- 11 minutes ago
I Divorce the Billionaire Who Plays Poor AI DRAMA
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00:00I thought I was marrying a broke exile with nothing to his name but debt.
00:03I worked 16-hour days so he could pay down what he owed.
00:05When I wanted a 200-credit exoskeleton to make my shifts easier,
00:09he told me we couldn't afford it.
00:10Then I saw the news.
00:12His first love received a custom starship for her birthday.
00:15The real reason he married that loader girl, it was to get back at Serafina.
00:18He didn't love me.
00:19From the very beginning, I was just a tool to hurt another woman.
00:22I thought I was marrying a broke exile with nothing to his name but debt.
00:26I paid our rent.
00:28I covered our bills.
00:29I worked 16-hour days so he could pay down what he owed.
00:32When I wanted a 200-credit exoskeleton to make my shifts easier,
00:36he told me we couldn't afford it.
00:38Then I saw the news.
00:40His first love received a custom starship for her birthday.
00:44I was working in the night strip.
00:46The freight haul was done,
00:48so I sat on a cargo container scrolling through the galactic feed.
00:51Actress Serafina Novak receives Extragant Birthday Gift,
00:54custom Starblade warship worth 4 million credits.
00:56The photo showed a ship docked at the Imperial shipboards,
00:59its hull painted with Serafina's personal crest.
01:01In the corner of the frame,
01:02a man stood at the view at his back to the camera.
01:05I knew that back.
01:07Pazian Red failed, my husband.
01:09I'd been staring at that mole behind his ear for three years.
01:13I could pick him out of a crowd folder.
01:16A few weeks ago, the freight station gave out bonuses.
01:20I'd found a second-hand exo-zeleton rig for 200 credits.
01:23He said it was too expensive,
01:25told me not to waste money.
01:26200 versus 4 million.
01:28I turned off my comm and sat on that cargo container for a long time.
01:32The station lights bleached everything white,
01:34and in the distance,
01:35frayers rumbled in and out of the docks,
01:37their engines vibrating in my chest.
01:38I thought I was marrying a broke exile with nothing to his name but debt.
01:42I'd met Pazian in an anonymous chat channel.
01:44We talked for two months before he asked to meet in person.
01:47He told me he was an Imperial exiled,
01:50stripped of citizenship,
01:51drowning in syndicate debt.
01:53If he didn't pay up,
01:54they'd ship him to the border mines.
01:56He kept his head down when he talked.
01:58His voice was soft,
01:59like he was afraid of being overheard.
02:02I felt sorry for him.
02:04We never had a wedding,
02:05just registered as domestic partners
02:07at the administrative hub next to the freight station.
02:10I moved into the converted cargo container
02:12he rented in the outer settlement.
02:13I paid the rent,
02:15since his exile account was frozen by the Empire.
02:18Whatever money he made,
02:19if he made any,
02:20all went to paying down his debt.
02:22I hauled cargo during my day
02:23and worked the mess hall at night.
02:2516 hour shifts.
02:27By the time I got back to that cargo container,
02:29I could barely move my fingers.
02:32Sometimes he'd wait up for me
02:34and heat me up a cup of synthetic protein drink.
02:36Thank you for not giving up on me.
02:39When I get back on my feet,
02:40I'll give you the life you deserve.
02:43His eyes were red when he said it.
02:46Back then,
02:47I thought it was worth it.
02:49He was good looking,
02:50didn't drink or smoke,
02:51and he was kind to me.
02:52So what if we were broke?
02:54We'd get through it together.
02:55Looking back,
02:56I was probably the easiest Mark he ever found.
02:59There were messages in the freight station group chat,
03:01but I didn't reply.
03:02I scrolled through my conversation with Cassian instead.
03:04His last message came two hours ago.
03:07Busy night on the freight routes.
03:08I'm going to run a few more hauls.
03:09Don't wait up,
03:10get some rest.
03:11He said he worked short-hauled interstellar freight.
03:13Old ships without autopilot.
03:15The kind of work that ground you down
03:17and paid next to nothing.
03:18I didn't sleep at all that night.
03:20He never came home.
03:22The next morning,
03:22I clocked out of the freight station
03:23and headed back to the settlement.
03:25That's when I saw a familiar figure
03:26climbing out of a black hover car.
03:28I ducked behind a stack of scrap containers.
03:30Cassian stepped out of that hover car.
03:32He wasn't wearing the patched work jacket
03:34I'd bought him anymore.
03:35He had on a tailored black coat,
03:36the kind of fabric I'd only ever seen
03:37on the freight station executives.
03:39Mr. Redfield,
03:40your protein drink and nutrition bars.
03:43Mr. Redfield,
03:44when I heard that name,
03:45my nails dug into my palms.
03:49Cassian took the bag
03:50and said something I couldn't hear.
03:51That's when another hover car pulled up.
03:54I knew the man who got out,
03:55CEO of Graham Industrial Group.
03:57Our freight station handled their contracts.
03:58I'd seen him once before.
04:00All the managers lined up to shake his hand.
04:02Friend of mine worked in his mining operation.
04:04She said he was one of the most powerful men
04:05in the sector.
04:06He walked up to Cassian
04:07and inclined his head slightly.
04:09Cassian gave him a nod,
04:10barely glanced at him.
04:11My friend said her boss answered
04:12to no one in the outer sectors,
04:14but in front of Cassian,
04:15he looked like an underling.
04:17Cassian messaged me
04:18after he got back to the container.
04:19I'm home,
04:20brought you a hot drink.
04:21I've got an early freight run today,
04:22so I'm heading out.
04:23Don't forget to drink it.
04:24I stared at the word partner on my screen,
04:26then closed my eyes.
04:27Go ahead.
04:27I've got to shift anyway.
04:28I sent back a simple emoji
04:30and turned off my comm.
04:31Then I messaged my supervisor
04:32that I was taking the day off.
04:33I wasn't going to work today.
04:35I was going to follow Cassian
04:36and find out where he really went every day.
04:37There was an abandoned loading platform
04:39across from the settlement.
04:40It had a perfect view of the main entrance.
04:42At noon,
04:43Cassian finally came out.
04:44He got into the black hover car.
04:45I pulled on a respirator mask,
04:47tugged my hood low,
04:48and flagged down a cargo taxi to follow.
04:51The hover car pulled up
04:52at an upscale restaurant,
04:53the kind where a single meal
04:54cost more than a month of my salary.
04:56When Cassian got out,
04:57the doors slid open automatically,
04:58and the maitre d' hurried out to greet him.
05:00I stood in the public concourse
05:01pretending to wait for a shuttle.
05:02He went into a private booth
05:04with a group of young men.
05:05Through the gap in the door,
05:06I could see they were all
05:06in custom-tailored clothes,
05:08the kind you couldn't buy
05:08in the outer sectors.
05:10Cassian, you in those rags?
05:12That's hilarious.
05:13The heir to House Redford
05:14playing in exile.
05:15How long are you planning
05:17to keep this up?
05:17Don't tell me you've actually fallen
05:18for that loader girl.
05:19Don't be ridiculous.
05:20Just a diversion.
05:21Something to pass the time.
05:22I told her I owed
05:24a few million in syndicate debt,
05:25and she actually believed me.
05:27Never met a woman
05:27so easy to fool.
05:29The booth erupted in laughter.
05:34I thought we were partners.
05:36Turns out,
05:37I was just his entertainment.
05:38Even those three years
05:40of pretending
05:40to struggle together,
05:41that was all scripted.
05:43He wasn't in exile.
05:44He wasn't in debt.
05:45His family was one
05:46of the seven Imperial dynasties.
05:47They controlled
05:48half the mining sect.
05:49The voices in the booth
05:50kept going.
05:50Hey, Serafina was thrilled
05:51about that ship you sent her.
05:53She wants to get back together.
05:54You think she'd lose it
05:55if she found out you're married?
05:56Serves her right.
05:57She's the one who dumped Cassian
05:58to chase her acting career
05:59in the Corps.
05:59None of you know
06:00the real reason
06:00he married that loader girl.
06:02It was to get back at Serafina.
06:03My knees went weak.
06:04I grabbed the wall
06:05to steady myself.
06:08He didn't love me.
06:09From the very beginning,
06:10I was just a tool
06:11to hurt another woman.
06:14Serafina Novak
06:15was his first love.
06:17Back then,
06:18his family didn't approve
06:19of her acting ambitions.
06:27So she left him.
06:32After that,
06:32Cassian decided
06:33all women were untrustworthy.
06:34He started cycling
06:35through partners like clothes.
06:37And eventually,
06:38he got married.
06:41Specifically,
06:42to get back at Serafina.
06:46But he was afraid
06:47that showing his wealth
06:47would attract the wrong
06:48kind of attention.
06:49So he played four
06:50and picked someone ordinary.
06:53I was that son.
06:58Serafina was the one
06:59who hurt him,
07:00not me.
07:01So why did I have to be
07:02the one whose dignity
07:03got trampled?
07:04I was about to leave
07:05when someone inside asked me.
07:07Mr. Redfield,
07:08what if the loader
07:09finds out?
07:10Her?
07:11She's too busy
07:12hauling cargo
07:12to pay off my debt
07:13to worry about anything else.
07:15After work,
07:16she goes to the mess hall
07:17to earn extra credits.
07:19Comes home and cooks for me.
07:21Even if she finds out,
07:22it doesn't matter.
07:23She wants a divorce?
07:24She's not getting
07:25a single credit out of me.
07:27My face went white.
07:28Then Serafina walked in.
07:29She was wearing
07:30a flowing gown,
07:30her heels clicking
07:31on the floor.
07:32Everyone in the booth
07:32started fawning over her.
07:34A server came by with food
07:35and the door swung open wider.
07:36I saw Serafina
07:37sitting next to Cassian,
07:38the two of them
07:39leaning close.
07:40She touched the star-shaped
07:41brooch at her collar,
07:42the one that matched the ship.
07:43I love the gift,
07:44Kacelian.
07:45The corner of his mouth lifted.
07:46Glad you like it.
07:48Four million credits
07:49for his first love,
07:49a whole warship handed over
07:51without a second thought.
07:52For me,
07:53a 200-credit second-hand
07:54exoskeleton rig was too much.
07:56I turned and walked away,
07:57my pace quickening
07:57until I was almost running
08:00outside.
08:01I crouched against a wall
08:02and buried my face in my knees.
08:03Three years.
08:06Freight station loaders
08:07get worn down,
08:08bad backs,
08:09bad knees.
08:09Every night I came back
08:10to that cargo container,
08:11my whole body ached.
08:12He said his back hurt,
08:13so I gave him the rehab fee
08:14I'd saved up for.
08:14He said he wanted decent food,
08:15so I brought him my meal allowances
08:16from the mess hall.
08:17So I sat there,
08:18watching him eat,
08:19while my own stomach groaned.
08:20I used the station-issued
08:21graph credit to buy him
08:22a decent coat
08:23for his freight runs.
08:25He called me resourceful.
08:27I wasn't resourceful.
08:28I was an idiot.
08:31By the time I got back
08:32to the container,
08:33it was dark.
08:37Cassata was in the kitchen corner,
08:38if you could call
08:39an induction burner
08:40and an old food synth
08:41a kitchen.
08:43Hey,
08:44dinner's almost ready.
08:45Got a good deal
08:46on synthetic protein packs today.
08:48Saved eight credits.
08:49Also,
08:50I sold the scrap parts
08:50I'd been collecting
08:51for a month.
08:52Made 60 credits.
08:53After groceries,
08:54there's five left.
08:55I got a good deal
08:58I closed my eyes,
09:00my chest felt tight.
09:01He really went all out
09:02for this act,
09:03four dishes
09:03and a soup on the table
09:04before I would've run to him
09:05and called him
09:06the best partner in the world.
09:08Now,
09:08all I felt was disgust,
09:10remembering what I'd heard
09:11in that booth.
09:12I clenched my fists.
09:13He learned to cook
09:14for Serafina,
09:15but he told me
09:16he'd only started cooking
09:17after we got together.
09:18He said he grew up
09:19in the mining colonies,
09:21always hungry,
09:22always getting beaten up.
09:24I'd ached for him
09:25when he told me that.
09:26Every word was a lie.
09:28The tears came.
09:30I thought we were partners.
09:31Turns out,
09:32I was just his entertainment.
09:34Even those three years
09:35of pretending
09:36to struggle together,
09:37that was all scripted.
09:39He wasn't in exile,
09:40he wasn't in debt.
09:41His family was one
09:42of the seven imperial dynasties,
09:43they controlled
09:44half the mining sect.
09:45The voices in the booth
09:45kept going,
09:46Hey,
09:46Serafina was thrilled
09:47about that ship you sent her.
09:48She wants to get back together.
09:50You think she'd lose it
09:50if she found out you're married?
09:51Serves her right.
09:52She's the one
09:53who dumped Cassian
09:53to chase her acting career
09:54in the core.
09:55None of you know
09:56the real reason
09:56he married that loader girl.
09:57It was to get back
09:58at Serafina.
09:59My knees went weak.
10:00I grabbed the wall
10:01to steady myself.
10:03He didn't love me.
10:05From the very beginning,
10:06I was just a tool
10:07to hurt another woman.
10:09Serafina Novak
10:10was his first love.
10:13Back then,
10:14his family didn't approve
10:14of her acting ambitions.
10:23So she left him.
10:27After that,
10:28Cassian decided
10:29all women were untrustworthy.
10:30He started cycling
10:31through partners like Clothes.
10:33And eventually,
10:34he got married.
10:37Specifically,
10:38to get back at Serafina.
10:42But he was afraid
10:42that showing his wealth
10:43would attract
10:43the wrong kind of attention.
10:45So he played for
10:45and picked someone ordinary.
10:49I was that son.
10:54Serafina was the one
10:55who hurt him,
10:55not me.
10:57So why did I have to be
10:58the one whose dignity
10:59got trampled?
11:00I was about to leave
11:01when someone inside asked
11:02Mr. Redfield,
11:04what if the loader
11:05finds out?
11:05Her?
11:06She's too busy
11:07hauling cargo
11:08to pay off my debt
11:09to worry about anything else.
11:11After work,
11:12she goes to the mess hall
11:13to earn extra credits.
11:14Comes home and cooks for me.
11:17Even if she finds out,
11:18it doesn't matter.
11:19She wants a divorce?
11:20She's not getting
11:21a single credit out of me.
11:22My face went white.
11:23Then Serafina walked in.
11:25She was wearing
11:25a flowing gown,
11:26her heels clicking
11:27on the floor.
11:27Everyone in the booth
11:28started fawning over her.
11:29A server came by with food
11:31and the door swung open wider.
11:32I saw Serafina
11:33sitting next to Cassian,
11:34the two of them
11:35leaning close.
11:35She touched
11:36the star-shaped brooch
11:37at her collar,
11:37the one that matched the ship.
11:39I love the gift,
11:40Cacelian.
11:41The corner of his mouth lifted.
11:42Glad you like it.
11:43Four million credits
11:44for his first love.
11:45A whole warship
11:46handed over
11:46without a second thought.
11:48For me,
11:48a 200-credit
11:49second-hand exoskeleton rig
11:50was too much.
11:51I turned and walked away,
11:53my pace quickening
11:53until I was almost running
11:56outside.
11:56I crouched against a wall
11:58and buried my face
11:58in my knees.
11:59Three years.
12:02Freight station loaders
12:03get worn down,
12:04bad backs,
12:04bad knees.
12:05Every night I came back
12:06to that cargo container.
12:07My whole body ached.
12:08He said his back hurt
12:08so I gave him the rehab fee
12:09I'd saved up for.
12:10He said he wanted decent food
12:11so I brought him my meal allowances
12:12from the mess hall.
12:13So I sat there,
12:14watching him eat,
12:14while my own stomach groaned.
12:15I used the station-issued
12:17graph credit
12:18to buy him a decent coat
12:19for his freight runs.
12:20He called me resourceful.
12:23I wasn't resourceful.
12:24I was an idiot.
12:27By the time I got back
12:28to the container,
12:29it was dark.
12:32I thought I was in the kitchen corner.
12:34If you could call an induction burner
12:36and an old food synth a kitchen.
12:39Hey, dinner's almost ready.
12:41Got a good deal on synthetic protein packs today.
12:43Saved eight credits.
12:45Also, I sold the scrap parts
12:46I'd been collecting for a month.
12:48Made 60 credits.
12:49After groceries,
12:50there's five left.
12:54I closed my eyes.
12:55My chest felt tight.
12:56He really went all out for this act.
12:58Four dishes and a soup on the table
13:00before I would have run to him
13:01and called him the best partner in the world.
13:03Now,
13:04all I felt was disgust,
13:06remembering what I'd heard in that booth.
13:07I clenched my fists.
13:09He learned to cook for Serafina.
13:11But he told me he'd only started cooking
13:13after we got together.
13:14He said he grew up in the mining colonies,
13:16always hungry,
13:17always getting beaten up.
13:19I'd ached for him when he told me that.
13:22Every word was a lie.
13:24The tears came.
13:25You're snooping on me?
13:27Nothing.
13:28I was just...
13:30Did your parents send you?
13:46Stop acting like a prude,
13:47my little Omega.
13:49You didn't wear that just to keep it hidden.
13:53Come on.
13:54Just a few dirty pecs for your Alpha.
13:56Happy one-week anniversary, babe.
13:58Dennis, no!
13:59The whole school is right on the other side!
14:02Wow.
14:03Can't even do one tiny favor for your boyfriend.
14:05Do you even love me, Kat?
14:07Or Omega's really just useless-less buzzkill?
14:10Good girl.
14:12Good girl.
14:12Good girl.
14:15Good girl.
14:22Well, well.
14:24Look at Crestfield's straight-A Omega
14:25showing us what she's really good for.
14:27What a slut.
14:32Dennis, do something!
14:37You actually thought an Alpha would date a trashy Omega like you, Kat?
14:41I only dated you to get these.
14:47You...
14:48You set me up?
14:50Listen up, Crestfield!
14:52Who wants a piece of this dirty Omega?
14:54Highest bidder takes the photos home!
15:07Damn, she's hiding all that under her uniform?
15:09I bid 50 bucks!
15:10What a slut.
15:11No decent girl would ever take dirty pecs like that.
15:14Give them back!
15:15You creeps!
15:16Give them back!
15:26Help!
15:27I can't swim!
15:29You want to mate so bad, Omega?
15:31Do it with rats!
15:39Drop it.
15:42You're the new transfer, huh?
15:43Back off, loser.
15:45This is Alpha business.
15:54If you have to pick on an Omega just to feel powerful,
15:57you're no Alpha.
16:09Did you see that?
16:10His Alpha aura is insane!
16:11He just flattened Dennis!
16:22I heard he's an orphan.
16:23Bounced around a bunch of foster homes.
16:25Yeah, no family wanted to keep him.
16:26He just got adopted again by a couple in our community.
16:37Show's over.
16:38Get lost.
16:41Guess getting passed around like garbage didn't teach you how to respect your betters, huh?
16:51Foster kids aren't garbage!
16:53They're good people who just need someone to actually care about them!
16:58Are you insane, Omega?
17:00Why do you even care?
17:01Because my family's taking in a foster kid, too!
17:04He's gonna be my little brother, my family!
17:06And him?
17:07He doesn't even know me,
17:09but he jumped in that water while all of you laughed.
17:12He's got more character than all you so-called nobles combined!
17:15You bitch!
17:20Stay away from her!
17:34Thanks, Alpha Boy.
17:35I'll wash your jacket and get it back to you.
17:37Guess I'm your first friend here.
17:39I don't make friends.
17:42Go home before you catch a cold.
17:44See you tomorrow, then.
17:47Maybe this new place won't be a total disaster.
17:50Hopefully that foster family doesn't turn out to be trouble.
17:52Washed and dried.
17:54Can't wait to give it back to him tomorrow.
18:02Alpha Boy?
18:03What are you doing in my house?
18:06Kat, sweetie!
18:07This is Felix, your new big brother.
18:09What?
18:10Mom, I thought we were getting a little boy!
18:13Wait, have you two already met?
18:16Oh my god.
18:17My new crush is my foster brother?
18:20And I'm supposed to live with him now?
18:25Pizza's here!
18:26Family meeting in the dining room!
18:27Let's give Felix the best welcome dinner ever!
18:33Guess Felix's not joining us for our first family dinner.
18:36He's had a rough go of it, honey.
18:38Bounced around a lot of foster homes.
18:39We just need to give him space.
18:41Be patient.
18:43Kat, take the spare key up to him.
18:45Tell him this is his home now.
18:53Uh, Alpha Boy?
18:54I mean...
18:56Felix?
18:57Are you in there?
18:58Are you in there?
19:09Is this his mom?
19:10What are you doing?
19:13You're snooping on me?
19:14Nothing.
19:15I was just...
19:23Did your parents send you?
19:24Trying to see if I'm really as crazy as they say.
19:27What?
19:27No!
19:28I brought you a key!
19:30What key?
19:31The house key!
19:32Feel it yourself if you don't believe me.
19:34It's in my back pocket.
19:35There's no key.
19:36Are you playing me?
19:38T-The pocket is deep.
19:40You have to reach down further.
19:47Shit.
19:48What am I doing?
20:02I found it!
20:10God, he's so incredibly ripped.
20:16That still doesn't prove you weren't snooping.
20:19I wasn't prying.
20:21This is from the whole family.
20:25Mom wanted me to tell you.
20:27This is your home now.
20:28I'm an alpha.
20:30I don't need charity from a house full of betas and omogons.
20:34It's not charity.
20:36I don't care how tough you think you are, Felix.
20:38Everyone needs a family.
20:40I don't.
20:42I've never lasted in a foster house longer than six months.
20:46And this place won't be any different.
20:49Tell your parents to drop the fake, happy family act.
20:53I didn't ask to come here, so stay out of my business.
20:56Listen to me, asshole.
20:57You can be mad at me all you want, but don't you dare break my parents' hearts.
21:02Alpha, Omega, whatever, you're living under our roof now.
21:05You don't have to accept us, but at least try not to act like a complete jerk about it.
21:10Guess I need to make my boundaries clearer.
21:22Help!
21:23Why do you still have that?
21:27Dennis's cheap camera jammed.
21:29This reject was stuck in the rollers.
21:31Didn't burn with the rest.
21:32I was going to throw it away.
21:35But it's perfect leverage.
21:37Stay out of my way, cat.
21:38Or I'll show your sweet, caring parents what kind of daughter they're raising.
21:49Gotta make sure every single copy is gone.
21:53She's beautiful.
21:54You big jerk!
21:55I could have burned it right then.
21:56I kept this last one for purely selfish reasons.
21:59Relax.
22:00I don't care about this piece of trash.
22:02As long as you don't cross the line, no one will ever see it.
22:11Let me go, you bastard!
22:17A mate bond.
22:18You're my mate?
22:22In my last life, I built his empire.
22:24He threw my body down from the castle.
22:26I was born blind and without magic.
22:28A null.
22:29Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
22:31It wasn't.
22:32The real curse was this.
22:33I can read soul.
22:34Instead, I opened my eyes.
22:36Vantine again.
22:37The night of our soul bond ball.
22:38And the first voice I heard was his.
22:40I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
22:42He threw my body down from the castle.
22:44No funeral.
22:45No grave.
22:45I was born blind and without magic.
22:47A null.
22:48The lowest rank in our world.
22:49No spells.
22:50No wards.
22:51No healing.
22:52A simple paper cut keeps me bleeding for three days.
22:55Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
22:57It wasn't.
22:58The real curse was this.
22:59I can read souls.
23:01Jealousy burns green.
23:02Hatred runs black.
23:03In my last life, I used it to build a high priest.
23:06Lucian.
23:07But on the day my stepsister died, he crushed my jaw, forced my mouth open, and poured the
23:12silverthorn juice down my throat himself.
23:28He gave my title of high priestess to Celeste, just so she could be buried with my honor,
23:33my body.
23:34He had it thrown past the coven border for the crows.
23:36That should have been the end of me.
23:38Instead, I opened my eyes.
23:40Seventeen again.
23:41The night of our soul bond ball.
23:42And the first voice I heard was his.
23:44I choose Celeste Ashfrest as my bond.
23:46The bastard came back too.
23:48And he remembered everything.
23:50He is terrified.
23:51I'll choose him again.
23:52Honestly.
23:53I couldn't care less.
23:54I swept my blind gaze across the back of the room.
23:56In a sea of dark, rotten souls.
23:58A soul so pure it glowed like liquid gold.
24:00A man in a wheelchair.
24:02Quiet.
24:03Unmoving.
24:03The true high priest.
24:09I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
24:12She will be my high priestess.
24:14Lucian Voss stepped toward my stepsister.
24:15He looked at her like she was his entire world.
24:18The ballroom went dead silent.
24:19Then the knives came out.
24:20Not a single heir will claim her.
24:22She's blind.
24:23A magicless null.
24:24What a waste of space.
24:25She doesn't belong here.
24:27I am the Ashford heir.
24:28I was born in the dark.
24:29During the awakening.
24:31My magic never showed up.
24:32In our coven, power is the only currency.
24:35A blind girl is a burden.
24:36A magicless null is a joke.
24:38But Celeste.
24:39My stepsister came from a pure black witch bloodline.
24:42A true sorceress from both sides.
24:44She was born with a gift called the Siren's Whisper.
24:47A voice that bends any witch to her will.
24:49She is the family's treasure.
24:50I am the stain they keep hidden.
24:52Lucian dropped to one knee before her.
24:54Take my mark, Celeste.
24:55I'll make you royalty.
24:57He shot a look at me.
24:58Cold, pure disgust.
25:00He thinks he can take the throne without me.
25:01He has no idea.
25:02I didn't get magic that night.
25:04I got something much deadlier.
25:05The soul sight.
25:06I see people in colors.
25:08Jealousy is green.
25:09Hate is black.
25:10Love is pink.
25:10The deeper the feeling, the darker the shade.
25:13In my last life, I built his empire.
25:15I saw the assassins coming.
25:17I played the politics.
25:18I put that crown on his head.
25:19This time, he is on his own.
25:21Let's see how far he gets without me.
25:23You're right.
25:24I'm blind, broken.
25:25I'm not good enough for you.
25:26You and Celestia, you're perfect for each other.
25:29Glad you finally get it.
25:31A freak like you?
25:32I wouldn't pick you if you begged.
25:33My mother almost snapped.
25:35She almost let my secret slip.
25:36I shut her down with a touch.
25:38I scanned the room.
25:39Marcus.
25:40His soul was a murky gray cruel.
25:42The other airs.
25:43Just greedy.
25:44Last time, I picked Lucian because he looked clean.
25:47He was just a master of masks.
25:48I didn't see his real color until the day Celeste died, rotting purple.
25:52He hated my guts.
25:53In my last life, I was blind to the truth.
25:56This time, I see everything.
26:02He threw my body down from the castle.
26:04No funeral.
26:05No grave.
26:06I was born blind and without magic.
26:08A null.
26:09The lowest rank in our world.
26:10No spells.
26:11No wards.
26:12No healing.
26:13A simple paper cut keeps me bleeding for three days.
26:16Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
26:18It wasn't.
26:19The real curse was this.
26:20I can read souls.
26:22Jealousy burns green.
26:23Hatred runs black.
26:24In my last life, I used it to build a high priest.
26:27Lucian.
26:28But on the day my stepsister died, he crushed my jaw, forced my mouth open, and poured the
26:33silverthorn juice down my throat himself.
26:49He gave my title of high priestess to Celeste, just so she could be buried with my honor, my body.
26:54He had it thrown past the coven border for the crows.
26:57That should have been the end of me.
26:59Instead, I opened my eyes.
27:01Seventeen again.
27:01The night of our soul bond ball.
27:03And the first voice I heard was his.
27:05I choose Celeste Ashfrest as my bond.
27:07The bastard came back too.
27:09And he remembered everything.
27:10He is terrified.
27:11I'll choose him again.
27:13Honestly.
27:13I couldn't care less.
27:14I swept my blind gaze across the back of the room.
27:17In a sea of dark, rotten souls.
27:19A soul so pure it glowed like liquid gold.
27:21A man in a wheelchair.
27:23Quiet.
27:24Unmoving.
27:24The true high priest.
27:29I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
27:32She will be my high priestess.
27:34Lucian Vos stepped toward my stepsister.
27:36He looked at her like she was his entire world.
27:38The ballroom went dead silent.
27:40Then the knives came out.
27:41Not a single heir will claim her.
27:43She's blind.
27:43A magicless null.
27:45What a waste of space.
27:46She doesn't belong here.
27:47I am the Ashford heir.
27:49I was born in the dark.
27:50During the awakening.
27:51My magic never showed up.
27:53In our coven, power is the only currency.
27:55A blind girl is a burden.
27:57A magicless null is a joke.
27:59But Celeste.
28:00My stepsister came from a pure black witch bloodline.
28:03A true sorceress from both sides.
28:05She was born with a gift called the Siren's Whisper.
28:07A voice that bends any witch to her will.
28:09She is the family's treasure.
28:11I am the stain they keep hidden.
28:13Lucian dropped to one knee before her.
28:14Take my mark, Celeste.
28:16I'll make you royalty.
28:18He shot a look at me.
28:19Cold, pure disgust.
28:20He thinks he can take the throne without me.
28:22He has no idea.
28:23I didn't get magic that night.
28:24I got something much deadlier.
28:26The soul sight.
28:27I see people in colors.
28:28Jealousy is green.
28:30Hate is black.
28:30Love is pink.
28:31The deeper the feeling, the darker the shade.
28:34In my last life, I built his empire.
28:36I saw the assassins coming.
28:37I played the politics.
28:39I put that crown on his head.
28:40This time, he is on his own.
28:42Let's see how far he gets without me.
28:44You're right.
28:44I'm blind, broken.
28:46I'm not good enough for you.
28:47You and Celestia, you're perfect for each other.
28:50Glad you finally get it.
28:51A freak like you?
28:52I wouldn't pick you if you begged.
28:54My mother almost snapped.
28:55She almost let my secret slip.
28:57I shut her down with a touch.
28:59I scanned the room.
29:00Marcus.
29:00His soul was a murky gray cruel.
29:02The other airs.
29:03Just greedy.
29:04Last time, I picked Lucian because he looked clean.
29:07He was just a master of masks.
29:09I didn't see his real color until the day Celeste died, rotting purple.
29:13He hated my guts.
29:14In my last life, I was blind to the truth.
29:16This time, I see everything.
29:18I see everything.
29:23He threw my body down from the castle.
29:25No funeral.
29:26No grave.
29:27I was born blind and without magic.
29:29A null.
29:29The lowest rank in our world.
29:31No spells.
29:32No wards.
29:33No healing.
29:34A simple paper cut keeps me bleeding for three days.
29:37Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
29:39It wasn't.
29:40The real curse was this.
29:41I can read souls.
29:42Jealousy burns green.
29:44Hatred runs black.
29:45In my last life, I used it to build a high priest.
29:48Lucian.
29:49But on the day my stepsister died, he crushed my jaw, forced my mouth open, and poured the
29:53silverthorn juice down my throat himself.
29:57If you hadn't chosen me, I would have taken Celeste.
30:01Celeste.
30:03She was the soul bond I wanted.
30:06She never would have fallen into Marcus's hands.
30:10He gave my title of high priestess to Celeste, just so she could be buried with my honor, my
30:15body.
30:15He had it thrown past the coven border for the crows.
30:18That should have been the end of me.
30:19Instead, I opened my eyes.
30:21Seventeen again.
30:22The night of our soul bond ball.
30:24And the first voice I heard was his.
30:25I choose Celeste Ashfrist as my bond.
30:27The bastard came back too, and he remembered everything.
30:31He is terrified.
30:32I'll choose him again.
30:33Honestly.
30:34I couldn't care less.
30:35I swept my blind gaze across the back of the room, in a sea of dark, rotten souls.
30:40A soul so pure it glowed like liquid gold.
30:42A man in a wheelchair.
30:43Quiet.
30:44Unmoving.
30:45The true high priest.
30:50I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
30:53She will be my high priestess.
30:55Lucian Voss stepped toward my stepsister.
30:57He looked at her like she was his entire world.
30:59The ballroom went dead silent.
31:01Then the knives came out.
31:02Not a single heir will claim her.
31:03She's blind.
31:04A magicless null.
31:06What a waste of space.
31:07She doesn't belong here.
31:08I am the Ashford heir.
31:10I was born in the dark, during the awakening.
31:12My magic never showed up.
31:14In our coven, power is the only currency.
31:16A blind girl is a burden.
31:18A magicless null is a joke, but Celeste.
31:21My stepsister came from a pure black witch bloodline.
31:24A true sorceress from both sides.
31:25She was born with a gift called the Siren's Whisper.
31:28A voice that bends any witch to her will.
31:30She is the family's treasure.
31:32I am the stain they keep hidden.
31:33Lucian dropped to one knee before her.
31:35Take my mark, Celeste.
31:37I'll make you royalty.
31:38He shot a look at me.
31:40Cold, pure disgust.
31:41He thinks he can take the throne without me.
31:43He has no idea.
31:44I didn't get magic that night.
31:45I got something much deadlier.
31:47The soul sight.
31:48I see people in colors.
31:49Jealousy is green.
31:50Hate is black.
31:51Love is pink.
31:52The deeper the feeling, the darker the shade.
31:54In my last life, I built his empire.
31:57I saw the assassins coming.
31:58I played the politics.
31:59I put that crown on his head.
32:01This time, he is on his own.
32:03Let's see how far he gets without me.
32:04You're right.
32:05I'm blind, broken.
32:07I'm not good enough for you.
32:08You and Celestia, you're perfect for each other.
32:11Glad you finally get it.
32:12A freak like you?
32:13I wouldn't pick you if you begged.
32:15My mother almost snapped.
32:16She almost let my secret slip.
32:18I shut her down with a touch.
32:19I scanned the room.
32:20Marcus?
32:21His soul was a murky gray cool.
32:23The other airs.
32:24Just greedy.
32:25Last time, I picked Lucian because he looked clean.
32:28He was just a master of masks.
32:30I didn't see his real color until the day Celeste died.
32:32Rotting purple.
32:33He hated my guts.
32:35In my last life, I was blind to the truth.
32:37This time, I see everything.
32:44He threw my body down from the castle.
32:46No funeral.
32:47No grave.
32:48I was born blind and without magic.
32:50A null.
32:50The lowest rank in our world.
32:52No spells.
32:53No wards.
32:54No healing.
32:55A simple paper cut keeps me bleeding for three days.
32:57Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
33:00It wasn't.
33:00The real curse was this.
33:02I can read souls.
33:03Jealousy burns green.
33:04Hatred runs black.
33:06In my last life, I used it to build a high priest.
33:08Lucian.
33:09But on the day my stepsister died, he crushed my jaw, forced my mouth open, and poured the
33:14silverthorn juice down my throat himself.
33:17If you hadn't chosen me, I would have taken Celeste.
33:24She was the soul bond I wanted.
33:27She never would have fallen into Marcus's hands.
33:31He gave my title of high priestess to Celeste, just so she could be buried with my honor,
33:35my body.
33:36He had it thrown past the coven border for the crows.
33:38That should have been the end of me.
33:40Instead, I opened my eyes.
33:42Seventeen again.
33:43The night of our soul bond ball.
33:44And the first voice I heard was his.
33:46I choose Celeste Ashurst as my bond.
33:49The bastard came back too.
33:50And he remembered everything.
33:52He is terrified.
33:53I'll choose him again.
33:54Honestly.
33:55I couldn't care less.
33:56I swept my blind gaze across the back of the room.
33:58In a sea of dark, rotten souls.
34:00A soul so pure it glowed like liquid gold.
34:03A man in a wheelchair.
34:04Quiet.
34:05Unmoving.
34:06The true high priest.
34:11I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
34:14She will be my high priestess.
34:16Lucian Vos stepped toward my stepsister.
34:18He looked at her like she was his entire world.
34:20The ballroom went dead silent.
34:21Then the knives came out.
34:22Not a single heir will claim her.
34:24She's blind.
34:25A magicless null.
34:26What a waste of space.
34:27She doesn't belong here.
34:29I am the Ashford heir.
34:30I was born in the dark.
34:32During the awakening.
34:33My magic never showed up.
34:34In our coven, power is the only currency.
34:37A blind girl is a burden.
34:39A magicless null is a joke.
34:40But Celeste.
34:42My stepsister came from a pure black witch bloodline.
34:45A true sorceress from both sides.
34:46She was born with a gift called the Siren's Whisper.
34:49A voice that bends any witch to her will.
34:51She is the family's treasure.
34:53I am the stain they keep hidden.
34:54Lucian dropped to one knee before her.
34:56Take my mark, Celeste.
34:57Celeste, I'll make you royalty.
34:59He shot a look at me.
35:01Cold, pure disgust.
35:02He thinks he can take the throne without me.
35:04He has no idea.
35:05I didn't get magic that night.
35:06I got something much deadlier.
35:07The soul sight.
35:08I see people in colors.
35:10Jealousy is green.
35:11Hate is black.
35:12Love is pink.
35:13The deeper the feeling, the darker the shade.
35:15In my last life, I built his empire.
35:17I saw the assassins coming.
35:19I played the politics.
35:20I put that crown on his head.
35:22This time, he is on his own.
35:23Let's see how far he gets without me.
35:25You're right.
35:26I'm blind, broken.
35:27I'm not good enough for you.
35:28You and Celestia, you're perfect for each other.
35:31Glad you finally get it.
35:33A freak like you?
35:34I wouldn't pick you if you begged.
35:36My mother almost snapped.
35:37She almost let my secret slip.
35:39I shut her down with a touch.
35:40I scanned the room.
35:41Marcus.
35:42His soul was a murky gray cruel.
35:44The other airs.
35:45Just greedy.
35:46Last time, I picked Lucian because he looked clean.
35:49He was just a master of masks.
35:50I didn't see his real color until the day Celeste died.
35:53Rotting purple.
35:54He hated my guts.
35:55In my last life, I was blind to the truth.
35:58This time, I see everything.
36:05He threw my body down from the castle.
36:07No funeral.
36:08No grave.
36:08I was born blind and without magic.
36:10A null.
36:11The lowest rank in our world.
36:12No spells.
36:13No wards.
36:14No healing.
36:15A simple paper cut keeps me bleeding for three days.
36:18Everyone thought being born blind was my curse.
36:20It wasn't.
36:21The real curse was this.
36:22I can read souls.
36:24Jealousy burns green.
36:25Hatred runs black.
36:26In my last life, I used it to build a high priest.
36:29Lucian.
36:30But on the day my stepsister died, he crushed my jaw, forced my mouth open, and poured the silverthorn juice
36:36down my throat himself.
36:38If you hadn't chosen me, I would have taken Celeste.
36:51He gave my title of high priestess to Celeste, just so she could be buried with my honor, my body.
36:57He had it thrown past the coven border for the crows.
36:59That should have been the end of me.
37:01Instead, I opened my eyes.
37:03Seventeen again.
37:04The night of our soul bond ball, and the first voice I heard was his.
37:07I choose Celeste Ashfrist as my bond.
37:10The bastard came back too, and he remembered everything.
37:13He is terrified.
37:14I'll choose him again.
37:15Honestly.
37:16I couldn't care less.
37:17I swept my blind gaze across the back of the room, in a sea of dark, rotten souls.
37:21A soul so pure it glowed like liquid gold.
37:23A man in a wheelchair.
37:25Quiet.
37:26Unmoving.
37:27The true high priest.
37:32I claim Celeste Ashford as my soul bond.
37:35She will be my high priestess.
37:36Lucian Voss stepped toward my stepsister.
37:38He looked at her like she was his entire world.
37:40The ballroom went dead silent.
37:42Then the knives came out.
37:43Not a single heir will claim her.
37:45She's blind.
37:46A magicless null.
37:47What a waste of space.
37:48She doesn't belong here.
37:50I am the Ashford heir.
37:51I was born in the dark, during the awakening.
37:54My magic never showed up.
37:55In our coven, power is the only currency.
37:58A blind girl is a burden.
37:59A magicless null is a joke, but Celeste.
38:02My stepsister came from a pure black witch bloodline.
38:05A true sorceress from both sides.
38:07She was born with a gift called the Siren's Whisper.
38:10A voice that bends any witch to her will.
38:12She is the family's treasure.
38:13I am the stain they keep hidden.
38:15Lucian dropped to one knee before her.
38:17Take my mark, Celeste.
38:18I'll make you royalty.
38:20He shot a look at me.
38:21Cold, pure disgust.
38:22He thinks he can take the throne without me.
38:24He has no idea.
38:25I didn't get magic that night.
38:27I got something much deadlier.
38:28The soul sight.
38:29I see people in colors.
38:31Jealousy is green.
38:32Hate is black.
38:33Love is pink.
38:34The deeper the feeling, the darker the shade.
38:36In my last life, I built his empire.
38:38I saw the assassins coming.
38:39I played the politics.
38:41I put that crown on his head.
38:42This time, he is on his own.
38:44Let's see how far he gets without me.
38:46You're right.
38:47I'm blind, broken.
38:48I'm not good enough for you.
38:49You and Celestia, you're perfect for each other.
38:52Glad you finally get it.
38:54A freak like you?
38:55I wouldn't pick you if you begged.
38:56My mother almost snapped.
38:58She almost let my secret slip.
38:59I shut her down with a touch.
39:01I scanned the room.
39:02Marcus.
39:02His soul was a murky gray cruel.
39:05The other airs.
39:06Just greedy.
39:07Last time, I picked Lucian because he looked clean.
39:09He was just a master of masks.
39:11I didn't see his real color until the day Celeste died, rotting purple.
39:15He hated my guts.
39:16In my last life, I was blind to the truth.
39:18This time, I see everything.
39:23I'll come back and bind with you.
39:24Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait until the next moon.
39:27After all, I'd already waited for seven years.
39:30But that night, I took a ship across the western fjords for an arranged marriage.
39:34I showed up to the great solstice feast alone.
39:36The second Sorin saw me, his eyes lit up.
39:38You said you didn't want to come, but here you are.
39:41Where do you think you're going?
39:41I shook his hand off.
39:43Those are your seats.
39:44Mine is over there.
39:45I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
39:47Ingrid shot me a venomous glare.
39:49How dare you wear that armwrape!
39:50I made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
39:52Wait, is that the tear of Yggazigh?
39:55We were supposed to bind our souls at the Temple of the Allfather that day.
39:59But my betrothé threw me out of the sacred grounds.
40:02Then walked in with his childhood sweetheart instead.
40:05He looked at me like it was nothing.
40:07Ingrid's child needs a father so she could stay in the clan.
40:09Once we sever the blood oath, I'll come back and bind with you.
40:14Everyone thought I'd swallow my pride and wait until the next moon.
40:18After all, I'd already waited for seven years.
40:23But that night, I took a ship across the western fjords for an arranged marriage.
40:27I vanished from his world completely.
40:31Three years later, my husband and I flew our dragons back to the mainland for a grand ancestral blot.
40:37My husband had an urgent border skirmish to attend to, so he sent a beast and a handler to escort
40:42me.
40:42I walked out of the dragon docks.
40:44I walked into the arrival's courtyard and saw a warrior holding a parchment bearing my runic crest.
40:50I walked over and froze.
40:52Holding the parchment was my ex-betrothal Sorin.
40:54He was craning his neck, looking past me at the incoming whitens.
40:57He had Ingrid with him and half his old raiding party.
41:00One of the warriors nudged him.
41:01Sorin!
41:02Isn't that your clinging admirer?
41:03That's Astrid.
41:04Sorin looked at me.
41:05He looked surprised for a split second.
41:06Then he smirked.
41:08I told you all long ago.
41:09I knew she'd call back.
41:11The whole raiding party burst out laughing.
41:13Astrid vanished without a trace.
41:15Now she sees Sorin has plundered gold.
41:16She probably cries herself to sleep every night.
41:21One of them looked me up and down.
41:23Astrid, if you're here to see Sorin, why show up in plain wool?
41:26Couldn't you at least paint your face with war colours?
41:28Without Sorin, you can't even barter for a nice cloak.
41:32Pathetic.
41:33It was true.
41:35I used to spend hours getting ready for Seddon.
41:37Full braided hair, clan paints, fitted leathers and furs.
41:41Always making sure I looked perfect for him.
41:43But I didn't need to do that anymore, because I'm pregnant.
41:47And my husband refused to let me ride uncomfortably.
41:50He banned heavy chainmail.
41:51And had this plain toque spun by the light elves of Alfheim just for me.
41:55Listening to them mock me, it suddenly clicked.
41:58They only read the ruse on the garrison's dispatch.
42:00They had no idea the noble they were picking up was me.
42:06Since I wasn't saying anything, an old mutual friend stepped in, trying to play peacemaker.
42:11Astrid, glad to see you back.
42:13Sorin actually spent years looking for you.
42:15He has been asking about you everywhere.
42:17Sorin's smug smile stiffened.
42:18He cleared his throat and acted casually.
42:21Ingrid's kid starts shield training next week.
42:23From now on, you're getting him to the training grounds.
42:25He was still so incredibly arrogant.
42:27But I wasn't that naive little girl anymore.
42:29Looking at him now, I just felt exhausted and disgusted.
42:33I didn't want to waste another second on them.
42:34I was just about to tell them exactly who I was, but Ingrid beat me to it.
42:39Astrid, please don't be mad at Sorin.
42:42He's just trying to take care of you.
42:43You disappeared for three winters.
42:45What kind of shady taverns have you been staying at?
42:48Look at you.
42:49Sorin wanted to make you his personal scribe, but clearly you're not a fit.
42:53Don't worry.
42:53Being my Thrail is an honour.
42:55No one will look down on you.
42:57Three years apart, she's still as arrogant as ever.
43:00She still makes me cringe.
43:02Sorin saw my scound and thought I was just jealous.
43:05His eyes flashed with triumph.
43:06All right, Astrid, drop the attitude.
43:08You clearly can't survive out in the wilds.
43:10So hold your temper, take care of the kid, and learn your place.
43:13Don't worry.
43:14I got a perfect cot for you, just in the dragon pens.
43:18The whole group howled with laughter.
43:21By Thor, Astrid, show some appreciation.
43:24He's giving you free meat and mead.
43:26Isn't that better than wherever you're living now?
43:28Ingrid touched her gold-forged earring, putting on an affected tone.
43:31Don't you worry, dear.
43:33If my son acts up, I'll make sure he still behave.
43:35He won't let it out on you, I promise.
43:37Sorin let out a cold laugh and shot me a glance.
43:39Why's that?
43:40She was always so stubborn, ran away over a tiny little misunderstanding.
43:43If she hit rock bottom out there, she deserves to suffer a little.
43:45Hearing that, my heart actually skipped a beat.
43:48After three years, he still thought ditching me at the Temple of the Allfather for Ingrid
43:52was just a tiny little misunderstanding.
43:54Sorin, the one I had fallen in love with, was gone.
43:58He wasn't the boy who carried me across the frozen tundra, ignoring his own bleeding frostbite.
44:03He wasn't the broken youth who promised me the Nine Realms.
44:06He wasn't the warrior who, despite all his glory and spoils, was still willing to do game for me.
44:12But whatever.
44:13It was all in the past.
44:14None of it mattered anymore.
44:16Besides, I'm about to give birth to my second child.
44:19Pushed my feelings down.
44:20I didn't want to argue with them.
44:21It was pointless.
44:22Aren't you here to guide me to the keep?
44:23Let's go.
44:24They exchanged luck.
44:24Then they burst out laughing.
44:25Guide you?
44:26What a joke.
44:27She pointed at the runic parchment.
44:28Read it carefully.
44:29We are waiting for Lady Vag.
44:31Do you even know who that is?
44:32Vag was my new name.
44:33Of course I knew.
44:34Lady Vag is the matriarch of the Black Dragon Clan.
44:36She is the actual wife of Hyald Gul'da Vag.
44:38Gul'da Vag is a ruthless warlord.
44:39But he's completely obsessed with his wife.
44:42I heard he stayed solitary for years.
44:44Just waiting for her.
44:45Everyone in the realm knows the rule.
44:46Don't.
44:47Try to kiss up to Gondar.
44:48Kiss up to Lady Vag.
44:49She is his entire world.
44:51Listening to them gossip about my marriage.
44:52I couldn't help it.
44:53To win his wife's heart.
44:55Goran Vag barted with the dwarves of Svotalfard for a custom arm ring.
44:58It's called the Tear of Yigadaski.
45:00It costs 20 chests of gold.
45:01Lady Vag is literally the most envied woman in Midlad.
45:05Her eyes darted down to my wrist.
45:07She let out a sharp gasp.
45:09That's the exact same arm ha-
45:10It's a pretty good fake.
45:12Which broke stable boy bought this for you?
45:14Buying you a cheap iron knockoff.
45:16Absolute trash.
45:17I snatched my hand back and gently rubbed the arm ring on my wrist.
45:22I smirked, seeing my happy, unfazed smile.
45:27Sorin's eyes narrowed in pure rage.
45:29He lunged forward.
45:30He grabbed my wrist with a crushing grip and violently ripped the arm ring off my arm.
45:33Ingrid eagerly stepped forward.
45:35She snatched the arm ring from Solon's hand and started playing with it.
45:37Look, a high quality fake.
45:39Way better than the replica I bought from that merchant.
45:40But I'd never actually wear mine in the great hall.
45:42How embarrassing.
45:44These foreign knockoffs are more detailed.
45:45The weight actually feels real.
45:47She gave me a mocking, sickly sweet smile.
45:50Or what, Astrid?
45:51Are you saying you're the real Lady Vag?
45:53Are you the legendary warlord's wife?
45:54The second she said it, the raiding party erupted into hysterical laughter.
45:58Gunan Varg was a feared conqueror.
46:00He was ruthless and unstoppable.
46:02And three years ago, I was just a pathetic nobody.
46:05The loser who got dumped at the temple.
46:06Ingrid spun the priceless arm ring around her finger.
46:08Astrid!
46:09Sell this fake to me!
46:10I'll pay you double.
46:11I panicked, terrified she was gonna drop it.
46:13Give that back right now!
46:15Gunnar gave that to me!
46:17Shut your mouth!
46:18Sorin glared at me like I was insane.
46:20Astrid, have you gone mad?
46:21How dare you just drop Lord Varg's name like that?
46:23Are you trying to get me sent to Valhalla early?
46:25His warrior buddies stared at me with pure rage.
46:27Do you have any idea how hard we fought for this escort duty?
46:30Gunnar Varg conquered Sorin's clan last harvest.
46:33Our entire livelihood depends on him now.
46:35The only way Sorin keeps his commander spot is if we impress Lady Varg.
46:39And you're out here spreading psychotic rumors that you know the high yearn?
46:42Are you trying to ruin Solon's honor?
46:44My stare must have been dead cold because Sorin frowned.
46:46A flicker of genuine panic flashed across his eyes.
46:49You ungrateful rat!
46:51Solon was kind enough to offer you a roof to survive.
46:53Don't push it.
46:54I know you're bitter about the past.
46:55But trying to sabotage his command out of petty revenge?
46:58That's sick.
46:59Sora shook his head in disgust.
47:01You're such a jealous shrew.
47:02But this time, he didn't keep screaming at me.
47:04He went quiet for a second.
47:05Then he pulled out a heavy pouch from his belt.
47:08He tossed a bag of pure silver pieces right at my chest.
47:12For the sake of our past bond, I'll let this slide.
47:14Take the silver.
47:15Go get some decent cloaks.
47:16If you really don't want to tend the pens for Ingrid's kid,
47:18I'll have you sent to the kitchens next week.
47:20Watching him play the generous saviour made my stomach turn.
47:23The whole group watched me, waiting for me to grovel and take the pouch.
47:26Instead, I kicked it away.
47:28I reached over.
47:29No thank you, Commander.
47:30Seems like you need it more than I do.
47:32Sorin's face turned bright red.
47:33I ignored him and turned to walk away.
47:36But I barely made it two steps before he grabbed my arm.
47:39Astrid!
47:40What is your problem?
47:42Commander?
47:42What do you mean?
47:43I pulled my arm free.
47:44We broke our oaths three years ago.
47:46It's better if we keep our distance.
47:48I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea.
47:50I was thinking about my fiercely loyal, slightly jealous dragon lord husband.
47:54But Solon glanced over at Ingrid.
47:55He looked like he had it all figured out.
47:57The Yars are hosting a great solstice feast for Lord Varg in three days.
48:00I was actually planning to bring you to my table.
48:02To let you experience true grand ceremony.
48:04But you'd need to buy a decent dress.
48:06I can't have you embarrassing me.
48:08I cut him off immediately.
48:10With all respect, I really don't need it.
48:13Hearing me reject him again, Solon grew annoyed.
48:16He was grinding his teeth.
48:18Astrid, you've grown a spine, haven't you?
48:20It's true what they say.
48:21The poorer you get, the bigger your attitude.
48:24Fine!
48:25If you don't want to go, forget it!
48:26I'll take Ingrid.
48:27Hearing that she got to attend the High Jars feast, Ingrid's eyes lit up.
48:30Solon, I promise I'll be perfect.
48:33I absolutely won't embarrass you.
48:35I was so incredibly done with them.
48:37I turned around and strode away.
48:38But I tossed one last look over my shoulder.
48:42I'm looking forward seeing you both in three days.
48:44I practically sprinted out of the courtyard.
48:46Hitting the crisp, freezing air outside.
48:48Finally pushing down the nauseous churning in my stomach.
48:50My mind flashed back to three years ago.
48:52My clan had been pressuring me into an arranged marriage across the sea.
48:56I fought them on it.
48:57I begged Sudden, my betrotho of seven years, to just run away with me into the forests.
49:01To swear oaths and be together forever.
49:03But when I showed up at the Temple of the Allfather, he brought Ingrid.
49:06He told me her child needed a father under clan law.
49:09He told me he'd sever the tie to her in a moon's time and bond with me then.
49:12He told me not to overthink it.
49:14Watching him hold her hand and walk up to the altar, I realized what a fool I've been.
49:18I sailed across the western fjords for a blind arrangement that very night.
49:21A moon later, I married Gunnar Varg.
49:23A year later, we had our firstborn.
49:25And now, I'm pregnant with our second.
49:27Honestly, if it wasn't for Guller's ancestral blot, I definitely wouldn't have seen Sorin
49:31ever again.
49:31Three days later, I showed up to the Great Solstice Feast alone, wearing light face paint
49:36and my custom Ellen-spun tunic.
49:38The second Sorin saw me, his eyes lit up.
49:41A smug smirk spread across his face.
49:43You said you didn't want to come, but here you are.
49:46Listen, if you want me back, you need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
49:51I brushed off his arrogance and tried to pass him.
49:54He stopped me angrily after just two steps.
49:56Astrid!
49:57I'm talking to you.
49:59Our seats are right here.
50:00Where do you think you're going?
50:01I shook his hand off.
50:02Those are your seats.
50:04Mine is over there.
50:04I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
50:07Sorin's face instantly dark.
50:09Ingrid shot me a venomous glare.
50:10She pointed directly at my wrist and yelled at the top of her lungs.
50:13Astrid, how did you sneak in here?
50:14Are you here to ruin everything?
50:17How dare you wear that arm ring?
50:18Her screeching made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
50:21People immediately started whispering.
50:23Wait, is that the tear of Yigazic?
50:25Lord Varg forged that for his wife.
50:27Tonight is Lady Varg's first public appearance.
50:29Is this girl trying to mock the High Yul's wife?
50:31She sneaked past the guards.
50:33Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Lord Varg?
50:36One of the elder warriors turned to Sorin.
50:38Commander?
50:39Is this young lady of your clan?
50:41Sorin saw that I wasn't even looking at him.
50:43He adjusted his expensive fur cloak and said coldly,
50:45No.
50:46I don't know her.
50:47Hearing that, Ingrid looked completely thrilled.
50:49She lifted her chin and sneered at me.
50:51Take that fake arm ring off and get out!
50:53Three days later, I showed up to the Great Solstice Feast alone,
50:56Wearing light face paint and my custom Elen-spun tunic.
51:00The second Sorin saw me, his eyes lit up.
51:02A smug smirk spread across his face.
51:05You said you didn't want to come.
51:06But here you are.
51:07Listen, if you want me back,
51:09You need to at least dress the part to match my new status.
51:13I brushed off his arrogance and tried to pass him.
51:15He stopped me angrily after just two steps.
51:18Astrid!
51:19I'm talking to you!
51:20Our seats are right here!
51:21Where do you think you're going?
51:23I shook his hand off.
51:24Those are your seats.
51:25Mine is over there.
51:26I pointed straight at the high jar's carved oak table.
51:29Sorin's face instantly dark.
51:30Ingrid shot me a venomous glare.
51:31She pointed directly at my wrist and yelled at the top of her lungs.
51:34Astrid, how did you sneak in here?
51:36Are you here to ruin everything?
51:38How dare you wear that arm ring?
51:40Her screeching made the entire mead hall turn to look at us.
51:43People immediately started whispering.
51:45Wait, is that the tear of Yigazic?
51:47Lord Varg forged that for his wife.
51:49Tonight is Lady Varg's first public appearance.
51:50Is this girl trying to mock the High Yul's wife?
51:53She sneaked past the guards.
51:54Is she trying to humiliate us in front of Lord Varg?
51:57One of the elder warriors turned to Sorin.
52:00Commander?
52:01Is this young lady of your clan?
52:02Sorin saw that I wasn't even looking at him.
52:04He adjusted his expensive fur cloak and said coldly,
52:07No, I don't know her.
52:08Hearing that, Ingrid looked completely thrilled.
52:10She lifted her chin and sneered at me.
52:12Take that fake arm ring off and get out!
52:14Remدمed her chin
52:14es gub
52:14e
52:14o
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