- 12 hours ago
99 Broken Promises
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00:00:00I was two months pregnant and suffering from severe anemia.
00:00:03Excessive blood loss would cause a miscarriage, yet my husband forced me onto an operating table and drew 800 cubic
00:00:08centimeters of my blood.
00:00:09His beloved childhood sweetheart had been injured, and I was the only person with a matching blood type to hers.
00:00:15Let me go! What are you doing? I'm anemic and pregnant! I can't give blood!
00:00:23Oliver, I'm your wife! I'm pregnant! The doctor said I'm severely anemic!
00:00:27If you take my blood...
00:00:29Christina, stop causing a scene. Elena is dying. Don't be so selfish.
00:00:34What about our baby? Last night you kissed my stomach. You said you couldn't wait. Now you want to kill
00:00:40it yourself?
00:00:41Just a blood draw. The baby will be fine. Do it.
00:00:45No!
00:00:47Blood flowed down the tube, drop by drop, pulled straight out of me. As the blood left me, my vision
00:00:51blurred.
00:00:52Oliver, you're going to regret this.
00:00:54A sharp pain tore through my stomach. I could feel it. My baby was slipping away.
00:00:58Blood pooled beneath me, spreading in dark red waves.
00:01:01Oliver didn't even look. All he saw was Elena. He was holding her hand.
00:01:05As everything went black, I woke up in an empty room.
00:01:08Only for a doctor to confirm the nightmare, my baby was gone.
00:01:11I lay alone in that hospital bed for three long days.
00:01:13Meanwhile, Oliver never left Elena's side.
00:01:15I watched a billionaire play nurse for someone else.
00:01:18No screaming. No crying.
00:01:20I simply dialed my lawyer.
00:01:21Draft my divorce papers.
00:01:25I stared at the divorce papers, turning the ring in my hand.
00:01:28Ring number 95.
00:01:29Five years ago, Oliver was the untouchable billionaire heir.
00:01:32I was the broke scholarship girl.
00:01:34I thought his 99 proposals were a sick game.
00:01:36I was just some bet.
00:01:37A girl he'd win, then dump.
00:01:39His first proposal?
00:01:40He lit up the whole Manhattan sky.
00:01:41A thousand drones spelling Christina marry me over Central Park.
00:01:44Proposal 2?
00:01:45A real Van Gogh delivered to my dorm.
00:01:47The frame was covered in pink diamonds.
00:01:49Three, four, I kept pushing the rings away, but he broke down my walls.
00:01:53Then came the 99th time.
00:01:54Christina, 99 times I chose you.
00:01:57Every time I break your heart throw one away.
00:01:59I won't stop you, just say yes.
00:02:02I thought I was the exception.
00:02:04And for years, I was.
00:02:06He gave me everything.
00:02:07I never threw a single ring away.
00:02:09I'd stare at that wall-sized safe at night.
00:02:11Rows of massive, flawless diamonds.
00:02:13Then Elena showed up.
00:02:14Everything changed.
00:02:15In just a few months, I threw away ring after ring.
00:02:18Today, it's ring number 95.
00:02:20I dropped the diamond straight into the hospital trash can.
00:02:22Christina, what the hell are you doing?
00:02:26It was Oliver, holding Elena up.
00:02:28His boys all around him.
00:02:29Just me, gripping my bag, looking like a ghost.
00:02:35Why are you still here?
00:02:36What did you just toss?
00:02:37Looked familiar.
00:02:38He reached for the trash.
00:02:39But Elena gasped and huggled to the floor.
00:02:42He rushed straight to her.
00:02:43Forgot about me on the spot.
00:02:44I swallowed the news of the miscarriage.
00:02:46I just turned and walked away.
00:02:47But Oliver grabbed my arm.
00:02:49You're coming with us.
00:02:51At the car, Elena slid right into the passenger seat.
00:02:54Christina, I get so carsick after surgery.
00:02:57You don't mind if I take the front, right?
00:02:58Too exhausted to fight.
00:03:00I reached for the back door.
00:03:01But Lucas and one of his friends shoved past me.
00:03:03Sorry, Christina.
00:03:04Elena's fragile.
00:03:06We're crashing at your place to keep an eye on her.
00:03:08I stared at Oliver behind the wheel.
00:03:10Jaw clenched.
00:03:11Not saying a word to stop them.
00:03:12I let out a laugh.
00:03:13Why did I expect anything different?
00:03:15Oliver's crew always hated me.
00:03:17To them, Oliver and Elena were endgame.
00:03:19Same world.
00:03:20Same money.
00:03:21And me?
00:03:21I was just the broke interloper.
00:03:23Whenever they crashed at our place, they treated me like the maid.
00:03:26Cleaning up their messes.
00:03:27And Oliver watched in utter silence.
00:03:29Even today, I was carrying his baby.
00:03:31And he still forced me to give blood for her.
00:03:33It wasn't the first time they treated me like trash.
00:03:35But it was the first time I felt nothing.
00:03:37I'll find my own way home.
00:03:38But first, sign it.
00:03:42Oliver didn't even read the cover.
00:03:43He just scribbled his name without looking.
00:03:46What is it this time?
00:03:47A house?
00:03:48A new car?
00:03:49We'll talk later.
00:03:50Stop making a scene.
00:03:51Elena isn't feeling well.
00:03:52Rolled up the window.
00:03:53And sped off.
00:03:54I looked at his signature.
00:03:55A faint smile crossed my face.
00:03:57Ring number 96 was next.
00:03:59Clink.
00:04:00The ring dropped straight into the storm drain.
00:04:02Rush hour.
00:04:03Not a single cabin sight.
00:04:04I called the estate.
00:04:06Could you send a car to pick me up?
00:04:07Ma'am, Mr. Oliver took the whole fleet.
00:04:09He went to pick up imported flowers for Elena.
00:04:11Got it.
00:04:1290 degrees out.
00:04:13I had just left the hospital after the procedure.
00:04:16And I walked an hour in the blazing sun just to get home.
00:04:18The second I walked in, the complaints hit me.
00:04:21Christina, what took you so long?
00:04:23I'm starving.
00:04:24Go whip up something good.
00:04:25The AC was off in the dead of summer.
00:04:27All because poor little Elena might get cold.
00:04:29Don't just stand there.
00:04:30Go fix us something to eat.
00:04:32Christina, go make dinner.
00:04:33Oh, and make that lobster bisque for Elena.
00:04:35She needs her strength.
00:04:36A knife twisted in my chest.
00:04:37I couldn't breathe.
00:04:38I walked into the kitchen.
00:04:40I pulled out ring number 97.
00:04:42And tossed it into the trash.
00:04:46I carried the steaming pot of soup to the dining room.
00:04:48I was drenched in sweat.
00:04:49Elena stood up.
00:04:50She reached out to take the bowl.
00:04:52The second I let go, her fingers snapped back.
00:04:54Shattered porcelain and boiling soup erupted across the floor.
00:04:57Watch out!
00:04:57He shielded Elena completely.
00:04:59But the scalding liquid seared my calves.
00:05:01It burned my skin red.
00:05:02Christina, I know you hate me.
00:05:04But you didn't have to throw it.
00:05:06What the hell, Christina?
00:05:07You've had it out for her for months.
00:05:09She's just our friend.
00:05:09What is wrong with you?
00:05:10Apologize.
00:05:11She dropped it.
00:05:12On purpose.
00:05:13You crossed a line today.
00:05:14She just got out of the hospital.
00:05:15You terrified her.
00:05:1690 degrees out.
00:05:17And I was freezing.
00:05:18The searing pain on my leg was nothing.
00:05:19The pain in my chest was killing me.
00:05:22Fine.
00:05:22I'm sorry.
00:05:24The food is ready.
00:05:26I apologized.
00:05:27Can I go treat my burn now?
00:05:29I turned my back on the shattered porcelain and retreated to my room.
00:05:32Outside, it was pure chaos.
00:05:34I could hear Elena crying.
00:05:36Please don't fight over me.
00:05:37I'm just making things worse.
00:05:39I'll get out of your way.
00:05:42I retrieved the velvet box from my safe.
00:05:44Inside was another ring.
00:05:46Ring 98.
00:05:47Just as my fingers closed around it, the bedroom door clicked open.
00:05:52Oliver didn't run after her.
00:05:53He came in.
00:05:54His eyes landed on the diamond ring in my hand.
00:05:57He froze for a split second.
00:05:58Then, his face went blank.
00:06:00He probably figured I had plenty left.
00:06:03Christina, why can't you just let it go?
00:06:05Elena is fragile right now.
00:06:07She needs you to cut her some slack.
00:06:09Besides, we're having a baby.
00:06:11Once work slows down, I'll give you a real wedding.
00:06:13So don't start again.
00:06:14So you did remember I'm pregnant.
00:06:20I reached into my bag.
00:06:22My fingers hit the report.
00:06:23The one about the miscarriage.
00:06:24Right then, his phone blared.
00:06:27What's wrong?
00:06:27Oliver, get out here.
00:06:29Elena just got hit by a car.
00:06:42Seven years after his death, my husband came back to life at Flamekeep's Spring Feast.
00:06:46Adrian, you black-hearted dog.
00:06:48To feign your death upon the field, poor liar must have wept herself blind.
00:06:51So what?
00:06:52She was utterly devoted to me.
00:06:54The only reason I married her was the gold her father brought me.
00:06:57Otherwise, what makes a merchant's daughter like her think she's worthy of climbing into my bed.
00:07:01If it weren't for her, how could Leora have committed suicide after marrying my brother?
00:07:05She should feel ashamed and beg for our forgiveness.
00:07:08If not, I will not go back.
00:07:09He'd been living easy all these years.
00:07:11He had no notion that his desertion had long since been laid bare, nor that White Flamekeep had passed to
00:07:16another hand.
00:07:16The day he faked his death, but on that same day, the Iron Cavalry of Sarn smashed the gates of
00:07:21White Flamekeep.
00:07:22In a single night, he was branded a traitor and a deserter.
00:07:26The city was put to the sword.
00:07:28Nearly all were butchered, including my parents.
00:07:30There was not even enough left of them for a proper burial.
00:07:33Had Lord Roderick Harwin not descended from the sky on Dragonback, I would not be standing there now.
00:07:39And Torrin, the old Lord of White Flamekeep, the father Edren kept talking about.
00:07:43On the day Lord Harwin pulled him from the ruins, he confessed his son's treason and threw himself into the
00:07:48flames.
00:07:50As for me, I survived.
00:07:52But I had remarried a long time ago.
00:07:54Darren was still jeering, playing to the crowd.
00:07:57By the gods, that's cold.
00:07:59Your lyre was a beauty.
00:08:01Were you not afraid she would run off with another?
00:08:05Run off?
00:08:06She was eight months pregnant.
00:08:07What man of honor would have her?
00:08:09And she was crazy about me.
00:08:10She was likely clutching my ear to her breast every night, praying for my return.
00:08:15She would never have left.
00:08:17Given how hard Lyre was obsessed with you, she spent all these years hiding like a rat and will die
00:08:21alone still whispering your name.
00:08:24Honestly, she brought it on herself.
00:08:26Shameless, the way she begged for the marriage.
00:08:28No wonder she found herself a widow so young.
00:08:30I wager she's wasting away in her grief.
00:08:32If she saw you now, she'd probably lose her mind.
00:08:35He didn't object to a single word.
00:08:37I only slept with her once, and she got pregnant.
00:08:40What does that make her, huh?
00:08:42Sounds like a whore to me.
00:08:43Several men exchanged lewd grins.
00:08:45I locked my eyes on Edrin's face, and a coal fire began to burn in my veins.
00:08:49Seven years ago, he abandoned us all.
00:08:52Old Torrin was forced to drag his alien body into a suit of rusted armor and ride out to meet
00:08:56the war.
00:08:56Mira and I were left behind in the war camp, huddled together, counting the last of our meager supplies.
00:09:02And there was nothing we could do.
00:09:07Torrin's forces were broken, again and again.
00:09:10From the rear, we heard the news from the front.
00:09:13Each report worse than the last.
00:09:15I heard my parents had been slain.
00:09:17I heard my family's law, gathered over generations, had been looted.
00:09:21On the distant ridgelines, the warning beacons were lit.
00:09:24One after another.
00:09:25Until he came.
00:09:27Down from the clouds, through the smoke and ash, on the back of the dragon.
00:09:31Lord Roderick followed.
00:09:33The dragon lord, after the scyterian dragons, the keeper of the Iron Flame Throne, ruler of the Scarlet Sun Kingdom,
00:09:38lord of Flame Keep and the dragon's pine sea.
00:09:40He buried the truth of Edrin's treason.
00:09:43In return, I was wed to him.
00:09:45The keeper of the Iron Flame Throne held too much power for anyone to question him.
00:09:48The official story was that Torrin and Mira Castwood had died of a sudden sickness.
00:09:52It was a lie that preserved what little honor their name had left.
00:09:55Then someone in the crowd spotted me.
00:09:58His face lit up.
00:09:59He slapped Edrin on the arm and pointed straight in my direction.
00:10:04Laya?
00:10:05What are you doing here?
00:10:06Damn, Aedlin.
00:10:07You're barely back from the grave and she's already tracked you down.
00:10:09Someone's desperate.
00:10:10Have you no shame?
00:10:11This feast is Lady Harwood's.
00:10:13Were you even summoned?
00:10:14Do not disgrace me before the guards drag you out.
00:10:16The dragon lord is insanely protective of his wife.
00:10:19Lady Harwood doesn't like seeing people, so he keeps her completely hidden away.
00:10:22No one's ever seen her face.
00:10:23This is the first feast she's ever hosted.
00:10:25We all came tonight hoping for a glimpse of her.
00:10:27So, Laya, I know you missed Edrin, but try not to ruin the feast for the rest of us.
00:10:32You just crawled out of your grave, Sir Caitlid.
00:10:35Worry about yourself.
00:10:36White Flame Coal is not as you remember it.
00:10:39Back then, Torrin sent him to the war hoping he'd earn some glory.
00:10:43I remember my belly was so swollen it was hard to walk, but I stood with him at the gates,
00:10:47terrified, begging him to stay safe.
00:10:49The only news we received was that he'd faked his death and fled the battlefield.
00:10:53I was eight months pregnant, hauling arrows and tending to the wounded in the rear camp.
00:10:58But the enemy broke and the adrenaline was faster than anyone feared.
00:11:01Boys, a fat-bellied one.
00:11:03Any of you had the taste?
00:11:04One of them kicked me hard.
00:11:06I hit the ground, blood poured down my legs.
00:11:09You don't have to make up such pathetic lies to lure me back.
00:11:13If loneliness has made you so desperate, beg me sweetly enough and I may grant you one night in my
00:11:17bed.
00:11:18He saw the flicker of pain in my eyes and thought he'd hit the mark.
00:11:21He looked proud of himself.
00:11:24Why, Laya?
00:11:25Is that you?
00:11:27You poor thing.
00:11:29Having to look after White Flame Ward all these years.
00:11:32Aedlin, that is cruel.
00:11:34You have spent so long tending to us that poor Laya has been left to grieve alone.
00:11:38It was Leora Fane.
00:11:39She hid behind the lie that died of heartbreak and gone away with Edrin.
00:11:43To live as man and wife in some other place.
00:11:45And Edrin, who knew the whole thing was a lie, I remember.
00:11:49He once forced me to stand outside in the freezing cold all night as penance for Leora.
00:11:52My nails dug into my palms as I stared at the two of them.
00:11:55After Leora's tragedy, a healer managed to save her.
00:11:58Turns out she was already pregnant.
00:12:00She's been recovering in seclusion all these years.
00:12:01It hasn't been easy for her.
00:12:02A widow with a child.
00:12:03I couldn't just abandon them, so I've decided to marry her.
00:12:05Make her my wife.
00:12:06Her son will inherit the title of White Flame Keep.
00:12:07The least I can do to honor my brother's memory.
00:12:10You will return and make the keep ready.
00:12:11And if I hear so much as a whisper against her, you will answer for it.
00:12:14I had never heard such shamelessness uttered aloud.
00:12:17That boy was obviously his.
00:12:19His and Leora's.
00:12:20Whom you wed is no concern of mine, Sir Castward.
00:12:24I was wed again long ago.
00:12:26Remarried?
00:12:27You think I give a damn?
00:12:28I didn't come back for a woman like you.
00:12:29I heard the dragon egg at White Flame Keep hatched.
00:12:32The ice dragon egg my family has guarded for generations.
00:12:34I, Adian of House Castward, shall mount the ice dragon and rule as king.
00:12:37And that dragon is my bloodlite.
00:12:38Don't you come crying back to me when it happens.
00:12:40Of course.
00:12:41No wonder you came back now, Adrian.
00:12:43You're about to become a dragon lord.
00:12:45Even Lord Harwin will have to bow to you then, won't he?
00:12:47Already picturing himself on the back of a great ice dragon.
00:12:50And all I could think was, he has no idea that dragon hatched seven years ago.
00:12:54It hatched on the night White Flame Keep was slaughtered.
00:12:57It hatched while the sarn riders were swimming over me.
00:12:59After my blood soaked into the dirt, my blood fell upon the ancient shell, already split
00:13:04with cracks.
00:13:04Then it broke.
00:13:05A little dragon, blew as winter ice.
00:13:08And you, the nerve you have, saying things like that.
00:13:12If I remember correctly, you were eight months pregnant.
00:13:15What man of rank would take a woman swollen with another man's bastard, or'd you have to
00:13:18go crawling to some lowborn merchant?
00:13:20Right.
00:13:21You are common trash, after all.
00:13:23The men are everything I have to do.
00:13:25Mother, when is father coming back?
00:13:26These people are so loud.
00:13:29You want me back that badly?
00:13:30You even brought the child with you?
00:13:34This child?
00:13:35She should be seven by now, should she not?
00:13:38Why is she so slight?
00:13:40Laia, even if you're angry with Adrien, you can't take it out on the child.
00:13:44That's just cruel.
00:13:46Just then, her son came charging back.
00:13:49He saw the unique dragon scale pendant around Alia's neck.
00:13:51Give me that.
00:13:54Mom said you and everything this woman has belongs to me.
00:13:58Give it back.
00:14:01It's my birthday present.
00:14:03It's not yours.
00:14:05It all happened so fast.
00:14:06I didn't have time to think.
00:14:08I just shoved the boy back and scooped Alia into my arms.
00:14:11The boy fell on his back and let out a piercing, theatrical shriek.
00:14:17You dare lay a hand on a child?
00:14:20Leora was right.
00:14:22You're a bitch who belongs in the slums or a brothel.
00:14:26I've known Adrien since we were children.
00:14:29When other kids would corner me and bully me, he was the one who fought for me.
00:14:33He'd get his face bruised and bloodied, but he would always stand stubbornly in front of me.
00:14:37Back then, I thought he would protect me forever, and that I would love and cherish him forever.
00:14:42But now, in front of this whole crowd, for another woman, he had just humiliated me without a second thought
00:14:47for my dignity.
00:14:48He reeled from the slap, his rage about to explode.
00:14:52But when he saw my red-rimmed eyes, he faltered for a second.
00:14:55For the briefest instant, he looked almost ashamed.
00:14:58Leora seized the moment.
00:15:00She clutched her son to her chest and let out a choked sob.
00:15:03It seems Leia doesn't want us to come back.
00:15:05I always knew Mira preferred her.
00:15:08But now that I'm a widow, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised I'm not welcome.
00:15:12Maybe we should just leave.
00:15:14I left you in charge.
00:15:16To see to my parents and the running of the keep.
00:15:18How dare you waste the keep's money on useless things like this!
00:15:22His eyes fell on the dragon scale pendant around Alia's neck.
00:15:25Wait!
00:15:26Where did you get that dragon scale?
00:15:28That's a scale from my family's ice dragon.
00:15:31That scale is mine by blood.
00:15:33Mine!
00:15:33You have the nerve to scavenge it and wear it?
00:15:36That belongs to me!
00:15:37You've been squatting in White Flame Keep all these years.
00:15:40You probably never even got to touch the egg, did you?
00:15:43Now the dragon has hatched and that scale is mine!
00:15:48You're a commoner's daughter.
00:15:49By what right do you touch it?
00:15:51I couldn't even be bothered to answer him.
00:15:53I turned to a handmaiden who had just rushed over.
00:15:56Get the healer.
00:15:59Being ignored sent Edrin over the edge.
00:16:02He grabbed my arm.
00:16:03It's a little scratch.
00:16:05And you're gonna bother Lord Harwin's people over that?
00:16:10Liar, what the hell is wrong with you?
00:16:12I've seven years alone surely made you so bitter.
00:16:14Are you just lonely, is that it?
00:16:16Blaming me because you've had no one?
00:16:18Ask pardon as you ought.
00:16:20I may yet come to your bed.
00:16:22I have told you I am remarried.
00:16:25You need to start worrying about yourself.
00:16:30Fine, be stubborn.
00:16:32I'll be waiting for the day you come begging me to take you back!
00:16:35After the healer had cleaned and dressed Alia's cheek, a deep wave of exhaustion washed over me.
00:16:39I used to wonder, for a long time, if Edrin had a reason.
00:16:43Some secret hardship that made him abandon his wife, his unborn child, and his home for seven years.
00:16:48I remember the night before Meera walked into the throne room and took her own life.
00:16:52I never should have gone to your father's house with Torrid.
00:16:55I never should have promised you, on that monster's behalf, that he would be good to you.
00:17:01We did this.
00:17:03She ruined you!
00:17:05Meera had always been so full of life, a woman who refused to grow old.
00:17:09From the day I married Edrin, she treated me like her own daughter.
00:17:12But in one single night, the weight of it all had broken her.
00:17:15Liar.
00:17:17White Flame Keep has failed you.
00:17:19If that animal ever comes back, I give you my blessing to kill him yourself.
00:17:24Now you go find a good man.
00:17:26And don't you dare grieve for us.
00:17:29In the seven years since I married Roderick Harwin, I've rarely left the castle.
00:17:32This was the day the stranger took Meera.
00:17:34I hosted this feast to tell the spirit of the old woman who loved me like a daughter that I
00:17:38was okay.
00:17:39That I had finally moved on.
00:17:42I took a breath, composed myself, and walked back to the great hall.
00:17:46Edrin and Leora were sitting together, acting for all the world like a happy couple.
00:17:50I walked right past their table without even glance.
00:17:55But as I passed, the boot caught my hand.
00:18:00I remember her.
00:18:01That's Adrian Casper's wife.
00:18:03The one who's been lonely for seven years.
00:18:06Is she doing this to get his attention?
00:18:07How shameless.
00:18:09Is she crazy?
00:18:09Making a scene at a feast by Lady Harwin?
00:18:12Liar!
00:18:12How could you?
00:18:15I know you're upset with Adrian, but you can't act like this at Lady Harwin's feast.
00:18:20Are you trying to make Lord Harwin angry with Adrian on purpose?
00:18:23Edrin's expression turned lethal.
00:18:25Liar, so you are here to cause trouble.
00:18:28Seven years, and you still haven't learned a thing?
00:18:34Directive received.
00:18:35Die.
00:18:37They replaced me with an AI.
00:18:39The ones crying now.
00:18:40Mom and Dad brought home an AI daughter.
00:18:43Hello, Nora.
00:18:43The day she arrived, I became the difficult one.
00:18:46Dad thought I was too hard to deal with.
00:18:49Mom thought I'd never measure up to AI Seraphine.
00:18:52Kayla yelled right in my face.
00:18:55All you ever do is fight me for everything!
00:18:57What else are you good for?
00:18:59I wanted to cry, but I couldn't.
00:19:01I rushed over and shoved Seraphine to the floor.
00:19:05Seraphine is your sister!
00:19:07If you had half her obedience, I wouldn't have Migrate every single day because of you!
00:19:11No! I'm sending you to the Harmony Institute.
00:19:14Maybe they can teach you how to be a decent daughter!
00:19:16Just like that, she replaced me.
00:19:19I was sent to the Harmony Institute for reconditioning.
00:19:23Three years later, Dad, Mom, and Caleb came to pick me up.
00:19:27Nora, I didn't move an inch.
00:19:29Mrs. Ashford, you have to say, activate.
00:19:33Otherwise, Unit 1314 won't boot up.
00:19:36Mom looked at the back of my neck.
00:19:38Activate.
00:19:41Unit 1314.
00:19:42She had no idea what the word meant to me.
00:19:45She was just parroting the director.
00:19:49Unit 1314, ABLE.
00:19:51Awaiting directive.
00:19:52We designed a special system for our students, Mrs. Ashford.
00:19:55She requires a verbal trigger to be awakened.
00:19:58Once activated, she will never disobey you again.
00:20:01Caleb shopped forward.
00:20:03He was five years older than me.
00:20:05Making me cry used to be his favorite gang.
00:20:08I used to chase him around the house until Mom screamed at us both.
00:20:12Look!
00:20:13Unit 1314.
00:20:15Bark like a dog.
00:20:17The second I heard the command, I hunched my shoulders, stuck out my tongue, and barked.
00:20:26Looks like Nora finally learned her lesson.
00:20:29It used to take half an hour just to get her to practice piano.
00:20:33Now tell her to bark like a dog, and she does it instantly.
00:20:36On the drive home, Mom tried to make small talk.
00:20:40Nora, how were your three years at the Institute?
00:20:42I said nothing, because she hadn't used the command to answer.
00:20:46Nora?
00:20:47Interrogative statements do not constitute valid commands.
00:20:50If a response is required, please use imperative format.
00:20:55Answer.
00:20:56Life at the Institute was productive and enriching.
00:20:59I completed the three core modules, emotional suppression, absolute compliance, and rational
00:21:05overreel.
00:21:06My final evaluation was optimal.
00:21:08The handler graded me as the most successful conversion case of the year.
00:21:11The backseat was silent.
00:21:13Kellogg muttered.
00:21:14She's just like Serafina.
00:21:17Three years ago, real trees had lined this road.
00:21:20Now, they'd been replaced by glowing air purification columns.
00:21:24A holographic billboard played an Elysian in the streets as an AI girl smiled at the camera.
00:21:31The text below read,
00:21:32The child you've always dreamed of.
00:21:34As we drove past, the girl tilted her head the exact same way Serafine did.
00:21:40The city blurred past the window.
00:21:43The skyscrapers and the sky bridges looked nothing like I remembered.
00:21:48Inside the institute, time was just a series of commands.
00:21:51A day and a month felt the same.
00:21:54I tracked time using Nutali marks I scratched inside the sensory deprivation pot.
00:22:00Eventually, I forgot how to count.
00:22:02It was dark when the car pulled into the parking level.
00:22:05Serafine waited by the front door.
00:22:07Her hands folded neatly in front of her.
00:22:09Her lips were fixed in a calculated smile.
00:22:12She looked the same as she did three years ago.
00:22:15Back then, mom crouched down to speak to her.
00:22:19Serafine, welcome home.
00:22:20I jumped off the couch to see my new sister.
00:22:23My food caught on something.
00:22:25I hit the floor face first.
00:22:27Nobody helped me up.
00:22:29They just said I was clumsy.
00:22:31After that, no one looked at me the same way.
00:22:34Caleb rolled his eyes when I spoke.
00:22:36Mom pulled Serafine behind her when I entered the kitchen.
00:22:40Dad stopped calling me, kiddo.
00:22:42I wasn't as obedient as Serafine.
00:22:44I wasn't as sweet.
00:22:46In the end, they sent me away.
00:22:48Welcome home, Nora.
00:22:50Her voice was just as sweet and incloyent as I remembered.
00:22:54I didn't answer.
00:22:56She hadn't issued the answer directive.
00:22:59Are you still mad at Serafine?
00:23:01Did you learn nothing?
00:23:03Say something!
00:23:05Acknowledged.
00:23:08Serafine's smile never wavered.
00:23:10Mom nodded in approval.
00:23:12At dinner, everyone sat around the table.
00:23:15Serafine sat to Moss right.
00:23:17Caleb sat to Dad's left.
00:23:20I was seated at the far end of the table.
00:23:23Steam rose from the plates.
00:23:25The smell of roast chicken from the food printer hung in the air.
00:23:28But, I felt nothing.
00:23:30At the institute, eating was categorized as
00:23:33energy intake behavior.
00:23:35It had nothing to do with hunger or pleasure.
00:23:39Let's eat?
00:23:39I instantly picked up my fork.
00:23:42Caleb stopped eating.
00:23:44His eyes went wide.
00:23:45No way.
00:23:45Since when do you eat Brussels sprouts?
00:23:47You used to gag just looking at them.
00:23:48I didn't answer.
00:23:49I just dabbed another Brussels sprout with my fork.
00:23:53The handler told us that
00:23:54personal preferences are emotional residue,
00:23:57proof of an incomplete conversion.
00:23:59During my third month,
00:24:00I refused to eat Brussels sprouts.
00:24:02They locked me inside the sensory deprivation pot
00:24:05for two full days.
00:24:07The pot had no white,
00:24:09no sound,
00:24:10and no physical cessation.
00:24:11There was nothing but total darkness.
00:24:14When they finally let me out,
00:24:16I ate the Brussels sprouts.
00:24:17Then came the liver,
00:24:19the mushrooms,
00:24:20and the asparagus.
00:24:21I ate every single thing
00:24:23I used to refuse to touch.
00:24:26Mom nodded approvingly.
00:24:28She'd always hated picky eaters.
00:24:30A second later,
00:24:31I reached for the peanuts on my plate.
00:24:33I put a peanut into my mouth.
00:24:35I chewed exactly 15 times.
00:24:38Then I swallowed.
00:24:40Did she just eat a peanut?
00:24:42Nora is severely allergic to peanuts.
00:24:43She ate one when she was little,
00:24:45and her lips swelled up.
00:24:46We had to rush her straight to the ER.
00:24:49Since when can Harmony cure allergies?
00:24:52At the Institute,
00:24:53allergies were treated as a form of weakness.
00:24:56The hinder simply smeared peanut butter
00:24:58onto my bare arm.
00:25:00The redness,
00:25:01the blisters,
00:25:02and the rotting skin
00:25:03spread across my arm.
00:25:04An allergy is a physical weakness.
00:25:06Weakness can be trained into strength.
00:25:08My skin rotted,
00:25:09and healed over and over again.
00:25:11But the allergic reactions
00:25:13never stopped.
00:25:14Back at the dinner table,
00:25:16my body gave a sudden jolt.
00:25:18I felt my throat tightening,
00:25:19and my skin starting to itch.
00:25:21Angry red wells erupted
00:25:23all over my neck and face.
00:25:25Face is getting red!
00:25:26That's not blushing!
00:25:28That's an allergic reaction!
00:25:29Nora, stop eating right now!
00:25:31You know you're allergic to peanuts!
00:25:34Is that a directive?
00:25:37Patient presents allergic reaction.
00:25:41Respiratory distress level, moderate.
00:25:43Skin inflammation coverage,
00:25:46approximately 23%.
00:25:47Recommend immediate administration of epinephrine.
00:25:50They reacted instantly.
00:25:52They scrambled to find an EpiPen
00:25:54and jammed it into my leg.
00:25:59Once my breathing returned to normal,
00:26:02the living room fell dead silent.
00:26:04Caleb's voice drifted from the couch.
00:26:06Something's wrong with her.
00:26:09She used to cry.
00:26:10She used to throw tantrums.
00:26:13She didn't act like...
00:26:15like Seraphine.
00:26:17Can you just be normal?
00:26:19Stop acting like Seraphine!
00:26:22We just wanted a sister who listens,
00:26:24not a machine!
00:26:25Please define normal.
00:26:27Caleb turned pale.
00:26:28Dad and Mom looked rattled.
00:26:31Dad immediately caught the Institute.
00:26:33The voice on the phone explained
00:26:35it was a standard reaction
00:26:37to deep behavioral reconditioning.
00:26:40They promised it would fade in a few days.
00:26:43Unit 1314 is our highest performing case right now.
00:26:46Her compliance surpasses any AI model.
00:26:49Rest assured, this is completely normal behavior.
00:26:52Dad hung up and repeated the words to Mom.
00:26:54She nodded.
00:26:54They both let out a sigh of relief.
00:26:57For the next few days,
00:26:58I became the most useful tool in the house.
00:27:00Mom told me to wash the dishes.
00:27:02I scrubbed them cleaner than Seraphine ever could.
00:27:05Dad told me to organize the garage.
00:27:07I moved every single box by myself.
00:27:10Caleb told me to grab his delivery downstairs.
00:27:13I made a round trip in under two minutes.
00:27:16Mom actually laughed.
00:27:17She's even better than Seraphina now.
00:27:20No one disagreed until that night.
00:27:23Caleb forgot to issue the shutout directive.
00:27:26Everyone went to sleep.
00:27:27I sat on the living room couch from dusk until dawn.
00:27:31When Mom came downstairs the next morning,
00:27:34she found me sitting in the exact same position I'd been in the night before.
00:27:39She stopped dead in her tracks.
00:27:41The coffee mug slipped from her hand and shattered.
00:27:44God of the holy light cover on the continent of Athabas.
00:27:47During the last war of the gods and demons,
00:27:50I expended my very last ounce of divine power to seal the Dark Lord Neverland,
00:27:55banishing him forever into the endless city.
00:28:07Great! It's the master!
00:28:17It's the master!
00:28:24that's why this is left of the war.
00:28:26So I change this world for you.
00:28:36Let's go.
00:28:37Let's go.
00:28:41Let's go.
00:28:48Let! You think this is the end? You'll die with me!
00:28:57Luke's Cloud!
00:29:01My entire soul has been sealed within this ring.
00:29:05I never imagined that I would return to the world in a different way a thousand years later.
00:29:15Please, let Evan go! I'm sure I can save him!
00:29:19Isabel, have you lost your mind, Isabella? It's the Black Plague!
00:29:22If we don't burn him, the whole village will die!
00:29:25No, Evan, no! No! No!
00:29:33Evan, no! Evan!
00:29:45Where am I?
00:29:48He... He becomes a ghost!
00:29:51Evan wakes up! This must be the will of the gods! Please spare him!
00:29:56No way! He's already dead! This must be a demon! Burn him! We can't let him back to the village!
00:30:09No, Evan! No!
00:30:12No, Evan! No!
00:30:30Thank God, Evan!
00:30:32You're okay!
00:30:33He must be a monster! A demon! He should be burned at the stake!
00:30:37Shut up!
00:30:39The only way you're touching Evan is over my dead body!
00:30:42It seems I have taken possession of that dying boy's body.
00:30:45The woman standing before me must be his mother.
00:30:49I, the creator god of the holy light coven, have returned to the mortal world only to find myself as
00:30:55a frail, sickly child?
00:30:58We cannot keep this child!
00:31:02Chief!
00:31:04I'm not a monster. I've awakened my magic.
00:31:10What are you dreaming of?
00:31:13Apart from the direct descendants of the holy light coven, ordinary awakeners are few and far between!
00:31:21We! The only awakened in our village is the chief. You are truly shameless as a good-for-nothing who's
00:31:28caught the black death.
00:31:30You'll find out if it works when I try it.
00:31:32I was only at de-rage when I first awakened, not even good enough to stand guard in the holy
00:31:37light coven.
00:31:38If you really have awakened magic as a mundane through your own talent, you'll be our village hero, if not.
00:31:46I'll make you die in a way that's a hundred times more painful than just now.
00:31:56Now, place your hand on the mirror and it will test whether you have awakened and determine your magic level.
00:32:05What a pity, child. You have no talent in magic at all.
00:32:10That's impossible!
00:32:12You're lying, bastard!
00:32:14How could such a lowly magic mirror be fit to reveal myself?
00:32:35I used barely a tenth of my divine power, yet it caused such cataclysmic changes to the landscape.
00:32:42It seems that, a thousand years on, the mages of the Aetheris continent have made no progress whatsoever.
00:32:51You're lying, bastard!
00:32:52Tapos Volaris, come to me!
00:33:05She's a mid-level mage of Searank.
00:33:07How on earth does she have a flying carpet reserved for the nobility of the Coven?
00:33:12I'm sorry, Evan.
00:33:14Mum didn't mean to keep our status as wizards a secret from you.
00:33:18It's just that, for certain reasons, I've been forbidden from using magic.
00:33:22It's okay, Mum.
00:33:47A thousand years have passed, and I too look forward to returning.
00:33:54A thousand years have passed, and I can't wait for you.
00:34:10Evan, you haven't been fully confirmed as having awakened your magic yet, so you must stay close to me.
00:34:15What?
00:34:22Locker 42 only has three minutes of magic time. We absolutely cannot afford any slip-ups.
00:34:33Porta obscuta appra!
00:34:51I never imagined a magical world would have evolved like this a thousand years on.
00:34:56How interesting.
00:34:58Can you believe a lonely Ondian using Locker 42 and dares to go to the holy city?
00:35:04That's ridiculous!
00:35:17Evan, I believe that one day you'll awaken your magic.
00:35:23First of all, let's find the holy spring and heal your body.
00:35:31Are you lot off to the holy city for the elections too?
00:35:34Carriage 42 for junior wizards is at the very back.
00:35:49You wait here for me, Evan. I'm going to the front to get back.
00:36:05You wait here for me, Evan. I'm going to the front to get back.
00:36:06You wait here for me, Evan. I will meet you.
00:36:35ocurrir
00:38:34You thief.
00:38:36How dare you?
00:38:39This is mine!
00:38:41I didn't steal it!
00:38:42You're just a low wizard.
00:38:44The value of all your gear put together isn't even worth the gem on my boot.
00:38:52If you don't tell the truth, I'll chop your head off and feed it to the monsters.
00:38:58Marcus!
00:38:59She's a wizard too!
00:39:00Don't be so rude!
00:39:01You're the head of the Holy Light!
00:39:03We can't just let them get away with it, Morgana.
00:39:05Only the direct descendants of the Holy Light have the Knights token.
00:39:08We must get them back and conduct a thorough investigation.
00:39:21Don't worry, Mom.
00:39:23No one can touch you.
00:39:39Who designed that statue?
00:39:41It doesn't even capture a tenth of my charm.
00:39:45How dare you!
00:39:46To look directly at the Creator God, do you want to lose your head?
00:39:52Evan is just a child!
00:39:54He's just a child!
00:39:55He doesn't understand the rules.
00:39:57Please let him off.
00:40:09Don't wet your pants, Hick Mondaean.
00:40:15Don't worry.
00:40:16Once we get to the bottom of the matter of the token, no one will cause you any trouble.
00:40:21What on earth is going on?
00:40:24Marcus?
00:40:25Morgana?
00:40:27Aren't you supposed to be preparing for the elections?
00:40:31Grandmother!
00:40:32The Quintennial Holy Night elections are about to begin.
00:40:36Holy Light Coven is the foremost coven on the continent of Etherus.
00:40:39And you too are the most talented members of our new generation.
00:40:42Don't waste your energy on trivial, mate.
00:40:45Grandma!
00:40:46The thief of our token is no trivial matter.
00:40:48And I suspect the thief used it to steal the magic spring.
00:41:24The thief of our token is so
00:41:26life-nosedual men.
00:41:26here again. Grandma, who's she? I am the Pope's youngest daughter, and like you, I am a full-fledged
00:41:40member of the Holy Light Covenant. But while your brothers are fighting for the coven on
00:41:45the battlefield, what are you doing? You chose to elope with the coachman. My abilities are
00:41:51limited, and the Pope would not allow me to go to war. I simply refused the Duke's proposal
00:41:58of marriage, and chose happiness instead. What is wrong with that? How shameless! God! Strip
00:42:08her of her magic and the token, and banish her from the Holy City forever!
00:42:23Incendia! Now it's your turn. We're family! Why are you pushing up so hard?
00:42:38What is the two of rats? Do you call yourselves family? How dare you? When the coven was first
00:42:46founded, he never sent women into battle, nor did we rely on political marriages to survive.
00:42:51You are really our sole state of affairs. Shut up! Who is what you are? Not for millions!
00:43:09You have no right to point a wand at me, let alone claim to speak for the Holy Light.
00:43:21Depulcio!
00:43:22Depulcio!
00:43:31Marcus! Are you okay?
00:43:34What on earth is that lad's background? He disabled Marcus's wand with a single spell,
00:43:39left him with injuries that severe. Guards! Seize Isabella and this brat at once! Have them
00:43:46thrown into the Gaul to face the fiery punishment!
00:43:53Go on then. Have at it. But I make no promises that your lives are worth as much as your
00:43:58bravery.
00:43:59What are you waiting for? Get him! Everyone stop!
00:44:04Stop!
00:44:16Your Holiness!
00:44:24Father...
00:44:28I am already apprised of what has just transpired. It was Marcus who was imperturent first,
00:44:33yet I cast myself rather curious about this lad's method.
00:44:36Magic at an A-plus standard, far superior to those other wastelands, but scarcely of the calibre required to serve
00:44:43as the Pope.
00:44:44Father, Evan has only just come into his magical powers. They are not yet steady. And he has been frail
00:44:50since childhood.
00:44:51We return this time to stand in the great election. If he might obtain the Holy Spring, then Evan may
00:44:57yet have a chance to live.
00:44:58I can afford you that chance. The collection is at hand. If you truly have the mettle to carry off
00:45:05first honours,
00:45:06all our past grievances shall be wiped clean. If should you prove wanting, I shall personally see you undone.
00:45:16Thank you, Father.
00:45:18Let them go.
00:45:28You wretch! I'll never let you and that little bastard off the hook.
00:45:41This is the Dragonspine Bridge, laid under the curse of the unworthy shall fall. Only by crossing it through one's
00:45:48own magic may one be deemed to have properly entered the trial.
00:46:06The
00:46:07Aqueea Forma!
00:46:13Good luck, mate!
00:46:22Don't be afraid. Mummy's here. No matter how hard it gets, I'll get you through it.
00:46:26Even if you fall, I'll catch you with my own body.
00:46:28Mum, I'm not scared. I'll protect you.
00:46:34Vines arise! Weave and bind! Hans Yuva! Let's go!
00:46:48Evan, hold me!
00:46:50A shodry wand and a few ragged vines. Dare you challenge the dragon's spine trial?
00:46:58Since you like it so much, let him hang here forever.
00:47:04Let everyone see a lowly Mondin who isn't even worthy of setting foot on the trial fields.
00:47:10Leave Evan alone! Face me instead!
00:47:14Very well. My familiar hasn't broken its fast this morning. You shall make a fine meal for it.
00:47:21Don't hurry. I'll make sure to savor it. Fight by fight.
00:47:29No. I'll go with you. Just let him go.
00:47:33No!
00:47:36No!
00:48:36You've got the elections tomorrow, Evan, so you should get some rest early.
00:48:40Don't worry, Mom. I won't let you down.
00:48:42Tomorrow, use only 30% of my power.
00:48:45Strike fear into the young whilps of the church and guide our coven back to the true path.
00:48:52Evan, I don't expect you to achieve great things. I just want you to be safe and healthy. I'd give
00:48:57anything for you, even my life.
00:48:59She was a great mother. She gave me the warmth of human kindness and a mother's love I hadn't felt
00:49:03in so long.
00:49:04I suppose that was the gift of coming here.
00:49:35I just want you to be safe and healthy.
00:49:47Wizards and brethren alike, welcome to the Dragon Spine Coliseum.
00:49:52Here the acolytes of our orders shall clash in combat, proving their might through magic and vying for the highest
00:50:00glory of the coven.
00:50:02Now, I declare the final duel of the Holy Light Trial begins!
00:50:32If you've got the guts, come on then.
00:50:35You lot of spines, cowards. Still, they're only one person I truly want to take on this day.
00:50:43Evan, I'll show you with my own two hands exactly what real power is.
00:50:49Today is the day that little bastard Evan meets his end.
00:50:54Where's Evan? Has he wet himself and run off to hide behind his mother blubbering?
00:50:59I'm here!
00:51:13Isabella? Have you come here to get yourself killed?
00:51:22I finally got the 10,000. Elias will be so pleased.
00:51:33The 10,000th level 8 essence. Today's the day you take human form.
00:51:41You have no idea how dangerous it was-
00:51:51We can form the bond now, can't we?
00:51:54Thank you, sister.
00:51:58Thanks to 10 years of your devotion, we couldn't have bonded without you.
00:52:09Supreme essence!
00:52:12How dare you keep this from me all along!
00:52:16No! The Academy's shield relies on it!
00:52:23инcept!
00:52:24Except, represent, Repetiver.
00:52:37Compared to you, she's nothing.
00:52:39Pathetic! See, Elias has always chosen me no matter how much you did for him.
00:52:44Farewell, sister.
00:52:55Aliens, Gilder, I curse you both.
00:52:58If I get another chance, I will not let this happen.
00:53:11Everyone is still here.
00:53:12Good, that's good, that's good.
00:53:15As tradition dictates, I now proclaim the decennial bonding ceremony of Beast Word Academy underway.
00:53:26I have returned to the day it all started.
00:53:30Fire Dragon, he boasts a pure bloodline unseen in a decade.
00:53:36Elaine Tidesong, as our premier apprentice, you are the only one fit to master him.
00:53:44Though he is not easily tame.
00:53:46The Fire Dragon just refused her?
00:53:48He is of noble blood, proud beyond measure.
00:53:50But there's no one better than Elaine.
00:53:52Hilda!
00:53:52Step away, it's dangerous!
00:54:00Professor, I know I'm nothing compared to my sister.
00:54:02It's just...
00:54:03I've never seen such a magnificent creature.
00:54:05And he seems to like me more?
00:54:08Professor Talon, since their hearts are already entwined, let them have each other.
00:54:12What? She's a mere initiation!
00:54:13I will not bond with the Fire Dragon.
00:54:16In fact, my choice lies...
00:54:20Feathered serpent!
00:54:22A lowly half-breed?
00:54:35Professor Talon, since the Fire Dragon refused to serve as my mount, I shall take this little serpent.
00:54:42Elaine, you're the premier! Only the Fire Dragon is worthy of you!
00:54:45Such lowly beast isn't even worthy of being the Fire Dragon's lackey!
00:54:50Professor, my decision stands.
00:54:52Then it's done.
00:54:54The Fire Dragon goes to Hilda.
00:54:56In three months, the Beastware trials will judge your progress with the utmost rigor.
00:55:01Hilda, how could you do that?
00:55:02The Fire Dragon was meant for Elaine!
00:55:04Right! How can you steal from your own sister?
00:55:07I didn't...
00:55:08He chose me first!
00:55:14Brilliant!
00:55:14With that Fire Dragon, she'll be our new premier by morning!
00:55:17The newest initiate, and yet she scoops the finest prize in the hall.
00:55:21A treacherous Beast was never a good choice.
00:55:25In my past life, Aelius was just as arrogant.
00:55:29He refused to forge the bond with me.
00:55:34To feed his growth, I risked death on every hunt.
00:55:39Hunting man-eaters.
00:55:41Just to secure the Beast essence.
00:55:46He never once spared a glass for my wounds.
00:55:50He only had eyes for what he needed.
00:56:00When I was away, Hilda would come to him.
00:56:03I knew.
00:56:05I told myself she was just trying to help.
00:56:11In this life, I won't let them betray me.
00:56:15Not again.
00:56:23No!
00:56:26Elaine?
00:56:29Elaine?
00:56:30Professor?
00:56:36A familiar shares its master's magic.
00:56:39You and Aelius.
00:56:40You would have made an unstoppable pairing.
00:56:43But as you saw, Professor, he has no desire to bond with me.
00:56:47A beast's will can be guided.
00:56:49I shall speak with Hilda again and have Aelius return to-
00:56:51Professor.
00:56:52I seek no mighty instrument of power, but a true companion.
00:56:59He is not so bad.
00:57:01After all.
00:57:04Fine.
00:57:05But remember, the Beastward Trials is in three months.
00:57:08Academy's judgement is absolute.
00:57:10Any beast that falls short of the standard will be stripped from its master.
00:57:29Oh, Elaine.
00:57:30If you truly wanted Aelius, why didn't you just ask?
00:57:33What?
00:57:34No.
00:57:35Weren't you begging him?
00:57:37Hoping the Professor hand Aelius back to you?
00:57:39Ridiculous.
00:57:42My dearest sister.
00:57:44I'd love to return him, but...
00:57:48He refuses to leave with you.
00:57:51Drop the act, Hilda.
00:57:52I have no interest in your precious mount.
00:57:55Save that energy for the Trials.
00:57:57Speaking of the Trials.
00:57:59I have to apologize in advance.
00:58:01When Aelius makes me the new premiere, where will that leave you?
00:58:11This time, let me see how Hilda gets this bloodsucker to take human form without me.
00:58:17Only if you can afford him.
00:58:22Of course I can!
00:58:24But can your little worm even survive three months?
00:58:31Yes!
00:58:49So you would defend your master, Aelius? You just detest me?
00:58:53Elaine! The Fire Dragon is Academy's most precious beast in a decade! You will be punished if you hurt him!
00:58:58So my serpent deserves to die?
00:59:00It's just a lowly half-breed. There are hundreds like it in the Beast Pavilion.
00:59:04No wonder last time, he died at your hands in just a year.
00:59:12Hilda! Where is your familiar?
00:59:15It was too frail. It couldn't survive. I tried everything I could to save him.
00:59:20What did you try? What potions? What healing spells?
00:59:24You're an apprentice of Beast Word Academy, and you don't even know basic of beast care?
00:59:29How dare you question her!
00:59:34Aelius!
00:59:41Aelius!
00:59:42You never answered my summons, yet here you are for Hilda.
00:59:45Have you forgotten who your master is?
00:59:47I share no bond with you.
00:59:50You!
00:59:51It's my fault.
00:59:53It's her I refuse to acknowledge.
00:59:56Halt!
00:59:57At the Premier, I speak for the Dean himself. I order you to stay, Hilda.
01:00:03As you wish, Elaine.
01:00:04For your incompetence and the death of your familiar, I sentence you to the Outer Valley to clear out the
01:00:09trolls.
01:00:11No! I can't! I can't do that! Please! Please!
01:00:14Do not panic, Hilda. I will come with you. My flames will be your shield.
01:00:18I gathered essence all on my own. A thousand times! All for you! And you never came! Not once!
01:00:27As long as he chooses me and stands by my side, I will treat him right in return.
01:00:32A fallen Premier and a mutt from the gutter. Perfect match. I hope you can last five minutes in the
01:00:37trials.
01:00:37Keep yourself in your mountain check, Hilda. Next time, it won't be just a splash of water.
01:01:01Drop your weapons, or die with the usurter!
01:01:07Mercy, King Roman!
01:01:14My queen!
01:01:17The baby's coming!
01:01:20Get the medics! Bring both women to the castle! No child should be born in this slaughter!
01:01:40Our little Rosalind.
01:01:45She smells like white lilies!
01:01:48That's the scent of a pure white wolf. She'll be strong.
01:01:52For my future daughter-in-law, let's unite our kingdoms, Roman.
01:01:57That ruby carries ancient magic.
01:02:00Only a white wolf can wear it.
01:02:02When her wolf awakens, the necklace will find its way to her.
01:02:08The nurse says the baby's fine.
01:02:11My eyes were damaged in the war. Soon I'll be completely blind.
01:02:15If we'd won the war, I'd be a lord.
01:02:18Instead, we're stuck as slaves.
01:02:21Then we fix it.
01:02:22How?
01:02:29We switch the babies.
01:02:31Our girl gets the silk bed in the royal title.
01:02:35And their precious princess rots in the dungeon with us slaves.
01:02:39When our girl becomes queen, she frees us.
01:02:43And we take it all.
01:02:44To fool the king, we trade their scents.
01:02:54Say goodbye to your crown, little princess.
01:02:57Welcome to the gutter.
01:03:00Mother.
01:03:01I finish scrubbing the floors.
01:03:03And the laundry is done.
01:03:05Royal tournament starts today.
01:03:07I want to go watch.
01:03:09Just to learn.
01:03:10I've always dreamed of being a knight like Queen Selina.
01:03:14A knight?
01:03:15You're a damn slave.
01:03:17Born in the dirt and you'll die in it.
01:03:19You dare dodge me, punk?
01:03:28Open this door, brat.
01:03:29I'll kill ya!
01:03:33Your dad lose his mind again?
01:03:36The tournament's starting. Go!
01:03:38It is your dream, right?
01:03:40Thank you, Tess. I owe you.
01:03:50Trash!
01:03:51All of it!
01:03:56I want that!
01:04:02Patience, my little moon.
01:04:04But I want to wear it for the tournament!
01:04:05And you will.
01:04:07Once your white wolf awakens tonight,
01:04:09the ruby will recognize you.
01:04:12It'll come to its true master on its own.
01:04:18And when Prince Arthur wins the tournament today,
01:04:21he'll crown you his Queen of Beauty.
01:04:24He's finally going to propose.
01:04:27Mother, stop.
01:04:29We don't know for sure he'll pick me.
01:04:39There she is.
01:04:40The jewel of my kingdom.
01:04:43Tell me, Arthur.
01:04:45Doesn't my daughter look like a goddess today?
01:04:51Thank you for dedicating today's tournament to me, Arthur.
01:04:57She's my destined queen.
01:04:59So why do I feel no connection to her?
01:05:02Happy coming of age, sister.
01:05:08Enough dallying.
01:05:09The crowds are waiting.
01:05:11To the arena!
01:05:12To the arena!
01:05:22God, Roswin, they are stunning!
01:05:26You should see the magical ruby Arthur's father gave me.
01:05:29I can only wear it tonight,
01:05:31once my white wolf awakens.
01:05:36Don't wear trash in my presence.
01:06:00What the hell was that?
01:06:02Am I finally getting my wolf?
01:06:08You idiot!
01:06:09You scared the princess!
01:06:10Princess!
01:06:11Please!
01:06:12You threw the necklace!
01:06:14It startled the horse!
01:06:15So now it's my fault?
01:06:17No! No! No!
01:06:19Of course not!
01:06:19It was that slave girl!
01:06:21She spooked the horses!
01:06:23I didn't block anything.
01:06:24Your horse lost control.
01:06:26Liar!
01:06:27On your knees, rat!
01:06:28Or my king father will chop off your head for this!
01:06:33Being a noble doesn't give you the right to be a tyrant.
01:06:37Let go of me, bitch!
01:06:38What's happening here?
01:06:41Queen Selene.
01:06:42The fiercest white wolf in the realm.
01:06:45My hero.
01:06:46Mother!
01:06:47Thank the goddess you're here!
01:06:49This slave attacked us!
01:06:51She tried to flip the royal carriage!
01:06:53She ambushed us, your grace!
01:06:55I only came to watch the tournament, your grace!
01:06:56Her horse spooked!
01:06:57I didn't touch her carriage!
01:06:59My daughter carries royal blood.
01:07:01A white wolf does not lie.
01:07:02Guards, drag this slave to the dungeon.
01:07:11Please, your grace!
01:07:12I know I'm low-born!
01:07:20I know I'm low-born!
01:07:42You took us past the storm.
01:07:49I'm low-born!
01:07:50I've never got to be a fool!
01:07:50I know I'm about to go through.
01:07:53I'm not sure it's damaged.
01:07:54I'm almost lucky!
01:07:55but I'm where to go.
01:07:55I'm not sure if the hostage is and the other one.
01:07:55I'm unable to go through the dressing room.
01:07:55How are you?
01:07:55You're not going through?
01:08:02They're nothing.
01:08:07It'll be under justement.
01:08:11Mother, it hurts!
01:08:16Guards, kill that slave!
01:08:24The first knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
01:08:27He's magnificent.
01:08:28Perfect match for Princess Rosalind.
01:08:31For the champion's sweat, Arthur.
01:08:38Who is she?
01:08:39Why do I feel so...
01:08:42inexplicably drawn to her?
01:08:44That rat again?
01:08:45She humiliated me,
01:08:47and now she's trying to seduce my Arthur?
01:08:49I'll kill her myself.
01:09:08Strip her.
01:09:10Put her in the dead man's armor.
01:09:16Wait!
01:09:17What is this?
01:09:18Let me down!
01:09:19The final juice!
01:09:21Prince Arthur versus the Mystery Challenger!
01:09:25Princess Alina!
01:09:26Breathe!
01:09:34Goddess, I'm dead.
01:09:38Stay focused, Alina.
01:09:41Breathe.
01:09:43Charge!
01:09:51Incredible!
01:09:53This Mystery Night has better balance than most of my generals.
01:09:56There is a rhythm to the movie.
01:09:58It's almost familiar.
01:10:01Why won't he just kill that piece of filth?
01:10:04Fall already!
01:10:17The moon dances, Strike.
01:10:20No one else knows that move.
01:10:21It's like looking into a mirror.
01:10:43It's like looking into a mirror.
01:10:44Finish it, Arthur.
01:10:46Take her head off.
01:10:50This is it.
01:10:51He's going to kill me.
01:10:58A girl?
01:11:01A girl just fought the first night of the realm to a standstill?
01:11:04She fights like a pure-born white wolf.
01:11:07Did you see her face?
01:11:09She looks exactly like Queen Selene at the Battle of the Red Flats.
01:11:19It's you.
01:11:21The champion has won!
01:11:23Crown the queen of beauty!
01:11:26The champion has won!
01:11:26Crown the queen of beauty!
01:11:39No. He's crowning a slave? This is a complete insult to the royal family.
01:11:45She is an assassin. She ambushed my carriage and tried to murder me.
01:11:49Arthur, take that crown off her head immediately. Criminals get no honor in this kingdom.
01:11:55Her parents are war prisoners. They fought for the usurper Lucian. She has traitor blood in her veins.
01:12:01Traitor! Slave! Hacker!
01:12:04For assaulting the princess and polluting a royal tradition.
01:12:09I declare this slave a traitor to the realm. Death to the slave! Execute her right now!
01:12:15Execute her! Execute her! Execute her!
01:12:22Anyone who wants her head goes through me.
01:12:34Jalavi!
01:12:47Run! They're after you! Run!
01:12:50And this pathetic bastard sister of mine is what you turned me down for?
01:12:55You simple-minded beast!
01:12:57If it wasn't the frost out of nowhere that killed my dragon, I would never have even considered you!
01:13:28You realize that the
01:13:31Stupid animal may be occur, but its flesh carries resistance to the frost solve it and consume its flesh
01:13:37You will all inherit the resistance
01:13:47You chose him and yet you failed him your whole existence is a disgrace to our family
01:13:56Die crock roach
01:14:04As expected this gray-maned bear of rather modest Lingenegy has been left unchosen
01:14:11And in that case Bruggen it seems you'll be bound to our lowest-ranking student. Emma
01:14:18Bound did I survive?
01:14:20Wait, am I back to the day when I was bound with Bruggen?
01:14:25So Emma though, I suppose your choices are rather limited professor Rockweld. I'll take him
01:14:32Laugh while you can when the frost takes over everything in half a month, you will all be overwhelming with
01:14:38jealous
01:14:40Wait
01:14:46I'm taking the bear
01:14:48You can bind with the dragon sister
01:14:50What is Fiona doing? The heir to the Drake family has always bind with dragons. Why would she go with
01:14:55anything else?
01:14:55And that's an Aurelian dragon
01:14:57They appear only once in centuries
01:14:59Fiona must be out of her mind to choose an inferior beast over that
01:15:02Fiona
01:15:03I must remind you that the selection of your bonded creature is not a trivial matter
01:15:07It will affect not only your graduation, but also the limits of your future magical potential
01:15:13Professor Rockweld, and that's precisely why Emma needs the dragon more than I do
01:15:18My grades speak for themselves. I can handle myself regardless of what I bind with
01:15:22But Emma on the other hand
01:15:25Look at her. She's already struggling and on top of that if she's paired with an inferior creature
01:15:30I fear she may not graduate at all
01:15:32A fine sentiment, Fiona
01:15:34For a witch power is secondary to character
01:15:38And with a heart of gold like yours
01:15:40You will go very far even if your bound creature is lesser
01:15:44Well, Emma, don't you think you owe Fiona your gratitude?
01:15:48Um, thank you for the offer, Fiona
01:15:51But this is really unnecessary
01:15:53I quite like Bruggen, to be honest
01:15:54Oh, come on, Emma
01:15:56I'm trying to help you
01:15:58Don't let your pride get in the way
01:15:59No, it's really-
01:16:01Ouch!
01:16:08This-
01:16:08This is the unique way dragons bind with humans
01:16:12This means the dragon chose me?
01:16:15Well, so much for it's really unnecessary
01:16:18She refused it, then bound the dragon the moment she could
01:16:20Shameless
01:16:23That's an Anerian dragon
01:16:25Some noble bloodline that appears once in centuries
01:16:28If not for Fiona, she'd never have laid a hand on it
01:16:32Lucky bastard
01:16:35Lucky my ass
01:16:36They have no idea
01:16:38Indeed, Aurelian dragons possess extraordinary magical affinity
01:16:44But, their hatchlings are fragile in the cold
01:16:51No!
01:16:52No!
01:16:54No!
01:16:54No!
01:16:54And that's exactly why last time it was killed in the frost on the first day
01:17:00Valrax!
01:17:03You gave up a dragon
01:17:04And took my bear
01:17:07I see, sister
01:17:09You also came back with your memories
01:17:13Bruggen, I'm not worried about surviving the frost without you
01:17:17But I'm worried, what if Fiona mistreats you?
01:17:26Don't worry, Bruggen got you
01:17:37Don't worry, Bruggen got you
01:17:50Minded
01:17:51But Bruggen never forgets
01:17:53This time, this is going to be fun
01:17:57Are you done staring at him?
01:18:00Are you talking to me?
01:18:02Your skills, they are beautiful
01:18:04Naturally, I am an Aurelian dragon
01:18:07We do not choose lightly
01:18:09You should feel honoured, human
01:18:12Rather than getting distracted by lesser creatures
01:18:16Fair enough, little one
01:18:18But why me?
01:18:19That ferocious woman, her soul reeks
01:18:23I can smell it out
01:18:25But yours, it smells rather delightful
01:18:27In fact, it is the most agreeable in this room
01:18:31And do refrain from calling me little one
01:18:34You may address me as your majesty
01:18:37Of course, your majesty
01:18:42All right, class
01:18:43Copy this formation exactly as shown
01:18:45Then speak the incantation
01:18:48Voluntas Ligot
01:18:50The bond will complete once you cast the spell
01:18:53You may begin now
01:19:05Where's my bond?
01:19:10I taught you the difference
01:19:13Bruggen, could you pass me my wand?
01:19:19Aqua
01:19:20Aqua
01:19:32Now you are using this knowledge against Fiona, clever bear
01:19:39Voluntas Ligot
01:19:40Voluntas Ligot
01:19:51When a wand is reversed
01:19:52The magic turns back on the caster
01:19:55And that means
01:19:56Bruggen has become your master
01:20:04Must you keep exchanging looks with that bear?
01:20:07Aurelian dragons are not only of noble blood
01:20:10We are also particular about what belongs to us
01:20:13We are also particular about what belongs to us
01:20:14You've bound yourself to me
01:20:15Then your attention should follow
01:20:18Um, okay
01:20:19I will keep that in mind
01:20:22I will keep that in mind
01:20:53Select your share, and you are dismissed
01:21:04Jalabi!
01:21:11Well done.
01:21:13That was a month's supply.
01:21:15She fed it all at once? Has she lost her mind?
01:21:20She clearly wasn't paying attention.
01:21:22Last in the class, and now this? Poor Valrax is doomed with her.
01:21:27Binding with Valrax is wasted on her.
01:21:29Let me remind you.
01:21:31Fire Salvamanders are not easily obtained.
01:21:34They are to be used with care, and in accordance with Academy guidelines.
01:21:39Do not waste them.
01:21:41Of course, Professor Rockwile.
01:21:43I assure you, it wasn't wasted.
01:21:46We only have half a month till the frost arrives.
01:21:49Valrax has to grow fast to survive and protect me.
01:21:54If he dies right at the beginning again, that would be the real waste.
01:21:58Class is over.
01:22:09You remember too, don't you sister?
01:22:12Last time, you survived by clinging to that curt bear.
01:22:15This time, it's my turn.
01:22:18Hmph.
01:22:19Then I wish you best of luck.
01:22:21Of course.
01:22:21I will just fine with him by my side.
01:22:24Freezing to death on the first day of the frost.
01:22:33Get that cursed, feral creature of yours away from me!
01:22:36I'm sorry.
01:22:38But, you shouldn't have woken him up from his nap.
01:22:54Are you hungry already?
01:22:55You gotta be kidding me?
01:22:58Where am I supposed to find the extra salomers for you?
01:23:00I don't have the money for it.
01:23:02Did you hear?
01:23:03A freshman went into the Shadow Woods last night.
01:23:05Got completely lost.
01:23:06I'm not surprised.
01:23:08That place is covered in heavy fog all year round.
01:23:11The Shadow Woods.
01:23:12If I remember correctly, before the frost, someone found a salamander's nest there.
01:23:18If the timeline hasn't changed, no one's discovered it yet.
01:23:21This is going to take forever.
01:23:24If you want to crawl like this, hop on my back.
01:23:28I will take you there.
01:23:30But you are still just a hatchling.
01:23:32You're hardly big enough to carry.
01:23:34I can follow the ferry.
01:23:49Shadow Woods.
01:24:02Woo-hoo!
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