- 4 hours ago
- #drama
High modern family tension explodes when quiet independent children reveal their absolute tactical connection to a supreme leader. #Drama
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Short filmTranscript
00:00After I died, my child called the Alpha of the Midnight Pack.
00:04Daddy, I am Wynne.
00:07The man on the other end paused. He scoffed.
00:10What new trick is this? You think the Midnight Park is easy prey.
00:15My five-year-old did not catch his words. She only caught prey. She answered bright.
00:21Yes! Wynne is from the Preylands.
00:23The line went silent for a long time. When he spoke again, the cold smile was gone.
00:30Put your mother on the phone.
00:31But I could not pick up the phone anymore. Wynne answered exactly as I taught her.
00:35Mommy went to another home. Mommy said she cannot take me. She told me to find Daddy.
00:41Mommy said she raised me for five years. Now it is your turn.
00:45Silas would believe this story. Six years ago, I abandoned him the same way. I was right.
00:50A cold laugh cut through the phone.
00:53Same Ivy. Same games. Why does she think I will come?
00:57Wynne stumbled through her next line.
00:59Mommy said we can do a DNA test. You are my Daddy. Daddy, I do not want the Omega Sanctuary.
01:08Her last words trembled. After a long silence, Simus said one word.
01:15Address.
01:16Rink gave the address. The call ended. He would be here soon.
01:21I let out a breath. Wynne blinked at me.
01:25Mommy? Why are we tricking Daddy?
01:29Did Mommy not die?
01:33I floated in the air. I did not answer at first. The trick was not for Silas. It was for
01:39Wynne.
01:39Wynne has seen ghosts since she was born. To her, death is just another way to keep living.
01:44Like me, I am only beside her in a new form. So she does not cry. She is not sad.
01:50She finds her spirit
01:51mother interesting. But other wolves will call her a freak. They will say she talks to empty corners.
01:57They will say she stares at things that are not there. I do not know if Silas can accept this
02:02kind
02:02of child. I cannot risk it. Mommy wants to play a game with Daddy. I want to see when he
02:07can find
02:08Mommy. I bent down. I made my voice secret. So you cannot tell him Mommy died. You cannot tell him
02:14you can see Mommy. Yes. Ryn nodded hard. She covered her mouth. My lips are sealed, Mommy. Good.
02:20Good baby. I laughed. I brushed her hair through the air. Later, Ryn ate some bread. Then she fell
02:27asleep. Her body is special. She sleeps more than other pups her age. I sat by her bed. I watched
02:34her.
02:35I watched the corner of her blanket gap open. I could not fix it. Then in the deep silence,
02:40a fist hit the door. A cold, deep voice came through. Open up. Simus Cole.
02:49I floated to the door. I passed through it. I almost passed through Silas. I jumped back
02:53two steps. Silas stood there. He rubbed his nose. His brow pulled tight. He caught a scent.
02:58Faint. Familiar. His wolf stirred behind his eyes. I never thought our reunion after six years would
03:03be this. Face to face. Mate to spirit. Silas knocked again. Harder. His knuckles passed through
03:10my body. Anyone home?
03:12Ryn woke up. She shuffled to the door in slippers. She opened it. She looked up.
03:18Are you daddy?
03:19Silas froze. It was not just her face. His wolf snapped to attention inside him.
03:24Bloodline link. A pull straight to his chest. His own pup. Confirmed before a word. He stared
03:30down at her with heavy eyes. She looks just like him. One glance tells you whose child she is.
03:36After a moment, Silas pulled his eyes away. He scanned the apartment.
03:39She let you live in a place like this? He stepped inside. I floated by him. I snapped
03:45back. You make it sound like you never lived small. 500 square feet is fine. He could not
03:50hear me. He stopped and asked when. Where is your mother? Really gone?
03:59He lowered his eyes. He waited. Rick shrunk back. She hid behind me. The hiding was useless. After a
04:05brief standoff, Simus crouched down. He met her eyes. His voice softened. Your mother's number,
04:10do you know it? Rink pinched her sleeve. She hummed once. Then she spoke my number,
04:14soft but clear. Simus took out his phone. The call log was a wall of red. He had called me
04:20many times
04:21already. Silas walked to the balcony. He made a call. Number is live. Find the address. The
04:27apartment is still warm. She has not been gone long. He held the railer with one hand. Lazy stance,
04:34sharp focus. I floated next to him. You hunt well. I looked at the distant lights. Then I spoke softly,
04:42but you will not find me. Not ever, Silas. Silas was taking Wyn away. Before they left,
04:49I told Rink to pack. Bring your sleep clothes. Bring your favorite stuffed wolf. The blue medicine
04:55box. Second shelf. For your allergies. Bring your milk and oats. You may not like new food.
05:01I talked and talked. Wyn kept making trips. She kept bringing my photos to the box.
05:08I went quiet. After a moment, I stopped her. Just one photo of us. Not so many. She held my
05:15photo
05:16book. Her eyes were wide. Why? Daddy will not like it. Sinus would not want my photos in his home.
05:27Who are you talking to?
05:30I looked up. Silas stood in the bedroom door. Rink jumped. The photo book hit the floor. It fell
05:36open on one page. Photos of me and Silas. Smiling. Joking. Close. The air went still. Silas stared at the
05:42photo. Finally, he laughed. Soft. Cold. Ivy, are you sick? He cursed me. I could not curse back.
05:47Wren pointed at the book. Daddy, can I bring this? No. Sinus threw the word out. Hard. It made me
05:56remember the breakup. His eyes were red then. No. He pulled me into his arms. I refuse to break up.
06:02You can never leave me. But later, I destroyed his trust with my own hands.
06:09I opened the hotel suite door in a robe. Red marks burned on my neck. He smelled the other wolf
06:15on my
06:15skin first. His pupils blew wide. His wolf bared its teeth. You slept with him? His voice shook. I said
06:24nothing. The fight was huge. Silas beat the man into custody. His beta came to handle it. He glared at
06:33me. Apologize to Silas. He still cares about you. This can pass. My voice was flat. Sorry. No time. My
06:41boyfriend
06:42is hurt. I need to care for him. The beta dropped the act. He flared. You bitch, Ivy. You are
06:47nothing
06:48without Silas. A friend refugee at best. Do not push your luck. The curse stopped. Silas stepped in front
06:54of him. Enough. Ivy. Blood ran from his forehead. Tears too. Do not let me see you again.
07:05He hated me to the core.
07:10The convoy reached the Alpha's estate just after midnight. I used to come here often. The dogwood
07:17tree in the yard. I planted it with Silas. The petals had just dropped. I never got to
07:24see it bloom. Selasus got out of the car. Rin slept on his shoulder. The pack's staff went
07:30quiet at the sight. Selas carried Rin to the guest room. He tucked her in. Alpha, who is
07:36this? Then a maid whispered. My daughter. Selas set it flat. He closed the door. He walked
07:42to the terrace. He ignored the stairs behind him. He pulled out a cigarette. He held it
07:50in his teeth. A small red glow grew in the dark. He never smoked before. Sias leaned on
07:56the rail. He looked down at the dogwood tree. His eyes went dark.
08:02You make the child call me. Then you hide. Ivy. Is this fun?
08:09I floated next to him. I teased. I do not want this. Or would you whip my corpse to feel
08:18better? Short laugh came from beside me. I turned. A she-wolf spirit was floating there.
08:26Red satin slip dress. Leather jacket. Heels she could not possibly walk in. Even though I was a
08:31spirit too, I jumped back two steps. Just died, yes? Is he your mate? She drifted closer like an old
08:39friend. I shook my head. Not anymore. Six years apart. Selena, she said. Pleasure. Sort of. Then I claim
08:48him. What? I mean sleep with him. I cross over soon. I want a top-tier alpha before I go.
08:59Why an alpha? Selene shrugged. I was a fringe too. Forty years a fringe. Never been touched by
09:05anything higher than a beta in my life. Died alone in a hospital bed last Tuesday. No pack. No mate.
09:12Line for next of kent was blank. The moon goddess gives every spirit three days before the pull.
09:17I asked for one favor before I cross. One night with a pure line alpha. So I do not go
09:24into the next life
09:25empty. I have watched him for days. His bed never stays empty. He is not loyal. I feel no guilt.
09:35I stared at Silas. His face hid in the smoke. He looked perfect. Can you pick someone else?
09:44What? Cannot forget the past? Selene smiled at me.
09:48Mommy, where are you? Then a weak crying voice came from inside.
09:55I moved at once. Silas crushed the cigarette. He brushed off the ash. I stopped myself. I had to
10:04leave anyway. Rin should get used to it. So I hid in the corner. I watched. Wink held her stuffed
10:12wolf.
10:12She stood in the hallway. Tears covered her face. Mommy, where are you? Mommy!
10:18She woke in a strange room. I was not there. She was terrified. Pain pulled at me. I forced myself
10:24to stay back. Silas crouched in front of Wyn. He wiped her tears. Do not cry. Daddy is here.
10:33Wyn threw herself into his arms. Mommy! I want mommy!
10:38Wyn! Silas picked her up. He patted her back. Did mommy not leave long ago? Tell daddy where she
10:46went. Daddy will find her. Wyn hiccuped. Mommy did not leave. Mommy was at home.
10:55Silas frowned. At home? Mommy said she would come with me.
10:59Wyn buried her face in his shoulder. Her tears soaked his shirt. His frown grew deeper. His face
11:04went cold. After a moment, his lip twisted. Ivy, playing me. Do not let me catch you.
11:09After a moment, his lip twisted.
11:13He really does not know you are dead? Selina popped up next to me. I nodded.
11:17I want to see his face when he learns. It will be a show.
11:19Her eyes brightened. You said his bed never stays empty. Why would he care about an ex?
11:24I shook my head. Selina looked wise. Wolves split, sags in love. He still carries you.
11:30I said nothing more. I stared at Silas' back. Still carries me. Silas said to my face once,
11:37I did not deserve that.
11:41Simus had no skill with pups. A maid took Wyn to bathe her in the end. Silas exhaled. He went
11:46to
11:46the terrace. He lit another cigarette. He used to be polished. Now his hair was a mess. His shirt was
11:51wrinkled and damp. I laughed. See? Pups break any alpha. His phone rang. I reached for my pocket on
11:58instinct. Then I caught myself. I was dead. I take no calls. The call was for Silas. He glanced at
12:04the screen. He answered lazy. I did not catch the words. Silas laughed cold. I brought her back less
12:10than an hour ago. Your spies move fast. I leaned in. A man spoke on the other end. The voice
12:14felt
12:14familiar. Five years old. Is she that ivy woman's pup? Did you run the DNA test? Where is the woman?
12:19It was Silas' father. The old alpha. Caleb Cole. I turned to Silas. He blew out smoke. Caleb broke the
12:25silence. If she is yours, keep her. Midnight blood stays in the family. I saw Silas twist
12:29his mouth. He smiled with scorn. The old alpha paused. His voice went hard. But the mother
12:34is not needed. Remember what she did to you. Silas crushed the cigarette. His face went
12:39blank. I will only punish her. The worse, the better. He hung up. I studied the face I had
12:45missed for six years. Then I cried while smiling. I already died very badly. Silas, can you stop
12:53hating me? He did not answer. The phone rang again. This time Silas picked up fast. What?
12:59His investigator must have found something. The man on the line hesitated. Alpha, we did
13:03not find her, but- Spreech! Silas grew impatient. A heavy breath came through. I drove past the
13:07east docks. Sentinel tape everywhere. A body in the water. Looks like a jump. She looks exactly
13:11like- The voice cut off. Silas' phone hit the floor. The crack was sharp. I had imagined
13:18at Silas hearing about my death many times. A flicker of surprise. A flat, I see. We were
13:26strangers now, but I still hoped for something. I was wrong. After the proper surprise, Silas
13:35picked up the phone. His hand was shaking. He could not hide it. He laughed. The sound came out
13:44thin and wrong. You have not seen her. Alpha, I checked the photo camera. I am coming now.
13:55I studied his face. I searched for something. I found nothing.
14:01Silas went back to the room. Daddy, look. I gave the wolf a new style.
14:07Rin waved her stuffed wolf at him. I finally saw a crack on his face. He started to speak.
14:12He stopped. I have something to handle. Wait here.
14:14He left one line. He rushed out. I hesitated. I did not follow. Not going to watch him break down?
14:21Selina showed up again. I forced a casual smile. Too far. Costs energy. I can flash you there.
14:28I worry about Rin alone. I twisted my mouth.
14:33I can call spirit friends to Godha. Strong ones. I had no answer. She floated cross-hagged.
14:42She rested her chin in her hand. What are you afraid of? What was I afraid of? I was afraid
14:49Silas would not care at all. Afraid he would not even claim my body. Selina asked again.
14:55I am curious. What happened between you two? Did you dig up his ancestors? Is he the son
15:01of your enemy? No. None of that. We just loved and parted. Simple.
15:08Before he was 17, Silas did not carry the Cole name. He used his mother's name. He was
15:14Silas Hart. Silas Hart moved to my coastal pack at age 6 with his mother. Day 1, he stomped
15:21my sand castle flat. I told him to apologize. He's trying to let. He stared. His eyes wide.
15:29Castle? I thought it was a dirt pile. How is a castle that ugly? I scooped sand and threw
15:35it at him. War started. Sand flew everywhere. When his mother and my father came, I was riding
15:42his back. I poured sand down his pants. My father scolded me first. His mother bent down. She brushed
15:52sand from my face. Your pretty face is dirty now. Long black hair. White shirt. Long dress. High heels.
16:02Two dimples when she smiled. How was such a soft she-wolf Silas' mother? I hated Silas more for it.
16:10He climbed trees. I shook the trunks. He swim. I cut his swim shorts. He fought back too. He poured
16:19bitter juice in my honey. He hid stones in my bag. We fought into our teen years. Silas grew up
16:26with
16:26his mother's bones. He was the top wolf at school. He got many love notes. But he only opened the
16:32ones
16:33I delivered. After reading, Silas pulled out his own note. Do not be jealous. I wrote you
16:39one too. Look. It was a taunt and an insult. I threw it in the trash, unread. When I turned
16:47to leave, he grabbed my wrist. He sighed. You always wanted my mother to be your mother.
16:55I have a way. He had my interest. My father raised me alone. I never had a mother. What way?
17:03His mother was the only she-wolf who gave me a mother's warmth. So I asked.
17:08Matebond.
17:11He stared at me. After we mate, you can call her mother. Properly.
17:18His pretty wolf eyes held something new. I realized late. The love note was real.
17:28But I never accepted his confession. His father, Caleb Cole, came to claim him. Silas was taken
17:34to the midnight pack. I was young and naive. I thought Silas had risen. His future was open.
17:40I might rise with him. Then his mother collapsed at home. We rushed her to the pack healer.
17:45End-stage cancer. No one saw it coming. By her bed, she still brushed my tears with gentle hands.
17:51Do not cry. Your face will swell. My throat locked. I could not speak.
17:58How could a she-wolf so kind die so soon? She touched my head.
18:04Stay with Silas for me. With you, he will be happy.
18:11I promised. But Silas was not happy. He hated Caleb. He hated Caleb for ruining his mother,
18:19for making her flee, for raising him alone. He hated Caleb for shipping him off to a mountain
18:24pack in Europe. He missed his mother's last hour. Simus turned rebellious. He worked to defy Caleb.
18:31He refused the midnight inheritance fight. He built his own pack to destroy Caleb. But his pack was new.
18:36My family broke. My father stayed quiet his whole life. Then he tried business at the wrong age.
18:41He lost everything. He owed millions.
18:46Caleb made an offer. Take the midnight throne. The debts disappear. Silas refused. I asked to break up.
18:55I am not that useless.
18:58He kissed my tears like his mother used to.
19:01Ivy, let us not give up.
19:02I did not say yes. I did not say no. But on the day he sold his pack assets and
19:08came to me with the cash,
19:10I met him at a hotel room.
19:14To this day, I regret it. I regret these blank six years.
19:18I regret that before I died, we had no real reunion.
19:22Our last memory was that line outside the Sentinel Station.
19:25Enough.
19:30But regret means nothing now. The dead leave grudges behind.
19:35It all ends here.
19:38So I did not go to those docks.
19:41I did not see Silas' reaction.
19:44The next morning, Silas returned to the estate.
19:47He looked rough.
19:49Red rings under his eyes.
19:51Dark shadows from no sleep.
19:54Two pack Sentinels came with him.
19:56They asked Wynne the standard questions.
19:59When did you last see Mommy?
20:01Wynne held her stuffed wolf.
20:03She answered well.
20:05Yesterday morning, Mommy walked me to preschool.
20:09Who took you home?
20:11My teacher.
20:12The Sentinel raised an eye.
20:16Why did you call Daddy?
20:18Wynne squeezed the wolf's ear.
20:21I...
20:22I wanted to see Daddy.
20:24I had never seen Daddy.
20:26I taught her this before Silas and the Sentinels came.
20:29If they asked why she said her mother abandoned her,
20:32she could say she lied to find her father.
20:34But strangely, they did not push.
20:37It seemed Silas did not tell them everything from the call.
20:40I stared at Silas.
20:41He stayed blank.
20:42Only his eyes were not blank.
20:43Gray, still, angry.
20:45The Sentinels left.
20:47Wynne looked at Silas.
20:48She tilted her head.
20:50Daddy, your face is so pale.
20:52Silas paused.
20:53He let her pull him down.
20:54Her small forehead touched.
20:56When Wynne felt sick,
20:57I always checked her fever this way.
21:00She remembered.
21:02After a moment, Wynne pulled back.
21:04She tugged her braid.
21:06Not hot.
21:07She looked at me for help.
21:08Mommy, check Daddy!
21:11I shook my head.
21:13I tried to speak.
21:14Then Silas turned.
21:16He stared in my direction.
21:18He walked toward me.
21:21One step.
21:23Another.
21:26I tensed up.
21:27I grabbed Selina's arm.
21:29He cannot see me, can he?
21:31Selina did not care.
21:32Not every wolf has spirit sight.
21:34Your daughter is one in a hundred thousand.
21:37Relax.
21:38He only senses something is here.
21:39A scent.
21:40A pull.
21:41That was creepy enough.
21:42Silas came closer.
21:44He stopped just before me.
21:45His pupils blew wide.
21:47His wolf was right at the surface.
21:49He suddenly reached out.
21:50His fingertips passed through my body.
21:52He grabbed nothing.
21:54I am losing my mind.
21:55He twisted his lip.
21:57Half a smile.
21:58Lost.
21:59His bent back slowly straightened.
22:01Silas turned.
22:02He walked back to Wynne.
22:04I let out a breath.
22:05But a small ache stayed.
22:07Just once.
22:08If we could meet just once.
22:10Daddy is not sick.
22:12Silas crouched.
22:13He fixed her braid gently.
22:15Has mommy been sick?
22:17Sad?
22:18Has she said things like take care of yourself?
22:20They suspected suicide.
22:22The timing was suspicious.
22:23I died.
22:24And Rick called Silas.
22:26Before the sentinels left.
22:28I overheard their private talk.
22:30The dock cameras were broken.
22:32My co-org said I often said I want to die.
22:35My boss said I was tracking too many leads.
22:38Under heavy pressure.
22:41They decided I killed myself.
22:43They thought I told my pup to call Silas first.
22:46They were all wrong.
22:48Selina laughed.
22:49Who at work does not say that?
22:51Office wolves complain they still show up every day.
22:54And the cameras.
22:55Always broken at the right time.
22:57And sentinels paid off at the right price.
23:00Useless.
23:00I nodded hard.
23:04Ren shook her head.
23:05No.
23:06Mommy said she would take me to the moonlight carnival for my birthday.
23:09Her eyes sparkled.
23:10Daddy.
23:11Will you come too?
23:12Silas' eyes darkened.
23:14His throat moved.
23:15He forced out the words.
23:17Mommy.
23:17Cannot come with you.
23:19Ren looked at me.
23:20She insisted.
23:21Mommy can come.
23:22Simus paused.
23:23He chose his words.
23:25Mommy went somewhere far.
23:26You will not see her again.
23:28But-
23:28Ren cut him off.
23:29I know.
23:30But Mommy is still here.
23:32She ran to me.
23:33She looked up.
23:34Mommy.
23:35Is the game over?
23:36Daddy knows Mommy died.
23:38He almost found Mommy too.
23:40The living room went silent.
23:42I did not know how to handle this sudden change.
23:45Silas stayed half crouched.
23:46He turned his head slowly.
23:48His face was stiff.
23:50Shocked.
23:51Tell him the truth.
23:52He treats the pup well.
23:55Selina nudged me.
23:56I came back to myself.
23:57I breathed in.
23:58I bent down.
23:59I smiled at Ren.
24:00Yes.
24:01The game is over.
24:03Tell Daddy your power.
24:04Okay.
24:06Ren's eyes curved.
24:07She turned to Silas.
24:09Daddy.
24:10I can see Mommy.
24:11She is right there.
24:12Beside you.
24:15The words were too much.
24:17Silas slowly stood.
24:19He stared at my direction.
24:20He did not speak for a long time.
24:22I had Ren repeat things only Silas and I knew.
24:25The love note.
24:25The $300,000 that hit my bank account after we broke up.
24:29Each item shifted his face.
24:31Finally I said it.
24:32Sorry.
24:33Silas heart.
24:34I broke my promise.
24:35He believed I was here.
24:37He walked over slowly.
24:38He reached out.
24:39He touched lightly.
24:40Not my mind playing tricks.
24:42You really are here.
24:43His voice cracked.
24:44I finally saw Silas cry for me.
24:46I am sorry.
24:48He said.
24:49How did this happen if I had known?
24:51Tears kept falling.
24:53Six years away from you.
24:55I am so sorry.
24:57I could not touch him.
24:58I could not comfort him.
25:00Naurdur.
25:00Ren looked at me.
25:01She looked at Silas.
25:02Mommy.
25:03Daddy.
25:04Do not cry.
25:05She reached for my hand.
25:06She caught air.
25:07She blinked.
25:08Her eyes filled.
25:09She turned to Selina.
25:11Aunt Selina.
25:12Touch mommy for me.
25:14Selina sighed.
25:15She said nothing.
25:16She put her arm around my shoulder.
25:18She patted me gently.
25:20Ren turned and tugged Silas's sleeve.
25:22Daddy.
25:23Do not cry.
25:24Mommy is here.
25:26Silas buried his face in his hands.
25:28He could not speak.
25:29Long silence.
25:30I changed the subject.
25:31Ren.
25:32Tell daddy.
25:33Mommy met a client yesterday.
25:35His name is Jared.
25:36Tell the sentinels.
25:37You suddenly remembered.
25:38Mommy mentioned meeting an uncle named Jared in the morning.
25:41I had reached this point.
25:42I would not let my killer walk free.
25:46Jared moved the meeting.
25:47East side docks.
25:48No sentinels.
25:49No cameras.
25:50I should have refused.
25:51But 11 months on his account.
25:52I needed the close.
25:54He was waiting.
25:55Black coat.
25:55No umbrella.
25:56I caught it halfway across the lot.
25:58A smell under his colon.
25:59Sharp.
26:00Wrong.
26:00I stopped.
26:01Papers?
26:02Inside.
26:03Out here.
26:03He smiled.
26:04Then he dropped his pressure on me.
26:06My knees hit the concrete.
26:07Pure alpha.
26:08One in 10,000.
26:10Most packs only ever have one.
26:11A pure alpha hiding inside a sales suit.
26:14For 11 months.
26:15He crouched.
26:16Caught my chin.
26:18You really thought I chased your account because I liked you?
26:22I have been suspecting that pup of yours for months.
26:25The eyes.
26:26The bone structure.
26:28Too much midnight in her face.
26:30But I needed to be close enough to be sure.
26:33I came to your office last week.
26:35I held the door for your daughter at pick up.
26:37I bent down to her level.
26:39I smelled Silas Cole on her.
26:41The bloodline scent.
26:42Plain as daylight.
26:43She is his.
26:45My blood stopped.
26:46Rin.
26:47He dropped a photograph in front of me.
26:51Rin.
26:52Blue raincoat.
26:53Stuffed wolf.
26:54Outside her preschool gate.
26:55The midnight pack has been a thorn for 20 years.
26:58Every empire has a soft spot.
27:01Silas signs over the northern roots.
27:03I let her go.
27:04Maybe.
27:06You will not touch her.
27:13Sweetheart.
27:14You cannot even stand.
27:21He was right.
27:23But my wolf could.
27:27Six years as a fringe.
27:28My wolf had been chained down so long I had almost forgotten her.
27:32She was still there.
27:33I let her come.
27:35All the way up.
27:36Bones snapped.
27:37Claws split through.
27:38I lunged.
27:40Teeth on his wrist.
27:41Alpha blood.
27:42He roared and threw me.
27:44Three ribs went.
27:46I got back up.
27:47He shifted.
27:48Twice my size.
27:50This was not a fight.
27:52It was a delay.
27:54His jaws closed on my shoulder.
27:56The bone gave.
27:57Shoulder gone.
27:58Heart faltered.
27:59But Ivy did not scream.
28:02For Rin, I became a shield.
28:04I bit his throat and held.
28:06Every second I held him was a second Wynhad.
28:09Three days ago, I had left her a note.
28:11Called her teacher with a pickup code.
28:15Texted the sentinel tip line.
28:19Some part of me had known.
28:20He slammed me down.
28:22Once.
28:23Twice.
28:26The third time, my vision went white.
28:29My wolf was gone.
28:32I was just Ivy.
28:33He stood over me.
28:35Laughing.
28:36Grabbed my hair.
28:40You know what you are, Ivy?
28:41A fringe nobody.
28:43Silas threw you out six years ago.
28:45You have been clawing the gutter ever since.
28:47Tonight you die on a dock no one visits.
28:51Tomorrow Silas reads about a Jane Doe.
28:53He will not even come to identify you.
28:55That is what you are to him.
28:57A used up little bitch nobody wanted.
29:02He waited for me to cry.
29:06I smiled.
29:08Blood between my teeth.
29:10Wrong dock, Jared.
29:13The first siren wailed.
29:15His face changed.
29:16He ran.
29:19I turned my head.
29:21Toward the gap in the fence.
29:23Ran was not there.
29:25She was safe.
29:26At home.
29:27But I looked anyway.
29:28Run baby.
29:29Mummy bought you time.
29:31My ribs stopped hurting.
29:33The sirens came closer.
29:34I closed my eyes.
29:40I did not tell Silas the full story.
29:43It was not right for Rin to relay.
29:46The truth would surface in the investigation.
29:49Silas did not push.
29:50He just stared at me.
29:52His eyes were furious.
29:53He was holding it in.
29:54A vein stood up on his neck.
29:56He punched the wall.
29:57His knuckles split.
29:59He grabbed his phone.
30:00Called the sentinels.
30:01Then came back to my spot.
30:04Ivy.
30:05Wait for me.
30:07Will you still be here?
30:08Daddy.
30:09Mommy is here.
30:11Rin sat on the couch.
30:12She pointed at my new spot.
30:14Cyrus paused.
30:15He turned his head.
30:16His eyes were red.
30:18I need to go out.
30:19Can you wait for me?
30:20I went quiet.
30:22I had risk say yes.
30:26Cyrus left then.
30:28Selena leaned close.
30:30She whispered.
30:31I was right.
30:32Your alpha still loves you.
30:34I shook my head.
30:36He is not my alpha.
30:38Not anymore.
30:39Sure.
30:40She stretched.
30:42You both miss each other.
30:44Those women.
30:45I checked.
30:47His father set them up.
30:49Tell me the truth.
30:50Do you want to see him?
30:52I froze.
30:54I did not answer.
30:55Selina smiled like she understood.
30:59My bloodline carries the old moon rites.
31:01Pre-packed craft.
31:03Older than the sanctuaries.
31:05If you want, I can call my father to help.
31:10Why help me?
31:11I asked.
31:11I asked my father once why we still keep the reins.
31:15He said the dead need a way home.
31:18The living need a way to say goodbye.
31:21I get it now.
31:22She turned to me.
31:23She smiled.
31:25The veil is still thin.
31:27Go see him.
31:32Silas was gone longer this time.
31:34The third night, in heavy rain, he rushed back.
31:37His coat was soaked.
31:38Daddy.
31:39He went straight to Wyn's room.
31:40She pointed at his chin.
31:41Daddy, struggle?
31:42She rolled her big eyes.
31:44She looked him over.
31:45Daddy, why are you old?
31:47Where is mommy?
31:47He asked fast.
31:49Wren.
31:51The relic.
31:52I reminded her softly.
31:53Wren ran to the nightstand.
31:55She pulled the carved wolf totem from the drawer.
31:57She held it up.
31:58A drop of alpha blood sat on it.
32:00Selene's father had cut Silas during the call.
32:02He took the blood.
32:03He bound it to the totem.
32:05This was the old craft.
32:06He left after.
32:07Wren placed the totem in Silas' hand.
32:10He stopped.
32:11His eyes went to my spot.
32:13His scent shifted.
32:14His wolf came forward.
32:15The blood on the totem warmed.
32:18The veil thin for him.
32:20Ivy?
32:20His voice shook.
32:25Silas strode over.
32:27He pulled me into his arms.
32:30Even though he hugged only air.
32:33It is me.
32:36I matched his motion.
32:38I answered low.
32:40He cried harder than before.
32:46Sorry.
32:47Sorry.
32:49Sorry I let you suffer.
32:52Sorry you were alone on that dock for so long.
32:55So he knew the full story now.
32:58Ivy.
32:59You must hate me.
33:01He lowered his head.
33:03Tears poured.
33:05How could I hate you?
33:07I smiled.
33:09I tried to cup his face.
33:11I only thought of your good.
33:14When Jared was tearing me apart, I thought of you.
33:18Of Wren.
33:20Of your mother.
33:22I knew I should have come back to you years ago.
33:28Silas and I went to his room.
33:31Some words are not for Wren to hear.
33:34Silas.
33:35You hate me and you cannot forget me.
33:38Silas laughed.
33:40He opened the drawer.
33:42He pulled out the photo book I brought from my apartment.
33:47He turned the pages slowly.
33:50I never hated you.
33:52I was stunned.
33:54The ivy I knew would not cheat.
33:55I figured it out years ago.
33:59What hurt me.
34:01You chose to deal with him.
34:03You left me.
34:05Then he went to the safe.
34:07Came back with a folder.
34:10There is something you need to see.
34:13I floated over it.
34:15Selene drifted close.
34:16A bank transfer.
34:18$300,000.
34:19To my father's creditors.
34:21Dated two days before I walked into that hotel room.
34:24The sender was not Silas.
34:26It was Caleb Cole.
34:28Underneath a coercion agreement.
34:30My father's signature.
34:31Recipient agrees to publicly terminate all relations with subject SC.
34:35By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:37Within 72 hours of payment receive.
34:3972 hours.
34:41By means of demonstrated infidelity.
34:45The hotel room was Caleb's design.
34:48The wolf who left marks on my neck was on Caleb's payroll.
34:52Six years.
34:53Silas thought I picked at another wolf over him.
34:56I thought I was saving him from a fight he could not win.
34:59Caleb sat in the Northern Territory and waited for his son to come home him empty-handed.
35:04Silas reached into the drawer.
35:05Pulled out a short blade.
35:07Pack forged.
35:08Silas!
35:09No!
35:10He drew it across his palm.
35:13He pressed his bleeding hand to the totem.
35:15By my blood.
35:17By my line.
35:19By the moon who watches.
35:21I name her mine.
35:23I call her back.
35:25I will not let her go.
35:28The totem flared white.
35:30Silas coughed.
35:31Bright blood ran from his mouth.
35:34Silas!
35:36The moon goddess will not give you back to me, I know.
35:41But I had to try.
35:45Silas dug deeper.
35:47Three days after the docks, his investigators traced it.
35:51Jared had not acted alone.
35:53The surveillance on Rents Preschool.
35:55The dock cameras pulled the morning I died.
35:58All of it tied to one sponsor.
36:02Caleb Cole.
36:03He had sold Jared the route in.
36:06A small favor between Alphas.
36:10He had not asked who Jared was hunting.
36:14Silas picked up the phone.
36:18Caleb.
36:20You sold a man my mate's location.
36:22You took the fee and signed the route.
36:25Tomorrow morning I file the books with the council.
36:28He hung up.
36:29Six years of files.
36:30Off-ledger transfers.
36:32Off-pack deals.
36:33Every favor sold.
36:35The council had no choice.
36:37They convened the next sundown.
36:39Voted unanimously.
36:41They held the stripping of the mantle at moonrise.
36:44Selene came back and told me.
36:46Silas would not.
36:49Caleb knelt in front of his own pack.
36:51The council elder pulled the alpha glive off his throat with a silver knife.
36:56They burned the strip of skin in front of him.
36:59Halfway through, his face went slack on one side.
37:02He fell sideways into the dirt.
37:04They finished the ceremony anyway.
37:06The mantle came off a man on the ground.
37:09He survived.
37:10He would never walk, speak, or hold the mantle again.
37:14Silas did not attend.
37:16He stayed with Wren.
37:18Read her a story.
37:19After Wren slept, he came to me.
37:23Is that enough?
37:25No.
37:27But it is enough for you.
37:29I floated closer.
37:31Wren's birthday is in two days.
37:33Take her to the moonlight carnival.
37:36Silas looked up.
37:38He already knew what that meant.
37:41Selene had told me two nights ago.
37:43Blood oath only held the spirit a few more days.
37:46After the last thread broke, the moon goddess would call.
37:49Wren's birthday was the last thread.
37:51Silas swallowed.
37:52He did not argue.
37:53One thing before then.
37:55Please.
37:58I waited.
38:00Alina drifted over.
38:01A picture.
38:03The veil can give you one visible hour.
38:06A photograph the living can keep.
38:09One hour.
38:10Then the bond breaks faster.
38:17I looked at at Silas.
38:20Set it up.
38:21Tomorrow afternoon, under the dog rack tree.
38:27Selene's father came in the morning.
38:29He set the totem in the grass beneath the dogwood tree.
38:32He cut Silas' palm again.
38:35He marked the totem fresh.
38:39Then he left.
38:42Silas brought Wren out at three in the afternoon.
38:45He had told her something.
38:46I do not know what.
38:49She came out holding his hand and she was not afraid.
38:53She was wearing her black carnival dress a day earlier.
38:57Silas had laid a picnic blanket under the tree.
39:00A thermos.
39:01Three cups.
39:03A small paper crown for Wren.
39:05He had thought of everything.
39:08The totem warmed in his hand.
39:11The veil opened.
39:13I stepped into the light.
39:15Solid.
39:16Whole.
39:17In a sundress I had owned at twenty.
39:19Her eyes went wide.
39:22Mommy.
39:26She let go of Silas' hand and ran.
39:29She hit my legs.
39:31I caught her.
39:32I caught her.
39:34The weight of her.
39:35The smell of her hair.
39:37I dropped to my knees and held her.
39:39I did not let go.
39:41Silas had not moved.
39:43He stood at the edge of the blanket and looked at me.
39:48He came.
39:49He sat beside me.
39:52Wren crawled into the space between us.
39:56I poured imaginary tea.
39:58Wren declared it the best tea in the world.
40:01Silas laughed.
40:02A real laugh.
40:03His shoulder pressed against mine.
40:05I felt it.
40:06He set the paper crown on Wren's head.
40:09She declared herself queen of the picnic.
40:11Silas pulled out a phone and took the photo.
40:15Three of us on the blanket.
40:17Dogwood petals.
40:19Wren's shoulder.
40:20He looked at it.
40:21A long time.
40:22He did not show me.
40:24He just put the phone away.
40:27Wren fell asleep on the blanket.
40:30I stroked her hair.
40:32I counted her freckles.
40:34I had never gotten to count them.
40:37Silas watched me.
40:38How long?
40:41Not long now.
40:43Tell me what to do.
40:44Raise her loud.
40:44She is going to be loud.
40:46Let her be.
40:47She will see things other wolves do not see.
40:50Do not let anyone teach her to be ashamed of it.
40:54Take her to the carnival every year on her birthday.
40:56Even when she is too old for it.
40:59Especially then.
41:01Keep the photo on your desk.
41:03Not hidden in a drawer.
41:05And eat, Silas.
41:06Run your pack.
41:07Be the alpha you built.
41:10I reached up.
41:11Put my hand on the side of his face.
41:13I could see the dogwood petals through the back of my own hand.
41:17He felt it anyway.
41:18He closed his eyes.
41:19My alpha.
41:20I said.
41:21My maid.
41:21Den ran stirred.
41:23She had not been asleep.
41:24Not really.
41:24She sat up.
41:25She looked at me.
41:26She reached up and put her small hand on Silas' hand.
41:29Mommy?
41:30Yes, baby?
41:31You do not have to stay in the dark anymore.
41:34Daddy will protect me now.
41:36The garden went still.
41:38Even the wind stopped.
41:41She was the only person in the world who could have given me that.
41:44And she did.
41:45I pressed my hand to my mouth.
41:47I nodded.
41:47I could not speak.
41:49The fade came faster after.
41:50My hand on Silas' cheek went first.
41:53Silver dust drifting up.
41:56Then my arm.
41:57Then the hem of the sundress.
41:59Silas' hand closed around the space where my hand had been.
42:02He held it like it was a wrist.
42:04I love you.
42:05It came out as wind.
42:07Since the sandcastle.
42:08Since the dirt pile.
42:10The last of me was a scatter of pale dust on the picnic blanket.
42:13Then I was gone.
42:16The paper crown stayed.
42:19Silas knelt on the grass with his hand still raised.
42:22Rick leaned against his arm and looked at the sky.
42:25Then Silas Cole, alpha of the Midnight Pack, threw back his head and howled.
42:30Not a hunting call.
42:31Not a challenge.
42:32The sound an alpha makes once.
42:34It rolled out across the estate.
42:37Past the gates.
42:38Into the northern territory.
42:40On the far ridges, sentinels froze where they stood.
42:42In distant dens, cubs pressed against their mothers.
42:45In the city, dogs lifted their heads from sleep.
42:47Every wolf for 300 miles heard it and knew.
42:50An alcarab and alpha had lost his mate.
42:52When the howl faded, Silas lowered his head.
42:55Work crawled into his lap and put her small arms around his neck.
42:58Dogwood petals fell around them.
43:01Three weeks later, Silas put the framed photograph on his desk.
43:06Three of them, under the dogwood tree.
43:09A paper crown on a small girl's head.
43:11He did not hide it.
43:14On Wren's sixth birthday, Silas took her to the Moonlight Carnival.
43:18He rode every ride she pulled him toward.
43:21He bought her a paper crown.
43:22When the fireworks started, Wren tugged his sleeve and pointed up.
43:27He looked.
43:29He did not see what she saw.
43:31Then a soft breeze blew across his face.
43:34He smiled.
43:36Silas put his hand on his daughter's head.
43:41I see her, baby.
43:43He sighed.
43:44I see her, too.