- 15 hours ago
Rejected by Beastmen, Claimed by the Mer Prince HD
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Five years later, I returned with a dynamic force that shattered their world.
00:04Three against one? Have you no shame? Back off!
00:07He is my only mate and the father of my child.
00:10Look closely, my pathetic exes.
00:12You lost your chance the moment you chose another over me.
00:15I am Sierra, the Lycan King's only daughter, and I have three mates.
00:19Every female in the kingdom envied me because they spoiled me rotten.
00:23Whether I wanted snow lotuses, lava berries, or cliffhoney, they always brought them back for me.
00:28I still snapped at them over nothing because I knew they loved me, until Lyra came to our kingdom.
00:33She was a lone omega with a pup.
00:36Compared with my spoiled temper, Lyra was gentle and bright.
00:39Soon, many beastmen were drawn to her, and my first mate, Lucian, started comparing me to her.
00:45He began to find me too spoiled.
00:47One day, he said he was tired of putting up with me.
00:49He wanted to leave.
00:51When Lucian said that, my other two mates stood up for me.
00:54This is your choice, Lucian.
00:56Don't come crawling back to Sierra later.
00:57At first, I was only sad.
00:59With Red and Zane still beside me, I thought I would be fine.
01:02But not long after, Red left too.
01:05I looked at Zane, my tiger mate.
01:06He was the only one still beside me.
01:08Zane, do you think I have a bad temper too?
01:11Stop overthinking.
01:12They don't know what they're missing.
01:14I believed him.
01:15But one evening, I saw him outside Lyra's door.
01:19His tail moved slowly, begging Lyra to touch him.
01:23I turned and ran.
01:26Dad, cancel the selection.
01:28I'll marry into the Murr clan.
01:29Have you lost your mind?
01:31That's the Murr clan.
01:32Every female in this kingdom prays she won't be chosen.
01:35And you want to volunteer?
01:37My eyes burned.
01:38I twisted my dress in both fists and said nothing.
01:41The Murr clan had no females.
01:43Every year, their prince came to the land kingdoms to choose a mate.
01:46But Murr males were different from land males.
01:49They were possessive and never shared a mate.
01:52And no female wanted to live on a cold island at the edge of the world.
01:56Did your mates do something again?
01:58Don't.
01:59Dad, please don't.
02:01Please stop fighting for me.
02:03My father, Aldric, was the Lycan king.
02:05He ruled every land clan on Earth.
02:08But even he couldn't make the males I loved back.
02:11When Lucien and Red left, I had cried to my father.
02:14After that, Lyra was moved farther and farther from the palace.
02:18But neither of them came back.
02:19I still remembered the way they looked at me.
02:21Sierra, learn to control yourself.
02:24Lyra did nothing wrong.
02:25She nearly lost her home because of you.
02:29Without your father, what do you even have?
02:33I can't believe I ever loved someone like you.
02:35That night, I held on to Zayn and cried until I passed out.
02:40Now, even Zayn did not want me.
02:42The hall fell silent.
02:43Dad let out a long breath.
02:45You are my only daughter, Sierra.
02:47I can't stand the thought of sending you so far away.
02:49But I can't stand watching you suffer either.
02:52The selection is in three days.
02:54Think it over and come back to me.
02:56I walked out of the king's hall.
02:58Zayn was waiting outside.
03:00Recognize that flower.
03:02Earlier that day, Lyra had given it to him.
03:04He had looked so happy holding it.
03:06When Zayn saw me, he hid the flower.
03:09Sienna?
03:12Sienna, where are you going?
03:13I did not answer.
03:15A few steps later, I noticed he was not following me.
03:18I turned back.
03:19Zayn was still standing there.
03:20His hands were curved around it.
03:23Something tightened in my chest.
03:24Zayn!
03:25Why aren't you following me?
03:28Zayn!
03:29The clanmates nearby turned to stare.
03:31But Zayn barely looked up.
03:33The setting sun stretched his shadow between us.
03:36I stamped my foot and stepped back toward him.
03:40Sierra, after today, I won't be walking you home anymore.
03:43He turned away and walked toward Lyra's door.
03:46My chamber was empty.
03:47The fire Zayn had lit that morning was still burning.
03:50I reached out to add another log.
03:52A spark jumped onto the back of my hand.
03:54I bit my lip, waiting for someone to come and care for me.
03:58But no one would notice anymore.
03:59My nails dug into my palms.
04:02I turned and rushed out of the chamber.
04:04I ran without looking at the road.
04:06I fell again and again.
04:08At last, I reached Zayn's house.
04:10I knocked on the door.
04:11But Zayn was not the one who opened it.
04:14Lucian stood behind the door.
04:15His eyes paused on my wounds.
04:18What are you doing here?
04:19Lucian was my first bonded mate.
04:21The Fox Clan's heir who had grown up beside me.
04:24When he was still beside me, he always scolded me.
04:27He scolded me for running too fast and getting hurt.
04:30But every time, he cleaned up the mess I left behind.
04:33That night, when he thought I was asleep, he came to my bed.
04:36His thumb brushed the tears from my face.
04:39His kisses fell clumsily and hotly against my skin.
04:42I always pretended not to feel them.
04:45Now I did not look at him.
04:46I looked past him into the house.
04:48I was searching for Zayn.
04:50Lucian's hand tightened on the doorframe.
04:52Zayn, looks like you didn't clean up well enough.
04:55She followed you here.
04:57What's Lila gonna think?
04:59It was the coldest day of winter.
05:01I stood outside in thin clothes, pale and shaking.
05:04Zayn finally stepped out, his clothes messy and his hair loose.
05:08A fresh bite mark stood out on his neck.
05:11Zayn looked at me.
05:12Annoyance flashed across his face.
05:15The cold hit me all at once and I stepped back.
05:17Then a blanket fell over my shoulders.
05:19I looked up.
05:20Zayn stepped closer.
05:22He looked at me gently.
05:23For one second, I almost thought I had imagined everything.
05:27Sierra, what happened to you?
05:29Zayn, I won't ask for coral from the deepest sea anymore.
05:32I won't beg for snow lottes from the highest glacier.
05:35I won't keep you up when you're tired.
05:36Just don't leave me alone.
05:38Please.
05:40You're the only one I want.
05:41I spoke too fast.
05:42I did not notice Lucian go still beside me.
05:45His jaw tightened.
05:46Zayn listened.
05:47But his eyes stayed on my bloodied knees.
05:49I reached for his hand.
05:51You promised you would stay.
05:53Zayn, you can't take that back.
05:57It's cold out here.
05:59Come inside first.
06:00Zayn's house was warm.
06:01I sat in a wooden chair covered with soft pelts.
06:04Everything around me had been carefully arranged.
06:07Then I thought of my own chamber, cold and empty now.
06:10After Lucian and Red left, Zayn still came to see me.
06:14But he was always distracted.
06:15I wanted to ask why, but I was afraid of the answer.
06:18So when he came, I only leaned quietly against him.
06:22Then I heard voices from the back room.
06:24Going soft on her?
06:25I'm warning you.
06:27If you regret this, don't think about coming back.
06:30No.
06:31I just don't want her running to the king again.
06:32I don't want her causing more trouble for Lyra.
06:34Don't worry.
06:35She's easy to handle.
06:36My mind went blank.
06:39The footsteps moved away.
06:41A moment later, Zayn crouched in front of me.
06:44He kept his eyes lowered.
06:46Sierra, I'm Lyra's mate now.
06:49You're the king's daughter.
06:51Every good male in this kingdom would line up for you.
06:54Didn't you always say you would throw us out and find someone better?
06:57Those were words I had said in anger.
06:59How could he not know that?
07:01He never used to believe those words.
07:03So why choose to believe them now?
07:04I looked at him through blurred eyes.
07:06I shook my head again and again.
07:09I didn't mean it.
07:10Zayn looked at the tears in my eyes.
07:12Slowly reached out and wiped them away.
07:14Then he patted my head once.
07:16After that, he stood up without a word.
07:18He went to get water and medicine.
07:20Suddenly, something crashed into my back.
07:23I turned around and saw Lyra's pup behind me.
07:26Bad woman!
07:27You hurt my mama!
07:29Get out!
07:30He swung the kettle again.
07:32I raised my arm to block it.
07:33Hot water splashed back.
07:35A few drops landed on his bare leg.
07:37The pup froze for one second.
07:39Then he burst into tears.
07:42At the same moment, the front door flew open.
07:45A hand closed around my throat.
07:47Red's green eyes locked onto mine.
07:49Hurting Lyra wasn't enough?
07:51Now you're hurting her pup too?
07:53Sierra, you really never run out of tricks.
07:57Red was leaving in the most ugly way.
08:00Because I cried to King Aldrich, Lyra had almost been driven out of the kingdom.
08:04So Red volunteered for the most dangerous border patrol.
08:08He used his own life to exchange for Lyra and her pup's right to stay.
08:12The day he left, he looked at me with eyes colder than-
08:15I was the stupid one.
08:17The greatest regret of my life is ever putting you above everything else.
08:20I did not understand.
08:21They were the ones who had betrayed me first.
08:23How could he say those words to me?
08:25Now Red's hand was around my throat.
08:29I grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him away.
08:32Tears blurred my vision before I could stop him.
08:35Red startled and let go.
08:37I dropped hard to the floor.
08:39I bent forward and coughed until my chest hurt.
08:42Zane reached me first.
08:43He was about to pull me into his arms.
08:45Then Lyra's door opened.
08:47She had woken up from the noise.
08:48Zane let go of me by instinct.
08:50I rolled farther across the ground.
08:52Pain spread through my body until I could barely feel anything.
08:56Lucian had followed Zane out.
08:58He saw everything.
08:59He moved half a step forward.
09:00Then he stopped.
09:01Red looked at Zane and raised an eyebrow.
09:04Didn't you say you would stay by Sierra's side forever?
09:08What are you doing here?
09:13So you couldn't take it anymore either?
09:16Funny how all three of us always end up wanting the same-
09:19I was curled on the ground.
09:21He gave a short, contemptuous laugh.
09:24Zane's eyes darkened.
09:25I looked up at Zane.
09:26I did not speak.
09:27But I was still asking him for an answer.
09:30Zane looked away.
09:31I stayed on the ground, unable to move.
09:34Your arm-
09:35Lyra's voice broke the silence.
09:37Everyone looked at me.
09:38My forearm was red and swollen.
09:41The clusters had already risen in clusters.
09:43All three of them expected me to cry.
09:45They expected me to make a scene.
09:47But I got up by myself.
09:48I did not make a sound.
09:49Then I looked at Lyra.
09:51She was soft and warm.
09:53Everyone wanted to protect her.
09:54I had heard she could grow rare crops from barren soil in deep winter.
09:58Everyone in the kingdom liked her.
10:00Except me.
10:01Maybe I had gone too still.
10:02Lyra patted her pup gently.
10:04Boy, when we do something wrong, we say sorry.
10:08Can you say sorry to Sierra?
10:10The pup buried his face in Lyra's neck.
10:13He refused to apologize.
10:15He's still small.
10:16Let me apologize for him.
10:18I have good burn medicine.
10:20Let me get it for you.
10:21No!
10:22I want him to apologize.
10:24He's just a pup.
10:28Asking him right now might be-
10:29Apologize.
10:32Sierra!
10:32Red stepped in front of Lyra and the pup.
10:34What are you doing?
10:35Are you really picking a fight with a child?
10:37Lyra already apologized.
10:39Do you need to make him cry before you're satisfied?
10:41Tien said nothing.
10:42But the hard look on his face said enough.
10:44Even Zane shook his head once.
10:46Three males who had once belonged to me now stood together against me.
10:51All for another female's pup.
10:53Lyra touched Red's sleeve lightly.
10:55Then she leaned down and spoke softly to her son.
10:58The pup finally turned his head.
11:00Sorry.
11:01His voice was low.
11:02Every word sounded forced.
11:04Even then, all three males still looked angry.
11:07He said it, Sierra.
11:08Burns need medicine quickly.
11:10Let me treat it for you.
11:11She turned to get the medicine.
11:12But I felt cold all over.
11:14Don't bother.
11:15I did not wait for anyone to answer.
11:17I pulled the door shut behind me.
11:19Then I stumbled back into the window.
11:21Made up your mind.
11:22I nodded quietly.
11:23After that night, I locked myself in my chamber for two full days.
11:27Dad leaned back in his chair.
11:28It's a long way to the southern shore.
11:30We leave tomorrow.
11:32Pack whatever you want to bring.
11:34Then I shook my head.
11:36There's nothing, Dad.
11:37I don't want to take anything.
11:39The night before the selection, no unmated female in the kingdom could sleep.
11:44Everyone was afraid of being chosen by the Murr clan.
11:46Soon, word spread that I had gone to see the king.
11:49Someone came to my door.
11:51Red was the first to push inside.
11:53Sienna, what did you go to the king about this time?
11:55Zane came in right behind him.
11:57His eyes swept across the room.
11:59Then he stopped when he saw the things scattered on the floor.
12:03Lushen came last.
12:04He stood at the back and watched me in silence.
12:07In the past, if they accused me like this, I would have jumped up at once.
12:11I would have waited for my father to come and prove I was right.
12:14But now, I only feel tired.
12:16I picked up a fur vest and folded it slowly.
12:20Lushen had hunted that fur for me a long time ago.
12:23I used to love it.
12:23Say something!
12:25Besides hiding behind the king, what else can you do?
12:29If you use some dirty trick to send Lyra to the Murr clan, I swear I-
12:33You'll what?
12:34Kill me?
12:35The whole room froze.
12:37Zane stepped forward.
12:38His voice turned care-
12:39Sierra, stop this.
12:41Just tell us what you said to the king.
12:43I looked at him slowly.
12:44If I explained, would they listen?
12:46Would any of them stay?
12:47The answer was no.
12:50Yes, I asked my father to send Lyra away.
12:56I'm jealous of her!
12:58I hate that she took you from me.
13:00So I went to my father.
13:01As long as she stays in this kingdom, I'll make every day miserable for everyone.
13:06Sierra, you wouldn't dare.
13:08I would.
13:09My father has always loved me most.
13:12Every time I cried to him, he gave me whatever I wanted.
13:17The king won't act on your word alone.
13:19Smile.
13:21You'll find out tomorrow morning.
13:23All three of them left with tense jaws and dark faces.
13:26I watched their backs until they disappeared.
13:29Then I picked up my back.
13:30Dad was already waiting beside the carriage.
13:32King Aldric stands beside a carriage in the early morning light.
13:35His eyes were red.
13:36He draped a thick fur coat over my shoulders.
13:39Then he pressed a heavy pouch into my hand.
13:41There is medicine inside, and food, and everything else you may need.
13:46The coast is damp.
13:47Take care of yourself.
13:48Climbed into the carriage.
13:50Then I looked back at the kingdom one last time.
13:52When I turned around again, my eyes were clear.
13:55I will.
13:56Did I say something too harsh back there?
13:58Red stopped before they had gone far.
14:00Stop looking at me like that.
14:02Something felt wrong about her.
14:04The way she looked.
14:06Said nothing, but his jaw stayed tight.
14:08He kept thinking about my chamber.
14:10It had been cold the moment he stepped inside.
14:12My belongings were scattered everywhere, and there had been no light left in my eyes.
14:17Regret hit him before he could stop it.
14:19For a moment, none of them spoke.
14:21Did we go too far?
14:24This is all your fault!
14:26You kept saying Sierra needed to learn to stand on her own.
14:30You kept saying she needed to learn what she had.
14:33And somehow I ended up playing the worst part.
14:40What if she never forgives me?
14:42The selection is tomorrow.
14:44Every young female has to be there.
14:46What if Sierra gets selected?
14:47I have to go back to her now.
14:50The king would never let his owner be taken.
14:53I don't care anymore.
14:56That ends tomorrow.
14:58I'm done performing.
15:00The three of them looked at each other.
15:01Without another word, they agreed.
15:03Whatever they had wanted from this plan, it was over.
15:07Red, you've been away for a while.
15:09Tonight is your turn to sit with Lila for the new test.
15:12Red's expression stiffened.
15:13He gave a reluctant grunt.
15:15Truth was simple.
15:16None of them had actually left me for Lyra.
15:18They had gone to Lyra and asked her to play along.
15:21They wanted me to feel what it was like to lose them.
15:24Lyra's price was also simple.
15:26They had to take turns as test subjects for her medicines.
15:29For years, she had been developing a cure for fever.
15:32On this continent, a fever could kill a pup before morning.
15:35Lyra needed steady test subjects, so she agreed to their deal.
15:39But when the three males explained their plan, Lyra had gone quiet.
15:45You want Sierra to grow stronger.
15:48You want her to value what she has.
15:49I understand that.
15:51But from where she stands, this may feel like everyone she trusts has pushed her off the
15:55same cliff.
15:57I can play my part, but are you sure you have thought this through?
16:00Back then, none of them truly listened.
16:03Now the result had already answered for them.
16:05On the morning of the selection, the sky was still dark.
16:09Red saw someone crouching outside Sierra's door.
16:11When he walked closer, he realized it was Zane.
16:14Zane sat on the floor, with his arms wrapped around his knees.
16:17A thin layer of frost covered his hair and shoulders.
16:20He only looked up when he heard footsteps.
16:23You've been here all night?
16:24Zane said nothing.
16:25He only tilted his chin toward the side of the door.
16:28Red looked over and saw a pile of firewood stacked neatly there.
16:32Shing came up behind them and frowned when he saw it.
16:36You couldn't sleep, so you came here to chop wood in the middle of the night?
16:40I couldn't sleep.
16:43So now you're playing the good guy?
16:45You came here behind our backs.
16:47I didn't go in.
16:49I only brought the wood.
16:50He had only remembered how cold Sierra looked yesterday.
16:54Regret spread through him like something bitter.
16:56If he had stayed long enough to fill her hearth, maybe she would not have looked like that.
17:02Enough!
17:04Right now, we find Sierra and tell her the truth.
17:07The three of them stood in front of the door, but none of them moved.
17:10None of them knew who should knock first.
17:12None of them knew how to face her.
17:15Red shoved past them with a scalp.
17:16Fine. I'll do it.
17:20Sienna? Are you awake?
17:21No one answered.
17:22He knocked again. Still nothing.
17:24A cold feeling crept over all three of them.
17:26They looked at each other.
17:28Then they pushed the door open.
17:29The room was empty.
17:30Everything was still scattered from the night before.
17:33The fur cloak lay alone on the floor.
17:35It was the cloak Lucien had made for her, himself.
17:38Now it was covered in dust.
17:39The hearth had gone cold, and the water basin beside it was still full.
17:44Everything she owned was still here,
17:45but Sierra was gone.
17:47Zayn's eyes landed on the fruit bowl.
17:49It was filled with the rare berries Red had once traveled two days to bring her.
17:54The berries had gone rotten.
17:55Then Zayn looked closer.
17:57His face changed.
17:58He crossed the room in three steps and tipped the bowl over.
18:02Every berry had small bite marks.
18:05It looked like she could barely force herself to eat them.
18:07Lucien's hand clamped down on Zayn's shoulder.
18:10The room was freezing.
18:11The food was untouched.
18:13And you still left her here alone?
18:15Zayn's lips trembled.
18:16He could not say a word.
18:17He had thought Sierra would go to her father.
18:20She was the king's daughter, and King Aldric would never let her suffer.
18:24He had never imagined she would sit alone in the cold and eat rotten fruit.
18:30If I had known, I should have stayed with her.
18:33Lucien shoved Zayn hard.
18:35Zayn fell to the floor and did not even try to catch himself.
18:38Lucien looked at the cold bed, the twisted blanket, and the cloak she had left on the floor.
18:43His whole body swayed.
18:45Red stood completely still.
18:46He stared at the rotten berries on the floor.
18:49For once, he said nothing.
18:50His eyes went hollow.
18:52Then a horn sounded outside.
18:54Selection was starting.
18:55The hall was already full.
18:57All the unmated females stood together, tense and quiet.
19:00Their families stayed close around them.
19:02Lucien, Red, and Zayn pushed through the crowd, searching for Sierra.
19:06They circled the hall once and found nothing.
19:09Cold sweat broke across Zayn's forehead.
19:11He grabbed a female he recognized.
19:13Have you seen Sierra?
19:15No.
19:16Isn't she with you three?
19:18Why are you even here?
19:19Question hit Zayn like a slap.
19:21He slowly let go of her arm.
19:22Another female tugged at her sleeve and-
19:25Did you forget?
19:26Sierra doesn't have maids anymore.
19:29Those three already-
19:30She made a small gesture.
19:31The first female understood.
19:33Then she looked at Zayn with an awkward smile.
19:36Lucien pushed through the crowd and reached King Aldric.
19:39Your Majesty, where is Sierra?
19:41Have you seen her?
19:42King Aldric turned and looked at the three of them.
19:44Sierra is not here.
19:46Then where did she go?
19:47King Aldric did not answer him.
19:49He turned to face the crowded hall.
19:50The people of this kingdom, I called you here to make an announcement.
19:56Regarding the selection to the Murr Clan, the selection is cancelled.
20:02Noise spread through the hall at once.
20:04Some females covered their mouths in shock.
20:07Who volunteered?
20:09Is she out of her mind?
20:10That's the Murr Clan.
20:11Lucien, Red, and Zayn stood frozen in place.
20:14They already knew the answer, but none of them wanted to believe it.
20:18Impossible.
20:19Who is it?
20:20King Aldric looked at them.
20:22There was no anger in his eyes, only disappointment.
20:25My daughter, Sierra.
20:28Lucien turned and ran before the words had fully settled.
20:31Red and Zayn followed him.
20:34The winter wind cut across their faces.
20:36Zayn shifted while running.
20:38His tiger form burst forward at full speed.
20:40Then he suddenly shifted back to human.
20:43He dropped to his knees on the frozen road.
20:45Tears fell onto the frozen dirt.
20:47Lucien stopped beside him.
20:49He stared at the road ahead.
20:50The road was long and empty.
20:52The carriage had already disappeared beyond the tree.
20:55It's too late.
20:56She left last night.
20:58We can't catch her.
21:00Why?
21:01We only wanted her to stop taking everything for granted.
21:04Red's voice broke halfway through.
21:06They had wanted Sierra to understand what loss felt like.
21:10They thought pain would make her grow up.
21:12But they had forgotten who made her so spoiled in the first place.
21:16For years, they had given her anything she wanted.
21:18They had let her believe the whole world would always revolve around her.
21:23Then one day, they tore that world away.
21:25They called her too difficult.
21:27They made her believe no one wanted her anymore.
21:30Now Sierra was gone.
21:31And it was too late to take anything back.
21:34Thirst.
21:34I held the water skin toward the little one beside me.
21:37His tail had turned pink from being out of the water too long.
21:40You two insisted on coming with me.
21:42Do you know how many times we've had to stop?
21:45The little merman blew a sulky bubble.
21:47Then he shuffled over and wrapped both arms around my leg.
21:50Mommy.
21:51Don't want to leave mommy.
21:53Tail hurts.
21:55I ran my hand through his hair.
21:57Three years had passed since I left the kingdom.
22:00I had become a mother.
22:01The sharp edges I used to have softened.
22:03Caspian wrapped his arms around me from behind.
22:06The scent of sea salt and open water surrounded me.
22:09He pressed close, his voice carrying a hint of grievance.
22:13I didn't forget.
22:15You still have three males waiting for you up north.
22:17I had never hidden my past from him.
22:20The mer clan's possessiveness was exactly like the stories said.
22:24What I had not expected was that Caspian would refuse to let me go alone.
22:28He insisted on bringing Cove with us.
22:30I turned to face him.
22:31Dry inland air had made the skin on the side of his face rough.
22:36A few pale blue scales caught the light there.
22:38I touched his cheek.
22:39This is your fault.
22:41If you two hadn't followed me, I would have reached the kingdom days ago.
22:46My fault entirely.
22:49But Sierra, if you had asked me to wait on the island, I would have lost my mind.
22:52My face warmed before I could stop it.
22:54Beside us, Cove grabbed a fistful of Caspian's deep blue hair.
22:58He tugged it with cheerful curiosity.
23:00The carriage rocked.
23:01We were almost at the northern kingdom.
23:03Caspian and Cove could not stay far from water for long.
23:06I found a clear stream near the kingdom walls.
23:08Then I settled the restless pair there before walking to the gates alone.
23:12The young guard at the gate did not recognize me.
23:14He looked over my mer clan clothes with suspicion.
23:16He clearly wanted to ask who I was.
23:18Then an older guard leaned out from behind him.
23:21The moment he saw my face, his eyes went wide.
23:23Princess Sierra?
23:26You're back!
23:27His shout turned several nearby heads.
23:28It really is her!
23:29She came back!
23:30Didn't she go to the mer clan?
23:32She looks different somehow.
23:33I greeted them and walked toward the king's hall.
23:35By the time I arrived, King Aldric had already heard the news.
23:38He came through the doors just as I reached them.
23:41Sierra?
23:43Is that my Sierra?
23:45My own eyes stung.
23:46I walked straight into his arms.
23:47His shoulders were not as broad as I remembered.
23:49He held me for a long time before letting go.
23:52Then he took my face in both hands and looked at me carefully.
23:55Did they treat you well?
23:56The mer clan?
23:58I have a mate.
23:59His name is Caspian.
24:00He is a mer warrior and a prince of his clan.
24:02We have a child together.
24:04A sweet little merman.
24:05A pup?
24:06Where is he?
24:06Bring them to me.
24:07They're outside the gates.
24:08I didn't bring them in yet.
24:09Caspian needs to stay near water or he gets uncomfortable.
24:13Father, have you been alright on your own?
24:15I'm fine.
24:17But those three fools have not been.
24:19After you left, they walked around like something had been taken out of them.
24:22Lucian and Red kept taking missions far from the palace.
24:24As for Zane, I think he has barely been holding himself together.
24:28Hearing their names again, I felt almost nothing.
24:31Only mild surprise.
24:32Had they not gotten what they wanted?
24:33Had they not chosen Lyra?
24:35Why would they end up like this?
24:36I did not ask.
24:37Then a voice came from outside the hall.
24:40Your Majesty!
24:42Someone said Sierra is back.
24:44Is it true?
24:45It was Red.
24:46They were still in the kingdom.
24:47And the news had reached them fast.
24:48King Aldrich's expression darkened.
24:51My hand tightened around my sleeve.
24:53Father, let me handle this.
24:56Door slammed open.
24:57Red came in first.
24:58He was leaner than he had been three years ago.
25:01New scars cut across his face.
25:02The moment he saw me, he froze.
25:04Zane and Lucian came in behind him.
25:06Zane had changed the most.
25:07Dark circles sat deep beneath his eyes.
25:10Lucian came in last.
25:11There were white strands at his temple that had not been there before.
25:14The room went silent.
25:15Zane was the first to speak.
25:17Sierra?
25:19Is it really you?
25:20I did not answer.
25:21I only looked at them.
25:22Three years on the Mare Islands had changed me.
25:24Caspian's fierce love had changed me.
25:26So had Carrying Cove, giving birth to him, and watching him grow.
25:29The female standing before them now was still Sierra.
25:32But she was no longer the Sierra who had left.
25:34I let out a quiet breath.
25:35Then I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
25:38Without meaning to, I exposed the side of my neck.
25:40Caspian had left that bite mark on me the morning I left.
25:42I realized what they were staring at it.
25:44I quickly raised my hand to cover it, but it was already too late.
25:47Their breathing had changed.
25:49It's been a long time.
25:51I came back to see my father.
25:52I'll be heading home soon.
25:54Home?
25:54You're leaving again?
25:55You're going back to that place?
25:56Sierra, we were wrong back to-
25:57We-
25:58I live with the Merklin now.
25:59That is my home.
26:01Why wouldn't I go back?
26:04Father, there is a stream near the east wing of the palace, right?
26:07Once Caspian and Cove have had enough time in the water, I'll bring them in.
26:11I'll stay for a while and keep you company.
26:13You want to stay in your old chambers?
26:15Those chambers held too many memories of the three of them.
26:17Now I was bringing another male there.
26:19I glanced at them.
26:20Their faces looked worn.
26:21Three years had left marks around their eyes.
26:23For a moment, a question stirred inside me.
26:26Then I let it go.
26:26Whatever the answer was, it had nothing to do with me now.
26:29I checked the light outside.
26:30It was getting late.
26:31If I did not return soon, Cove would panic.
26:33I said goodbye to my father.
26:35Then I walked straight through the space between the three males.
26:37I did not know how long they followed me.
26:39When I was almost at the kingdom gate, I turned around sharply.
26:43How much longer are you planning to follow me?
26:45If Caspian saw them trailing after me like this, I would never hear the end of it.
26:50Red stepped forward.
26:51Sierra, just give us a chance to explain.
26:53Explain?
26:54Fine, explain why you're like this.
26:56Weren't you happy with Lyra?
26:57What happened?
26:59We were never with Lyra.
27:01None of it was what you thought.
27:03You left me for her.
27:05You said she was better than me in every way.
27:07What happened?
27:09Did you get tired of her?
27:12Or was she not as perfect as you thought?
27:14That's not it.
27:15We thought you were spoiled.
27:17We wanted you to feel what loss was like.
27:19We wanted you to learn to appreciate what you had.
27:21So we asked Lyra to play along.
27:24We only pretended to be her mates.
27:26In return, we took turns testing her medicines.
27:29Truth was so ridiculous that I could not speak for a moment.
27:32It had not been a change of heart.
27:34It had only been a performance.
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