Too Late, My Rejected Mate - Full Episode is a thrilling werewolf romance filled with rejection, destiny, revenge, and second chances. After being abandoned by the one person she trusted most, a powerful heroine rises stronger than ever. When her former mate realizes his mistake, he must fight against fate, rivals, and his own regrets to win her back. Experience intense emotions, supernatural conflicts, and unforgettable romance in this addictive short drama.
#TooLateMyRejectedMate #RejectedMateRomance #AlphaWerewolfDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullEP #FantasyRomance #ShortFilm #RomanticDrama
#TooLateMyRejectedMate #RejectedMateRomance #AlphaWerewolfDrama #ShortDrama #DramaSeries #FullEP #FantasyRomance #ShortFilm #RomanticDrama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00On the night of the full moon, I came to the blood moon altar, where the fate of the wolf
00:03langs would be decided.
00:04At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
00:07On one side was Kael, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years.
00:10On the other was Kael, the alpha cursed by the dark witch.
00:13My father, the lion king, looked at me solemnly.
00:16Selina, you are a noble lichen princess.
00:19No weather wolf alpha in this world is worthy of you.
00:24That is why you must choose a mate and support him as the next lichen king.
00:27My mother gripped my hand tightly.
00:29Tell us, who do you choose?
00:31After a moment of silence, I pointed to the dark, battered statue.
00:36I choose Kael.
00:37My father's face changed in shock.
00:39The witch's curse inside Kael can't be broken.
00:42He's nothing but a useless wolf.
00:43Why not choose Kael?
00:44You've loved him for 18 years.
00:46Exactly.
00:47As long as you bond with Kael, he can use your bloodline to become the strongest alpha in history.
00:52What an honor that would be.
00:53I ignored their pleas.
00:55All I could think of was my previous life.
00:57In that life, I had married beneath my status and chosen Kael at all costs, using my noble bloodline to
01:03push him onto the throne.
01:04But once he held power, he turned around and married his first love, an omega named Alara, then demoted me
01:10to a servant.
01:11To improve Alara's bloodline, Kael even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:16fed it to Alara.
01:17Alara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
01:20Sister, I'll enjoy your bloodline, your lover, and live happily ever after!
01:24Caleb cut open my stomach while I was still alive, dug out our unborn child, and smashed it viciously onto
01:30the ground.
01:30Alara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
01:33Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
01:35Salema, the more I look at you, the more disgusting you are.
01:38As I lay dying, Kael, who had been locked in the dungeon, transformed on the night of the full moon,
01:43snapped his chains, and killed Caleb and Alara.
01:45He kissed me with desperate tenderness, hoping to save me with his own life's blood.
01:50Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood flowed through Kael's veins.
01:54On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and become the strongest wolf alive.
01:59But I had lost too much blood.
02:00I still died on the blood moon altar.
02:02My thoughts returned to the present.
02:05Silently, I clenched my fists.
02:07Father, mother, my mind is made up.
02:09I will bond with Kael and help him become the next lichen king.
02:12Seeing my determination, my father finally relented with the issue of a harsh condition.
02:16You must drink the secrecy of the potion.
02:18You cannot reveal anything about breaking the engagement.
02:20And you must obey Caleb and everything.
02:22If you can last until the engagement banquet three days from now, I will be.
02:25My heart ached.
02:26As the lichen princess, did I not even have the freedom to pursue my own marriage?
02:30With a bitter sigh, I took the potion from my father's hand and drank it.
02:33Just then, Caleb stormed into the blood moon altar and seized my hand.
02:37Selana, come out with me!
02:38Without another word, Caleb dragged me out of the blood moon altar.
02:43I was about to refuse.
02:45But the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart.
02:48It forced me to submit it to him.
02:51My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice.
02:54They did not stop Caleb's violence.
02:57They merely snorted coldly and turned away.
03:00Caleb dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
03:02When I looked up, I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
03:06She looked so proud, as if she were the lichen princess.
03:10The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her little mouth in
03:16feigned surprise.
03:17Oh, sister!
03:19How did you end up in such a state?
03:21Caleb be gentler with her.
03:23Caleb snorted.
03:24And slapped me to the floor.
03:27Selina, did you beg the lichen king to arrange a marriage between us again?
03:30His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
03:34Do you think that if you keep pestering me, I'll marry you sooner or later?
03:39Let me tell you something.
03:40You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met.
03:43Even if you knelt and begged me, I wouldn't spare you another glance.
03:46I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
03:51I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
03:54Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
03:56Please, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
03:58Without my affection, you can't even survive.
04:02Caleb, don't say that enough, sister.
04:05She only acts this way because she loves you too much.
04:08Her voice was soft enough to melt and her eyes read in the sight.
04:11She truly looked like a considerate, gentle, young sister.
04:16You're too kind.
04:17That's your problem.
04:19Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you.
04:23Caleb patted Alina's hand, then turned to me.
04:25How about this?
04:26I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
04:29Caleb pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall.
04:31Selina, from now on the pure silver ice in your bedchamber, belongs to Alara.
04:36She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
04:39My breath stopped for an instant.
04:41The pure silver ice coffin was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
04:45What did it mean to give it away?
04:47It meant that the lowest omega had stepped onto the head of the Lyman princess.
04:52As for you...
04:53Caleb's lips curled into a smile full of malice.
04:57The pigsty on the west side of the palace is still empty.
05:00Starting tonight, you'll sleep there.
05:03The moment he said that, the nobles in the royal hall burst into laughter.
05:08How entertaining.
05:09The mighty Lycan princess, ordered by the man she loves to sleep in a pig-sit.
05:13Caleb clearly doesn't want her, yet she keeps throwing herself at him.
05:15She deserves it.
05:16She chased him for 18 years and ended up chased into a pig-sit.
05:19What a disgrace to the royal family.
05:22I lowered my head, my nails digging into my palm.
05:24I wanted to defend myself out loud.
05:26I did not love Caleb.
05:28I would rather marry the cursed Cale than have anything to do with Caleb.
05:31But the potion bound me tightly.
05:33The mere thought of resistance sent a pain through me that seemed to drill into my bones.
05:37Fine.
05:38Beside, the pure silver ice coffee can go to Alara.
05:41I'll sleep in the pigsty.
05:42Caleb froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
05:44He said to Alara over his shoulder,
05:46This is the kind of bitch she is.
05:47The harder you trample her, the more she clings to you.
05:49Alara lowered her head, the corner of her mouth lifting for the briefest instant.
05:52When she looked up again, her face was full of concern.
05:54Sister, the pig-shed is so dirty.
05:56How can you live there?
05:57She stole the man you love, and you're still worried about her.
06:00How can anyone in this world be as kind as you?
06:02He lowered his head and kissed Alara.
06:03It was not a light, fleeting kiss.
06:05It was deep and deliberately drawn out.
06:06Alara rose onto her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck.
06:09Her peach blossom eyes looked past Caleb's neck, staring at me in blatant triumph.
06:12The main hall erupted with the noble's applause and cheer.
06:15If Selina were half as gentle as Alara, she wouldn't be despised this badly.
06:18Alara is soft, delicate, and so understanding.
06:21No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:22I turned my head away, unwilling to look.
06:24Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the side of the hall.
06:28It was a savage wild wolf.
06:29Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:32My face went pale with shock.
06:33An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away.
06:36I ran toward him.
06:37After all our years together, I thought he would at least reach out and block the attack.
06:40Caleb, save me!
06:41But before I could finish calling for help, his leg had already lifted.
06:43He kicked me hard in the side.
06:45Get away!
06:45My whole body flew sideways and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
06:48Squish!
06:49Blood poured out like a waterfall, flowing wildly without end.
06:52The wild wolf's sharp claws pierced through my right shoulder and pinned me to the cold stone floor.
06:56My mouth opened.
06:57I wanted to scream.
06:57But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face, no sound came out at all.
07:00At that moment, the guards finally rushed forward, and they cut the wolf down.
07:03When its claws were pulled from my shoulder, they dragged out a spray of blood.
07:06Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and lift it.
07:09Were you trying to run toward me just now?
07:11Did you think I would save you?
07:12His fingers tightened.
07:13Salima, don't think too highly of yourself.
07:15I would rather save a lamb than save you.
07:17My lips had gone white from pain, but I could not say a single word.
07:20Alara was still standing there, both hands covering her mouth.
07:23That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:25What a shame.
07:25She actually survived.
07:27Caleb snored.
07:27My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once felt for Caleb
07:31me.
07:31I never imagined he wanted me dead, or that he would shove me toward the blade himself.
07:35Alara lifted her head from Caleb's arms.
07:37Caleb, you're so good to me.
07:38Will sister be angry?
07:39Salona is a hopeless lovesick through and through.
07:41She's loved me for 18 years so much that she doesn't even know what dignity is.
07:43No matter whether I hit her, curse her, make her sleep in a pig head, or even kick her under
07:46a wolf's claws,
07:47she'll forgive me unconditionally.
07:49Then she'll crawl back like a dog and kneel to lick my feet.
07:51Alara lowered her lashes and sighed softly.
07:53Sister is so pitiful.
07:54But after saying that, when she turned her head to look at me, her lips moved in a low murmur.
07:58What a useless wild wolf.
08:00It couldn't even kill Selene.
08:02Then she looked away and said gently to Caleb,
08:04Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
08:06Treat her?
08:06Does she deserve that?
08:07Caleb, someone, throw her into the pig bed.
08:10Rotting mud in the pig shed swallowed my ankles.
08:12Two black pigs shoved their snouts toward me,
08:14snuffing as they sniffed the blood on my legs.
08:16I backed away until my spine hit the fence.
08:18The guards watching me tilted their heads,
08:20obscene smiles hanging from their mouths.
08:22Lion princess, the pig shed must be rough.
08:25Why not come enjoy yourself in my bed instead?
08:27Another guard picked up a wooden stick,
08:29shoved it through the gaps in the fence, and jebbed my hip.
08:31Oh, still pretending to be noble?
08:33You filthy whore.
08:34You're worse than a sow.
08:36The guard thrust the stick again, harder this time,
08:38striking the wound on my shoulder.
08:40My vision went black, and I collapsed to my knees in the mud.
08:43The black pigs, excited by the scent of blood,
08:45surged forward restlessly.
08:46Their snorting swallowed me whole.
08:48With tongues cocked and filthy, they licked at my face.
08:50Just then, someone kicked the gate open.
08:52I turned my head.
08:53Caleb stood in the doorway.
08:54Moonlight fell from behind him,
08:56casting a long black shadow across the ground.
08:58He looked at me kneeling in the mud,
09:00then at the two guards.
09:01Who did this to me?
09:02The smiles froze on the guards' faces.
09:04Lord Caleb, we were only...
09:06Get out.
09:07The guards scrambled away.
09:09My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:12Had he remembered how deeply I had loved him for 18 long years?
09:15Caleb walked toward me.
09:17He bent down, seized my wrist,
09:18and dragged me out of the mud, his voice low.
09:20Lara was frightened.
09:21She's a demon to begin with,
09:22and after that wild wolf scared her,
09:23she's even a demon.
09:24He released my wrist.
09:25I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:28Oh no, Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
09:31His expression changed.
09:33You have noble lime and blood.
09:36Careful.
09:37Give your blood to her.
09:39My heart stopped for a beat.
09:4218 years.
09:43I had loved Caleb for a full 18 years,
09:46yet he had never once truly looked at me.
09:49But Alara?
09:49He held her in his palms as if afraid she would fall,
09:52kept her in his mouth as if afraid she would melt.
09:54For the slightest discomfort,
09:55Caleb could generously order me to give her my blood.
09:57What am I to you?
09:58A piece of trash.
09:59You can summon and dismiss at will.
10:01I was completely disheartened.
10:02I no longer had even the strength to resist
10:04as Caleb dragged me into a side hall.
10:06He tied my arm firmly to the arm press of a chair.
10:08A thin silver tube pierced my vein.
10:10Blood flowed down the tube,
10:11drop by drop, into a porcelain basin.
10:13Caleb bent down and spoke against my ear.
10:15Don't move.
10:15If the blood doesn't flow fast enough,
10:17I'll stab you if you're more tired.
10:18On the other side,
10:19Alara lay half-reclined on a soft couch.
10:21She watched my blood drip away,
10:22something bright gleaming in her pupils.
10:24Sister, it must hurt so much, doesn't it?
10:26Her voice was light and trembling.
10:28It's all my useless body's fault.
10:30If I could, I really wouldn't want to use your blood.
10:32Caleb went to the couch
10:33and gathered Alara's hand into his palm.
10:35You really are too kind.
10:36Just then, a guard hurried in
10:38and whispered a few words into Caleb's ear.
10:39The lichen king wants me to fight.
10:41Caleb frowned slightly.
10:42He took two steps toward the door,
10:43then looked back at me.
10:44Stay put.
10:45Don't try anything.
10:47The moment the door closed,
10:48Alara suddenly sat up from this couch.
10:50My heart lurched.
10:50Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:53Alara walked up to me,
10:54bent down,
10:54dipped a finger into the blood
10:55in the porcelain basin
10:56and brought it to her nose.
10:57Wow, so this is the scent I like in blood.
10:59Delicious.
11:00Weakly, I said,
11:01you're locked.
11:01Alara giggled.
11:03You didn't really think I was anemic, did you?
11:05I'll tell you the truth.
11:06I was pretending.
11:07My pupil shrunk.
11:08What I want is your bloodline.
11:10As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body,
11:12I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14I'll be, she paused,
11:15something even nobler than me.
11:17It felt as if an invisible hand
11:18had clenched around my heart.
11:19She did not just want my blood.
11:21She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:23Caleb walked in.
11:25Alana's body stinned.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:30Everything about Alana is fake.
11:31Alara's face went white.
11:32She stood frozen in place,
11:34her lips trembling twice.
11:35Caleb, I didn't mean to lie to you.
11:37Tears instantly filled her eyes.
11:39I just envy sister so much.
11:42She was born the noble lichen princess
11:44while I have nothing.
11:45To everyone's surprise,
11:46Caleb walked to Alara's side
11:47and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
11:49You really are something.
11:50If you wanted her blood,
11:51you should have just said so.
11:52Why go through such a long act?
11:54Alara froze,
11:54then buried her face in his chest.
11:56I was afraid you'd be angry.
11:57Angry?
11:58Caleb laughed.
11:59He turned his head to look at me.
12:01Using this bitch's blood
12:02to improve your bloodline is her honor.
12:03If it would make you happy,
12:04I'd drain her into a dry wolf course.
12:06Alara lifted tearful eyes
12:07and tugged lightly at his lapel.
12:09I only thought,
12:10if sister's blood flowed inside me,
12:13then when I loved you,
12:14it would be as if both of us
12:15were loving you together.
12:16Caleb lowered his head
12:17and kissed the top of her hair.
12:18Silly girl.
12:19You're the only one I love.
12:21I watched them kiss in front of me,
12:23lips pressed to lips,
12:25shadows overlapping.
12:27My blood was still flowing out,
12:29yet neither of them looked at me once.
12:31Sister's blood seems to be flowing a little slowly.
12:34Caleb walked over,
12:36raised his hand,
12:36and slapped me across the face.
12:38The corner of my mouth split open.
12:40Fresh blood streamed down from my lips.
12:42There.
12:43Isn't there more blood now?
12:46He slapped me again.
12:48Then a third time.
12:50A fourth.
12:51Every blow landed with full force.
12:54Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:57Come here.
12:58You try.
12:59Alara walked over timidly,
13:00shaking her head.
13:01I don't dare.
13:02Caleb gripped her hand,
13:03guided her wrist,
13:04and brought her palm down across my face.
13:06One slap.
13:07Then another.
13:08My face swelled,
13:09and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
13:11Alara said softly,
13:13Caleb,
13:13sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snorted.
13:16Selina,
13:17I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:19Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:21I agree.
13:22But you can only be a breeder.
13:24Alara is my only Luna.
13:26He released her hand.
13:27Also,
13:28I need you to draft a treaty.
13:29The West Coast Wolf Clan
13:31will give two-thirds of its territory to us on the East Coast.
13:33He straightened and looked down at me.
13:35Sign it,
13:36and I'll marry you.
13:37If you don't.
13:38He turned and wrapped an arm around Alara's waist.
13:40I'll kill you.
13:42Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses.
13:48Two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:50A permanent submission treaty.
13:51Renouncing my right as air,
13:53my fingers trembled.
13:54This was practically a treaty of surrender and humiliation.
13:57No,
13:58I could not sign it.
13:59Caleb's eyes darkened.
14:01He lifted his foot and stepped on the back of my neck,
14:03forcing my head hard contoured the floor.
14:05You won't sign?
14:06He crouched,
14:07grabbed my hair,
14:08and wrenched my face upward.
14:09Then I'll record how humiliated you look.
14:12He took a recording crystal from his waist and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you,
14:16the noble lichen princess of the West Coast,
14:18kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:20The recording crystal flashed red.
14:21My wretched state.
14:22My blood.
14:23My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
14:25All of it was captured inside that tiny stone.
14:28Tell me,
14:29if I spread the contents of this crystal throughout the entire wolf clan,
14:31where will the lichen came from his face?
14:33A couple's sweetness surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb,
14:36must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense!
14:38Sign!
14:38He brutally pressed my hand down,
14:40stained it with my own blood,
14:42and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
14:44I struggled desperately,
14:45but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:47Wait.
14:48Add another clause.
14:49After you marry me,
14:50I need to close thanks to Irana every morning and evening.
14:52On your knees.
14:52She sits,
14:53you kneel.
14:53She drinks tea,
14:54you serve it.
14:54Tears of humiliation filled my eyes.
14:56Add another.
14:57He said,
14:57tilting his head as a thought.
14:59If we have a child,
15:00your own flesh and blood must call it Laura Mother.
15:02As for you,
15:03you're only fit to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory.
15:05Dignity.
15:06Forcing bloodline.
15:07Descendants.
15:08Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:10At last,
15:10it was finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the porch board,
15:12read it from start to finish,
15:14and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto my head.
15:17Wear this to the engagement blanket tomorrow.
15:18It was the cross-linen garment of a lowly laborer.
15:21The cuffs were worn ragged,
15:22and the collar was stained with blackened grease.
15:24Come wearing it.
15:25Let everyone see how lowly the noble lion princess is before me, Caleb.
15:28The royal hall was brightly lit the next day,
15:30and music drifted through the air.
15:32Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast gathered together,
15:35the clink of wine bales rising and falling.
15:37Everyone turned to look.
15:38Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
15:40First they froze.
15:42Then laughter exploded.
15:43The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet dressed like a slave.
15:47Isn't she ashamed?
15:48I think she did it on purpose, pretending to be pitiful,
15:50trying to win sympathy so Caleb will change his mind.
15:53What a cheap trick.
15:54Who would fall for that?
15:55I lowered my head, unable to stop myself from quietly sobbing.
15:59I had tried to resist, but the moment that thought appeared,
16:01the potion turned into thousands of needles stabbing viciously into my heart.
16:05It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then, a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:09Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:11He wore the silver-gray formal attire of the east coast,
16:14his cape trailing across the floor.
16:15Alara held his arms in a moon-white glass gazon.
16:18Pearls pimmed at her temples.
16:19Caleb is here.
16:20The nobles parted to make way for them.
16:22Caleb walked up to me and looked me up and down.
16:25Then he suddenly laughed.
16:28I told you to wear slave clothes, and you wore them.
16:30I told you to sign the treaty, and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pygdys, and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
16:38Do you see this?
16:39This is the lichen princess.
16:40She does whatever I say.
16:42More obedient than a dog.
16:43Hit her! Curse her! Humiliate her!
16:45And all she knows how to do is wag her tail.
16:47Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve, her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb, sister can't really still want to marry you, can she?
16:56Caleb pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
16:58A sinister smile on his lips.
16:59She loves me so much, of course she still wants to marry me.
17:02But don't worry. I have a plan.
17:04Once I get real power over the west coast,
17:06I'll divorce her immediately and marry you in full glory.
17:09No matter how I treat her, she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
17:14All right.
17:15Then I'll wait for you to marry me.
17:17In full glory.
17:18Caleb kissed her.
17:19Then, seeing my desolate expression,
17:21he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:23He took the recording crystal from his chest and raised it high.
17:25Oh, right.
17:26Let me show everyone something interesting.
17:28The crystal lit up.
17:29In the image, I knelt on the ground,
17:31my face covered in blood,
17:32my head forced down as I signed the treaty.
17:34The nobles laughed even louder.
17:36That's too miserable.
17:37The mighty Lycan princess bullied to this extent.
17:40What a bone-deep humiliation.
17:41Laughter surged from all directions, drowning me.
17:44At that moment, a hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
17:46I turned my head.
17:47It was my father, the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
17:49He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene, even now, do you still intend to marry Cale and give up Caleb?
17:56Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face,
17:59at the swollen corner of my mouth,
18:00and at the bruises on my wrist from the silver tool.
18:02You would rather endure so much suffering than marry Caleb.
18:05It seems your mind truly is made up.
18:07Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:09My tears fell beyond my control.
18:11My father turned and walked step by step towards the platform at the center of the main hall.
18:15Caleb was still holding up the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:18Everyone,
18:19tonight's engagement banquet was originally meant to announce the betrothal between my daughter Selene and the East Coast Alpha Caleb.
18:25He paused.
18:26However,
18:27at my daughter's firm request,
18:28I now formally announce,
18:29in my capacity as Lycan king,
18:31Selene will marry another Alpha,
18:33Caleb.
18:34Caleb froze for his turn.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:38Caleb stood stunned.
18:40He looked at my father,
18:41then at me,
18:41and suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
18:43Lycan king,
18:44please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me for 18 years.
18:47For my sake,
18:48she was even willing to sleep in a pig hole.
18:49How could she possibly marry a useless wolf?
18:51He turned and walked toward me,
18:53his tone still full of condescending charity.
18:55Selene,
18:55I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me on purpose,
18:58aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake in public now,
19:02I can still treat you well like before.
19:04I looked quietly at his arrogant face.
19:05Take your Omega and get out of my sight.
19:07I let out a long breath of relief.
19:09The secrecy potion had worn off.
19:11At last,
19:11I could say what I wanted to say.
19:13The smile on Caleb's face finally collapsed.
19:15Fine,
19:16fine.
19:16You don't know what's good for you,
19:17do you?
19:18He suddenly took the unequal treaty from his chest and raised it toward my father.
19:21Lyon king,
19:21Selene has already signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not marry me today,
19:25two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed under D'Address has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
19:33Caleb had not expected my father,
19:34who had always been cold,
19:36to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No,
19:38Selene must marry me.
19:40He released the pressure of an East Coast Alpha,
19:42transformed into a giant wolf,
19:43and lunged,
19:44reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand was about to touch me,
19:47the clouds in the sky broke apart,
19:48and a blood-red full moon hung overhead.
19:50In the corner,
19:51Cale,
19:51who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time,
19:53suddenly let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted from his eyes.
19:56With a deafening crack,
19:57the thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
19:59A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instant,
20:02Cale transformed into an ancient life.
20:03He brought one claw down hard,
20:04and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood again and again,
20:08unable to move.
20:09The nobles all retreated in terror.
20:11Caleb's eyes were full of unwillingness and fear.
20:14Knowing he was no match for Cale,
20:15he could only flee the hall in humiliation with the screaming Alada.
20:19Cale,
20:19you useless wolf.
20:20Don't get cocky.
20:21I'll take Selina back.
20:22I walked onto the high corridor,
20:23and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped back to their residence,
20:27when they ran straight into a group of loyal guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly throwing,
20:31box after box of their belongings into the mud.
20:33Alara froze,
20:34then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
20:37My jewels,
20:37my gowns,
20:38how dare you touch my things?
20:40The guard captain said coldly,
20:42This is the Lyman King's order.
20:44Caleb linched his fists and gritted his teeth.
20:45It must be Selina.
20:47She must have spoken ill of us to the Lycan King.
20:49Alara turned back,
20:49clutching Caleb's arm tightly as tears of grievance streamed down her face.
20:52Caleb,
20:52is sister still holding a grudge against me?
20:54I can give up anything,
20:55but you gave me all these things.
20:56Caleb looked at the mess on the ground,
20:58and pulled Alara into his arms in distress.
21:00Don't cry.
21:00This is just Selina playing hard to get.
21:02He deliberately raised his voice and hussed with absolute confidence.
21:05She thinks that if she takes everything back,
21:06I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much.
21:08Without me,
21:08she can't survive.
21:09Looking at his self-ephorious face,
21:11I found him utterly laughable.
21:12Why did he think I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom,
21:16and now,
21:16I also had Kale,
21:17who was willing to protect me.
21:18I did not want to look at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned to the hall.
21:25Yet three hours later,
21:26the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor to report to me.
21:30Lycan Princess,
21:32Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace
21:34and demand an explanation for you.
21:38I snorted coldly.
21:40You let him in?
21:41The guard captain said respectfully.
21:44It seems he lost his privileged J token during the fight.
21:46We stopped him outside the gate.
21:48If he has no token,
21:49then tell him to get lost.
21:50I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard.
21:52Beside a stone table,
21:53I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Kale,
21:54who had returned to human form.
21:55Kale had just broken through the witch's curse,
21:58and his face was still somewhat pale,
21:59but every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose,
22:03he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us
22:05and draped it gently understanding.
22:06I lifted my head and smiled at him.
22:08There were no unnecessary words between us,
22:10yet we shared an understanding as if our souls resonated.
22:13Just then,
22:14rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw Caleb being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates
22:20by two fully armed royal guards.
22:21How dare you?
22:22I need to help but you guys don't make it!
22:23The guard captain answered coldly.
22:24Without the life and princess's privilege, J token,
22:26no one may enter.
22:27Caleb insisted on forcing his way in,
22:29but the guards shoved him back without mercy,
22:31making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state,
22:34my face held no expression.
22:35He should finally realize that without my protection,
22:38he could not take a single step on the west coast.
22:40Caleb knew he could not force his way through the palace gates.
22:43He could only run to one corner of the gate
22:44and stare through the iron bars at me in the courtyard.
22:47When he saw Kale papaling a cloak over me,
22:49and saw me smiling at Kale,
22:50the muscles in his face twitched out of control.
22:52For 18 years,
22:53I had only ever had eyes for him.
22:55I had never smiled that way at another man.
22:56He gripped the iron bars hard,
22:58his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me,
23:00Selene, come out here!
23:01I am your fated mate!
23:03At the sound of his voice,
23:04the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head,
23:07my gaze resting on Caleb's flushed face for one second.
23:09There was no anger in my eyes,
23:10nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were looking at a patch of empty air.
23:13Drag him away,
23:14I ordered coldly.
23:15The guard stepped forward.
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Caleb roared in fury.
23:18He punched two guards to the ground
23:21and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
23:24Selene!
23:24Why are you pretending to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down his game piece
23:28and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant,
23:31he transformed into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying pressure erupted,
23:39crushing Caleb in place.
23:40Caleb's bones cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not defeat Kale,
23:43he could only retreat in humiliation
23:45and snar through gritted teeth.
23:46Fine.
23:47Selene,
23:47don't regret this.
23:48Even if you come kneeling to beg me,
23:50I won't look at you again.
23:51A few days later,
23:52my personal lady-in-waiting
23:53entered angrily with a bright red invitation.
23:55Lycan princess,
23:56Caleb has gone mad.
23:57He has publicly announced to the whole clan
23:59that he is marrying Elera,
24:01and he tells everyone that once you see the invitation,
24:03you'll break down,
24:03admit your mistake,
24:04and cry as you beg him to change his mind.
24:06I did not even look at the invitation.
24:08I lifted my teacup and took a sip.
24:10Let him.
24:11Without West Coast royal funding,
24:13what would he use to hold a respectable wedding?
24:15And he still thought I would apologize to him?
24:18Did he truly think I still loved him?
24:20That afternoon,
24:21with maids accompanying me,
24:22I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage
24:23for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass the most luxurious tailor shop
24:26in the city.
24:26I had just reached the opposite side of the shop
24:28when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
24:29You dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
24:31It scratches my skin!
24:32Can you afford to pay for it,
24:33you lowly dog?
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment,
24:36Caleb,
24:36who had just returned from buying mutton,
24:37froze at the shop entrance.
24:38Elera turned her head.
24:39When she met Caleb's shocked gaze,
24:41her face instantly went deathly pale.
24:42She had never expected Caleb to witness her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes, meanwhile,
24:46were full of suspicion and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate Elera he praised to everyone
24:49as someone who would shed tears
24:50even over stepping on an ant?
24:52Elera immediately squeezed out tears
24:53and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
24:57Caleb,
24:58it hurt so much that I lost control of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me, all right?
25:01Caleb stiffly patted her back,
25:03his voice dry.
25:04It's fine.
25:05I don't blame you.
25:06But the seed of doubt
25:07had already been planted deep in Caleb's heart.
25:10Watching from the corner,
25:11I suddenly came up with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain
25:13carry a brocade box
25:15and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb,
25:17Lion Princess Selina
25:18has sent you a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name,
25:21Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
25:23He eagerly took the brocade box,
25:24the corners of his mouth
25:26rising beyond his control.
25:27I knew it.
25:28She really couldn't hold back after all.
25:30She's finally bowing to me.
25:33I watched Caleb's arrogance with cold eyes.
25:35Full of expectation,
25:36he opened the brocade box,
25:38seeming certain that inside
25:39would be a tear-stained apology letter.
25:41Only a wooden sword snapped cleanly in half.
25:44It was the first token of affection
25:46young Caleb had given me
25:47one summer ten years ago.
25:48Back then,
25:49he had patted his chest and said,
25:51Selina,
25:51if anyone bullies you from now on,
25:53I'll protect you with this sword.
25:54I had once treasured that wooden sword
25:56as if it were my life,
25:57but now I had broken it
25:59and returned it to him as a wedding gift.
26:01I saw clearly how Caleb's hand
26:03trembled uncontrollably
26:04around the broken sword.
26:05His face,
26:06which had been wild with joy,
26:07turned deathly white.
26:09No,
26:10this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped the broken sword tightly,
26:13his lips shaking.
26:14How could she bear to break it?
26:16She must be trying to make me angry, right?
26:18Selina,
26:19come out!
26:20I know you're nearby!
26:22Come out!
26:22He suddenly lifted his head,
26:24looking around the street
26:25in panic like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless,
26:29I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:33Three days later,
26:34on the day of the wedding,
26:35without West Coast support,
26:36the East Coast Chapel
26:37was decorated
26:37in an extremely shabby manner.
26:39Caleb stood at the altar,
26:40his face pale
26:41and his eyes hollow.
26:42Again and again,
26:43he looked toward the chapel's
26:44tightly shut doors.
26:45The guests below
26:46whispered among themselves.
26:48Beside him,
26:49Alara saw his distraction
26:50and immediately grew angry.
26:52Caleb,
26:53everyone is watching us.
26:54Today is our happy day.
26:55Can you focus on me?
26:57But Caleb pulled his hand away
26:58irritably
26:59and murmured like a lost soul.
27:01She can't really not come,
27:03can she?
27:03She clearly loves me so much.
27:06How could she watch me
27:07marry someone else
27:08with her own eyes?
27:09His mind was full of me.
27:10He did not look at Alana at all.
27:12Alara clenched her fists
27:13in resentment.
27:13So jealous she was
27:15nearly going mad.
27:16Just as the priest frowned
27:17and prepared to read the vows,
27:18the master of ceremony
27:19outside announced loudly,
27:21Lycon Princess
27:21and Lord Kale have arrived.
27:23The heavy doors
27:24were pushed open.
27:25Wearing a noble
27:26black formal dress,
27:27I held Kale's arm
27:28and walked calmly
27:29into the chapel.
27:30The moment Caleb saw me,
27:31his dead eyes
27:32instantly lit up.
27:33Selina,
27:34you came.
27:35His voice trembled
27:36with excitement.
27:37He flung Alara's arm away
27:38and came down
27:39from the altar to greet me.
27:40But I did not spare him
27:41a single extra glance.
27:42I walked straight
27:43to the front row
27:44of guest seats
27:44and sat down elegantly.
27:46I'm not here
27:46to steal the groom.
27:47Continue your wedding.
27:49Don't mind me.
27:49Caleb froze where he stood.
27:51He grinned his teeth,
27:52still stubbornly staring at me.
27:53Don't regret this.
27:55The priest cleared his throat
27:56and began reading
27:57the lengthy vows.
27:58Lord Kale,
27:59whether in poverty or wealth,
28:00are you willing
28:01to take Alara as your wife?
28:03I...
28:03Kale drew out the word.
28:04His gaze was locked firmly on me,
28:06as if saying,
28:06Selina,
28:07if you stand up
28:07and stop me now,
28:08I'll cancel the wedding
28:09at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly
28:11lifted the red T
28:12and turned my head
28:13to speak softly to Kale.
28:14Kale,
28:14has the West Coast border
28:15defense map been checked?
28:16Kale brushed a fallen leaf
28:18from my shoulder,
28:18his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference,
28:22Caleb's face
28:22instantly turned ashen.
28:24Alara stood beside him,
28:25gritting her teeth
28:25as she urged in a low voice,
28:26If Kale,
28:27everyone is waiting for your vow.
28:28If not for me,
28:29then for our child.
28:30Kale froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:32Alara showed a shy smile
28:33and nodded.
28:34Of course,
28:35your own flesh and blood.
28:37Kale sighed and nodded.
28:38All right,
28:39since you're carrying my child,
28:40I should indeed
28:41give you a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:44I do.
28:46Just then,
28:46the chapel's enormous
28:47stained glass window
28:48shattered with a crash,
28:50and more than a dozen
28:51rogue werewolves
28:51with blood-red eyes
28:52rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly
28:55fell into chaos.
28:57Nobles screamed
28:57and fled in every direction.
28:59This group of rogue werewolves
29:00had an extremely clear target.
29:02They did not even look
29:03at the bride
29:03and grew on the altar.
29:04Raising bright curved blades,
29:06they charged straight toward me.
29:07Kill the lichen princess!
29:09Caleb watched the werewolves
29:10lunging toward me,
29:11his mind going blank.
29:13Selene!
29:13Watch out!
29:14Without hesitation,
29:15he moved to rush down
29:17from the altar
29:17and save me.
29:18But the instant
29:19he took one step,
29:21Alana screamed
29:21and threw herself at him,
29:23clinging tightly
29:24around his waist.
29:25Caleb!
29:27Help me!
29:27I'm so scared!
29:28Don't leave me!
29:29Caleb was suddenly tripped up
29:30and shouted in panic.
29:31Get off!
29:32Alara!
29:32Let go!
29:33Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard
29:35to prow Alina's hands away,
29:36but Alina clung to him
29:37like an octopus,
29:38her cries piercing.
29:39You're not allowed to go!
29:41I am your bride!
29:43Because of that
29:44one second delay,
29:46the strongest rogue
29:47willwolf had already
29:48rushed in front of me.
29:49He raised a curved blade
29:50coated in green poison
29:52and slashed viciously
29:53towards my back.
29:55Caleb screamed in despair.
29:56No!
29:59At the critical moment,
30:00Kale snutted coldly.
30:01His tall body
30:02instantly blocked me.
30:03He did not even
30:04transform into wolf form.
30:05He merely lifted one hand
30:06and with a crisp clang
30:07caught the descending
30:08poisoned blade
30:09barehanded.
30:10Under the terrified gaze
30:11of the rogue werewolf,
30:12Kale turned his wrist
30:13and the curved blade
30:14forged of fine steel
30:15shattered inch by inch.
30:16You're caught in death.
30:17The terrifying pressure
30:18of an ancient wolf king
30:19erupted instantly
30:20and cracks spread
30:20across the chapel floor.
30:22Within a few moves,
30:23those vicious assassins
30:24did not even have room
30:24to resist before their limbs
30:25were broken and they were
30:26hurled miserably to the ground.
30:28From beginning to end,
30:29Kale shielded me
30:29completely behind him.
30:30Not even a strand of my hair
30:31was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Kale finally
30:33push Alera away
30:35and stumble over
30:36with a sword in hand.
30:37He foes two steps away.
30:40Kale was kneeling
30:41on one knee before me,
30:43checking with extreme care
30:44whether I had been frightened.
30:46The hand Kale used
30:47to hold his sword
30:48dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be
30:49the hero who protected me,
30:50but only now did he realize
30:51he had already lost
30:52both the right
30:53and the strength
30:53to protect me.
30:54The royal guards
30:55quickly rushed into the chapel
30:56and restrained all the
30:57badly injured assassins.
30:58Kale stood and coldly opened
31:00the assassin leader's clothes,
31:01pulling a blood-stained piece
31:02of parchment from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it
31:06and my gaze instantly
31:07turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn
31:10defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alera,
31:13who was trembling
31:13on the steps,
31:14and it was drawn with ink,
31:16specially supplied
31:17to the East Coast royal family.
31:20All eyes in the hall
31:21snapped onto Alera.
31:22Is there a traitor
31:24in the East Coast?
31:25Facing everyone's suspicion,
31:27Alota's face went deathly pale.
31:28She shook her head desperately
31:29as she backed away.
31:30It wasn't me,
31:31I didn't Caleb believe me,
31:32I really didn't.
31:32Seeing the guards
31:33with blades in hand,
31:34Alota used her best trick.
31:35Her eyes rolled back
31:36and she let out a string cry.
31:38Ugh, my heart,
31:39my anemagia's acting up again.
31:40Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
31:41She collapsed
31:42with perfect accuracy
31:43toward Caleb's arms.
31:44Caleb's brows knitted.
31:45Instinctively,
31:45he reached out to catch her.
31:46Step aside.
31:47An aged yet majestic voice
31:48rang out.
31:49The high-ranking witch doctor
31:50accompanying us
31:50strode forward
31:51and seized Elena's wrist.
31:52Alera panicked
31:53and tried to pull her hand back.
31:54Don't touch me, Caleb.
31:56Blue investigative magic
31:57glowed in the witch doctor's palm.
31:58After only a few seconds,
31:59she stood with a cold laugh
32:00and announced to everyone present.
32:01This omega has no trace
32:03of any blood disease in her body.
32:04Her vitality is stronger
32:05than that of a bison.
32:06Caleb went rigid,
32:07his eyes widening in disbelief.
32:08You're lying.
32:09She clearly fainted
32:10from anemia before.
32:12She even needed
32:12Celine's blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:15That was a false weakness
32:16created by black magic herbs.
32:18Not only that.
32:18The witch doctor looked
32:19at Alina on the floor
32:20with contempt.
32:21She is not pregnant at all.
32:23Let's do it.
32:24What did you say?
32:25Caleb looked as if
32:26he had been struck by lightning.
32:27He stumbled half a step back.
32:29Just then,
32:30the assassin leader
32:31pinned to the ground,
32:31spat out a mouthful
32:32of bloody Sava
32:33and glared viciously at Alia.
32:34Was this bitch
32:35she gave us the defense map
32:36and told us to kill
32:37the Lycan princess in the chaos.
32:38She said once it was done,
32:40she'd give us half
32:40of the West Coast territory.
32:42With irrefutable evidence
32:43before everyone,
32:44Alara's disguise
32:45was completely torn apart.
32:46No!
32:47This isn't true!
32:48Caleb looked at Alara
32:49with bloodshot eyes,
32:50his voice trembling.
32:52So you've been lying
32:52to me all along.
32:53The anemia was fake
32:54and the pregnancy
32:55was fake too!
32:57Alara knew she had
32:58nowhere left to retreat.
32:59She broke down instantly
33:00and crawled to Caleb's feet,
33:02clenching his leg
33:02as tears and snot
33:03covered her face.
33:04Caleb!
33:05Listen to me!
33:05I was forced!
33:06They threatened me!
33:07She begged frantically
33:08like a pitiful worm,
33:09not a Streis remaining
33:10of her former
33:10delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much!
33:13Protect me with your
33:14East Coast privileges
33:15like you used to, alright?
33:16Looking at the ugly woman
33:17before him,
33:18Caleb felt his stomach
33:19churn with disgust.
33:20He kicked Alarka away
33:22and stared at her
33:22with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate
33:24first love
33:25for whom he had
33:26given up everything
33:26and even broken
33:27with the West Coast.
33:29For this lying bitch,
33:30he had forced me
33:31to sleep in a pigsty.
33:32For this vicious woman
33:33who had never been ill,
33:34he had forced me to bleed.
33:35Each truth that came
33:37too late
33:37filled Caleb
33:38with unbearable regret.
33:39What kind of person
33:40had he lost?
33:41Someone who had
33:42loved him so deeply.
33:43With a thud,
33:45Caleb's legs gave out
33:46and he collapsed heavily
33:47to his knees
33:47in the ruins.
33:48His face streamed
33:49with tears
33:50as he turned
33:51and crawled toward me.
33:53His eyes read,
33:54Selina,
33:55I'm sorry.
33:57I was blind.
33:58I was a fool.
33:59I was wrong.
34:00Please forgive me.
34:02Faced with Caleb's repentance,
34:03I had no interest
34:04in even stopping.
34:05Calmly,
34:06I looked away,
34:07took a clean silk
34:08handkerchief
34:08from my sleeve
34:09and pulled Kale's hand
34:10toward me.
34:12Did it hurt
34:13when you crushed
34:14that poisoned blade?
34:15No.
34:16As long as you're unharmed,
34:17that's all that matters.
34:19Let's go.
34:20It's too filthy here.
34:22Icali dropped
34:23the package
34:24beside Caleb's hand,
34:25linked arms with Kale
34:26and walked
34:27straight out
34:28of the chapel.
34:29Caleb froze
34:29where he was.
34:30At last,
34:31he understood.
34:31I was no longer
34:32willing to give him
34:33even hatred.
34:34He knelt there,
34:35watching helplessly
34:36as Kale and I
34:37left side by side,
34:38his nose stinging.
34:39What will it take?
34:41What will it take
34:42for you to forgive me?
34:43Just then,
34:44a messenger
34:44covered in blood
34:45stumbled into the hall.
34:47Report!
34:48Rogue werewolves
34:49are invading
34:49on a massive scale.
34:50The West Coast
34:51defense line
34:52is in critical danger.
34:53Caleb suddenly
34:54lifted his head,
34:55a crazed light
34:55flashing in his eyes.
34:57War.
34:57War has come.
34:58As long as I earn
34:59great merit
35:00on the battlefield,
35:01as long as I prove
35:03my worth,
35:04Selina will surely
35:05look at me again.
35:06The rogue werewolves
35:07invaded on a massive scale
35:08and the flames of war
35:10spread quickly.
35:11Kale volunteered
35:12to command the armies,
35:13going from former
35:14useless wolf
35:14to present
35:15ancient wolf king
35:16and led the troops
35:17out to suppress the rebelt.
35:18As for Caleb,
35:19because of his blindness,
35:21foolishness
35:21and sheltering of a traitor,
35:22he had been stripped
35:23of all status
35:24and reduced completely
35:25to a commoner.
35:26He could have hidden
35:26in the rear
35:27and clung to life,
35:28but in order to stir
35:29even the slightest ripple
35:30in my heart,
35:31he concealed his name
35:32and voluntarily joined
35:33the suicide squad
35:34with the highest death rate,
35:35becoming the lowest
35:36ranking footser.
35:37On the day the army
35:38set out,
35:38I stood personally
35:39atop the high city wall
35:40to see Kale off.
35:41Below the wall,
35:42the army stood
35:43in solemn formation.
35:44Kale sat on his warhorse
35:45and looked up at me
35:46with deep affection
35:47before the entire army.
35:49I placed a wolf-toothed amulet
35:51for protection
35:51around Kale's neck
35:52with my own hands,
35:54then bent down
35:55and gently kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your
35:58triumphant return.
35:59Kale's eyes burned hot.
36:01In front of everyone,
36:03he kissed the back
36:04of my hand.
36:09And down in the muddy
36:10infantry ranks,
36:11Kale,
36:11dressed in coarse linen,
36:13stared famously
36:13at the scene,
36:14watching me give
36:15another man my favor.
36:16Jealousy and regret
36:17twisted together
36:17in his heart.
36:18Once,
36:18that place had been his.
36:20That amulet had once
36:21been prepared for him.
36:22He bit hard enough
36:23to split his lip.
36:24Selene,
36:24I'll prove to you
36:25that I'm stronger than Kale.
36:29I'm the alpha worthy of you.
36:31He swore it silently
36:32in his heart,
36:33then stepped onto
36:34the battlefield
36:34without looking back.
36:35Battle reports
36:36from the front lines
36:37were sent back
36:37to the capital every day.
36:39On the battlefield,
36:39Kale planned and commanded
36:40with brilliant strategy.
36:41Not only was he not
36:42dragged down
36:43by the witch's curse,
36:43he displayed the bearing
36:44of an unparalleled general.
36:46He won every battle
36:46and became the hero
36:47admired by the entire army.
36:49Kale, meanwhile,
36:50fought in the lowest trenches
36:51like a beast that did not care
36:53whether it lived or died.
36:54He deliberately refused
36:56to wear heavy armor,
36:57allowing enemy blades
36:58to leave hideous wounds
37:00across his body.
37:01Every time he was injured,
37:02every time he bled,
37:03he felt he was paying back
37:04the debt for once
37:05draining my blood.
37:06He felt he was easing
37:07the guilt in his heart.
37:08He fought desperately for merit,
37:09charging forward like a madman
37:10and cutting down
37:11countless enemy heads,
37:12only hoping that his name
37:13might appear once
37:14in the military reports
37:15and be seen by me.
37:16But he did not know
37:17that when I read the reports,
37:18my gaze only stopped
37:19on Kale's name.
37:20I did not care
37:21which common soldier
37:22had earned credit.
37:23During an especially
37:24brutal breakout battle,
37:25the rogue werewolf army
37:26surrounded the suicide squad.
37:28A military banner
37:29representing the West Coast
37:30royal family
37:31was about to be cut down.
37:33That was my territory.
37:36My banner.
37:38Kale's eyes went red
37:39as he roared
37:40and threw himself forward.
37:43No one touches
37:45Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body
37:47to shield the flagpole,
37:49refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish.
37:51An enemy spear
37:52ruthlessly pierced
37:53through the soldier's abdomen.
37:55He vomited a mouthful of blood,
37:57but his hands still clung
37:58tightly to the banner
38:00as he collapsed heavily
38:02into a pool of blood.
38:04The dark, damp
38:05woundager's camp
38:05was filled with the thick smell
38:07of blood and screams of pain.
38:08Kale's injuries
38:08were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced
38:10through his abdomen
38:11and his high fever
38:11would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat,
38:13barely breathing.
38:14In the extreme agony
38:15between dreams and waking,
38:17he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return
38:18to that summer
38:19ten years ago.
38:20A little version of me
38:21followed behind him,
38:22eyes full of worship,
38:23as I called him
38:24Brother Caleb,
38:24blushing while I handed him
38:25that wooden sword.
38:26Brother Caleb,
38:28will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:33I'll protect you
38:33for the rest of your life.
38:35But the scene shifted.
38:36It became me locked
38:37inside the reeking pig pet,
38:38my face covered in blood,
38:39looking at him in despair
38:40as he married Alara.
38:42No.
38:42Don't look at me like that.
38:44In his coma,
38:44tears of pain
38:45streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly
38:47at empty air
38:47as he murmured
38:48in a broken,
38:48miserable voice.
38:49It's lame.
38:50I was wrong.
38:51Please, don't go.
38:52But in the illusion,
38:53I pulled my hand away coldly
38:55and turned away
38:55without hesitation.
38:56Just as he was drowning
38:58in unbearable pain,
38:59in reality,
39:00he suddenly felt
39:01a pair of cooled hands
39:02touch his forehead.
39:03Then a bottle
39:03of high-grade royal potion
39:05with a faint fragrance
39:06was placed in his hand.
39:07This familiar scent
39:08belonged only to potions
39:09the royal family
39:10was qualified to use.
39:12Caleb's whole body jolting.
39:14It's hard to keep going to sleep.
39:18Summoning all his strength,
39:20he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes
39:22in wild joy,
39:23a smile of attestation
39:24already lifting
39:25the corner of his mouth.
39:26But when he saw
39:26the person before him clearly,
39:27he felt as if he had
39:28fallen to an ice cower.
39:29The person standing
39:30by his bed
39:30was not me at all,
39:31but an old logistics medic
39:32with a face full of wrinkles.
39:33Young man,
39:33you're awake.
39:34Tough life you've got.
39:34A spear went clean through you.
39:35You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic
39:36pulled the stopper
39:37from the potion bottle
39:38and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink.
39:40This was personally ordered
39:41by Commander Cale.
39:42In recognition
39:43of your suicide squad's merit
39:44in protecting the banner,
39:45every severely injured member
39:47has been given
39:47a royal potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily
39:49at the potion bottle.
39:50His fingers tightened
39:51inch by inch,
39:52his knuckles turning white.
39:53So it was not for him.
39:54So he was only
39:55the most insignificant one
39:56among tens of thousands
39:57of wounded soldiers.
39:58He had risked his life
39:59to prove himself
40:00and repay his debt.
40:01But in the end,
40:02the harm he had done me,
40:03the feelings he had for me,
40:04did not even qualify him
40:05to be hated by me anymore.
40:07I had completely treated
40:08as an unrelated stranger,
40:10a piece of air
40:11that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched
40:13the potion bottle tightly,
40:14tears falling
40:15and heavy drops
40:16onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly,
40:17he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me.
40:20So being ignored
40:22is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later,
40:25the rebellion
40:26of the rogue werewolves
40:27was completely pacified
40:28and the border welcomed
40:29a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned
40:32in triumph.
40:33The gates of the capital
40:34opened wide
40:34and citizens lined
40:35the streets,
40:36cheering as they welcomed
40:37home the hero
40:38who had saved
40:38the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile,
40:40on the execution ground,
40:41on the other side
40:41of the city,
40:42Alara,
40:42who had served
40:43as an insider
40:43for the rogue werewolves,
40:45was finally facing
40:46her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge
40:47of the crowd,
40:48a man with a crippled leg
40:49and a body covered in mud
40:50staggered forward.
40:51He wore ragged linen.
40:52His appearance withered,
40:53his vacant gaze
40:53fixed on the cross.
40:54A rough rope was looped
40:55around Alara's neck.
40:56Her hair hung loose
40:57as she struggled violently
40:58and screamed in agony.
40:59Ah, Caleb!
41:00Save me!
41:01For the sake of the love
41:02we once shared,
41:02save me!
41:03But Caleb merely
41:04looked at her coldly.
41:06from his eyes,
41:06leaving only the remort
41:08of a man who had been
41:08blind in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious
41:11woman full of lies,
41:11he should now have been
41:12standing on the execution platform,
41:14receiving the admiration
41:15of the whole clan
41:15as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command,
41:17Alarma's struggle stopped.
41:19She hung in the wind
41:19like a scrap of cloth.
41:21Caleb lowered his head,
41:22feeling nothing but
41:22emptiness inside.
41:23At that moment,
41:24cheers a hundred times
41:25louder than before,
41:26Prince Remi erupted
41:27from the front of square.
41:28It's the Lycan princess's
41:29royal carriage!
41:30She has come personally
41:31to welcome the hero,
41:32Lord Kale!
41:33At the sound of my name,
41:35Caleb trembled violently.
41:36He snapped his head up
41:38and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped
41:42in the center of the square.
41:43Kale dismounted,
41:44not even bothering
41:45to brush off
41:46the dust of war
41:46clinging to him
41:47and strode to the carriage.
41:49With extreme tendness,
41:50he extended his hand to me.
41:52I lifted the velvet curtain,
41:54placed my hand in his palm,
41:56gathered my magnificent skirts,
41:58and stepped down
41:59from the carriage.
41:59By now,
42:00I was no longer
42:01the pitiful woman
42:02who had been forced
42:03to wear coarse slave linen.
42:04My face shone
42:05with a bright smile
42:06Kaylee had never seen before.
42:08It was the kind of glow
42:09that could only appear
42:10when someone was surrounded
42:11by absolute love.
42:12In the crowd,
42:13Caleb desperately stood
42:14on tiptoe,
42:15trying to see my face clearly.
42:16But when his gaze
42:17landed on me,
42:18his whole body froze
42:20as if he had plunged
42:21into ice,
42:21because my other hand
42:23was gently resting
42:24on my noticeably
42:25rounded belly.
42:26Lord Kale and her highness
42:28already have a child.
42:29They really are
42:30a match made in heaven.
42:31The commoners beside him
42:32discussed it excitedly.
42:34Their words pierced
42:36Caleb's soul
42:36like ten thousand arrows.
42:39Not only had she
42:39married someone else,
42:41she was carrying
42:42another man's child.
42:43The girl who had once
42:44had eyes only for him,
42:46the girl who had refused
42:47to leave him
42:48even after he kicked her
42:49into a wolf's claws,
42:50now truly belonged
42:51to someone else completely.
42:53A violent cramp of pain
42:54nearly stole Caleb's breath.
42:55His eyes were bloodshot
42:56and a hopeless whimper
42:57rose in his throat.
42:58A light breeze passed,
43:00stirring several fallen leafs.
43:01As if sensing something,
43:02I casually swept my gaze
43:03across the crowded masses.
43:05Across the noisy sea of people,
43:06my eyes briefly met Caleb's.
43:08In that instant,
43:09Caleb's breathing stopped.
43:10His whole body went rigid
43:11and his lips trembled violently.
43:13Tears filled his bloodshot eyes.
43:14How desperately he wished
43:15to see even the slightest
43:16ripple in my eyes.
43:17Pity,
43:17even mockery or hatred,
43:19as long as it proved
43:19I still cared about him.
43:20He would have been willing
43:21to die on the spot.
43:22But my gaze was absolutely calm.
43:24It was as if I were looking
43:25at a tree by the roadside,
43:27a stone,
43:27a pile of trash
43:28no one cared about.
43:29No lingering,
43:30no pause.
43:31I naturally looked away
43:32and turned to Kale beside me.
43:34Look,
43:35the wind is rising.
43:36Let's go home,
43:37I said,
43:38smiling gently at Kale.
43:39Kale lowered his head
43:40and kissed my forehead
43:41with deep affection,
43:42wrapping me and our unborn child
43:43tightly in his broad cloak.
43:45All right,
43:46it's wrong.
43:48The last spark inside Kale
43:50was completely extinguished
43:51in that moment.
43:53A pain that cut to the marrow
43:55left him unable to stand.
43:57He collapsed heavily
43:59into the muddy water.
44:00The cheering crowd
44:01surrounded Kale and me
44:02as we went farther and farther away.
44:06All that remained for Kale
44:08was a ground full of flowers
44:09crushed mercilessly by hooves
44:11and the rest of a life
44:13he could never redeem.
44:14Years later,
44:15my aging father formally abcated.
44:18I put on the crown,
44:19symbolizing supreme power
44:21and became the greatest
44:22lichen princess
44:23in West Coast history.
44:25Kale guarded me and our child
44:26with unwavering loyalty.
44:27The internal strife
44:28and external threats
44:29of the past
44:30were completely pass-approved
44:31and the wolf clans
44:32entered an unprecedented golden era.
44:35My name became
44:36the highest symbol
44:36of power and glory.
44:38As for the name Kale,
44:39it vanished from everyone's memory.
44:41Like an insignificant speck of dust.
44:44No one mentioned
44:45the once arrogant
44:45East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:47No one remembered
44:48his ridiculous,
44:49shaby wedding.
44:50Ten years later,
44:50in the most remote,
44:52dilapidated slum
44:52on the East Coast,
44:53the cold wind howled
44:54as it swept garbage
44:55across the ground.
44:56A broken-down tavern
44:57reeking of mold
44:58and cheap alcohol
44:58stood with its drafty
45:00wooden door half-open.
45:01An old werewolf
45:02who had lost his left leg
45:03and one arm,
45:04his face weathered by hardship,
45:06limped through the door
45:06and shuffled to the bar.
45:08It was Kale.
45:10But he was filthy
45:11from head to toe
45:11with not the slightest traces
45:13of an alpha left in him.
45:15With trembling fingers,
45:16he dug a few copper coins
45:17smeared with grease
45:18from his torn pocket
45:19and pushed them
45:20towards the bartender.
45:21Give me
45:22a cup of the cheapest ale.
45:24The bartender set a cup
45:26of murky ale heavily
45:28in front of him
45:28with a look of disgust.
45:30The old werewolf
45:31did not mind.
45:33He simply picked up the cup,
45:35dragged his crippled leg,
45:36and stumbled to the darkest
45:38corner of the tavern.
45:40Through drunken,
45:41blurred eyes,
45:42he lifted his head
45:43and looked at an old poster
45:44pasted on the mottled wall.
45:46On the poster,
45:47written in ornate lettering,
45:49were the words,
45:50celebrating the 10th wedding
45:52anniversary of Lichen Princess
45:53and Kale.
45:54At the center of the image,
45:56I wore a crown,
45:57my smile noble and bright,
45:59my eyes filled with happiness.
46:01The old werewolf
46:02raised his rough,
46:03frostbitted hand
46:04and paused in midair
46:06for a long time.
46:07Only then did he carefully,
46:09across the empty space,
46:12gently touch my cheek
46:13on the poster.
46:15I was the treasure
46:16he had once had
46:17within easy reach,
46:18only to trample
46:19into the mud
46:20with his own hands.
46:21Cloudy tears
46:22mixed with cheap ale
46:23and rolled down
46:24his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman,
46:27he cried and laughed,
46:29then slapped himself
46:30hard twice,
46:31letting out
46:32a piercing wail.
46:34If that day
46:36I hadn't abandoned you,
46:38if that day
46:39I hadn't driven you
46:41to the pig fed
46:42for that bitch,
46:43hadn't drained
46:44your blood,
46:46would you still love me?
46:48Selene,
46:50I'm sorry,
46:53my Selene.
46:54In the ruined tavern,
46:56no one paid any attention
46:57to the raravings
46:58of a disabled old man.
47:00Everyone was celebrating
47:02the queen's prosperous reign.
47:03Who cared about
47:04about a drunkard's tears?
47:06Outside the window,
47:07the raging snowstorm
47:08completely swallowed
47:09his cries.
47:11He could only carry
47:12the regret.
47:13He would never be able
47:15to make up for,
47:16slowly ending
47:17the rest of his life
47:19in endless loneliness
47:21and ruin.
47:22the manipulation
47:22able to walk
47:22and as a maturity
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