Family secrets, painful betrayal, and a powerful comeback drive this emotional and addictive short drama.
#drama #romance #love #movie #lovestory #truelove #relationship #heartbreak #betrayal #couple
#drama #romance #love #movie #lovestory #truelove #relationship #heartbreak #betrayal #couple
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Short filmTranscript
00:00The matriarch ordered me to marry a black hound. The whole room exploded with laughter.
00:04My eyes shot to the man I once loved, Crown Prince Killian. He was holding my sister's hand.
00:09My Luna will only ever be Fiona.
00:12They have no idea what black really is. That hound they chained me to is a handsome man,
00:17the true future wolf king. At the court feast, the moon matriarch led a black hound up to me.
00:22Lyra, meet your future mate, the black prince.
00:25The entire court erupted in laughter. It's a hound. You expect me to bond with a hound?
00:31You dare disrespect the prince? I raised black from a pup. He's like a son to me.
00:36You should be honored to bond with him.
00:38My gaze shot to Crown Prince Killian, the man I once loved.
00:41Before the war, he had sworn under the full moon that I would be his only Luna.
00:45Kilvan, so your oath meant nothing?
00:47That was a joke. The battlefield has aged you. You're not fit to stand beside me anymore.
00:52My future Luna will only ever be your sister, Fiona.
00:54Fiona, ten years younger than me and beautiful.
00:57She lifted her chin. A triumphant smirk plastered on her face.
00:59Don't blame me, sister. You were gone too long. The prince can't wait forever.
01:03Without another word, I bent down and took the black hound's leash.
01:06I saw his eyes were crimson, a half-breed, bloodthirsty and doomed to a short life.
01:10As I ran a hand over his head,
01:12Tell me you're actually growing fond of a dog, Lyra.
01:14What do you want, Fiona?
01:15She gave me a once-over, her expression dripping with contempt.
01:19I know you're bitter, but just look at yourself.
01:21Did you really think you could hold onto the crown prince looking like that?
01:25I drew my long sword and pressed the tip to her throat.
01:27Are you finished?
01:28Fear flashed in her eyes, but she stumbled back, arrogance winning out.
01:32You wouldn't dare! This is the wolf royal palette!
01:34God, you're just scut whore!
01:35Just like that whore of a mother who abandoned you!
01:38Shut your mouth.
01:40Don't you ever say her name again.
01:42With a twist of my wrist, I swung the heavy pommel of my sword.
01:45A scream tore from her throat.
01:49Blood gushed between her fingers.
01:51Her nose lay severed on the marble floor.
01:53You care so much about your beauty.
01:55Let's see how you fare without it.
01:58Killen dropped to Fiona's side as she sobbed, blood pouring through her fingers.
02:02What have you done?
02:03He roared.
02:04How could you do this to her?
02:05She's your sister!
02:06A slow, cold laugh was my only answer.
02:09Sister?
02:09Fiona had despised me since the day our father brought her home.
02:13She always got first pick of his gifts.
02:15The silks, the jewels, the delicate necklaces.
02:17She'd take everything, then toss me the cheapest, frayne ribbon and sneer.
02:21This is all that a thing like you deserves.
02:24I don't recall having a sister.
02:27Certainly not one who'd steal my mate.
02:30Fiona clutched her ruined face, her squeaks echoing off the stone walls.
02:34Father told you to protect me!
02:36On his deathbed, our father had grabbed my hand, nearly breathless.
02:39Protect Fiona from me.
02:41I remember laughing as I ripped my hand from his grip.
02:43I leaned in close, my lips brushing his ear and whispered,
02:46You miss her that much?
02:47Don't worry.
02:48I'll make sure she joins you soon enough.
02:50You never paid any homage to my mother when she died.
02:52I kicked Fiona away from me, sending her sprawling.
02:54He asked, but I never agreed.
02:55Kilvan cradled her, his golden wolf eyes blazing with a fury.
02:58You're a monster!
02:59I flicked Fiona's blood from my blade and leveled the point at his heart.
03:03And you?
03:03Care to test that theory?
03:04You?
03:05I let out a soft, humorless chuckle and sheathed my sword.
03:08Grasping the leash of black beside me, I turned my back on them both.
03:13I'm not a monster.
03:15I'm just done holding back.
03:18With the black hound in my carriage, I circled the capital, commanding minstrels to play.
03:23I wanted everyone in this city to see what the royal court had done.
03:26They demanded that I marry a black hound.
03:28Children ran after the carriage, their voices a cruel chant.
03:31Duchess Lyra is marrying a dog!
03:33A beta in the crowd smeared.
03:35That battle-scarred duchess?
03:37A dog's the best she can get!
03:39I vaulted from the carriage and gave him 50 lashes.
03:42Right there, in the street.
03:45There.
03:46Now you're worse than a dog.
03:47I'll never forget how they treated me.
03:49When I first joined the knight's order, the male alpha scorned me.
03:53A she-wolf has no place on the battlefield.
03:55Her only duty is to bear pups and warm her alpha's bed.
03:58I proved them all wrong.
03:59I am now the most powerful alpha in the entire kingdom.
04:02The night of the bonding ritual, I was back in my chambers.
04:05The black prince was leashed by the door, whining pitifully.
04:08I knocked on a secret panel in the wall.
04:10It slid open, and a powerful man emerged from the shadows.
04:13He had the same wild look, the same crimson eyes as the hound at the door.
04:17I stroked his head.
04:18Silas, you're no hound.
04:20His raw scent overwhelming me.
04:22His calloused fingertips traced a line down my throat.
04:24Lyra, hold me.
04:27I wrapped my arms around his back, pulling him closer.
04:30That was all the permission he needed.
04:32He became a storm of unrestrained passion, sweeping me from the table to the bed.
04:37It was pure, exhilarating bliss.
04:39I felt alive again.
04:40After that night, Silas held me like a wolf guarding treasure.
04:44Lyra, I like this.
04:46I lifted my head and kissed him.
04:48Then I rose from the bed and led him to the door.
04:51I pointed at the hound leashed outside, a slow smile spreading across my face.
04:56Silas, I got you a brother.
04:59Look at him.
04:59Don't you two match?
05:01Silas cried out, pure panic in his voice as tears streamed down his face.
05:05A brother?
05:06No!
05:07His arms became steel bands around me, crushing me to him.
05:10No, Lyra.
05:11You have me.
05:13Only me.
05:14I found Silas in the ashes of a battlefield.
05:16He was a weapon, forged by the Outlanders.
05:18They'd raised him in a cage with beasts, forcing him to kill or be killed every day.
05:23By the time I found him, the boy was gone.
05:25Only the killer remained.
05:27The battlefield was a graveyard.
05:28A boy, Silas, cacket in blood, stood silently among the corpses, his eyes completely hollow.
05:34Come back with me.
05:34I walked toward him, wrapped my arms around his broken body, and brought him back to the
05:39knights.
05:39No one ever knew he existed except my late father.
05:42I smiled, hugging Simus back gently.
05:45Simus, I've bonded with it.
05:47Bonded?
05:47It means I'm bound to it for life.
05:49I'll even have its children.
05:51His eyes flew wide in disbelief.
05:53Horror twisted his features as his gaze shot between me and the hound.
05:55No!
05:56It's a hound!
05:56Don't choose it!
05:57Choose me!
05:58I couldn't help but lean in and kiss him.
05:59I want to bond with you, Silas.
06:01But they won't let me.
06:02His face hardened into a vicious snarl.
06:04Who?
06:04I'll kill them.
06:05I smiled, pulling him into my arms as my eyes fell on the black hound.
06:08Don't worry.
06:08As long as you become black, you'll be my mate.
06:10I made Silas live and eat with the hound until he mirrored its every move.
06:15A month later, I rubbed the potion into the hound and led him back into the palace.
06:21Whispers followed me down the halls.
06:23Utterly shameless.
06:24To actually bed a dog.
06:26They say the whole manor can hear her at night.
06:28I ignored them all.
06:29My head held high.
06:31Then I saw Killian walking straight for me.
06:33He stopped.
06:33His face a mask of arrogance.
06:35Marquis Roman has returned.
06:37The black wolf knights are no longer yours.
06:39He's taking command.
06:41Liar, stop fighting me.
06:42Submit.
06:43And I may still show you mercy.
06:44A bitter laugh escaped my lips, cutting him short.
06:46What's the matter?
06:47Your Luna is missing a nose.
06:49So suddenly you've remembered me?
06:50The blood from his face replaced by a flash of rage.
06:53Fiona's face is ruined because of you!
06:55You're right.
06:55I'm poison.
06:56So imagine what my child would be.
06:58A prince as pure as you should stay far, far away from my tainted blood.
07:03I swept past him and strode into the throne room.
07:05The moon matriarch sat perched on her throne.
07:07Marquis Roman standing vigil below.
07:09I placed a deliberate hand over my stomach and stepped forward.
07:12Matriarch, I'm carrying the black prince's child.
07:14Her regal composure crapped, her eyes widening in disbelief.
07:17Impossible!
07:18That thing is just a black hound!
07:20Killian stormed into the room.
07:21His golden iria is webbed with red.
07:23Tell me the truth.
07:24Whose bastard are you carrying?
07:26I stroked my belly.
07:27A serene smile playing on my lips as I glanced at the black hound.
07:30Why won't you believe me?
07:31This is the air of the black prince.
07:34With a roar of fury, Killian kicked the hound hard in the ribs.
07:36You're lying!
07:37The beast let out a painted howl, and its eyes flared a burning crimson.
07:40The potion had taken effect.
07:42It launched itself at Killian.
07:43A furious blur of teeth and claws tore a chunk of flesh from his cheek.
07:46Kill it!
07:47In a flash of silver, Roman's sword fell.
07:49The black prince's blood splattered across the hem of my gown.
07:52No, my prince!
07:53Tears streamed down my cheeks as I fell, pulling the hound's body into my arms.
07:55Lifting my head, my golden pupils locked on a Roman.
07:58You!
07:58You killed the prince!
08:00You killed my baby's father!
08:01The hound assaulted Prince Killian for attacking royalty.
08:04Its death was justified.
08:05Kneeling on the cold stone, I pulled Black's lifeless body into my arms.
08:08His blood soaked my gown as I felt the last of his warmth drain away.
08:11Lifting my head, I fixed my gaze on Roman, my eyes glinting like cold steel.
08:15My hand moved deliberately to my stomach.
08:16You murderer!
08:17You just made my child lose his father.
08:18Enough of this madness!
08:19It was just a hound!
08:20He was the mate you decreed for me.
08:22Have you forgotten calling him your own son?
08:23It hurt Killian, so it deserved to die!
08:26A slow shake of my head was my only answer.
08:28I gathered his body into my arms, stood, and walked.
08:32Warm blood trickled down my arms.
08:35No one dared stand in my way.
08:37Back in my territory, I stood dressed in morning black.
08:40His body lay in a simple wooden coffin before me.
08:42Take it to the cemetery.
08:43I will bury my mate, and all will bear witness.
08:46The funeral procession cut through the crowds.
08:48I rode alongside the coffin.
08:50The black wolf knights a shadow at my back.
08:52It was time.
08:52As everyone walked, the wooden coffin suddenly jolted.
08:55A low groan of splintering wood echoed in the silence.
08:59The procession halted.
09:01Gasps of fear rippled through the crowd as my knights drew their swords.
09:04Crack!
09:05The lid of the coffin exploded outward.
09:07A figure sat bolt upright inside.
09:09His bare chest was rose in ragged breaths,
09:11and his crimson eyes burned like embers.
09:13The black hair and a wild, untamed face like blacks.
09:16It was Simus.
09:17Lyra, I'm back.
09:19The crowd exploded.
09:21Some screamed and some drew their swords.
09:24What the hell is that?
09:26It's a demon that possessed the beast!
09:29A knight's voice cut through the chaos.
09:30His sword already raised.
09:31Kill it!
09:32Before it can...
09:33I stood between Silas and the blades,
09:35my hand falling to the hilt of my sword.
09:37Who dares?
09:38Your grace, that demon crawled from a coffin.
09:40It's a foul spirit and must be destroyed.
09:43A low chuckle established my lips as I gently touched Simus' cheek.
09:46Look closer.
09:47He is my mate.
09:49The black prince, returned from the dead, bathed him, and a low howl escaped his throat.
09:53His bones grew larger.
09:55Black fur erupted from his skin.
09:57In fangs curled past lips, Simus' human form melted away.
10:00Replaced by a colossal, Jai Black Wolf, he lifted his enormous head.
10:05His crimson eyes glaring down upon the crowd.
10:08A citizen's voice trembled.
10:10Moon goddess, preserve us.
10:13A black wolf.
10:16The ancient bloodline...
10:18Silas swiped a massive paw, and the raw power of a true wolf alpha crashed over the crowd.
10:23Some men's knees buckled.
10:24They collapsed to the ground.
10:26Another citizen shouted.
10:27Not a demon!
10:28It's the blood of the first wolves!
10:30The wolf god walks again!
10:33Knights dropped their swords with a clatter.
10:35One by one, the entire crowd fell to their knees.
10:38A knight's voice boomed.
10:39The living image of the first wolf!
10:41The true king has returned!
10:43Silas paddled to my side.
10:44He lowered his massive head, gently touching his nose to my forehead.
10:48He faced his kneeling subjects, his deep howl echoing powerfully across the entire kingdom.
10:52As one, they knelt in reverence.
10:54We held you, king!
10:56I watched it all unfold, a slow, triumphant smile touching my lips.
10:59They all thought they were burying Black, the pathetic hound from the kennels.
11:03But it was Silas I had sealed inside that coffin.
11:06They forced me to mate with a hound.
11:07So I made that hound a king.
11:09I rested my hand in Silas's thick fur and looked toward the distant wolf royal palace.
11:15Let's go.
11:16It's time to take back your throne.
11:20I shoved the great doors open and walked into the throne room.
11:23Simus at my side.
11:24The moon matriarch rose from her throne.
11:26Killen, his face still bruised, his golden eyes locked on the colossal wolf.
11:31What is that?
11:33I rested a hand on my stomach.
11:35Don't you recognize him?
11:36It's the Black Prince.
11:38Black.
11:39My mate.
11:40Impossible!
11:41That mongrel is dead!
11:42Roman killed him in person!
11:43A low growl rumbled from Silas's chest.
11:45The sheer force of the sound slammed into Killen, sending him stumbling back.
11:48Kilton gasped.
11:50That power.
11:51How?
11:52Roman's voice trembled.
11:54The first wolf.
11:55Can the rumors be true?
11:56The black hound transformed under the moonlight.
11:59The moon matriarch snapped.
12:01Absurd!
12:01It's just another of this wench's pathetic lies!
12:04Silas stalled forward.
12:06With every step he took, the courtier scrambled back.
12:09He lifted his head, his crimson wolf eyes sweeping over every person in the room.
12:14One by one, they collapsed to their knees.
12:16Killen roared.
12:17What are you doing?
12:19Get up!
12:19It's just a...
12:20He never finished.
12:21A single swipe from Simus's claw sent him flying into a stone pillar.
12:25Killen coughed up blood.
12:26Lyra, you're in league with an outsider.
12:29This monster isn't the first wolf.
12:31He's tricked you all!
12:32I am the true king, your future alpha!
12:34He looked desperately at the others.
12:36You call him an outsider?
12:37I ran a hand through Silas's fur, a slow smile spreading across my face.
12:41He transformed in front of the entire city, under the light of the full moon.
12:46Tell me.
12:47What kind of outsider can withstand the goddess's blessing?
12:50My gaze shifted to the moon matriarch, who had fallen back onto her throne.
12:54And I have you to thank for it, really.
12:56You gave me black.
12:57Her face was a mask of pale horror.
12:59I gave the order.
13:02And had them both thrown out.
13:04I took my place on the throne beside Silas as the coronation began.
13:08The throne room doors burst open.
13:10Fiona stood there, her face a wreck of bandages.
13:13All her delicate beauty replaced by a haggard desperation.
13:16She threw herself at the foot of the throne, her eyes fixed on Silas.
13:21It should be me at your side.
13:22I am the most highborn she-wolf in this entire kingdom.
13:25My coat is finer, my face more beautiful.
13:27I'm ten years younger than her.
13:29Silas's lip curled in disgust as he pulled Y into his arms.
13:32My Luna is Lyra.
13:34And only Lyra.
13:36Fiona recoiled, her amber eyes burning with a lifetime of hatred for me.
13:39It's always been you!
13:41Since we were pups, everything has been yours.
13:44The Dukity, the Black Wolf Knights, and now the Luna's throne!
13:48You've stolen everything that should have been mine!
13:50I stared at her, my face a mask of ice.
13:53Are you finished?
13:55While I bled on the training grounds, you danced at court.
13:58While I fought for our lands in the north, you were whispering in my betrothed's ear.
14:02And you think you have the right to take my place?
14:05To be Luna?
14:07She screamed.
14:08No!
14:09You're just a sword-swinging maniac!
14:12Even father said it!
14:14Just like your brutally mother, born to be a tool, a slave to serve the family's ambitions!
14:20And?
14:20Our father is dead, and unlike him, my dear sister, I don't have a soft spot for a pretty face.
14:26Guards!
14:27Drag her out, they seized her.
14:28She struggled.
14:30Her screams cut short as the great doors slammed shut, silencing everything.
14:34In the Duke's Domain, training yard, I was just a pup, swinging a wooden sword,
14:38soaked in sweat.
14:40My father, Duke Selvan, stood watching, a permanent scowl on his face.
14:43Enough!
15:12A she-wolf has no use for such things.
15:13My father wrapped an arm around her, announcing to the entire whole.
15:16She carries my air.
15:17She is to live here from this day forward.
15:19The child she carried was Fiona.
15:22My eyes shot to my mother.
15:24All the color had drained from her face.
15:25She looked like she would shatter into a million pieces.
15:29Selvan, you've broken our sacred bond.
15:32It wasn't long before my mother's spirit broke, and she took to her bed.
15:36I never left her side.
15:37My small face streaked with tears.
15:39Mom, does he not want us anymore?
15:41Her frail hand stroked my hair.
15:43Oh, my sweet Lyra.
15:44It isn't that he doesn't want you.
15:46He's terrified of you.
15:48Of me?
15:48He's terrified of a she-wolf who is his equal.
15:51Terrified you'll grow too powerful for him to control.
15:54Terrified you'll prove that a she-wolf doesn't need an alpha's permission to rule.
15:58What do I do?
15:59Fight for it.
16:00Take it.
16:01No one will ever hand you anything in this life.
16:04Promise me, Lyra.
16:05Promise me you will become an alpha that no male dares to challenge.
16:10Her grip on my hand tightened, then went limp, and just like that, she was gone.
16:14The coronation ceremony pressed on.
16:17Silas' hand covered mine, rough and warm.
16:19He leaned in, his crimson wolf eyes filled with concern.
16:22Lyra, what's on your mind?
16:25My mother.
16:26I leaned into his embrace and looked toward the horizon.
16:28My mother's voice echoed in my mouth.
16:30Mom, do you see me now?
16:31I didn't become the submissive female they wanted.
16:33I became a sword.
16:35I became the Luna.
16:36Marquis Roman stepped forward, dropping to one knee before the throne.
16:40Your majesty, I struck down the black prince in public, a grave insult to the blood of an alpha.
16:44I am here to accept my punishment.
16:47I fixed my gaze on him.
16:48Roman, the black wolf knights, do you still want them?
16:52He lowered his head even further.
16:54The black wolf knights will always be your blade, my Luna.
16:57I am merely the rust on that blade, unworthy of ever wielding it.
17:01I nodded, then beckoned a guard forward.
17:03The moon matriarch and Killian, report.
17:06Confined to the north tower as you commanded.
17:08Guard said.
17:09They will never set foot outside it again.
17:11Good.
17:12I want them to watch this palace change hands.
17:15I turned to the court.
17:17Send the news to the entire city.
17:19In three days, we will hold a festival for the moon goddess, celebrating the rise of our new king.
17:25I wanted everyone to witness our victory.
17:28Silas dismissed the court.
17:30Soon the great hall was empty, leaving just the two of us.
17:34He nuzzled the back of my neck, his warm breath ghosting across my skin.
17:37Tired.
17:38He murmured, his voice low and rough.
17:40You will stand with me, and together we rule these lands.
17:43He lowered his head, his fangs grazing my neck, leaving his mark.
17:47As you command, my Luna.
17:48I reached up, my fingertips tracing the rugged line of his jaw.
17:52Silas, from this day forward you will never hide in the shadows again.
17:57No one will ever dare look down on you.
17:59At the festival for the moon goddess, it was time for our binding ceremony.
18:03The high priest held a silver chapless between us.
18:06By blood, a vow.
18:08By the moon, a witness.
18:10Drink from this chapless, and be bound for all eternity, mate to mate.
18:14Silas sliced his palm, letting his blood fall into the silver.
18:18I took the blade and did the same.
18:20Our lifeblood swirled together.
18:23He drank half, then pressed the chapless to my lips.
18:26I tilted my head back and drained the rest.
18:28In one swift move, Silas swept me into his arms and kissed me.
18:34Lyra, I love you.
18:36Pack of wolves cheered.
18:37I smiled in his arms.
18:39Later, in the quiet of our chambers, he laid me down on the furs of our bed.
18:43His nose traced a path from my forehead, down my nose, to my lips.
18:48His voice was a low growl.
18:50Stay with me forever, Lyra.
19:05Afterward, he wrapped himself around me, holding me tight.
19:08I laid there with my eyes open, tracing idle patterns on the back of his hand.
19:13And in that moment, I believed in forever love.
19:15After becoming Luna, my coat began to regain its sheen.
19:19The handy-maders couldn't stop gushing about how my beauty was returning.
19:23As I asked Simus about it, he just rested his chin on my shoulder.
19:27You've always been beautiful.
19:29Turned my head to kiss the corner of his throat.
19:32Who taught you to say things like that?
19:34My Silas doesn't usually use such sweet words.
19:36I teased, raising an eyebrow.
19:38He captured my lips in a deep kiss.
19:41You did.
19:42You taught me everything.
19:44Later that afternoon, we were in the gardens.
19:47I was resting against the trunk of a willow tree.
19:50Silas sat beside me, a goofy smile on his face as he twisted a lock of my hair.
19:56He leaned down, his lips brushing softly against my eyelid.
19:59My eyes fluttered open, a smile playing on my lips.
20:03Stealing kisses now?
20:04Not stealing.
20:05This is me being very obvious about it.
20:09He pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my neck.
20:12His warm breath tickled my skin.
20:14That tickles.
20:15You're very beautiful.
20:17I don't want anyone else to see you.
20:19What are you gonna do?
20:21Nothing.
20:21I'm the Wolf King.
20:22I'll just make them shut their eyes.
20:24My little Silas has gotten so bossy.
20:27His arms tightened around me, his body a shield.
20:30I'll always be yours.
20:32At the feast, a young duke from the Borderlands couldn't keep his eyes off me.
20:36His name was Darion.
20:37A new title.
20:38A lot of arrogance.
20:39He swaggered over, wine glass in hand, and presented a moonstone brooch for the whole court
20:44to see.
20:44My Luna, a moonstone from my own quarries.
20:48Its light is the only thing I've seen that can ravel your eyes.
20:52The great hall went quiet.
20:55Every single gaze was locked on us.
20:57I didn't take the brooch.
20:58I just smiled.
21:00The stone is lovely, but I don't wear other people's things.
21:03The smile on his face cracked for just a second, before he retreated into the crowd.
21:08I turned my head to look at Silas beside me.
21:12The knuckles of the hand gripping his goblet were bone white.
21:16Later that night, in the darkness of our chambers, Silas prized me to the wall.
21:22His canines grazed my ear, his voice a low, ragged groal.
21:27He stared at you all night.
21:29A smirk played on my lips.
21:33Jealous?
21:36You're mine.
21:37No one else gets to look.
21:41He carried me to the bed, his touch more demanding than ever before.
21:47I clung to his shoulders, laughing softly into his ear.
21:52You were never this rough before.
21:55Before I was your warrior.
21:58Now, I am your king.
22:03He bit down on my neck, staking his claim.
22:07My laughter seemed to provoke him further.
22:10He drove into me harder, trying to silence his jealousy.
22:16After, he collapsed into my arms, his nose brushing against my collarbone.
22:23You won't look at him, will you?
22:26Never.
22:30I said, stroking his dark hair, and kissing, and kiss brow.
22:40The next morning, I found Simus on the training fields.
22:44Simus had summoned every noble male who'd offered me a gift at the feast.
22:49The seven or eight of them were lined up.
22:51Dorian right at the front, his face a dark mask.
22:54So, you all had gifts for my luna?
22:59Come at me, all at once.
23:01He shrugged off his tunic, bare to the waist.
23:04Dorian was the first to be sent flowing.
23:06The second was kicked off his feet, before he could even draw his blade.
23:10A third, then a fourth, one after another.
23:13They were slammed into the dirt.
23:15The crowd of nobles watching from the sidelines began to whisper.
23:19King is too harsh.
23:20This is a warning.
23:21Silas threw his final opponent to the ground, his crimson eyes as cold as northern ice.
23:27Anyone else want to offer a gift?
23:29Total silence.
23:31The crowd parted for me, as I walked onto the grounds.
23:35His back was turned, shoulders still heaving from the fight.
23:38A cold, raw fury still clung to him.
23:41I heard you were bullying them.
23:42I called out.
23:44He turned.
23:45The ice in his crimson eyes vanished.
23:48His lips curved into a smile that only I had ever seen.
23:53Not bullying.
23:54Just a lesson about not coveting what isn't yours.
23:58He walked over and, as if no one else was around, took my hand.
24:02In his crimson eyes, there wasn't a trace of cold left.
24:06At night, white mist ghosted off the hot water of the bathing pool.
24:11I leaned against the stone edge.
24:12Eyes closed.
24:13Until soft footsteps broke the silence.
24:16Come here.
24:16Apply the bomb.
24:17I heard the clay jar shift.
24:19A finger scooped some out, then paused.
24:21Before a rough, calloused touch met my back.
24:24It wasn't a maid's hand.
24:25The fingers traced down my spine, impossibly gentle.
24:27As if I might shatter.
24:28I opened my eyes and turned my head.
24:30Silas knelt by the pool.
24:32Sleeves rolled to his elbows.
24:33His head was bowed, the tips of his ears glowing red.
24:36Those crimson eyes stayed locked on his own fingers, refusing to look anywhere else.
24:41What are you doing here?
24:42The handmaid was waiting.
24:43I sent her away.
24:45His fingers froze at the curve of my waist.
24:47A single drop of water slid down my spine.
24:50His eyes tracked its path, and I saw his throat work as he swallowed hard.
24:54I twisted around, lashed onto his wrist, and dragged him into the water.
24:58Water exploded over the stone tiles.
25:00He broke the surface.
25:01Gasping, dark hair plastered to his forehead.
25:03In the steam, his crimson eyes had a wet, luminous glow.
25:06His gaze found mine.
25:07My legs were already wrapped around his waist.
25:09The soaked fabric of his tuchnik was a useless barrier between our bodies.
25:13He lowered his head, his lips brushing against my shoulder.
25:16They were hotter than the water.
25:17A searing heat.
25:19He traced a path up my collarbone, his canines gently grazing the tip of my ear.
25:23My fingers tangled in the wet hair at the nape of his neck.
25:27A breathless laugh escaped me.
25:28You haven't finished with the bomb.
25:32That can wait.
25:33He pressed me back against the cool stone wall, sending ripples pulsing through the water.
25:37The clay jar tipped, forgotten.
25:39Its contents bled slowly into the pool.
25:42We let it sink.
25:43The afternoon sun warmed the stones of the garden.
25:46I was drinking a cup of tea with the noble ladies.
25:48A sharp pain seized my chest.
25:51On the back of my neck, my mating mark began to burn.
25:53Something was wrong with Silas.
25:55I dropped my cup and walked out.
25:57Silas was working when the door to his office swung open.
26:00A woman stood in the doorway.
26:02A perfect copy of me.
26:03Her silver-gray hair fell over her shoulders.
26:05And she smiled, silhouetted against the light.
26:08Silas didn't even look up.
26:09You're back.
26:10She hummed in agreement, her steps silent, as she moved toward him.
26:14Her fingertips trailed along the edge of his desk, circling around behind his chair.
26:19His hand shed out, locking onto her wrist.
26:23Who are you?
26:24She said,
26:25What are you talking about, my king?
26:26It's me, Lyra.
26:28No, you're not.
26:29His fingers tightened, the bond mark searing his chest.
26:33The woman before him was my mirror image.
26:35Every line and curve perfect.
26:37But the bond never lied.
26:38Moonlight streamed through the high window.
26:40I threw the door open.
26:41A wave of roar power slammed from my palm, blasting her across the room.
26:45She collapsed in a heap.
26:46The illusion shattered, her silver-gray fur fading to a dull white.
26:48The jagged scar on her nose twisted her face into a snar.
26:51It was Fiona.
26:52She scrambled backward.
26:53How did you know?
26:54The glamoury was perfect!
26:56You can wear her face.
26:59But our bond knows you're not her.
27:01My voice was low and dangerous.
27:06Who helped you get back?
27:11You think I'm going to tell you?
27:13Fiona clutched her ruined face, her amber eyes blazing with hatred between her fingers.
27:17You took everything from me!
27:19Killing my father!
27:21Even this face!
27:22You're everything?
27:23I knelt, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at me.
27:28I gave you a chance.
27:30You were free from this palace.
27:32Why the hell would you come back?
27:33Now tell me, who gave you the glamours?
27:37Just kill me!
27:38If you have the guts, do it!
27:41Kill you?
27:42You're far more useful to me alive.
27:44I flicked my hand toward the door and the guards moved in, hauling her to her feet.
27:49You'll regret this!
27:50She screamed as they dragged her away.
27:52Killing isn't dead!
27:54The Outlanders are coming back!
27:55They'll tear you apart!
27:56Her voice echoed down the hall, then vanished into silence.
28:00Simus was at my side in an instant, his hand finding mine.
28:03His palm was still warm from where he'd clenched his fist.
28:06What she said about Killian.
28:08His voice was low with worry.
28:10I know.
28:11My gaze shifted to the window.
28:13Toward the border, the clouds hung heavy, and an unnatural darkness was swallowing the
28:17edge of the moonlight.
28:18This was far from over.
28:20Dusk settled over our chambers.
28:22Silas stood at the window, his back to me.
28:25He hadn't said a word since they'd dragged Fiona away.
28:28I asked,
28:28What are you thinking?
28:30Kilton's alive.
28:31He's with the Outlanders and he's plotting something.
28:33He turned, and his crimson eyes locked onto mine.
28:36You knew he was alive.
28:37Longer than you have.
28:38They found Killian's body in the North Tower right after his house arrestment began.
28:42I never bought it.
28:43He wouldn't go down that easily.
28:44Why wouldn't you tell me?
28:46Because then you'd do exactly this.
28:48I said, stand by the window and brood.
28:51I reached up and cupped his face.
28:53He immediately leaned into my touch, nuzzling my palm.
28:57Are you afraid?
28:59I asked softly.
29:00I'm afraid for you.
29:02He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
29:05I melted against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
29:09Whatever they're planning, I won't let them win.
29:11I tilted his head down and kissed him.
29:15This wolf kingdom, and you.
29:18No one is taking either from me.
29:21Another female went flying out of the king's study.
29:24Did the king just throw out another noble's female?
29:26What do you think?
29:27That's the third one this week.
29:30Damn.
29:30The first guard said, a hint of awe in his voice.
29:34He really only has eyes for the luna.
29:36Won't let anyone else even breathe in his direction.
29:39Inside.
29:40Silas was rubbing his temples.
29:42He beckoned his second in the command.
29:43Send out a decree.
29:45From this day forward, any man who sends a female to my door.
29:48He paused, a dangerous glint in his eye.
29:50I'll send ten males to his mate.
29:52Ten.
29:53Mark my words.
29:55That night, I was shaking with laughter in our chambers.
29:58I can't believe you said that.
30:01Sending ten men to their mates?
30:03When did you become so funny?
30:05He rumbled, his voice low.
30:07You taught me.
30:08When did I ever teach you that?
30:09You taught me to stop tolerating their games.
30:12I wiped a tear of laughter from my eye and looked up at him.
30:16So all those females they paraded in front of you?
30:18Not a single one caught your eye?
30:20He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head.
30:23It's only you.
30:25I don't want anyone else.
30:27I pulled his face down and kissed him.
30:32You said it.
30:33Don't you dare take it back.
30:35He swore.
30:36His hand slid down, coming to rest on the gentle curve of my stomach.
30:41I am your mate.
30:43Only yours.
30:45A rumor was slithering through the palace halls.
30:47One handymaid said,
30:49Did you hear?
30:50The Luna once made a vow to Prince Killian.
30:53Another handymaid yanked the handymaid's sleeve.
30:54Are you trying to get yourself killed?
30:56The king just made an example of the lost few who spread that poison.
31:00The first handymaid went pale, and they scurried away, without another word.
31:05In our chambers, Silas buried his head in my lack.
31:07His arms wrapped tight around my waist.
31:09His voice came out muffled.
31:11If it weren't for what I was, for the Moon Moth's decree, would you have waited for him?
31:15I ran a hand gently down his back.
31:18Killian has always been shallow.
31:19I hadn't been to war, yet.
31:21I was young, beautiful.
31:23I paused.
31:25But he swore an oath to you under the full moon.
31:27To get the support of House Selvan, I said, my voice flat.
31:31A cold smile touched my lips.
31:32And the moment he laid eyes on my prettier sister, Fiona, he tossed me aside.
31:36Silas was quiet for a long moment.
31:38He was a fool to lose you.
31:39I chuckled softly.
31:41Of course he was.
31:42That's why the one beside me now.
31:44I lifted his face from my lap, locking my gaze with his rims and wolf eyes.
31:47His you.
31:48My birthday was a month away, and Simus was already in a frenzy.
31:53He'd summoned a legion of tailors, turning the West Wing into a mountain of silk and velvet.
31:59I slipped into another gown and turned.
32:01What about this one?
32:02Beautiful.
32:03I changed again.
32:04And this one?
32:06Stunning.
32:07I laughed.
32:08You think everything looks good.
32:10Because you are beautiful.
32:12You look stunning in anything.
32:14You're just flattering me.
32:16I'm telling the truth.
32:18His eyes scanned the racks of gowns behind me, then snagged on one with a plunging neckline.
32:22Not that one.
32:23A frown cruised his brow as he pointed.
32:26Why not?
32:27I arched in highbrow.
32:29It shows too much.
32:30He rose from his chair and came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
32:34His face harried into the kirk of my neck, his voice a low rumber against my skin.
32:38I can't stand the thought of other males seeing you.
32:41So radiant.
32:42The door creaked open.
32:44It was his adjuant.
32:45Your Majesty, the elders request an audience.
32:50Silas pressed a kiss to my cheek.
32:53I have to go.
32:54Wait for me.
32:55I turned just enough to kiss the corner of his mouth.
32:59Go.
33:01He released me and followed the adjucri out, the door clicking shut behind them.
33:30Let's go.
33:36我们娘俩哪怕多用了一根树枝
33:37都要被奶奶毒打一顿再骂上三天三夜
33:39我想帮忙被娘撵到一边去
33:41河边冷 奶奶去那边玩
33:43那边能晒着太阳 暖和点
33:44我们娘俩穿得薄 大冬天只有中午头晒晒太阳
33:47才能暖和点 衣裳洗完了 回到家里
33:49奶奶和祖老们已经等着急了
33:51他们着急 却没去河边找
33:53奶奶是要等我娘把今天的衣裳洗完
33:54洗这么慢 又不知道上哪儿浪荡去了
33:57真是个贱皮子 永安不在
33:59心就不知道也到哪儿去了
34:01她一如既往鼠咯 丢了个包袱过来
34:03官爷送了消息来 永安被你克死了
34:05自打取了你 玩就没遇上好事
34:07现在永安没了 你也赶紧嫁出去
34:10别留在我们老赵家祸害人
34:12那包裹很小 是我娘的两件破衣服
34:13奶奶这么迫不及待 似乎也没为我爹的死伤心什么
34:16不知道的还以为死的是村里的老狗
34:18我娘没说什么 只是紧紧拉着我的手
34:20娘 能让我把奶奶带走吗
34:22娘也没多少伤心 只担心我
34:24我奶奶横眉立目
34:25看看那猎户愿不愿意给银子
34:27这么大的丫头 要是卖给人牙子
34:29也能换十两银子
34:30我娘拉着我的手更紧了
34:31我们都知道 等娘一走 奶奶就会把我卖掉
34:34绝不会多养一天
34:35我娘背着包裹 紧紧牵着我的手
34:37被奶奶和左老门撵到了张猎户家
34:39她正在家里挪刀 霍霍身不断
34:41断了的一条腿不能弯曲 只能支在一边
34:43看起来姿势十分怪异
34:46她脸上一个伤疤从左眼角下方一直横到右嘴角上方
34:47仿佛把脸分成了两半 更显得凶狠
34:49我往娘身后躲了躲 在奶奶家
34:51跟在这里 区别似乎也没多大
34:53你们强行把这女人卖给我
34:54二十两银子已经太过分 别的就别多想了
34:57她看起来似乎并不乐意娶我娘
34:58更别说加上我这个脱油瓶了
35:00我家永安当年也算是救过你
35:02现在她没了 把这件货交给你
35:04你也该敢恩戴德
35:05这件蹄子现在就向着你
35:07要把这死丫头带给你当女儿
35:09你也是有福气 一下子有妻有女
35:11我也不多要 你再给个十两银就行
35:14很多人家一年也才赚二三两银子
35:16十两银子能买一亩粮田 是很多银子
35:18我根本不值这么多银子
35:19张烈户又看她一眼 没说什么
35:21村民都说她沉默寡言 但一睁眼 能吓死人
35:24我乃推了娘亲一把 推得她单薄的身子差点摔倒
35:26我娘拉着我往前两步 直接跪下了
35:29张 大哥 我奶奶吃得少 能干活 能不能请你给个活路
35:32张烈户这才看过来 仲没看我 眼神莫名
35:35自我记事起 就看见娘每天都被家里人欺负
35:37我保护不了娘 但我觉得 张烈户可以
35:39哪怕因为父亲尸骨未寒就认别人当爹 而背上不孝之名
35:43我也要赌一把 我不想再看到娘的眼泪了
35:45我跪在地上 用尽所有力气 大声地喊了声
35:48爹 张烈户愣住 刀疤看起来更猙獰了
35:51你爹才刚死 这就着急叫别人爹跟你见过娘一样
35:54够了 张烈户站起来 进屋 丢了十两银子出来
35:57这丫头以后是我家的孩子了
35:59我抬头看向张烈户 娘没注意到她的话 但我听到了
36:02奶奶拿了银子就要走 但张烈户拦住了她 要求写下契约
36:05奶奶不肯 不愿意写什么契约 但张烈户一把将银子抢回来
36:08不签 银子还来
36:10最终 还是在祖老跟村长的见证下写了契约
36:12我和娘都成了张烈户家的人
36:14最终 还是在祖老跟村长的见证下写了契约
36:17我和娘都成了张烈户家的人
36:19娘丢下包袱 就开始干活
36:20她希望自己勤快点 多干活
36:29一个卧室 但只有一个卧房有床 另一个卧房是空的
36:32娘带我去看了看柴房 这里柴火收拾得很干净 屋里也干净
36:35娘把柴火弄了弄 掌木板子给我搭了个床
36:37奶奶 别怕
36:38这里就是我晚上睡觉的窝了 我把稻草往床上扑
36:41娘 我不怕
36:42反正在赵家也一直是这样的 这些年我也都过来了 娘抱了抱我
36:45可能 等娘给他生个儿子就好了
36:47我却隐约觉得 也许爹对娘不好 也不是因为他没生儿子
36:51娘 爹为什么让你改嫁张家
36:53以前爹看娘看了严实 不许他出村子 不许他抬头看人 奶奶也总骂娘 让他少在外面勾搭人 怎么会突然间要他改嫁 还这么迫不及待 娘的苦笑闷在胸腔里 声音也极小
37:03因为只有张猎户才拿得出这么多银子 也
37:05也后边的字他没说出来 但我知道爹是让娘来送死的 原来爹在走之前就想过把娘卖掉换钱 他回不来 却也不让娘亲好过 把娘卖了换银子 还要绝了娘的生路
37:15我猜得到这些 不是因为我心眼子够多 实在是他们做得太明显 村里人都这么说 便是听不到都不行 村里人都这么说 便是听不到都不行
37:23没一会儿 张猎户回来了 他没搭理我们娘俩 只是拿着很多木板子进了屋里 叮叮当当的好一通敲打 他打个用力 一下下的就好像打在我们娘俩心上
37:31娘站在屋外 好几次想去问问家里粮食在哪 他好去做饭 但又不敢
37:35过了一会儿 张猎户就出来了 见我们娘俩都在 不禁皱眉
37:38有事 他声音凶恶 我吓得想往后缩 可这里只有我跟娘 我往后缩 娘就只有一个人了 我挺住了 拉着娘亲的手跟她站在一块
37:46张猎户看到了我的举动 眉毛动了动 娘犹豫着问 我 我想问该做晚饭了 你把晚饭的粮食拿出来 我好去做饭 你 你累了一天也该吃饭了
37:54张猎户又是皱眉 很疑惑的上下打量我们 随即指了指造房 我娘看了看
37:58张猎户眉头皱得更深 过去一脚踹开了门 回头看我们 我总觉得 他是在用眼神问我们是不是傻 没有锁哪来的钥匙 可在赵家不是这样的 赵家的造房上锁 就连家里的粮食油盐鸡蛋都锁在柜子里 家里的饭都是娘来做 但用多少米面用多少油盐和柴火都是奶奶说了算 他会把做这顿饭需要的米面油盐都拿出来 放在灶台上盯着我娘做饭 哪怕掉了一粒米 他都要骂半天 他说我娘是件蹄子 说我们娘俩饿死鬼头胎 每天只知道吃 一点活不会干的 他怕我们偷吃
38:26我
38:26我娘带着我进了造房 看到米面油盐都摆在那里 有些犹豫 看了看张猎户 他又出门去了 娘有点不敢动 他怕做不好 张猎户回来会打人 像奶奶那样 也怕被怀疑偷吃 最终 娘还是做了饭 最终 娘还是做了饭 饭摆在桌上 我跟他站在院子里 都没敢动 张猎户又扛着两个大筐子回来 进了没人住的西屋 见到桌上的饭菜
38:46又看看我跟娘 眉头皱得更深了 他洗了手 坐下 见我们还站着 就粗着嗓子叫我们都做 他成了一勺半的饭 做少了 明
38:53他吃饭很快 呼呼啦啦的吃完 却只吃了不到一半 吃完就坐在那里 一边磨柴刀 一边看着我们吃 娘犹豫着给我盛饭 我们俩一边吃一边看他 我很快发现了问题 我吃得快 他就不看 我吃得慢 想放下筷子 他就会皱眉 这是 让我吃 我跟娘战战兢兢把剩下的吃完 等得挨骂挨揍 但是张猎户没骂人 也没打人
39:11只是把柴刀收起来 叫我娘烧热水 洗洗睡吧 忙活一天了 娘赶紧烧了热水 等张猎户洗完 想了想 给自己也洗了洗脸和手脚
39:19毕竟是第一天 洗干净 他就没那么嫌弃了 他一边洗一边念叨 神色灰暗不明 也很紧张 我就着他用剩下的热水洗了洗 感觉手脚都暖和起来 原来用热水洗脸洗脚是这么舒服 难怪二叔和奶奶一到了冬天就总使还我多少热水呢 洗过澡 我进了柴房 娘叮嘱我 我这耳朵 不管听见什么都别出来 装没听见 知道吗 我狠狠点头 我知道的 以前爹狠狠欺负娘
39:40我哭着来哀求 让他放过娘 他就狠狠踹了我一脚 踹得我疼了大半年 这一次我不会再叫
39:45我们娘俩都得小心的活着 活着才有希望 虽然我也不知道这希望在哪 只是很快 柴房门就被踹开了 张烈户拿着灯 站在门口 盯着在稻草中躺着的我 我吓得往后缩 冷汗直流 有一次爹大半年喝醉了从外面回来 也是进柴房来 他说都怪我是个赔钱货 害得他没儿子被人笑 怪我害得他输钱 最后是我娘拿了柴刀要跟他拼命救了我 张烈户力气更大 是不是三脚就能踹死我 可是他没喝酒也没有发怒 只是过来像拎小鸡仔一样拎着我进了西屋
40:12我娘正小心的站
40:13在屋里 本来空荡荡的屋里多了一个很宽大的木板床 床上堆着几床虽然有些就却干净的棉被 张烈户把我放下 转身就走 回了他的东屋 门一关 没一会儿就传来他打呼噜的声音 我跟娘面面相去 这一晚 我们睡得很忐忑 却也很暖和 我缩在自己的被窝里 小声说 娘 好暖和 我在冬天从来没这么暖和过 而且晚上吃了饭 肚子里也暖暖的 我觉得现在好像才是活着
40:35娘摸摸我的头 楠楠 你今天叫他爹了 明天也这么叫 以后都这么叫 我点点头
40:40嗯 张烈户比我爹对我好多了 之后 娘做的饭慢慢多起来 他不敢一次就做太多 是一点点增加的 过了好几天 他才终于摸清楚了张烈户的脾气跟饭量 他吃的多 有我跟娘两个人的饭量加起来那么大 但他从不会不许我们吃 我们吃的少了 他反而会皱眉 他会上山打猎 打到了猎物 大的就去卖掉 偶尔会留小鸡小兔子 让娘炖了吃 他只吃一半 剩下的一半留给我和娘
41:01我长这么大 只吃过三次肉 这是第四次 肉真好吃啊 怪不得奶奶和二叔那么喜欢 娘看我吃的高兴 多给我留了
41:08我只顾着吃 也没注意到 当晚吃多了 大半夜肚子疼 我只顾着吃 也没注意到 当晚吃多了 大半夜肚子疼 我在床上疼得打滚 娘给我揉肚子也不管用 跑出去挖了锅底会给我冲水喝 但我喝了一口就全吐出来 肚子疼得像是要死了 张烈户冲进屋里 见我这样 直接用棉被裹着我 扛着就跑 我娘跌跌撞撞跟在后面 一句话也不敢说 他扛着我跑到村头
41:28直接踹开了郎中家的门 村里的郎中全家被他吓了一跳 埋怨他 但在看到他的脸之后就不敢说
41:34郎中给我把麦 又问这几天都吃了什么 吃多了 即使 朝地平时吃的差 一下子吃这么多肉 消化不好 没事 开个要吐出来 回去用热水