- 31 minutes ago
- #werewolf
High paranormal dark romance tension explodes when an independent innocent lady is claimed under a full moon by a supreme alpha protector. #Werewolf
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My aunt sold me to the most vicious lone wolf hunter in pack, for five silver coins.
00:04On the night of our mating ceremony, I sat on the edge of a broken bed, biting my lip
00:09raw.
00:09I'm a wolfless omega orphan, and Cain, the pack says he's a curse, he walked into the
00:13shadow woods alone at six, shifted for the first time at twelve, and tore apart a full-grown
00:18shadow bear.
00:19The scar running from his brow to his jaw, that bear gave it to him.
00:22Mothers tell his name to scare their pups into silence.
00:25Everyone in the pack fears him.
00:26I did too.
00:27I crossed the street when I saw him.
00:29Never spoke a word to him.
00:30Never even looked him in the eye.
00:32I never thought my aunt would sell me to him.
00:34No gifts, no feast, no pack elder to witness it.
00:37I wore an old white dress and took shaky steps into his cabin.
00:41It smelled of blood and old fur.
00:43I didn't think I'd survive tonight.
00:44All I could hear was my aunt counting her silver.
00:47Don't blame me, Ella.
00:48A wolfless omega like you, you're lucky anyone would take you.
00:52I stood there like a fool, not knowing what to do, until the door banged open.
00:56Kane walked in, fierce, drenched in blood.
01:00I gasped.
01:02His leather coat was slashed open across the ribs.
01:05The smell of copper hit me before I could breathe.
01:08He didn't say a word, just dropped a basket on the table.
01:11Inside, black bread, roasted venison haunch, a bowl of broth still warm.
01:16Eat.
01:17I was starving, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd had meat.
01:20I ate like an animal.
01:21That meal was the first time I'd been full since my parents died.
01:24When he pointed to the bedroom, my blood ran cold.
01:27I crept inside and sat on his ragged bed, trembling like a leaf in winter.
01:32Kane sat by the hearth and sharpened his knife.
01:35A hunting blade as long as my arm.
01:36The whetstone sang with every stroke.
01:38Scrape, scrape, scrape.
01:39Each one scraping across my heart.
01:41I pressed myself into the corner.
01:44Come here.
01:45His voice was gravel and broken glass.
01:47I couldn't move.
01:49He frowned.
01:49The scar twisted like a living thing.
01:51Then he stood.
01:52His shadow swallowed me whole.
01:54I shut my eyes and braced for the blow.
01:56I was his.
01:57He could beat me, kill me.
01:59No one would care.
02:00But the blow never came.
02:01Instead, he took my cold hand and pressed something warm into my palm.
02:05I opened my eyes.
02:06A thin necklace.
02:08A pendant of pale white stone that glowed softly in the firelight.
02:11His hand calloused, cracked, still smelling of blood and steel, held mine.
02:15A necklace?
02:16For you.
02:18Moonstone.
02:19The moon goddess's blessing.
02:21I know this life is hard.
02:23You deserve better.
02:24He pulled his hand back, wiped it on his leather coat, and muttered.
02:29I'll take care of you.
02:31I stared at the moonstone in my palm.
02:33Tears fell without warning.
02:35Kane shifted awkwardly.
02:36After a long silence, he forced out.
02:38What?
02:39You don't like it?
02:40I shook my head.
02:41No, that's not.
02:43I'd just forgotten what it felt like to be wanted.
02:45I was just extra weight in my aunt's tent.
02:47That night, Kane didn't touch me.
02:49He made a bed on the floor.
02:50I turned on my side and watched him.
02:52He lay there like a mountain.
02:54His breathing slowed.
02:55Then came the snoring, deep and rough, but not peacefully.
02:58My aunt screamed in my dreams.
02:59My cousin shoved me around.
03:01And a shadow bear lunged from my throat.
03:03I jolted awake, gasping.
03:05Strange ceiling.
03:06Strange smells.
03:07Right.
03:07My aunt sold me.
03:08I belong to Kane now.
03:10I wiped the sweat from my forehead.
03:12Pulled myself together and went outside.
03:14Quiet.
03:15The air smelled of blood and animal hides.
03:18Kane?
03:19No answer.
03:20I found the kitchen.
03:21Filthy.
03:22The stone pots were rusted.
03:23Mice scattered when I moved things.
03:25I couldn't run.
03:26Couldn't hide.
03:27So I rolled up my sleeves and started scrubbing.
03:29I was halfway through when a voice came from outside.
03:33Ella?
03:33It was Kane.
03:35I'm here.
03:36I stepped out of the kitchen.
03:37He was holding another basket.
03:39Breakfast.
03:40Martha made it.
03:41Black bread.
03:42Smoked meat.
03:42Broth.
03:43It looked like a feast.
03:44Kane tore into the bread and pushed the rest toward me.
03:47Eat up.
03:47I can feed you.
03:49I nodded and didn't hold back.
03:51Bite of bread.
03:52Bite of meat.
03:53You can cook, right?
03:54I almost choked.
03:55I pounded my chest and nodded hard.
03:58I'll bring the meat.
03:59He waited for me to nod again.
04:01Then finished the rest of the bread and meat.
04:03Packed the dishes in the basket and headed for the door.
04:05Where are you going?
04:07He turned.
04:08I was thinking I'd clean the kitchen.
04:10Properly.
04:11So we don't get sick from dirty dishes.
04:13Kane's brow furrowed.
04:14The cabin is yours.
04:15Do what you want.
04:16He left.
04:17I didn't trust his words completely, but I got back to work.
04:20By the time I'd scrubbed every surface, Kane was back with a leather sack.
04:24He looked at the clean kitchen and blinked.
04:27Flour.
04:28I'll trade for the rest at the market.
04:30I didn't argue.
04:31When he left again, I opened the sack.
04:33Ground flour.
04:34Enough to last weeks.
04:35I went back to cleaning.
04:37I dragged Kane's dirty clothes into the yard.
04:39A mouse ran out of the pile.
04:41I chased it like a mad woman.
04:42Kane came back.
04:44Ella.
04:45I bought meat pies.
04:46Come eat.
04:47I hadn't had a meat pie since my parents died.
04:49Kane handed me one.
04:51Soft, golden, steaming.
04:52I bit into the pie.
04:53Juice ran down my chin.
04:55I ate two and stopped.
04:56Kane shoved a third into my hand.
04:58Everything for the kitchen is in the baskets.
05:01Get it sorted.
05:01I'm getting firewood.
05:03The scar on his face was still terrible.
05:05His voice was still cold gravel.
05:07But I wasn't afraid anymore.
05:09I nodded and watched him walk away.
05:11Then I checked the baskets.
05:12Clay jars of salt, a leather flask of oil, raw sugar.
05:15A slab of cured meat and a jar of honeyed fruit.
05:18For me, I blinked hard and looked up at the sky.
05:21I organized the kitchen.
05:23Kane came back with firewood and a basket of wild greens and eggs.
05:27Cook it all.
05:27I eat a lot.
05:28I nodded.
05:29I could do that.
05:30Make extra.
05:31Whatever Kane didn't finish, I'd eat.
05:33I hung the stone pot over the fire.
05:35Chopped cured meat and wild greens into the broth.
05:37Then I cracked eggs onto a hot flat stone slicked with pork fat.
05:41They sizzled and turned gold at the edges.
05:43Kane looked at the stew, the black bread, the fried eggs.
05:46His eyes brightened.
05:47Sit.
05:48Eat.
05:49I waited for him to pick up his knife and fork.
05:52Then I picked up mine.
05:53He dropped a piece of roasted meat onto my platter.
05:55I looked at him.
05:56Eat.
05:57He dug in.
05:58I ate slowly, keeping my eyes down.
06:00Ella.
06:01Tomorrow.
06:02You're coming into the woods with me.
06:03Me?
06:04Yeah.
06:04I can't bring enough meat on my own.
06:06Winter's coming.
06:06Hunting was men's work.
06:08Pack females sometimes came along to carry and dress the kill.
06:11But I'd never done any of it.
06:13I don't know how.
06:15I'll teach you.
06:16I looked up at his scarred face.
06:18The firelight made it worse, but his eyes were steady.
06:20No disgust.
06:21No impatience.
06:23Okay.
06:24My aunt sold me to the most vicious lone wolf hunter in pack for five silver coins.
06:29On the night of our mating ceremony, I sat on the edge of a broken bed, biting my lip raw.
06:33I'm a wolfless omega orphan.
06:35And Kane, the pack says he's a curse.
06:37He walked into the shadow woods alone at six, shifted for the first time at twelve, and tore
06:41apart a full-grown shadow bear.
06:43The scar running from his brow to his jaw?
06:45That bear gave it to him.
06:47Mothers tell his name to scare their pups into silence.
06:49Everyone in the pack fears him.
06:51I did too.
06:52I crossed the street when I saw him.
06:53Never spoke a word to him.
06:55Never even looked him in the eye.
06:56I never thought my aunt would sell me to him.
06:58No gifts.
06:59No feast.
07:00No pack elder to witness it.
07:01I wore an old white dress and took shaky steps into his cabin.
07:05It smelled of blood and old fur.
07:07I didn't think I'd survive tonight.
07:09All I could hear was my aunt counting her silver.
07:11Don't blame me, Ella.
07:13A wolfless omega like you?
07:14You're lucky anyone would take you.
07:16I stood there like a fool, not knowing what to do, until the door banged open.
07:20Kane walked in, fierce, drenched in blood.
07:25I gasped.
07:26His leather coat was slashed open across the ribs.
07:29The smell of copper hit me before I could breathe.
07:32He didn't say a word, just dropped a basket on the table.
07:36Inside, black bread, roasted venison haunch, a bowl of broth still warm.
07:40Eat.
07:41I was starving, and I couldn't remember the last time I'd had meat.
07:44I ate like an animal.
07:45That meal was the first time I'd been full since my parents died.
07:49When he pointed to the bedroom, my blood ran cold.
07:52I crept inside and sat on his ragged bed, trembling like a leaf in winter.
07:57Kane sat by the hearth and sharpened his knife.
07:59A hunting blade as long as my arm.
08:01The whetstone sang with every stroke.
08:02Scrape, scrape, scrape.
08:04Each one scraping across my heart.
08:06I pressed myself into the corner.
08:09Come here.
08:10His voice was gravel and broken glass.
08:12I couldn't move.
08:13He frowned.
08:14The scar twisted like a living thing.
08:16Then he stood.
08:17His shadow swallowed me whole.
08:19I shut my eyes and braced for the blow.
08:21I was his.
08:22He could beat me, kill me.
08:23No one would care.
08:24But the blow never came.
08:25Instead, he took my cold hand and pressed something warm into my palm.
08:29I opened my eyes.
08:31A thin necklace.
08:32A pendant of pale white stone that glowed softly in the firelight.
08:36His hand, calloused, cracked, still smelling of blood and steel, held mine.
08:40A necklace?
08:41For you.
08:42Moonstone.
08:43The moon goddess's blessing.
08:45I know this life is hard.
08:47You deserve better.
08:48He pulled his hand back.
08:50Wiped it on his leather coat.
08:51And muttered.
08:53I'll take care of you.
08:55I stared at the moonstone in my palm.
08:57Tears fell without warning.
08:59Kane shifted awkwardly.
09:00After a long silence, he forced out.
09:03What?
09:03You don't like it?
09:04I shook my head.
09:05No.
09:06That's not.
09:07I'd just forgotten what it felt like to be wanted.
09:10I was just extra weight in my aunt's tent.
09:12That night, Kane didn't touch me.
09:13He made a bet on the floor.
09:15I turned on my side and watched him.
09:17He lay there like a mountain.
09:18His breathing slowed.
09:19Then came the snoring, deep and rough.
09:21But not peacefully.
09:22My aunt screamed in my dreams.
09:24My cousin shoved me around.
09:25And a shadow bear lunged from my throat.
09:28I jolted awake, gasping.
09:29Strange ceiling.
09:30Strange smells.
09:31Right.
09:32My aunt sold me.
09:33I belong to Kane now.
09:34I wiped the sweat from my forehead.
09:36Pulled myself together and went outside.
09:38Quiet.
09:39The air smelled of blood and animal hides.
09:42Kane?
09:43No answer.
09:44I found the kitchen.
09:45Filthy.
09:46The stone pots were rusted.
09:47Mice scattered when I moved things.
09:49I couldn't run.
09:50Couldn't hide.
09:51So I rolled up my sleeves and started scrubbing.
09:53I was halfway through when a voice came from outside.
09:57Ella?
09:58It was Kane.
09:59I'm here.
10:00I stepped out of the kitchen.
10:02He was holding another basket.
10:04Breakfast.
10:04Martha made it.
10:05Black bread.
10:06Smoked meat.
10:07Broth.
10:07It looked like a feast.
10:09Kane tore into the bread and pushed the rest toward me.
10:11Eat up.
10:12I can feed you.
10:13I nodded and didn't hold back.
10:15Bite of bread.
10:16Bite of meat.
10:17You can cook, right?
10:18I almost choked.
10:20I pounded my chest and nodded hard.
10:22I'll bring the meat.
10:23He waited for me to nod again.
10:25Then finished the rest of the bread and meat.
10:27Packed the dishes in the basket and headed for the door.
10:30Where are you going?
10:31He turned.
10:32I was thinking I'd clean the kitchen.
10:34Properly.
10:35So we don't get sick from dirty dishes.
10:37Kane's brow furrowed.
10:38The cabin is yours.
10:39Do what you want.
10:40He left.
10:41I didn't trust his words completely, but I got back to work.
10:44By the time I'd scrubbed every surface, Kane was back with a leather sack.
10:48He looked at the clean kitchen and blinked.
10:51Flour.
10:52I'll trade for the rest at the market.
10:54I didn't argue.
10:55When he left again, I opened the sack.
10:57Ground flour.
10:58Enough to last weeks.
11:00I went back to cleaning.
11:01I dragged Kane's dirty clothes into the yard.
11:03A mouse ran out of the pile.
11:05I chased it like a madwoman.
11:07Kane came back.
11:08Ella.
11:09I bought meat pies.
11:10Come eat.
11:11I hadn't had a meat pie since my parents died.
11:14Kane handed me one.
11:15Soft, golden, steaming.
11:16I bit into the pie.
11:18Juice ran down my chin.
11:19I ate two and stopped.
11:20Kane shoved a third into my hand.
11:22Everything for the kitchen is in the baskets.
11:25Get it sorted.
11:26I'm getting firewood.
11:27The scar on his face was still terrible.
11:30His voice was still cold gravel.
11:32But I wasn't afraid anymore.
11:33I nodded and watched him walk away.
11:35Then I checked the baskets.
11:36Clay jars of salt.
11:37A leather flask of oil.
11:39Raw sugar.
11:39A slab of cured meat.
11:41And a jar of honeyed fruit.
11:42For me, I blinked hard and looked up at the sky.
11:46I organized the kitchen.
11:47Kane came back with firewood and a basket of wild greens.
11:50And eggs.
11:51Cook it all.
11:52I eat a lot.
11:53I nodded.
11:54I could do that.
11:54Make extra.
11:55Whatever Kane didn't finish, I'd eat.
11:57I hung the stone pot over the fire.
11:59Chopped cured meat and wild greens into the broth.
12:02Then I cracked eggs onto a hot flat stone slicked with pork fat.
12:05They sizzled and turned gold at the edges.
12:07Kane looked at the stew, the black bread, the fried eggs.
12:10His eyes brightened.
12:12Sit.
12:13Eat.
12:14Eat.
12:14I waited for him to pick up his knife and fork.
12:16Then I picked up mine.
12:17He dropped a piece of roasted meat onto my platter.
12:20I looked at him.
12:21Eat.
12:21He dug in.
12:22I ate slowly, keeping my eyes down.
12:25Ella.
12:25Tomorrow.
12:26You're coming into the woods with me.
12:27Me?
12:28Yeah.
12:29I can't bring enough meat on my own.
12:30Winter's coming.
12:31Hunting was men's work.
12:32Pack females sometimes came along to carry and dress the kill.
12:35But I'd never done any of it.
12:37I don't know how.
12:39I'll teach you.
12:41I looked up at his scarred face.
12:42The firelight made it worse.
12:43But his eyes were steady.
12:45No disgust.
12:45No impatience.
12:47Okay.
12:50Adrian, you really think Evelyn's gonna say yes?
12:56Trust me, I'll make her.
13:00After dating my childhood sweetheart, Adrian, for eight years, we were finally getting married.
13:04The night before the wedding, however, I accidentally overheard Adrian.
13:07Tomorrow, after the fleet picks her up, drive the vintage wedding car straight to the Sterling
13:11estate.
13:12The Sterling family?
13:14Adrian explained in a low voice.
13:16Chloe's family company is facing bankruptcy and owes the Sterlings a massive debt.
13:20Her parents want to offer her in a marriage to the old Lord Sterling to settle the debt.
13:25But how can I just watch her life be ruined?
13:28I have no choice but to wrong Evelyn and put her into this debt-settlement marriage as a
13:31dubstitute.
13:33You can't bear to ruin Chloe?
13:34So you're gonna ruin Evelyn instead?
13:37Lord Edward is already 90 years old and bedridden.
13:39The family is simply following a fortune mystic advisor's guide to arrange an auspicious match with
13:44a young girl to ward off misfortune.
13:45When he dies in a year or two, I won't mind that Evelyn has been married.
13:50I'll still take her.
13:51But do you think Evelyn will just obediently exchange vows with an old man in the chapel?
13:55Tomorrow, I'll have my mother put a sedative in the tea Evelyn drinks.
13:59By the time she wakes up, she'll likely already be in the old Lord's bridal suite.
14:04What's done is done.
14:05She won't have a choice.
14:06I listened to it all without making a sound, making no fuss and shedding no tears.
14:09I simply returned to my room in silence to wait for tomorrow's wedding.
14:12By the time Adrian came looking for me again, begging to get back together,
14:15I was already five months pregnant.
14:17Just as you said, what's done is done.
14:19You have no choice.
14:22The next morning, surrounded by his groomsmen,
14:24Adrian came to escort me to the wedding venue.
14:26Chloe had tagged along.
14:27Seeing me in my wedding dress, Chloe began to cry the moment she walked in.
14:31Evelyn, I'm so jealous that you get to marry the man you love.
14:34You're so lucky, not like me.
14:36To appease their debt crisis, my parents are going to marry me to a 90-year-old man to cover
14:40their debts.
14:42But fortunately,
14:43She dabbed sit her tears and looked pointively at Adrian.
14:46Someone already went with me to the townhouse today and secretly completed a private civil registration.
14:51The old Lord couldn't marry me now even if he wanted to.
14:55I thought being sent away as a substitute bride was already a heavy enough blow.
14:58I hadn't expected that Adrian had already signed the legal marriage documents with her.
15:03Sophie, my bridesmaid and best friend, had no idea what was really going on.
15:07She leaned in and whispered in my ear,
15:09Today's the big day for you and Adrian.
15:10What is she doing here?
15:11Crying on purpose like this?
15:12Is she deliberately trying to jinx you?
15:13I patted Sophie's hand.
15:16Today was never going to be my wedding with Adrian anyway.
15:19His escort was nothing more than a charade,
15:22a way to coax me into the car and carry out his bait-and-switch scheme.
15:25Sofie clamored for some traditional bridesmaid games. Adrian, however, frowned.
15:29We're on a tight schedule. Let's not waste the time. Just find the bridal shoes.
15:32A few of his groomsmen searched the room and quickly found my bridal shoes.
15:36But Adrian took the shoes and went straight to Chloe.
15:39Evelyn, Chloe spained her ankle on the way here and her shoe broke.
15:42He crouched in front of Chloe and skillfully swapped out her broken shoe.
15:46Chloe grew up sheltered and isn't used to rough shoes. Let her wear your bridal shoes.
15:51As he spoke, he took a pair of ordinary flats from the shoe cabinet
15:54and placed them in front of me.
15:55They're just shoes, he said, looking steadily at me, his smile as gentle as ever.
16:02You won't mind, will you?
16:04Adrian, those are her bridal shoes! Sophie couldn't stand it.
16:08What about them? They're just shoes. Does it really matter what she wears?
16:11They aren't just a pair of shoes!
16:13Let it go, Sophie. I stopped her. Let her have them.
16:16Chloe was the daughter of the major shareholder at the investment bank where Adrian worked.
16:20For the past two years, Adrian had always used the excuse,
16:23we can't afford to offend her family, to demand that I constantly compromise for her.
16:27My campaign draw, my pet, my favorite clothes and jewelry were given to her,
16:31and now even my husband was to be handed over on a silver platter.
16:35Eight years, and all I got in return was a meticulously orchestrated scam.
16:39Chloe put on my bridal shoes, her face full of triumph.
16:43Adrian, these shoes fit me perfectly, as if they were made just for me.
16:50Where did you get them bespoke?
16:53Those shoes were made by Adrian himself. When he was 20, he had taken silk, needle, and thread,
16:58and hand-stitched those bespoke satin bridal shoes, one stitch at a time.
17:02He pricked his fingers countless times in the making.
17:06Evelyn, it doesn't hurt. When we get married, you'll wear these shoes.
17:09I want to make you a pair of bridal shoes that is utterly unique in this world.
17:16Evelyn, I want to give you the absolute best.
17:19The Adrian back then really treated me well. He couldn't bear to see me suffer the slightest
17:23grievance, and would have given me the world if he could.
17:26But ever since Chloe appeared, everything changed.
17:32While lost in thought, Adrian had already slipped that shoddy pair of flats onto my feet.
17:36The rough material bit into my skin. The other bridesmaids, completely oblivious to the
17:41undercurrents between us, started cheering and chanting. Caving to the crowd's urging,
17:45Adrian leaned in. But right at that moment, Chloe stumbled clumsily into his arms. He was pulled
17:50forward by her. Their lips met with perfect precision. Instantly, the room fell dead silent.
17:55Chloe, you did that on purpose, didn't you?
17:57I'm so sorry. I just lost my balance.
18:00You lost your balance? You could have fallen anywhere, but you just had to fall into the groom's arms?
18:06Enough. Stop arguing. Chloe sprained her ankle. Of course she lost her balance.
18:11Besides, is it worth getting mad over such a trivial matter?
18:14This is not a trivial- Sophie was so angry she was about to curse.
18:19But I stopped her. Over the last two years, Adrian had dismissed far too many things as trivial.
18:25Last year, when Chloe plagiarized the campaign deck, I had spent three grueling months preparing.
18:29Half a year ago, when Chloe insisted on crashing our anniversary dinner at a high-end restaurant.
18:33Trivial. Last month, when Chloe recklessly fed my pet of six years the wrong food and killed it.
18:37Trivial. Every time, Adrian told me to look at the big picture and not be petty with Chloe.
18:43This time, there truly was need for me to care anymore.
18:49During the standoff, Margaret walked in carrying a cup of tea.
18:53I've lived long enough to see you all grow up and get married. Come, drink this tea while it's warm
18:58to soothe your nerves. Your days ahead are bound to be smooth and peaceful.
19:04My parents had died in a car crash when I was little. I knew what drinking this tea meant, yet
19:09I opened my mouth and swallowed it anyway.
19:11It's time for the ceremony. Time to get in the cars.
19:15Adrian hoisted me onto his back and walked downstairs, step by step.
19:19When we were children, Adrian used to carry me like this too. He had taken my thin hand in his
19:24and said firmly,
19:25Evelyn, from now on, my home is your home, and my parents are your parents. Don't be afraid. I'm here.
19:31I will protect you forever.
19:32His shoulders were just as warm and broad as they had always been. Only, they no longer belonged to me.
19:39As soon as we reached the ground floor, Adrian set me down.
19:42Evelyn, I'll only walk you this far. The rest of the way, you're on your own.
19:48Sophie was highly dissatisfied.
19:50According to tradition, the groom must accompany the bride into the main bridal car.
19:54Traditions are rigid, but people are flexible.
19:58Adrian, what is wrong with you today? Since the moment you walked through that door.
20:03Sophie was shaking with anger.
20:05Are you out of your mind today?
20:08Sophie. It's fine. I can walk by myself.
20:13Adrian was never my groom to begin with.
20:16In what capacity was he supposed to accompany me into the car?
20:20The waiting vintage Rolls-Royce bridal car was parked a hundred meters away.
20:24Once I walked this distance, the past between him and I would be thoroughly severed.
20:30After I got in, Adrian stood momless by the car door.
20:34Evelyn.
20:34He looked steadily at me, his eyes carrying an explicable emotion I couldn't read.
20:40Take good care of yourself.
20:43What are you still standing there for? Get in the car!
20:45I'll take that.
20:46Adrian smiled and pointed to the car behind us.
20:48I'll follow behind to see you off.
20:49With that, he slammed the car door shut with a loud thud.
20:52What on earth is going on with Adrian today? Why is he acting so out of character?
20:57Sophie frowned, the confusion on her face deepening.
21:00Nothing is going on. He just wants to use me as Chloe's substitute and send me off to a debt
21:04-settlement marriage.
21:06Substitute marriage?
21:07Before I could answer, Sophie suddenly realized something was wrong.
21:11Wait! Driver, stop!
21:13You're going the wrong way! Why are you heading there?
21:15This isn't the way to the church! Turn around!
21:19Adrian, you really think Evelyn's gonna say yes?
21:25Trust me, I'll make her.
21:28After dating my childhood sweetheart, Adrian, for eight years, we were finally getting married.
21:33The night before the wedding, however, I accidentally overheard Adrian...
21:36Tomorrow, after the fleet picks her up, drive the vintage wedding car straight to the Sterling estate.
21:40The Sterling family?
21:43Adrian explained in a low voice.
21:45Chloe's family company is facing bankruptcy and owes the Sterlings a massive debt.
21:48Her parents want to offer her in a marriage to the old Lord Sterling to settle the debt.
21:53But how can I just watch her life be ruined?
21:56I have no choice but to wrong Evelyn and put her into this debt-settlement marriage as a substitute.
22:01You can't bear to ruin Chloe? So you're gonna ruin Evelyn instead?
22:05Lord Edward is already 90 years old and bedridden.
22:08The family is simply following a fortune mystic advisor's guide to arrange an auspicious match with
22:12a young girl to ward off misfortune.
22:14When he dies in a year or two, I won't mind that Evelyn has been married.
22:18I'll still take her.
22:19But do you think Evelyn will just obediently exchange vows with an old man in the chapel?
22:24Tomorrow, I'll have my mother put a sedative in the tea Evelyn drinks.
22:28By the time she wakes up, she'll likely already be in the old Lord's bridal suite.
22:33What's done is done. She won't have a choice.
22:34I listened to it all without making a sound, making no fuss and shedding no tears.
22:38I simply returned to my room in silence to wait for tomorrow's wedding.
22:41By the time Adrian came looking for me again, begging to get back together,
22:44I was already five months pregnant.
22:46Just as you said, what's done is done. You have no choice.
22:50The next morning, surrounded by his groomsmen,
22:53Adrian came to escort me to the wedding venue. Chloe had tagged along.
22:56Seeing me in my wedding dress, Chloe began to cry the moment she walked in.
23:00Evelyn, I'm so jealous that you get to marry the man you love.
23:03You're so lucky, not like me. To appease their debt crisis,
23:07my parents are going to marry me to a 90-year-old man to cover their debt.
23:10But fortunately, she dabbed sit her tears and looked pointively at Adrian.
23:15Someone already went with me to the townhouse today and secretly completed a private civil registration.
23:20The old lord couldn't marry me now even if he wanted to.
23:23I thought being sent away as a substitute bride was already a heavy enough blow.
23:27I hadn't expected that Adrian had already signed the legal marriage documents with her.
23:32Sophie, my bridesmaid and best friend, had no idea what was really going on.
23:36She leaned in and whispered in my ear,
23:38Today's the big day for you and Adrian. What is she doing here?
23:39Crying on purpose like this? Is she deliberately trying to jinx you?
23:42I patted Sophie's hand.
23:45Today was never going to be my wedding with Adrian anyway.
23:48His escort was nothing more than a charade,
23:50a way to coax me into the car and carry out his bait-and-switch scheme.
23:54Sophie clamored for some traditional bridesmaid games.
23:56Adrian, however, frowned.
23:58We're on a tight schedule. Let's not waste the time.
24:00Just find the bridal shoes.
24:01A few of his groomsmen searched the room and quickly found my bridal shoes.
24:04But Adrian took the shoes and went straight to Chloe.
24:07Evelyn, Chloe spained her ankle on the way here and her shoe broke.
24:11He crouched in front of Chloe and skillfully swapped out her broken shoe.
24:15Chloe grew up sheltered and isn't used to rough shoes.
24:17Let her wear your bridal shoes.
24:20As he spoke, he took a pair of ordinary flats from the shoe cabinet and placed them in front of
24:24me.
24:24They're just shoes.
24:25He said, looking steadily at me, his smile as gentle as ever.
24:30You won't mind, will you?
24:33Adrian, those are her bridal shoes!
24:35Sophie couldn't stand it.
24:36What about them? They're just shoes. Does it really matter what she wears?
24:40They aren't just a pair of shoes!
24:41Let it go, Sophie.
24:43I stopped her.
24:44Let her have them.
24:45Chloe was the daughter of the major shareholder at the investment bank where Adrian worked.
24:49For the past two years, Adrian had always used the excuse we can't afford to offend her family,
24:53to demand that I constantly compromise for her.
24:55My campaign draw, my pet, my favorite clothes and jewelry were given to her.
25:00And now, even my husband was to be handed over on a silver platter.
25:04Eight years, and all I got in return was a meticulously orchestrated scam.
25:08Chloe put on my bridal shoes, her face full of triumph.
25:11Adrian, these shoes fit me perfectly, as if they were made just for me.
25:19Where did you get them bespoke?
25:21Those shoes were made by Adrian himself.
25:23When he was twenty, he had taken silk, needle, and thread,
25:27and hand-stitched those bespoke satin bridal shoes, one stitch at a time.
25:31He pricked his fingers countless times in the making.
25:34Evelyn, it doesn't hurt.
25:36When we get married, you'll wear these shoes.
25:38I want to make you a pair of bridal shoes that is utterly unique in this world.
25:45Evelyn, I want to give you the absolute best.
25:48The Adrian back then really treated me well.
25:50He couldn't bear to see me suffer the slightest grievance,
25:52and would have given me the world if he could.
25:55But ever since Chloe appeared, everything changed.
26:01While lost in thought, Adrian had already slipped that shoddy pair of flats onto my feet.
26:05The rough material bit into my skin.
26:08The other bridesmaids, completely oblivious to the undercurrents between us,
26:11started cheering and chanting.
26:13Caving to the crowd's urging, Adrian leaned in.
26:15But right at that moment, Chloe stumbled clumsily into his arms.
26:18He was pulled forward by her.
26:20Their lips met with perfect precision.
26:22Instantly, the room fell dead silent.
26:24Chloe, you did that on purpose, didn't you?
26:26I'm so sorry, I just lost my balance.
26:28You lost your balance?
26:30You could have fallen anywhere, but you just had to fall into the groom's arms?
26:34Enough, stop arguing.
26:36Chloe sprained her ankle, of course she lost her balance.
26:40Besides, is it worth getting mad over such a trivial matter?
26:43This is not a trivial-
26:44Sophie was so angry, she was about to curse.
26:48But I stopped her.
26:50Over the last two years, Adrian had dismissed far too many things as trivial.
26:54Last year, when Chloe plagiarized the campaign deck,
26:56I had spent three grueling months preparing.
26:58Half a year ago, when Chloe insisted on crashing our anniversary dinner at a high-end restaurant.
27:02Trivial.
27:02Last month, when Chloe recklessly fed my pet of six years the wrong food and killed it.
27:06Trivial.
27:07Every time, Adrian told me to look at the big picture and not be petty with Chloe.
27:12This time, there truly was need for me to care anymore.
27:17During the standoff, Margaret walked in carrying a cup of tea.
27:21I've lived long enough to see you all grow up and get married.
27:25Come, drink this tea while it's warm to soothe your nerves.
27:28Your days ahead are bound to be smooth and peaceful.
27:32My parents had died in a car crash when I was little.
27:35I knew what drinking this tea meant, yet I opened my mouth and swallowed it anyway.
27:40It's time for the ceremony. Time to get in the cars.
27:44Adrian hoisted me onto his back and walked downstairs, step by step.
27:48When we were children, Adrian used to carry me like this too.
27:51He had taken my thin hand in his and said firmly,
27:54Evelyn, from now on, my home is your home, and my parents are your parents.
27:58Don't be afraid. I'm here. I will protect you forever.
28:01His shoulders were just as warm and broad as they had always been.
28:04Only, they no longer belonged to me.
28:08As soon as we reached the ground floor, Adrian set me down.
28:11Evelyn, I'll only walk you this far. The rest of the way, you're on your own.
28:16Sophie was highly dissatisfied.
28:18According to tradition, the groom must accompany the bride into the main bridal car.
28:22Traditions are rigid, but people are flexible.
28:26Adrian, what is wrong with you today? Since the moment you walked through that door?
28:31Sophie was shaking with anger.
28:34Are you out of your mind today?
28:37Sophie, it's fine. I can walk by myself.
28:42Adrian was never my groom to begin with.
28:44I descend from the Phoenix clan, yet born with an incomplete spiritual root.
28:50My mother, Phoenix Sarah, thinks I am a disgrace to the Phoenix clan.
28:55Before I even hatched, Mother caught Father flirting with a maid.
28:59In fury, she hurled me at the maid.
29:01I broke through my shell too early. I turned into an ugly, half-feathered, sickly Phoenix.
29:07Due to innate flaws, I failed to shift form at...
29:10How much shame you bring me!
29:12Growing even more furious.
29:14She summoned Phoenix True Flame, intent on incinerating me.
29:18Yet my father held her back.
29:20She deserves no mercy.
29:22She calmed, extinguished Phoenix Flame and wept in his arms.
29:26I can't stand it.
29:28Just give her away.
29:29Comforting her softly.
29:30Far from sight, far from trouble.
29:32The handmaid, Mama Avia, who has served the family for a hundred years, is retiring.
29:37I don't care if she lives or dies.
29:38Just don't let me see her again.
29:45Mama Avia gazed at my battered form.
29:50Once you grow capable, your mother will accept you.
29:53Back then, Mama and I both thought if I grew smarter and stronger,
29:57Mother would grow fond of me.
29:59I followed Mama Avia back to her hometown, Ashgrove Woods.
30:02Later, my parents had another Phoenix daughter.
30:05A flawless, healthy Phoenix.
30:07I often heard the spirit beasts talk about my parents and younger sister.
30:10They said Sister Leora was the fairest Phoenix.
30:13Gifted and able to take human form at birth.
30:16Unlike me, a half-bald turkey who couldn't even fly.
30:20They said my parents had built her a crystal castle for her first birthday.
30:24They spent countless crystals sending her to Sacred Isle to learn,
30:27She shall grow into a Phoenix mage stronger than my mother.
30:30Yet my assailant included the son of the local lord.
30:33Offending the lord, Mama Avia could no longer stay in her homeland.
30:36So we had to wander far and wide.
30:41To help me study shift form, Mama emptied all crystals to send me to Aetherian Academy Isle.
30:46But my talent really was that poor.
30:49Even this ordinary magic academy rejected me.
30:51Mama Avia pleaded with the dean, trading her precious feather for my admission.
30:55So I became a student at Aetherian.
30:57My core was badly damaged.
30:58Spirit sensed power still dormant.
31:00Making learning extremely tough.
31:03Archmage Orion often sighed and advised Mama Avia not to waste effort on me.
31:07Yet Mama Avia firmly believed I merely needed time to grow.
31:11Each night she guided my meditation.
31:13Channeling her ether power into me.
31:15She ventured into perilous magic realms to seek rare potions restoring my core.
31:19She was severely wounded by guardian beasts many times, barely surviving each ordeal.
31:25I begged her to stop.
31:27I told her I would rather be a useless fool forever than lose her.
31:31They look down on you, yet you must fight for yourself.
31:35Because you can't bend down when you are born to stand out.
31:39I studied harder.
31:40I don't know how many years passed before I finally shifted form.
31:43Ordinary and plain as I was, yet my magical talent finally awakened.
31:48I became a formal initiate of Aetherian, Mama said.
31:51Our little phoenix is getting more beautiful every day.
31:55She strove harder to find magic potions and rare materials for me.
31:59My heart aches seeing her injured in pursuit of the elixir, and I pray she quits.
32:03Yet she simply said,
32:04This magical realm is too secluded, and I'm picking herbs for you on the way.
32:10I asked her once.
32:11If I grew strong, would mother and father love me the way they love Lyora?
32:15Her eyes went dim for half a breath, and then the warm smile returned.
32:19Of course.
32:20Our Sylvia is so good.
32:23Who could not love you?
32:24That night, Mama Avia sat before her scrying mirror.
32:27I told you a hundred times.
32:29I won't see her.
32:30Don't pester me about her.
32:31I already disowned her.
32:33She swept her hand, and the mirror shattered.
32:35Only Mama Avia's red eyes mirrored in the shattered glass.
32:39Ten years from now, I will stand at the summit and make Mama Avia proud.
32:47Since I successfully took human form, it felt like I suddenly understood everything.
32:51From a low level mage to a top tier mage, it only took me one hundred years.
32:55I became the strongest initiate etherean academy had ever produced.
32:59As the realm tournament drew near, my master took me and fellow disciples along.
33:03It was the first time I had left etherean,
33:05and the first time in lifetimes I would see my parents and my sister.
33:09I found Leora surrounded by admirers, laughing prettily.
33:12My junior sister tugged my sleeve.
33:14Sylvia, that girl looks a lot like you.
33:16Before I could answer, an azure spire disciple sneered.
33:19You're from some no-name academy.
33:21How dare you compare yourself to Lady Leora?
33:24Our senior sister is a phoenix!
33:26She's the phoenix princess!
33:27Why can't she be compared?
33:29Then a great burst of laughter.
33:32Phoenix princess?
33:33Her?!
33:33Lady Leora is the only phoenix princess!
33:36Leora also turned her gaze toward me.
33:38She looked slightly surprised and confused.
33:41Then her eyes searched the crowd for someone.
33:43Suddenly, I felt a sharp, cold gaze behind me.
33:46I turned and saw my mother.
33:49Leora's face lit up.
33:50She broke through the crowd and threw herself into mother's arms.
33:52Mother, I thought you weren't coming!
33:55My mother gently stroked her face with affection.
33:58How could I miss your moment, my darling?
34:01I'll see my princess become the greatest mate of all.
34:06Mother, do you know her?
34:08She looks just like me.
34:10Silly girl.
34:11Why compare yourself to common folk?
34:12You are the phoenix realm's noblest princess.
34:16There is only one princess of the phoenix clan, and that is my daughter, Leora.
34:21Laughter crashed over me, and my grip on my blade trembled.
34:24So shameless that Turk actually actually had to pretend to be a phoenix!
34:27Ha ha!
34:28Exposed, embarrassed by the queen!
34:31My disciples were dragged into the ridicule with me.
34:34Don't argue with them.
34:35I'm not a phoenix princess anyway.
34:37I felt guilty and whispered.
34:39A girl no mother would claim.
34:41What right had I to call myself royal?
34:43But I didn't expect my juniors to be so brave.
34:46Outnumbered ten to one, they raged.
34:48We've seen Sylvia's true form with our own eyes!
34:50He's a nine-winged golden-flyer phoenix!
34:53But the others simply didn't believe it.
34:55Princess Leora is the only rightful phoenix heir.
34:58Your senior?
34:59Never even heard of her!
35:00Aetherian's dozen in Azure Spire's scores came to blows.
35:03Suddenly, High Judge Kale swept his power between us and forced us apart.
35:07He declared,
35:07Cast out these troublemakers.
35:11And what about them?
35:12Kyle frowned.
35:13His eyes sharp, overwhelming pressure fell on me.
35:15Cold sweat instantly formed on my forehead.
35:17But I forced myself to stand straight and face him.
35:21Your judgment is unequal, my lord.
35:22I will not accept it.
35:23He frowned slightly.
35:25Finally, he couldn't openly favor Azure Spire.
35:27Then all of you, disqualify!
35:33Leora gazed at Kale.
35:35Judge Kale, this is all my fault!
35:36Please don't punish my classmates!
35:38She bowed deeply.
35:39Her attitude sincere and humble.
35:42But from beginning to end,
35:43she never mentioned anyone from our Aetherian disciples.
35:47Kale was clearly softened, but the others babbled that we had started it.
35:51He decided then and there to throw us out.
35:53Wait, High Judge!
35:55Please consult the all-seeing mirror and verify who struck first.
36:00If you punish us without truth, I will take it to the air for host itself.
36:04At that moment of stalemate, the Queen Phoenix Zara stepped forward.
36:07You impersonated our Phoenix Princess and stirred public fury.
36:10I've already shown leniency by withholding punishment.
36:13Push me further, and I will not be lenient again.
36:16She waved her face, and Phoenix Flame Flames burst forth, scorching my brand new robes.
36:23Sylvia, let's go!
36:24My junior sister tugged at me.
36:26A breath closer, the Phoenix Fire would have claimed my life.
36:29I gently pried her hand off.
36:32Stepped forward.
36:34Met the Queen's eyes without fear.
36:36Are you trying to use your power to bully me, Queen of Phoenix?
36:38When did I ever impersonate a Phoenix Princess?
36:41If she dares accuse me of impersonation, I'll expose her lies publicly.
36:46Let the world see how she harmed her own child, and abandoned me.
36:49She avoided my gaze, feeling guilty, and snorted coldly.
36:53Aetherian is some no-name school.
36:54Don't try to make a spectacle to gain notice.
36:56This tournament's no place for low-grade magets to run wild.
36:58If you overestimate yourself, then the price will be your blood.
37:02Ignoring the contempt around me, I stared straight into her eyes.
37:05How about a bet, Queen of Phoenix?
37:07If I defeat your precious daughter?
37:11You publicly apologized to me.
37:14I admit I couldn't swallow this humiliation.
37:17She damaged my magic core, despised me, tortured me, and finally abandoned me.
37:23Now she insults me and humiliates me in public again.
37:26If she thinks I'm a useless fool, then I will make her see it clearly for herself.
37:31How this useless daughter defeats the princess she raised like a treasure,
37:35the Queen froze, then sneered.
37:38You overestimate yourself.
37:40You won't even make it through the qualifiers.
37:42Are you afraid to make the bet?
37:45Afraid your prized princess will lose to a name-name's turkey?
37:50Leora flared.
37:51I'm not afraid of you!
37:53The Queen snapped.
37:54Fine.
37:54If you want to die, I will not stop you.
37:57But what if you lose?
37:59I met her eyes without blinking.
38:01Then I will destroy my own core and cut all ties with you forever!
38:05Her pupils shrank.
38:07Panic crossed her face for an instant.
38:09Confused eyes fixed on us, as if people began to realize something.
38:14Fine.
38:14I accept.
38:15Leora, if you meet her in the arena, don't hold back!
38:19She swept her sleeves and returned to the dais.
38:22Leora glared at me and followed.
38:24In the end, we were still allowed to stay.
38:29But as the Azure Spire Disciples left, they threw down a threat.
38:35First round of the elimination, no one is allowed to touch anyone from Aetherian!
38:39They are our prey, from Azure Spire!
38:42My Disciples sagged.
38:44Sylvia, we shouldn't have spoken up and caused trouble!
38:47What do we do now? They'll definitely try to kill us!
38:51The Realm Tournament forbade killing, but in Chaotic Melee, Aether Power can slip.
38:56Disciples did die.
38:57And nobody mourned the losers.
38:59The path of power was always a winnowing.
39:01Keep playing.
39:02Every mage is supposed to know this.
39:04My junior sister sobbed.
39:06Maybe we should just admit defeat and withdraw?
39:09No more coward talk like that!
39:11We'll never flee in battle!
39:13We can't let Aetherian become the laughingstock of the magical world!
39:17I touched the top of my junior sister's hair.
39:19Don't be afraid.
39:20Stay behind me.
39:22Unless I'm dead, no one touches any of them.
39:24She wailed and threw herself at me.
39:25Sylvia, it's all my fault!
39:27I should have held my tongue!
39:28I knew they were all standing up for me.
39:31When the round began, as expected, all the other academies deliberately avoided us.
39:36Azure Spire students surrounded us.
39:39One of them turned to Leora.
39:40Leora!
39:41Just watch from the side!
39:43I'll take care of this group of trash for you!
39:45Leora was protected like a mascot.
39:47I summoned a thick barrier and shielded my disciples inside.
39:51The Azure Spire mages laughed at the sight.
39:55Even united, you stand no chance!
39:57How dare you fight alone!
39:58You're clearly ready to die!
39:59If that's the case, I'll grant your wish.
40:02Everyone step back!
40:03I alone am enough to deal with her!
40:04I smiled at him.
40:08He froze for a moment, slightly dazed, but still raised his wand and attacked me.
40:13In the blink of an eye, I passed by him.
40:15My palms slapped flat against the small of his back.
40:18The battle ended so fast that no one even had time to react.
40:23He slumped, stared back at me in disbelief, then passed out.
40:27Only then did everyone finally react with rage.
40:29That witch must have used dirty tricks!
40:36I descend from the Phoenix Clan, yet born with an incomplete spiritual root.
40:42My mother, Phoenix Sarah, thinks I am a disgrace to the Phoenix Clan.
40:46Before I even hatched, mother caught father flirting with a maid.
40:50In fury, she hurled me at the maid.
40:52I broke through my shell too early.
40:55I turned into an ugly, half-feathered, sickly Phoenix.
40:58Due to innate flaws, I failed to shift form at 10, growing even more furious.
41:05She summoned Phoenix True Flame, intent on incinerating me, yet my father held her back.
41:12She deserves no mercy.
41:14She calmed, extinguished Phoenix Flame and wept in his arms.
41:18I can't stand it.
41:19Just give her away.
41:20Comforting her softly.
41:21Far from sight, far from trouble.
41:23The handmaid, Mama Avia, who has served the family for a hundred years, is retiring.
41:28I don't care if she lives or dies. Just don't let me see her again.
41:36Mama Avia gazed at my battered form.
41:42Once you grow capable, your mother will accept you.
41:45Back then, Mama and I both thought if I grew smarter and stronger,
41:49Mother would grow fond of me.
41:51I followed Mama Avia back to her hometown, Ashgrove Woods.
41:54Later, my parents had another Phoenix daughter.
41:56A flawless, healthy Phoenix.
41:58I often heard the spirit beasts talk about my parents and younger sister.
42:02They said Sister Leora was the fairest Phoenix.
42:05Gifted and able to take human form at birth.
42:08Unlike me, a half-bald turkey who couldn't even fly.
42:12They said my parents had built her a crystal castle for her first birthday.
42:16They spent countless crystals sending her to Sacred Isle to learn.
42:19She shall grow into a Phoenix mage stronger than my mother.
42:22Yet my assailant included the son of the local lord.
42:24Offending the lord, Mama Avia could no longer stay in her homeland.
42:28So we had to wander far and wide.
42:33To help me study shift form, Mama emptied all crystals to send me to Aetherian Academy Isle.
42:38But my talent really was that poor.
42:40Even this ordinary magic academy rejected me.
42:43Mama Avia pleaded with the dean, trading her precious feather for my admission.
42:47So I became a student at Aetherian.
42:48My core was badly damaged, spirit-sensed power still dormant, making learning extremely tough.
42:55Archmage Orion often sighed and advised Mama Avia not to waste effort on me.
42:59Yet Mama Avia firmly believed I merely needed time to grow.
43:02Each night she guided my meditation, channeling her Aether power into me.
43:07She ventured into perilous magic realms to seek rare potions restoring my core.
43:11She was severely wounded by guardian beasts many times, barely surviving each ordeal.
43:17I begged her to stop.
43:19I told her I would rather be a useless fool forever than lose her.
43:23They look down on you, yet you must fight for yourself.
43:27Because you can't bend down when you are born to stand out.
43:31I studied harder. I don't know how many years passed before I finally shifted form.
43:35Ordinary and plain as I was, yet my magical talent finally awakened.
43:40I became a formal initiate of Aetherian, Mama said.
43:43Our little phoenix is getting more beautiful every day.
43:47She strove harder to find magic potions and rare materials for me.
43:51My heart aches seeing her injured in pursuit of the elixir, and I pray she quits.
43:55Yet she simply said,
43:56This magical realm is too secluded, and I'm picking herbs for you on the way.
44:01I cannot die like this. Not before I avenge my mother.
44:05She made a blood oath. Lucian Ignis was destined to become my dragon.
44:10We'll never make a contract with a waist without a core.
44:12Voluntarily enter into a soul contract with Llelith.
44:15I hereby abolish Serena Tide as crown prince.
44:17I have to enter the forbidden abyss.
44:19Why did you choose someone as useless as me?
44:21I accept your choice.
44:24A snake? That was a dragon's roar. How is that possible?
44:28My mother, Elara Tide, was once the strongest queen our kingdom had ever known.
44:35When darkness swallowed the world, she stood alone between humanity and extinction.
44:42She was not merely a queen. To countless people, she was hope itself.
44:48And on that day, even the ocean answered her call.
44:54But from the deepest darkness, he awakened.
44:57The Abyss Lord. The ruler of corruption. The king of destruction.
45:03A being so powerful that even dragons feared his name.
45:07Ocean against Abyss. Light against Eremshin. Light against corruption.
45:12For a moment, it felt as if the world itself was breaking apart.
45:19That was the first time. I saw fear. In my mother's eyes.
45:25Not fear for herself. Fear for everyone she could no longer protect.
45:39No. This isn't an invasion. It's a gate.
45:41What do you mean?
45:42If that core awakens, the whole continent dies.
45:45My mother decided to sacrifice herself and seal it.
45:47By my life, by my soul, and by the royal blood of Tide Kingdom, I, Elara Tide, swear this blood
45:53oath.
45:54When my daughter Serena comes of age, Lucian Ignis shall become her soulbind dragon.
45:58He shall protect her. Stand beside her for all eternity.
46:02To protect me, she made a blood oath with King Pyros Ignis.
46:07Lucian Ignis was destined to become my dragon.
46:10The price was her life.
46:16Ten year dragon covenant ceremony officially begin!
46:20Crown Princess Serena Tide holds the first choice over the entire Dracanus continent.
46:28Lilith Tide has two dragon heart core.
46:31She is the first genius of Dracanus continent.
46:35Is the second choice.
46:39Crown Princess Serena Tide, choose your dragon!
46:43Crown Princess Serena Tide, Princess of the Tide Kingdom, choose your dragon!
47:08Crown Princess Serena Tide, Princess of the Tide Kingdom, choose your dragon.
47:21I refuse!
47:30I, Lucian Ignis,
47:32Wancers of the Fire Dragon,
47:33will never make a contract with a waste without a core.
47:36I would rather die, A, than be a useless dragon.
47:40Lucian!
47:41Have you forgotten the blood oath the tribe made to Queen Ellara?
47:45Her mother made the vow, not me.
47:47I will not honor this oath until she is dead.
47:57Lucian, you can't do this.
48:00Serena will be angry.
48:03Don't be afraid.
48:05I'm here.
48:07I, Lucian Ignis,
48:09Prince of the Fire Dragon Clan,
48:10voluntarily enter into a soul contract with Lelela Tide.
48:14In this life,
48:15she is the only one.
48:20The dragon pet
48:22has failed.
48:23No dragon answered the call.
48:26Oh god!
48:27He chose Princess Limith!
48:28But she already has two dragons!
48:30So what?
48:31She has two dragon heart cores,
48:32can handle three dragons.
48:34It's so pitiful that the eldest princess
48:36raised him for ten years and ended up like this.
48:38Pity what?
48:39A loser like her doesn't deserve a fire dragon prince.
48:43Look!
48:44Lupian Ignis breaks the blood oath!
48:45He violated the royal vow!
48:47He's losing dragon source power!
48:50Why?
48:52Why?
48:53Why?
49:11The abyss.
49:12That creature.
49:13Still alive?
49:14Impossible!
49:19Be still!
49:20In the name of the eternal dragon god,
49:23disperse!
49:26The disturbance has been contained.
49:29A temporary altar resonation.
49:31Nothing more.
49:32The ceremony of the dragon's union continues.
49:38I'm really sorry, sister.
49:39I didn't want this to happen.
49:41But Lucian,
49:42he just chose me.
49:46Well,
49:47it looks like Prince Lucian
49:49has made up his mind.
49:52There's nothing we can do about it, Serena.
49:54According to the law
49:55of the Eternal Long Temple,
49:57those who are rejected
49:58by their own dragons
49:59will lose the first choice.
50:01And in view of the fact
50:02that Princess Serena
50:03is unable to practice magic
50:04and not possess the ability
50:06to rule the kingdom.
50:07I propose
50:09to abolish
50:10Serena Tide's position
50:11as crown princess
50:12and establish
50:13Limith Tide
50:14as the first heir
50:15to the throne.
50:17Agree!
50:18I agree!
50:19I agree!
50:20Agree!
50:25That's it.
50:26In the name of
50:27the Eternal Dragon Temple,
50:29I hereby abolish
50:30Serena Tide
50:31as crown prince.
50:32Lilith Tide.
50:33She is now
50:34first in line
50:35to the throne.
50:36No one stopped me.
50:39No one called my name.
50:44Perhaps
50:45to them
50:46I was already gone.
50:53Mom.
50:57What am I supposed
51:02to do now?
51:07Mom?
51:08My little Serena,
51:09why are you crying?
51:10I lost everything.
51:12No.
51:12You only lost
51:13what was never truly yours.
51:15A dragon does not
51:16make a queen.
51:17A crown does not
51:18make a ruler.
51:19Power does not
51:20make a legend.
51:21Your heart does.
51:22Live.
51:23Find the truth.
51:24And I have always
51:24been proud of you.
51:27I cannot die like this.
51:29Not before I find out
51:30who stole my core.
51:32Not before I avenge
51:33my mother.
51:34I will survive.
51:36Even without a dragon
51:38of my own.
51:44The new heir
51:45has been chosen.
51:46This wing will belong
51:47to Princess Lilith soon.
51:53I have to enter
51:54the Forbidden Abyss.
51:55It's the only place
51:57left where wild dragons
51:58still exist.
52:04I will find a dragon
52:05willing to choose me.
52:07Even if it's the
52:08weakest dragon
52:09in the world.
52:11I will survive.
52:15Look, isn't that
52:16the useless princess
52:17of Tide Kingdom?
52:19She actually dares
52:20to go into the abyss.
52:21How ridiculous.
52:22A princess without a core.
52:24She'll just be food
52:24for the corrupted beasts.
52:26Don't be so harsh.
52:28Maybe she's lucky.
52:29She might find
52:29a dying little snake
52:30to form a bond with.
52:35I don't have
52:36powerful magic.
52:38But mother taught me
52:39how to survive.
52:40How to run.
52:42How to fight.
52:44How to stay alive.
53:14How to stay alive.
53:17This is the highest grade
53:19essence coal
53:20I can possibly obtain.
53:21If I can find
53:22a dragon
53:23willing to bond
53:24with me
53:24this will be my gift.
53:26My first gift
53:27to my future partner.
53:30Give me the essence.
53:32That's mine.
53:33Yours?
53:34A useless princess
53:35like you
53:36doesn't deserve
53:36a rank 7
53:37essence core.
53:38It belongs
53:38to the strong.
53:41No!
53:42Thank you
53:43for the gift,
53:44princess.
53:46Why?
53:48Why does
53:49everyone hurt me?
53:50What did I do wrong?
53:53Maybe
53:54this is the ending
53:55I was born for.
54:07You?
54:08Do you want
54:09a soul bond
54:10with me?
54:10Of all the people
54:11in the world
54:13why did you choose
54:14someone as useless
54:15as me?
54:15Well
54:16I won't live
54:17much longer anyway.
54:18Let's stay together.
54:20By soul
54:20and blood
54:21I accept
54:21your choice.
54:23Soul bond
54:28a snake?
54:30That was
54:30a dragon's roar.
54:31How is that
54:32possible?
54:37She's alive.
54:39Impossible!
54:40A coreless princess
54:40survived the abyss?
54:41Look at her wrist!
54:42Is that a snake?
54:43Don't tell me
54:44that's her dragon.
54:48Exchange these
54:49for gold.
54:5131 gold coins.
54:52Well, well!
54:54Isn't this
54:54the useless
54:55princess of Tide Kingdom?
54:56devil.
55:14He's alive.
55:18He's alive.
55:19He's alive.
55:21He's alive.
55:23He's alive.
55:24He's alive.
55:26He's alive.
55:26He's alive.
55:26This is the highest grade essence coal I can possibly obtain.
55:31If I can find a dragon willing to bond with me, this will be my gift.
55:35My first gift to my future partner.
55:39Give me the essence.
55:41That's mine.
55:43Yours?
55:43A useless princess like you doesn't deserve a rank 7 essence core.
55:47It belongs to the strong.
55:50No!
55:52Thank you for the gift, princess.
55:56Why?
55:57Why does everyone hurt me?
56:00What did I do wrong?
56:03Maybe this is the ending I was born for.
56:16You?
56:18Do you want a soul bond with me?
56:20Of all the people in the world,
56:22why did you choose someone as useless as me?
56:25Well, I won't live much longer anyway.
56:27Let's stay together.
56:29By soul and blood, I accept your choice.
56:32Soul bond.
56:38A snake?
56:39That was a dragon's roar.
56:41How is that possible?
56:46She's alive.
56:48Impossible!
56:49A coreless princess survived the abyss?
56:51Look at her wrist!
56:51Is that a snake?
56:52Don't tell me that's her dragon.
56:57Exchange these for gold.
57:0031 gold coins.
57:02Well, well!
57:03Isn't this the useless princess of Tide Kingdom?
57:07You now over.
57:07Apparently he'll do it even you.
57:08I think it's the only place to try and talk to you.
57:08Why, does my miracle is the beauty of the birth of the body now?
57:09What else?
57:09You are the athlete.
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