survived seven years in Silvermoon Penitentiary surrounded by silver.
18:04My wolf barely stayed alive.
18:06Did you think I was going to come out healthy and whole?
18:08Kaelin's massive frame stiffened.
18:10Maybe only now did he remember that he had personally sent me into that hell.
18:13He opened his mouth to speak.
18:15Before he could, the SUV door swung open.
18:17Salona's sugary voice drifted out.
18:19Kaelin, Lyra, don't stand out there in the cold.
18:22Bad weather is hard on a wolf.
18:23The last trace of warmth inside me died.
18:25Kaelin explained quickly.
18:26Selene followed my scent here because she wanted to see you.
18:29She said she appreciates your generosity for stepping aside.
18:33He ushered me into the vehicle.
18:35Inside the enclosed cabin, Selene glanced at my stained, worn uniform.
18:39Lyra, don't our parents send supplies through the butler every month?
18:42Why are you doing menial labor in a human restaurant?
18:45It embarrasses the pack.
18:46She removed a jeweled bracelet from her wrist and held it out to me.
18:49If you need resources, this bracelet is worth $3 million.
18:53That should keep you fed for a while.
18:55$3 million.
18:56A casual toy for an Omega was worth more than everything I had ever been given.
19:01I still remembered begging my Luna mother for tuition when I first wanted to attend a human
19:05high school after returning to the territory.
19:07It was only $3,000.
19:09She had blared her fangs and answered coldly.
19:11Resources.
19:12Resources.
19:13Do I owe you something?
19:15I gave you life.
19:17You should be grateful for that alone.
19:19Why are you never satisfied?
19:21After that day, I never asked this territory for another scrap of meat.
19:25The story about the butler delivering supplies had always been a lie.
19:29Their hearts were never with me, I said.
19:31Look at your expensive perfume, your polished fur, your perfect life.
19:35Then look at me, covered in scars.
19:37I slapped the bracelet from her hand.
19:39Keep your Omega pheromones to yourself.
19:41Stop pretending in front of me.
19:42I'm not that naive 15-year-old pup anymore.
19:45When I was 15, I had desperately wanted to form a true pack bond with Selena.
19:48Instead, she framed me again and again.
19:50Every wrong thing she did became my crime.
19:52By the time I understood what was happening, the entire pack already saw me as an outsider.
19:55My outburst sent tears spilling down her face.
19:58The air filled with the heartbreaking scent of distress.
20:00The instant Kalen caught it, his protective instinct exploded.
20:02He stepped in front of Selena, shielding her against his chest, and snared at me.
20:06Lyra, she was trying to be kind.
20:08If you don't want the bracelet, fine.
20:10But there was no reason to speak to her like that.
20:12I almost laughed.
20:13This was the male who swore that deep in his soul, he loved me most.
20:17Whenever Selene and I stood on opposite sides, he chose her.
20:20Always.
20:21Alpha, I said, staring directly at him.
20:24If a starving wolf is thrown rotten meat as charity,
20:28is she supposed to swallow it gratefully and wag her tail at the one who tossed it?
20:34Even if you grind me into the dearth, my wolf still has pride.
20:36Kalen had no answer.
20:37Beside him, Selena's breathing suddenly turned racket.
20:40She whimpered weakly.
20:41I'm sorry.
20:42This is my fault.
20:43Don't blame Lyra.
20:44Kalen's protective instincts ignited completely.
20:46He barked at the driver.
20:47Turn around now.
20:48Take us to Pack Medical Center.
20:49Then he looked at me with icy contempt.
20:51Lyra, your behavior just now was vicious.
20:52You can walk home yourself.
20:55The door slammed shut.
20:56I was left alone on the freezing street.
20:58As I watched the taillight disappeared, I realized I felt nothing.
21:01No pain.
21:01No heartbreak.
21:02No grief at being abandoned by my mate.
21:04At some point, white snow began drifting from the sky.
21:06The first snowfall of the year.
21:08The last one I would ever smell before I escaped.
21:10I limped all the way back to Pack Manor.
21:12The house was decorated lavishly for the coming bonding rite.
21:15My Luna mother smiled brightly.
21:16The full moon is the day after tomorrow.
21:18An auspicious day.
21:20Selimi's ceremony must be magnificent.
21:22My alpha father sighed with pride.
21:23Our greatest daughter is about to become someone else's Luna.
21:26I stood in the shadows and watched them.
21:28They had truly given all their love to that Omega.
21:31The extraction vehicle would arrive at 9 o'clock the night after tomorrow.
21:35After that, the open wilderness would be mine.
21:37I would run free.
21:38And I would never beg for the scraps of bloodlines again.
21:41The day after tomorrow was Selene and Kaylin's bonding rite.
21:45Chloe threw them a wild pre-wedding party.
21:47By the next morning, the manor still reeked of alcohol and hormones from the night before.
21:52There was no running water in my storage room, so I had to limp across the house to wash up.
21:56As I passed the living room, I saw a crowd of young wolves playing games.
21:59Selene and Kaylin sat in the center, surrounded like royalty.
22:02One spoiled young alpha shouted,
22:04Alpha, you lost.
22:05Truth or dare?
22:05Kaylin leaned back lazily.
22:07Dare.
22:07Kiss Selene in front of everyone for one full minute.
22:09Then the young alpha spotted me nearby and grinned cruelly.
22:12Actually, better idea.
22:13Kiss any she-wolf here for one minute.
22:14He pointed straight at me.
22:16Lyra, weren't you always obsessed with Alpha?
22:17He's about to mark someone else.
22:19Why not give her one last kiss and leave her with something hopeless to remember?
22:22Kaylin rose to his feet at once and started walking toward me.
22:25One step, then another.
22:26But when he was less than three feet away,
22:28Selene's trembling voice stopped him cold.
22:30Kaylin!
22:33He froze.
22:34He looked back at Selene,
22:36then turned to me and lowered his voice.
22:38There are too many people here.
22:39Tomorrow I'm making Selene my Luna.
22:41I can't humiliate her in front of everyone.
22:43You understand, don't you?
22:45I answered calmly.
22:46Sure.
22:47Then I turned and walked toward the washroom.
22:48Behind me I heard the sound of Kaylin kissing Selene.
22:51Then came the excited howls of the pack.
22:52In this game where I was always the one left behind,
22:54I almost wanted to thank him.
22:55At last, he had let me go.
22:57Night fell.
22:58Kaylin lit the entire sky above the territory with fireworks for Selene.
23:01He followed my scent and pulled me into the shadows.
23:03Lyra, once tomorrow's full moon is over,
23:06once Selene and I finish this fake bonding writ,
23:08we can finally be together the way we should be.
23:11My throat felt dry and raw.
23:12I'm sorry.
23:13I won't.
23:14Before I could finish, Chloe came running over.
23:17Come on, future brother-in-law.
23:19We're starting another game.
23:20Kaylin glanced back at her, then at me.
23:23What were you saying?
23:24I gave him a faint, bitter smile.
23:26Nothing.
23:27Go celebrate with your pack.
23:29He squeezed my cold fingers.
23:31After tomorrow's ceremony, everything will be over.
23:35Then he turned and walked back into the light and noise.
23:38I watched his back in silence.
23:40He was right.
23:40Everything was over.
23:42Every wolf in the house crowded into Selene's lavish room.
23:45I walked alone into the shadows of the Manon and checked my comm device.
23:487.15pm.
23:49One hour and 45 minutes left.
23:51I washed myself with cold water,
23:53scrubbing away every trace of the territory's scent from my skin and fur.
23:56The body in the mirror was covered in burn scars and whip marks left by Silvermoon Penitentiary.
24:00I changed into the cleanest clothes I owned and waited.
24:03The final hour.
24:07I looked around the room that had trapped me for years.
24:10A few worn-out clothes.
24:12A thin blanket.
24:13A journal on the table.
24:15A framed photograph.
24:17I threw away the old clothes and picked up the frame.
24:19It was a family photo taken 12 years ago,
24:22shortly after I was brought back to the territory.
24:24Both families stood together, smiling.
24:26That picture had once carried every hope I had for belonging.
24:29Now I tore it into pieces and dropped it in the trash.
24:32Then I opened the journal.
24:34December 6, 2016.
24:35Sunny.
24:36I came home today.
24:37I met my Alpha and Luna.
24:39I have a family now.
24:40I'm not a stray anymore.
24:41April 1, 2017.
24:43Cloudy.
24:44I wasn't given food or money.
24:45I'll have to hunt for myself.
24:47July 7, 2018.
24:49Sunny.
24:49I traded prey for a necklace.
24:51My sister didn't like it.
24:52I need to earn more money so I can buy her something better.
24:55I turned to the final page.
24:57The night before prison, there was only one sentence.
25:00This pack never loved me.
25:02A familiar burns sting behind my eyes.
25:04I picked up a pen and wrote one final message in French.
25:08I'm leaving, Alpha et Luna.
25:10Before I go, my wolf still cannot understand one thing.
25:13If my scent disgusted you so much,
25:15why did you search for me in Blackwood Forest at all?
25:17Why do other strays find their parents and receive endless love
25:20while the day you found me was the day I truly lost mine?
25:22Chloe, you said Selina was your only sister.
25:25Today you get your wish.
25:26Kaylin, you said we would be together after your fake bonding rile.
25:29I'm sorry.
25:30My wolf is dead.
25:31I won't wait for you anymore.
25:32May your bond last forever.
25:34I abandon this territory forever.
25:36We will never meet again.
25:37When I finished, I slapped the journal onto the table.
25:40Then I pulled out my prison medical records and placed them on top.
25:43The scan clearly showed one undeniable fact.
25:46I had only one kidney.
25:48The clock struck nine.
25:50I grabbed my canvas bag and limped out of the territory.
25:54Behind me, the manor blazed with light,
25:56and the wolves' celebration shook the night.
25:59Ahead of me, several black armored tactical vehicles waited in silence.
26:04Without hesitation, I crossed the territory border and walked toward a new life.
26:08Engines roared.
26:10The convoy sped away, carrying me into the endless dark.
26:14The next day, as a long wolf howl pierced the sky,
26:16Selina and Kaylin's mating ceremony officially began.
26:18My Luna mother looked around the gathering,
26:20searching the air for Lyla's scent.
26:21When she found nothing, she surrounded.
26:23Chloe, where is Lyra?
26:24If she is absent today, the other packs will start talking about division in our bloodline again.
26:28Go drag her out here.
26:29Chloe said, stopping the servants.
26:30I'll get her myself.
26:31Which room does she sleep in?
26:32The servant hesitated.
26:33The storage room.
26:34Every alpha in the room went still.
26:36Why would Lyra be sleeping in the storage room?
26:38When Miss Lyra was first brought back, she smelled like dirt and wilderness.
26:43There was no suitable room prepared.
26:46Luna said she would stay there temporarily.
26:49Temporary.
26:50That temporary arrangement had lasted 12 years.
26:52A flush of embarrassment crossed my mother's face,
26:54and she immediately covered it with a burst of pressure.
26:57Selina, dressed in white silk, released a sweet cloud of pheromones.
27:00Our storage room was still better than the forest where she fought stray dogs for scraps.
27:03I'm sure she wasn't suffering.
27:04A strange discomfort flickered through Chloe.
27:07Frowning, she headed down the hallway to the sunless corner at the far end.
27:10She pushed open the heavy wooden door.
27:12No warmth of family lingersed inside.
27:14Only dust.
27:15Only mildew.
27:16The cramped room was packed with discarded junk.
27:18Lyra's bed sat beside rusted shelves.
27:20Next to it stood an abandoned water tank that served as a table.
27:23On top of it rested an old lamp, a yellowed journal, and a stack of medical records.
27:28Lyra was gone.
27:29Chloe's heart began to pound.
27:30She rushed to the tank and picked up the journal and documents with shaking hands.
27:33Alpha father.
27:34Luna mother!
27:35Her voice rang through the hall.
27:38Lyra isn't in the territory, but she left these behind.
27:43Before my father could look at them, the roar of an engine came from outside.
27:47Then came the pressure of a top-tier alpha.
27:50Kaylin had arrived.
27:51My luna mother spoke first.
27:53She's probably throwing a tantrum and ran off to the border.
27:56Chloe, put those down and come out.
27:58Alpha is here for Selina.
28:00My father hesitated, then forced down his doubts and turned toward the front hall.
28:05Kaylin stood in the center of the manor holding a bouquet.
28:07There was no joy on his face.
28:09His senses swept through the air again and again.
28:12Nothing.
28:13No trace of Lyra.
28:14His brows drew tight.
28:17Where is Lyra?
28:19Jealousy flashed in Selina's eyes, but her scent turned weak and soft.
28:22Kaylin, Lyra probably couldn't handle it and ran out of the territory.
28:25My luna mother quickly added, Alpha, we failed to tame Lyra's wild nature.
28:30Kaylin's wolf growled restlessly inside him.
28:32Irritated, he pulled out his comm device and sent Lyra a message.
28:36Why are you acting so childish?
28:37Where did you go?
28:39No reply.
28:40Whether through mind link or text, Lyra answered nothing.
28:43Chloe came into the hall still clutching the journal and medical file.
28:46She had only skimmed the report, but one thing had already shaken her.
28:49How could Lyra's body be in such terrible condition?
28:52Why did she have only one kidney?
28:53She had already ordered her deputy date everything Lyra endured during those seven years in Silver Moon.
28:57Alpha, the mating ceremony was starting.
29:00Selina said brightly, breaking the silence as she wrapped herself around Kaylin's arm.
29:03If Lyra left, then she left.
29:05Selina did not seem concerned about Lyra at all.
29:08Chloe and my father both found.
29:10This fake bond doesn't need all this.
29:12Kaylin's voice turned cold.
29:13You wanted to wear a wedding dress and walk into Moon Goddess Temple.
29:18Fine.
29:19We'll do that and nothing more.
29:22He pulled his arm free and walked out first, carrying winter cold with him.
29:27Moon Goddess Temple.
29:28Because it was only a false ceremony, Kaylin invited no guests.
29:31Inside the temple were only the Alpha Lineage families and the Elder presiding over the right.
29:35This is nothing like I imagined.
29:37Selina finally broke.
29:39Lyra left?
29:40So what?
29:40You still have me.
29:41Am I really worth less than that stray wolf?
29:43She's an ex-convict.
29:44How could she ever deserve you?
29:45Kaylin's patience was gone.
29:47All that remained was growing panic over Lyra's disappearance.
29:51Selina, you threatened to die.
29:52You jumped from the roof.
29:53That is the only reason I agreed to this sham ceremony.
29:55Everything you wanted has been done.
29:57I'm going to find Lyra.
29:58Then he fixed her with a hard stare.
29:59And don't forget, Lyra went to Silvermoon Penitentiary in your place.
30:03Every wolf in the temple froze.
30:05Selina suddenly let out a shrill cry.
30:06No one saw where she got it.
30:08But a silvered blade was suddenly at her throat.
30:09I don't care.
30:10How am I less than Lyra?
30:12When you were dying, I was the one who gave you my kidney.
30:14My Luna mother lunged toward her.
30:16Selina, don't do this.
30:17Stay back.
30:18Selina swung wildly, and the silver blade sliced open my mother's arm.
30:21Her eyes burned red as she muttered like someone possessed.
30:24I only want Kaylin.
30:25Why can't I have the one mate I want?
30:26It's all Lyra's fault.
30:28She should have died.
30:28Her hysterical curses echoed through the temple as everything descended into chaos.
30:33The scene ended only when ambulances arrived.
30:35Kaylin wrestled the blade from her barehanded and badly burned his palms in the process.
30:39He sat in the ambulance like a man losing his mind, calling and messaged Lyra again and
30:44Lyra, the fake ceremony is over.
30:46Where are you?
30:47Don't let anger cloud your judgment.
30:49Let me come find you.
30:51But Lyra's message screen remained completely silent.
30:55PAC Medical Center.
30:57Outside the operating room.
30:59My Luna mother ignored the blood still seeping from her own wound as she anxiously grabbed
31:04the healer's arm.
31:05My daughter is a fragile Omega.
31:07She has depression, and she's missing a kidney.
31:09Be gentle when you stitch her up.
31:11The nurse blinked in confusion.
31:13Ma'am, we completed a full body scan.
31:14She is in excellent health, and she is not missing a kidney.
31:17What did you say?
31:18My alpha father released a blast of pressure so sharp, it made the nurse flinch.
31:22Shaken, she repeated herself.
31:23Both leaders stared in stunned disbelief.
31:26At that same moment, Chloe was reading the files her deputy had just sent her.
31:31They matched the medical report Lyra had left behind.
31:35There were also two blurry surveillance videos.
31:38The first showed Lyra and Kaylin being wheeled side by side into surgery for an organ transplant.
31:48The second came from inside Silvermoon Penitentiary.
31:51In the dark footage, several large female wolves tore into Lyra, beating and torturing her without mercy.
31:58Chloe's eyes instantly turned red.
32:00How dare they treat the leader's bloodline like this?
32:04My father had supposedly made arrangements.
32:06Kaylin had supposedly sent supplies.
32:08Then why did Lyra look so thin?
32:10So broken?
32:11So helpless in those recordings?
32:13Her comm device rang.
32:14When the call ended, Chloe collapsed to the floor.
32:19The one behind everything?
32:21It was Selina!
32:22She could not hold herself together any longer.
32:25Then she realized, our parents were already gone.
32:28Clutching the journal, she ran through the halls and slammed open Selina's hospital room.
32:37Alpha father.
32:38Luna mother.
32:39Read Lyra's journal first.
32:41She flipped to the final pages.
32:44Lyra always understood French.
32:46Every cruel thing we said to exclude her, she understood all of it.
32:49The blood in both leaders seemed to freeze.
32:52My father snatched the journal from her hands and read line by line,
32:56his breathing growing heavier with every page.
32:59Chloe turned to Selina, her voice cold as steel.
33:01Were you ever the one who gave Kaylin your kidney?
33:04Selina froze.
33:05That guilty pause destroyed the last hope Chloe had left.
33:08Why did you cut off the supplies meant for Lyra?
33:11Why did you bribe prison guards to torture her?
33:14Selina released a weak wave of pheromones and played innocent.
33:18Little sister, what are you talking about?
33:21By then, both leaders stepped close after finishing the journal.
33:25Chloe gave an order to her deputy.
33:27Bring them in.
33:28Five minutes later, the deputy entered with prison guards, a finance officer, and a heaviest female inmate.
33:35At the same moment, another presence entered the room.
33:38Kaylin.
33:39The freezing scent of fur rolled off him like winter death itself.
33:43His face looked carved from ice.
33:46His gaze pinned to Selina's pale face.
33:49As Lyra's mate, I have every right to uncover the truth behind this.
33:53Selina's face drained of all color.
33:56Kaylin, what truth?
33:57I don't understand anything you're saying.
34:00Chloe snapped.
34:01Still lying?
34:02Even now?
34:03How many times did you frame Lyra over the years?
34:05Do I need to expose every filthy thing you've done in front of Alpha himself?
34:10Selina collapsed to the floor, eyes red with tears.
34:12Chloe, I'm your real sister.
34:14How can you speak to me like this?
34:15Chloe laughed bitter.
34:16Have you forgotten? Lila is the one who shares my blood.
34:19Selina began breathing hard, pretending to spiral into another episode.
34:25That's enough.
34:26My Luna mother stepped forward again, blind protectness rising in her voice.
34:30Are you trying to drive your sister to death?
34:32Mom, you're still protecting her?
34:36Chloe's voice cracked.
34:38Do you even know which child is truly yours?
34:42She lifted the medical reports high.
34:44Lyra only has one kidney.
34:45She was the one who saved Kaylin.
34:47The critical condition reports from Silvermoon Atentury show she was nearly beaten to death.
34:51She lived in our territory for 12 years and we gave her nothing.
34:53We hated her because of Selina's lies.
34:55We exiled her while loving the wolf who betrayed us.
34:58Selina's depression was fake.
34:59Then Chloe revealed the final evidence.
35:01A scan showing both of Selina's kidneys intact.
35:03And a psychological evaluation describing her as emotionally stable, manipulative, and displaying antisocial traits.
35:08Kaylin, who had stood silent stone, finally moved.
35:10A terrifying wave of alpha pressure flooded the room.
35:13Chloe, give me Lyra's records.
35:16He took them with shaking hands.
35:18Critical condition notices, x-rays.
35:20Photographs stained with blood.
35:21He turned each page one by one.
35:23Then he reached the chart documenting Lyra's injuries.
35:25Arms, abdomen, back.
35:27Eyes.
35:27There was almost no unmarked skin left.
35:29Only bite wounds.
35:30Only scars from silver burns.
35:32Something inside the top tier.
35:33Alpha snapped.
35:34He leaned toward Selina and towered over her.
35:36Tell me, what did you do to my mate?
35:38How dare you torture her?
35:39Unable to hide any longer, Selina twisted into a smile and turned to my Lyra mother.
35:43Mom, I'm hurting.
35:45Chloe stepped in front of her.
35:46Enough with the act.
35:47For years, you used our sympathy.
35:49You used our mother's love and turned her into a knife that stabbed her own daughter in the heart.
35:53Selina, do you understand what you've done?
35:55You've condemned this entire family to a lifetime of regret.
35:58Selina turned to my father instead.
35:59Dad, you always loved me most.
36:02My father gripped the journal so tightly his knuckles whitened, he could not meet her eyes.
36:06In that moment, Selina lost everything.
36:07Her expression went empty.
36:09Then she spoke in a flat, weightless voice.
36:10I only wanted Lyra dead.
36:12That's all.
36:14Selina!
36:15You will confess every crime.
36:18Every single one.
36:20Kaylin's voice tore out of him like it came through shredded flesh.
36:23My father spoke heavily.
36:25Kaylin, you will have justice.
36:27But first, read what Lyra left for you.
36:30Kaylin took the journal in a daze and opened to the final page.
36:34There, in neat and rude of French handwriting, were the last words I had left behind.
36:39At last, I am gone.
36:41From this moment on, we'll never meet again.
36:43So that was when she had truly given up.
36:45The day he kissed Selina in front of everyone.
36:48While he still imagined he could reclaim her after the fake bonding right.
36:53Lyra had already cut every tie in that mold-filled room.
36:58Kaylin crushed the journal against his chest.
37:00Under the eyes of everyone present, the coldest alpha among them finally looked shattered.
37:08A single tear of regret slipped quietly from his golden green eyes.
37:13Selina was still crying.
37:14I didn't mean for any of this.
37:16I was just afraid of losing you.
37:18There was no mercy left in Kaylin's gaze.
37:20You didn't mean it?
37:22Then who did?
37:23Lyra, the one you framed and sent to prison?
37:26Or me, the fool you played for years?
37:29Selina, you had everything.
37:31The leaders favored you.
37:33The entire pack treasured you.
37:35Lyra's return never threatened your place.
37:38Selina's face twisted.
37:40And what about you?
37:41Didn't her return threaten my place in your heart?
37:44The question stole the air from his lungs.
37:47She gave a bitter laugh.
37:48See?
37:49Your wolf answered for you.
37:52After Lyra came back, you changed.
37:56The way you looked at her was full of possession.
38:01As the balance slowly tipped toward her, how was I supposed not to hate her?
38:05How was I supposed not to be jealous?
38:07So I had to make her disappear.
38:09I had to let her rot in that filthy prison.
38:11Kaylin stared at the stranger before him.
38:14All that remained in his eyes was despair.
38:16Selina laughed and cried at once.
38:19It's all Lyra's fault.
38:20Why did she have to come back?
38:23Every time I saw her, I was reminded that I was nothing but a cheap replacement.
38:28Selina, Chloe's eyes overflowed.
38:31Selina, how did you become this?
38:34We always stood beside you.
38:36And you turned the protection of your own family into a weapon.
38:39Selina wiped away her tears.
38:41I was always like this.
38:43I was born rotten.
38:45Is that what you wanted to hear?
38:47Chloe shook with grief.
38:48No one ever said you did not belong here.
38:51Even after Lyra returned, we still protected you.
38:54And Lyra never once tried to take anything from you.
38:57A broken laugh escaped her.
39:01We really were fools beyond saving.
39:05A house full of sinners.
39:07Smack!
39:08The crack of a violent slap rang through the room.
39:12Selina clutched her swollen cheek and stared in disbelief at the Alpha Father who had once treated her like treasure.
39:18His face was hard as stone, but remorse flooded his eyes.
39:22Alpha Father?
39:23She whispered, reaching for whatever pity might still remain.
39:27You do not deserve to use that title again.
39:29His voice shook with fury.
39:31You have stained the honor of this family.
39:33What we owe Lyra, we will repay.
39:35What you owe her, you will repay in blood.
39:39Chloe looked at the sister she had lived beside for years.
39:42You stole someone else's life.
39:44You betrayed your pack.
39:46I will never forgive you.
39:48Then she turned and ran from the room.
39:51Kaelin, I...
39:52Selina faced him next.
39:54Quiet.
39:55His voice was colder than death.
39:56You do not deserve to say my name.
39:59Her lips trembled.
40:00So there's no fixing this?
40:02Kaelin gave a hollow laugh.
40:04You still think this is something small?
40:07Isn't it?
40:08Selina screamed.
40:09Lyra only spent seven years in prison.
40:12She didn't die.
40:13Every trace of restraint vanished from her.
40:16She was covered in scars from the wolves you sent to tear her apart.
40:19So what?
40:20Selina shrieked.
40:21She deserved it.
40:22She lunged for him, trying to wrap her arms around his neck.
40:25Crack.
40:26The snap of bone cut through the room.
40:29Kaelin's wolf claws locked around her wrist.
40:31With one brutal twist, he shattered the bones beneath his grip.
40:35Selina's scream was inhuman.
40:37At that same moment, aboard a flight bound for Dominina Island,
40:41I stared through the window into the dark sky.
40:44All that gray misery had become dust behind me.
40:47This aircraft will arrive in Dominina in five minutes.
40:50The announcement echoed through the cabin.
40:52I let the past fall away, completely.
40:54Ahead, the coastline grew brighter and brighter.
40:57A small smile touched my lips.
41:00Wild.
41:01Free.
41:02Dominanica had arrived.
41:03So had my new life.
41:04Ahead, the coastline grew brighter and brighter.
41:06Ahead, the coastline grew brighter and brighter.
41:06Ahead, the coastline grew brighter and brighter.
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