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00:00Mother's moon goddess funeral. The white moon lilies I ordered were replaced with 999 blood-red
00:06roses. In werewolf society, roses like that were not funeral flowers. They belonged on mating
00:13altars, in courtship rituals, and beside an alpha when he marked his luna. Morning fog pressed low
00:19between the black pines. The moonstone pillars on both sides of the altar still held the cold
00:24light of last night's full moon. With my own hands, I laid the white silk over my mother's memorial
00:30table. According to Pack Funeral Rites, white moon lilies should be placed before the dead.
00:36They meant the soul had returned to the arms of the moon goddess. But before the ceremony began,
00:43the flowers arrived 999 blood-red roses. They were so bright they looked like fresh blood.
00:51They looked like a challenge.
00:55Red roses at a funeral? Aren't those courtship flowers?
00:59Who is so ignorant? Are they trying to announce a marking in front of the dead?
01:04My fingers tightened until my nails almost cut into my palm. My mother had been one of the
01:09lowest-strength herbal healers in Harbor Pack. She was only an Omega, but she had saved countless
01:15wounded warriors in her life. She did not deserve to be humiliated on her final journey.
01:22I called the flower shop through the pack line.
01:27I ordered white moon lilies. Why did you send red roses? A young She-Volf's careless voice came through.
01:36The roses cost a hundred times more than moon lilies. You are still not satisfied?
01:44This is a funeral.
01:46So what? For a low-ranked herbalist's funeral? Expensive roses are already more than enough.
01:54Or are you trying to extort me?
01:56I did not waste another word on her after the funeral. I went straight to the neutral zone
02:01guard station. The woman who sent the flowers was soon brought in. Selina Shaw wore a pale
02:07pink dress. A moonstone pendant rested against her throat. Her scent was sweet and heavy,
02:13like roses forced open by heat.
02:18It was just a wrong delivery. Was it worth calling the guards?
02:24You ruined my mother's funeral.
02:27A funeral for an Omega herbalist? What was there to ruin?
02:32If you are really that short of resources, wait until my husband arrives.
02:39I will have him compensate you. Before I could answer, hurried footsteps sounded outside the
02:45station. The door opened.
02:51A tall man walked in. His black coat still carried the chill after rain. His alpha scent was so familiar
02:58that my chest tightened at once. Rosemary, mint, and the cold edge of the sea. Once, it had been the
03:05only scent that made me feel safe. Kane Foster Dot, the young alpha of Harbor Pack. Also my fated mate.
03:12The man whose name had stayed beside mine in the mate registry for seven years. But he did not look
03:18at me first. He went straight to Selina. Then held out a card stamped with Harbor Pack's crest.
03:24Take it. Stop harassing my Luna. In that moment, all the blood in my body felt frozen by silver dust,
03:31my Luna. I raised my head and looked at him. Kane finally saw my face. His pupils contracted.
03:39Eve.
03:40Selina immediately hooked her arm through his and asked with a sweet smile.
03:47Kane? You know her?
03:49Know me. Seven years ago, hunters trapped him in a silver net.
03:54He was dying. I carried him on my back through a burning black pine forest.
04:00Silver poison scorched my lungs and put my wolf spirit to sleep for seven days.
04:05When he woke, he held my hand and swore.
04:08Eve, I owe you my life. When I become alpha, I will mark you as my only Luna.
04:14Later, he did become alpha, but the marking ceremony kept being delayed.
04:18He said the Elder's Council would not accept my low-ranked bloodline.
04:22He said Harbor Pack needed stability. He said to wait until the internal rebellion was settled.
04:28Until he held full power. Until every obstacle was gone.
04:31I waited for seven years. What I waited for was him calling another woman Luna in front of me.
04:37Kane swallowed, as if he finally understood what he had done.
04:41He avoided my eyes and said in a low voice.
04:46Selina, this is Eve. She lived near my house when we were young. We're just neighbors.
04:53Lived near his house. Neighbors. Seven years of love.
04:58Two names side by side in the mate registry. Reduced to an old neighbor.
05:03Selina looked at me and smiled even wider.
05:07So you are an old acquaintance. Since you know Kane, I will not make this difficult for you.
05:13But next time, do not use a low-ranked funeral to make troubles.
05:18If you need resources, you can come to me.
05:22After Balt, I will soon be the Luna managing Harbor Pack's internal affairs.
05:31Do you think so, too?
05:34Kane was silent for a few seconds.
05:36Those few seconds hurt more than a silver blade cutting into flesh.
05:40At last, he said.
05:41Eve, go home first. I will explain tonight.
05:46I laughed.
05:48Today was my mother's funeral.
05:50You told me there was an accident at the Pack Laboratory, so you could not come.
05:54His message still sat on my phone.
05:56I am in an elder's meeting.
05:58I cannot leave.
06:00And now he stood here protecting another woman.
06:04Outside the station, rain suddenly poured down.
06:07Harbor weather had always been strange.
06:09When thunder rolled across the sky, my wolf spirit curled up inside my chest.
06:14As a child, my drunk father once lost control and shifted during a thunderstorm.
06:20He drove my mother and me into a storage room.
06:24Back then, young Kane broke the door open and stood in front of me.
06:31Do not be afraid, Eve.
06:33From now on, I will be with you on every stormy night.
06:37Now his promise was like the red roses at my mother's funeral.
06:41Rotten and dazzling.
06:42When I walked out of the guard station, I crouched in the rain and sent him a message.
06:49Kane, don't you have anything to explain?
06:53A long time passed before he replied.
06:57Do not overthink.
06:58Go home first.
07:00Do not catch cold in the rain.
07:02I did not move only when a black SUV stopped in front of me did Kane rush out with an
07:07umbrella
07:08and pull me up from the rain.
07:09Eve, I told you to go home.
07:11What exactly do you want?
07:13I looked up.
07:14Rain ran down my face.
07:16When did it start?
07:20Kane's eyes shifted away.
07:23Her family was forcing her to mate an old alpha.
07:26I only wanted to help her.
07:28Nothing happened between us.
07:30Nothing?
07:32Then why did you call her Luna?
07:37Kane frowned, as if my questions had exhausted him.
07:42It is only a temporary title.
07:44It keeps the elders from touching her.
07:47Eve, you know I only love you.
07:48Before I could speak, his phone lit up.
07:51He glanced down.
07:52His expression changed at once.
07:54I am coming right now.
07:56I did not even need to ask who it was.
08:00Celsa's residence lost its protection to rain.
08:02She has claustrophobia and no one is with her.
08:03I will check on her.
08:04I will be back soon.
08:06He did not wait for my answer in the rain.
08:09His headlights disappeared farther and farther away.
08:13That was when I finally understood.
08:16Tears could not keep someone who had already turned away.
08:20Late that night,
08:22Selina sent me to messages.
08:23The first was a photo of Kane rolling up his sleeves to repair the protection array in her house.
08:30The second said,
08:32Eve Wren,
08:33I have known who you are from the beginning.
08:35I changed the flowers on purpose.
08:38I designed everything that happened today.
08:40He stopped loving you a long time ago.
08:44I did not reply to Selina.
08:46My finger hovered over the screen.
08:48But I had no strength left.
08:50As if possessed,
08:51I opened her pack social page.
08:54The pinned background was a picture of Kane kneeling in a sea of roses,
08:58holding a moonstone ring.
09:00The caption read,
09:02The day I was chosen by an alpha.
09:05Selina had three pinned posts.
09:08A handsome man came to the flower shop today and said he wanted flowers for his luna.
09:12So fate really does arrive.
09:14Does no longer relying on mate mean I have grown up?
09:17Thank you for saving me from that mating arrangement.
09:20A day worth remembering.
09:22My hero saved me.
09:24We registered.
09:26Registered, I stared at that word.
09:28The mate bond in my chest felt as if it had been yanked by an invisible hand.
09:32I kept scrolling the screen.
09:34On Selina's page,
09:35Kane cooked breakfast for her.
09:37He took her to roadside barbecue in the neutral district.
09:39He remembered every anniversary she casually mentioned.
09:42However,
09:43in the last few years,
09:44the words I heard from him most often were,
09:47That is too much trouble.
09:50End quote.
09:52Thunder cracked outside.
09:53My body trembled by instinct.
09:55I called Kane.
09:58The first time,
09:59No answer.
10:00The second time,
10:02Still no answer.
10:03The third time,
10:05He finally picked up.
10:06Irritation hid in his voice.
10:08Eve,
10:08You'd best have some urgent things.
10:10I curled into the corner of the sofa.
10:12My voice was very soft.
10:15It is thundering.
10:16I am scared.
10:18Can you come back?
10:22There was a moment of silence.
10:25Something happened at the lab.
10:26I am busy.
10:27Go to sleep.
10:28Stop making yourself sound like a pup.
10:34The call ended.
10:35The next second,
10:36Selina's message popped up.
10:38Selina's text.
10:39Stop flattering yourself.
10:41He is coaxing me to sleep.
10:44A man who does not love you will not come back.
10:47Even if the mate bond is still there.
10:49I looked at those words and suddenly became calm.
10:52Kane,
10:53I gave you a chance.
10:55You chose not to come back.
10:56I opened the elders' legal system and contacted Attorney Howard.
11:01Howard,
11:02I have decided.
11:03I will accept the transfer to the Northern Neutral Zone.
11:06The sooner the better.
11:07I leave in three days.
11:13Attorney Howard was my most trusted partner at Harbor Law Office.
11:17And one of the few people who knew the truth about Kane
11:19and me.
11:22Also,
11:23draft a mate distrosal agreement for me.
11:25I want to reject the mate bond on my side
11:28and file a trial petition
11:29with Harbor's Elders' Council.
11:36The other end went quiet for a few seconds.
11:40Eve,
11:41are you sure?
11:42You are fated mates.
11:44A one-sided rejection will cause backlash.
11:51I lowered my eyes to my lower belly.
11:53A pup once grew there.
11:55When I was three months pregnant,
11:57I finished a defense at the Bloodline Tribunal and was shoved.
12:00Down the steps by the accused's family,
12:02I fell into a pool of blood.
12:05Kane held me and said with red eyes,
12:08we will have another child.
12:11Now I only found it ridiculous.
12:14I am sure.
12:16After the call,
12:17I began packing my clothes,
12:19legal files,
12:20and my mother's herbal notes all went into boxes.
12:24Everything related to Kane went into an old carton.
12:27Ninety-nine letters from our youth.
12:30The first moonstone ring.
12:32The matching cups where we had carved our names.
12:34The luna cloak he gave me the year he became Alpha.
12:38When I picked up the cloak,
12:39I smelled a faint trace of roses.
12:42Not my scent.
12:43I laughed softly and threw it to the bottom of the box.
12:48My wolf circled around me,
12:49letting out low howls.
12:51I reached out and stroked its head.
12:54Don't worry.
12:55We'll be leaving soon.
12:58The next morning,
12:59I pulled my suitcase out of the Alpha residence
13:01and ran into Kane,
13:03who had not come home all night.
13:05Selina's rose scent still clung to him.
13:07Kane froze when he saw me.
13:09Eve,
13:09I was too busy last night.
13:11The protection array took until morning to repair.
13:14I rushed back because I was afraid something happened to you.
13:17I looked at him.
13:18How busy?
13:19Busy repairing her array or busy sleeping with her?
13:22Kane's face darkened.
13:24Why do you always make things sound so ugly?
13:25I told you I was only helping her.
13:27He reached for my wrist.
13:29I stepped back and avoided him.
13:31His hand froze in the air.
13:34Do not touch me.
13:36Your scent makes me sick.
13:37Kane frowned harder.
13:39Only then did he notice my suitcase.
13:42You are going on another business trip?
13:44North.
13:45He only hummed in response.
13:47His phone lit up.
13:49Four words appeared on the screen.
13:51Selina baby.
13:52Kane almost did not hesitate.
13:54He turned to leave.
13:56Tell me when you land.
13:57I will pick you up when you return.
13:59I watched his back and said softly,
14:01I am not coming back.
14:03He did not hear me.
14:04He no longer had the right to hear me after leaving the Alpha residence.
14:08I returned to Harbor Law Office to hand over my cases.
14:14A colleague saw me sorting files and could not help asking,
14:19Eve, are you really going north?
14:21Is Alpha Kane willing to be away from you that long?
14:25I closed the folder and said calmly,
14:28We dissolved our mate relationship.
14:32The whole office fell silent.
14:36Everyone knew Kane and I had been together since we were young.
14:40Everyone knew I had once turned down an invitation from the highest court in the north to stay in harbor
14:45for him.
14:45But they did not know this so-called fated bond had rotted long ago.
14:49I carried my box out of the office.
14:51The moment I reached the entrance, werewolf media surrounded me.
14:58Attorney Wick, is it true that you interfered with Harbor Alpha and his future Luna's mate relationship?
15:03As an attorney who handles mate disputes,
15:05don't you find it shame that you destroyed someone else's marking ceremony?
15:09We heard you are the daughter of a low-ranked herbalist.
15:12Are you clinging to the Alpha because you want the Luna position?
15:16I was stunned.
15:17I immediately unlocked my phone with the top story on the pack field as my photo.
15:23In the picture,
15:24Kane and I stood outside the Alpha residence.
15:27The angle had been deliberately cropped to make it look as if I was pastoring her.
15:32The headline was glaring.
15:35Low-ranked attorney interferes with Alpha's mating
15:38who gave her the right to judge others.
15:40Before I could speak, a familiar figure stepped in front of me.
15:44Kane had come.
15:45He released his Alpha aura, and the reporters retreated at once.
15:48Attorney Wen and I were only acquaintances in our youth.
15:51There is no improper relationship.
15:54If anyone continues spreading rumors, Harbor Pack will pursue responsibility.
15:58Acquaintances in our youth.
16:00Again, the man registered as my mate now erased me from his life to protect Selina.
16:07After the media scattered, Kane lowered his head and kissed my forehead.
16:11His voice was gentle, as if nothing had happened.
16:18I will take down the news.
16:20Eve, do not blame me.
16:22Selina is not in good health.
16:24She cannot take the stress.
16:26Kane continued.
16:27She will leave the country soon to avoid the elders.
16:30Once she is gone, I will make up for everything you suffered.
16:34You know I have never been false to you.
16:36I looked at him and suddenly felt as if I no longer knew him.
16:40Do you believe yourself when you say that?
16:44Kane's face stiffened.
16:45He did not answer.
16:47He only forced his driver to take me back to the residence.
16:51Not long after the car left the neutral district,
16:54a heavy truck loaded with Wolfsbane crates suddenly swerved out of control and slammed straight into us.
17:00The impact tore the car apart.
17:02I was pinned under the twisted seat.
17:04My head struck the window, and a sharp ringing exploded in my right ear.
17:09The driver had passed out.
17:11The air was thick with gasoline blood.
17:13And the bitter smell of Wolfsbane,
17:15to rogues wearing scent blockers, jumped down from the truck.
17:18I forced out a sound.
17:20Help me.
17:22One of them crouched and pulled out a short blade coated with silver poison.
17:25When the silver light drove into my chest,
17:29pain nearly shattered my teeth.
17:31Brother,
17:32she is already like this.
17:34If we stab her again, won't she die?
17:40Miss Selina said no limits.
17:42As long as she never returns to harbor, the payment doubles.
17:46Selina'd so she did not only want to chase me away.
17:49She wanted me dead.
17:51They kicked my phone out of reach.
17:52Do not blame us.
17:53Blame yourself for standing in someone else's way to the Luna seat.
17:56The motorcycle engine occurred.
18:01Rain struck my face.
18:03My consciousness sank slowly into darkness before I fainted.
18:06Only one thought remained.
18:08If I survived,
18:10Kane and Selina would pay me back for every debt.
18:14When I became aware again,
18:16all I heard was hurried footsteps.
18:18The patient's heart rate is too low.
18:21Prepare moonstone recimitation.
18:23Severe blood loss.
18:25Silvery poison has spread to the right auditory nerve.
18:27Apply for the rare blood bank now.
18:29Notify Harbor Alpha.
18:31She is listed in the mate registry.
18:33She has the right to access the Alpha blood reserve.
18:37I lay on the operating table of the Royal Healing Center.
18:40I could not move.
18:42My chest felt burned through.
18:44My right ear was a storm of broken noise.
18:47After a while,
18:48a nurse rushed in,
18:49a voice shaking.
18:50Dr. Lee,
18:51Harbor Alpha side said,
18:52Miss Selina also needs blood.
18:54She has the same rare blood type as the patient.
18:56The blood bank must prioritize the future Luna.
18:59The chief healer was furious.
19:02Does she not only have scratches and mild shock?
19:07Why does she need rare blood?
19:09The nurse lowered her head.
19:10The nurse.
19:11Alpha Command.
19:13Alpha Cain said Miss Eve should stop making trouble at a time like this.
19:18Miss Selina's life is on the line.
19:20Making trouble.
19:21I had been stabbed through the chest by rogues.
19:23Silver poison was burning out my hearing.
19:26I was waiting for blood on an operating table.
19:29And he said I was making trouble.
19:31Tears slid from me.
19:32Corners of my eyes.
19:34The healer clenched his jaw and contacted other healing centers for blood.
19:38My surgery was delayed for 44 minutes.
19:41During those 40 minutes,
19:43I remembered many things.
19:44I remembered Cain holding my hand for the first time, saying he would give me the grandest mark in the
19:50ceremony.
19:51I remembered him holding me after the miscarriage, saying he had failed to protect me.
19:54I remembered my mother holding my hand before she died, telling me not to lose myself for anyone.
19:58Between anesthesia and pain, I forced my eyes open and whispered Dot Eve.
20:05Harbor Alpha refused to open the blood bank for the person registered as his mate and caused treatment delay.
20:10Dr. Lee froze.
20:15I need it as evidence.
20:18When I woke again, daylight had filled the window.
20:22The doctor stood beside my bed, guilt written on his face.
20:27Miss Wern, I am sorry.
20:29The silver poison eroded the nerve for too long.
20:31Your right ear may be permanently deaf.
20:33We did everything we could.
20:35I nodded only after he left did I grip the sheets until my fingers ached.
20:39My wolf spirit whimpered low inside me.
20:41She had already grown weak from years without a completed marking.
20:45Now silver poison had damaged my senses.
20:48And even Cain's mate Bond came through in broken, fading pieces.
20:53The door suddenly opened.
20:54And Selina walked in.
20:56She had changed into a pale white dress.
20:59There was no trace of illness on her face, but her hand rested lightly on her lower belly.
21:04You still did not die.
21:05You really are hard to kill.
21:07I looked at her with no warmth in my eyes.
21:09She came to my bedside and smiled, gentle and venomous.
21:12I came to tell you good news.
21:15I am pregnant.
21:19My breathing stopped for a moment.
21:21She bent close and spoke in a voice only I could hear.
21:24It is the future alpha pup.
21:25The elders have agreed.
21:26Once I give birth to a pure blood heir, Cain will officially mark me.
21:30You are lying.
21:32Cain has not marked you.
21:35Selina laughed.
21:36The marking will happen sooner or later.
21:39Why do you think he never let you have a child?
21:41My heart tightened.
21:42Half a year ago, that pup of yours was not an accident.
21:45Cain signed a bloodline respression order.
21:47He said your omega blood was unstable and could not produce harbor's air.
21:50The defendant's family pushed you down the stairs.
21:54I simply made sure they did it cleanly.
22:02My mind roared.
22:03My child had not died in an accident.
22:06You killed my boy!
22:10I grabbed the moonlight lamp by the bed and hurled it at out Selina with all my strength.
22:14She screamed.
22:15At that exact moment, out Cain pushed the door open and pulled her into his arms.
22:18Eve Rake, are you insane?
22:21Selina came to visit you out of kindness?
22:23And this is how you treat her?
22:27Apologize to her.
22:28I watched the way he shielded her.
22:30Suddenly I laughed.
22:33She hired rogues to kill me and murdered my pup?
22:36And you want me to apologize to her?
22:38Selina's eyes turned red.
22:40It is all my fault.
22:41Cain, don't fight with her because of me.
22:42If Eve hates me, I will leave.
22:44Cain seized her hand.
22:45You don't need to go anywhere.
22:46He looked at me.
22:47There was exhaustion in his eyes, irritation, and the coldness I finally saw clearly.
22:52Eve Ryn, you have always wanted the truth, haven't you?
22:55Fine.
22:55I will tell you.
22:56I do not love you anymore.
22:58I stopped loving you a long time ago.
23:00I do not love your rigid rules.
23:02I do not love the way you use the past to trap me.
23:06I do not love how you make me feel guilty every time I look at you.
23:10After he said that, the hospital room went terribly quiet.
23:13I slowly pushed myself upright.
23:15Blood seeped through the wound on my chest.
23:18At Cain Foster.
23:20He froze.
23:21I said each word clearly.
23:23I set you free.
23:25That night, with the doctor as witness, I submitted my injury record and filed a report with the
23:30neutral zone guard station.
23:32I also asked attorney, Howard, to formally begin the mate dissolution procedure.
23:37Before boarding the airship to the north, I sent Cain one last message.
23:41An attorney will contact you about dissolving our mate relationship.
23:45We end.
23:46Send.
23:47Block.power off.
23:50When the airship cut through the clouds, I looked down at the shrinking harbor territory
23:55for the first time.
23:56The pain in my chest had direction.
23:58We could have ended cleanly.
23:59Now we would not.
24:00I would.
24:01Make them lose their reputations in face pack trial.
24:04When I landed in the northern neutral zone, the sky was cold.
24:07I pulled the harbor pack back sim card from my phone and threw it into the airport trash.
24:12As I walked out of the passage, a man in a camel-colored coat stood in the snow and opened
24:16his arms to me.
24:17Long time no see, Ev.
24:19Ethan Hawley, he was my senior in school when we were young.
24:23Now he was the chief attorney of the Northern Frost Moon Alliance and the most trusted advisor
24:27of him, Northern Alpha Air.
24:30Everyone once said he was cold and proud, that no one could enter his eyes.
24:36But I remembered the day my classmates accused me of stealing scholarship.
24:40Ethan spent the whole night pulling surveillance records.
24:43Then threw the evidence onto the classroom podium the next morning.
24:49If anyone starts her rumor again, I will teach you what the law means.
24:54Now he saw my pale face and the bandage beside my ear.
24:57His gaze darkened.
24:59But he did not ask.
25:00He only took off his scarf and wrapped it around me against the wind.
25:05Let's go home first.
25:06The house is ready.
25:08A healer is waiting.
25:11Thank you for everything, Ethan.
25:13Ethan smiled.
25:20Back in harbor, Kane stared at the phone that could no longer reach me.
25:25For the first time, panic took hold of him.
25:31The mate bond was still there, but it felt buried beneath thick ice.
25:36Selina stood behind him, displeased.
25:41Isn't it good that she left?
25:43Now no one stands between us.
25:45Kane did not look at her.
25:48Kane frowned suddenly.
25:50Do not wear that color again.
25:52Selina looked down at her pink dress.
25:54Her face pinked.
25:55Pink had always been the color Eve wore most.
25:57She forced down her jealousy and walked forward to take his arm.
26:01Kane, we have been temporary mates for so long.
26:04When will you officially mark me?
26:05Didn't you say you no longer love her?
26:07That's enough.
26:08Kane smashed a glass onto the floor.
26:10Jesus Christ.
26:12As soon as the word left his mouth, he froze.
26:15He suddenly remembered that Eve's mother had only just been there.
26:18He had even forgotten.
26:20I'm going out for a while.
26:22Don't follow me.
26:23That night, Kane bought a bouquet of white moon rings and went along to the moon goddess
26:28Santa.
26:28In front of Eve's mother's group, he knelt and capped out three times.
26:32Mom, I am sorry.
26:34I failed to send you off.
26:35I was confused before.
26:37I will bring Eve back and make it up to her.
26:39Thunder rolled across the sky.
26:40Kane looked at the words on the stone, erected by beloved daughter Eve Wren.
26:44Only then did he remember the hunter attack seven years ago.
26:47If I had not carried him out of that silver net, he would have died in the black pine forest.
26:52Back then, I inhaled silver poison and lay in the healing center for seven days and nights.
26:58The doctor said my wolf spirit might never wake again.
27:02Young Kane held my hand and cried until his wolf eyes turned red.
27:06Eve, you have to wake up.
27:09I have not marked you as my luna yet.
27:11I owe you my life.
27:13If I betray you, may I lose my alpha power and die with nothing.
27:17Kane had snapped out of the mirror.
27:18He could no longer endure the guilt or the panic of losing you.
27:22I will find you, Eve.
27:24I swear.
27:27Kane stubbornly believed Eve loved him too much, as long as he explained.
27:31As long as he lowered his head, everything would return to the way it had been.
27:36The next day, he went to Harbor Law Office.
27:39Where is Eve?
27:41Attorney Howard came out with a stack of documents, his expression cold.
27:45Sorry, Alpha Foster.
27:47You do not have the right to know.
27:49Kane's face darkened.
27:51I am her mate.
27:52Attorney Howard smiled.
27:54Not anymore.
27:57Attorney Howard placed the mate dissolution agreement in front of Kane.
28:02Eve Rink has authorized me to act on her behalf.
28:05You may sign and agree to dissolve the mate registration, close the shared blood bank access,
28:09and terminate residence rights.
28:11Or you may refuse, and we will apply to the Elder's Council for a forced trial.
28:14Kane opened the file.
28:16When he saw Eve's signature, his pupils shrank.
28:19The next second, he tore the document to pieces.
28:21Impossible.
28:22Eve would never truly dissolve our relationship.
28:25Attorney Howard did not get angry.
28:27He simply took out another copy.
28:29Attorney.
28:30This, is the final duplicate.
28:33Sign within three days.
28:34Otherwise, otherwise, I will submit all evidence to Harbor's Elder's Council.
28:39Evidence?
28:39Your public recognition of Selina as Luna.
28:42Your refusal to open the blood bank for Eve.
28:43Your tolerance of online defamation.
28:45And your suspected concealment of the bloodline suppression order that killed her pup.
28:49Kane's face finally changed.
28:51Kane took the document.
28:52His fingers trembling uncontrollably.
28:55No.
28:57Impossible.
28:58Eve couldn't have known.
29:00Three days later, in the Northern Neutral Zone, Ethan and I were having coffee at a cafe.
29:06Snow fell outside the window.
29:08Inside, the fireplace burned warmly.
29:11He looked at the bandage beside my ear.
29:13His voice was low.
29:17If I had known he would treat you like this, I would have taken you away.
29:21I shook my head.
29:22The Northern High Court had once invited me.
29:25Back then, I would not have left.
29:27Ethan had been willing to recommend me.
29:29But I refused.
29:31Just as I was about to continue.
29:33A loud bang came from the entrance.
29:35I turned around.
29:36A face I never wanted to see again came into view.
29:39It was Kane.
29:40The moment Kane saw me, surprise and joy burst into his eyes.
29:45He strode toward me.
29:46Ethan immediately stood up and blocked him from reaching me.
29:51Only then did Kane notice Ethan.
29:53His voice was filled with anger.
29:56Move.
29:56Don't stand between me and Eve.
29:59And if I say no?
30:01Kane clearly hadn't expected that answer.
30:03His face flushed with rage.
30:07Then I'll just have to beat you until you're crawling on the floor.
30:11As he spoke, Kane's hands suddenly shifted into wolf claws.
30:15And he swung them at Ethan.
30:16Ethan didn't dodge.
30:17One of his hands shifted into wolf claws as well.
30:20Blocking Kane's attack.
30:22The once peaceful cafe was instantly filled with tension.
30:25And both howls rose one after another.
30:27I couldn't take it anymore.
30:29I walked up to Kane.
30:31I made myself very clear.
30:32We're over, Kane Foster.
30:36Kane looked at me in disbelief.
30:38No, at Eve.
30:39There must be some misunderstanding between us.
30:42Come back to the harbor pack with me.
30:43And I'll explain-
30:44I stepped forward, raised my hand, and slapped Kane hard across the face.
30:48Explain?
30:48What exactly do you want to explain?
30:50The fact that you and Selina already have a child?
30:52Or the real cause of death of my dead pup?
30:54I watched Kane's face turn paler and paler.
30:57There's nothing left to explain, Kane.
30:59We're over.
31:00Then I picked up my phone and called the Neutral Zone Emergency Line.
31:04Yes.
31:04Someone is causing trouble at the cafe.
31:07No!
31:08You have to come back with me!
31:11I let out a cold air.
31:13Violence is forbidden in the Neutral Zone.
31:15Instead of begging for my forgiveness here like a dog,
31:17maybe you should think about how you're going to explain to the pack elders
31:20why you abandoned pack affairs and broke the law in neutral territory.
31:24I left the cafe without looking back.
31:26Ethan followed me, but he didn't say anything.
31:30Was I scary just now?
31:32I must be nothing like the Ev, you remember?
31:34Ethan shook his head and smiled teasingly.
31:37You should have slapped him a long time ago.
31:39I smiled and shook out my hand.
31:41Hitting someone that shameless actually hurts.
31:43So what are you planning to do about that shameless bastard next?
31:45I looked back at the Neutral Zone police car approaching in the distance, siren blaring.
31:50My voice was firm.
31:52I'm going to make him and Selena pay.
31:56I organized Selena's social media screenshots,
31:59the fake registration records,
32:01the scent residue from the rogue attack,
32:03the healing center's blood bank refusal records,
32:05and the suppression order from my miscarriage case.
32:07I sent everything to attorney Howard on the day Kane refused to sign.
32:11Howard filed for forced trial with the elders' council.
32:15At the same time, two news stories took over Harbor's pack feed.
32:19False Luna takes power.
32:21True mate framed as the other woman.
32:28Then the rogue attack case was formally opened.
32:31Angry pack members surrounded.
32:33Selena's flower shop.
32:35Someone threw Rotting Game in front of the door.
32:38She stole another woman's Luna position
32:40and sent courtship flowers to a funeral.
32:43Disgusting!
32:44She hired rogues to kill!
32:46That she-wolf should be exiled!
32:48For the first time, Harbor Pack began to question its alpha.
32:52Kane stood in the alpha residence,
32:54watching public opinion explode one line after another.
32:57His face went pale.
32:58He finally understood.
33:00I was not making a scene.
33:02I truly did not want him anymore.
33:04That night, Selena returned to the alpha residence in a mess.
33:08Her hair was tangled.
33:10Egg yolk still stuck to her face.
33:12The moment she entered,
33:13she rushed toward Kane and sobbed.
33:16Kane, why won't you clarify?
33:19Everyone is cursing me.
33:21Kane sat in the shadows and did not answer.
33:24Selena's eyes gradually turned vicious.
33:28Why are you pretending to be silent now?
33:30You were the one who said you needed me as a temporary Luna.
33:33You said I was fearful.
33:35You said you would protect me.
33:37Kane finally raised his head.
33:38I helped you,
33:39because you said the elders were forcing you to mate an old alpha.
33:43Now we are even.
33:45Get out.
33:48Selena froze,
33:49then laughed sharply.
33:53Kane Foster,
33:54who are you to decide when it ends?
33:56You came to me again and again.
33:59You admitted on my social page
34:01that I was your Luna.
34:03You told everyone
34:04she was only an old acquaintance
34:06because of me.
34:08She stepped closer.
34:09Her eyes were red.
34:11I was jealous of her,
34:12so I changed the flowers
34:14at her mother's funeral on purpose.
34:16I hired rogues to crash into her car,
34:18but if you had not given me,
34:19hope would I have dared to do any of it?
34:21Kane shot to his feet
34:22and grabbed her throat.
34:23His alpha aura burst through the room.
34:26Selena's face turned white.
34:28The crash was really you?
34:29Selena struggled for breath,
34:30but she still laughed.
34:32Yes,
34:33but didn't you also refuse to save her?
34:36When she was on the operating table
34:38waiting for blood,
34:40you were the one who ordered the blood
34:42to be reserved for me.
34:44When her pup died,
34:45you were the one who signed
34:46the suppression order.
34:48Kane,
34:49what right do you have
34:50to pretend you are innocent?
34:53Kane's hand trembled.
34:54He suddenly released her
34:55and stumbled back at that moment.
34:57He finally saw it clearly.
34:59Selena was cruel,
35:00but he was not clean.
35:02Every time he said,
35:03I am only helping her,
35:04he had pushed Eve farther away
35:06with his own hands.
35:10The doorbell rang
35:11to neutral zone guards
35:12and harbor.
35:13Council enforcers walked in.
35:18Selena Shaw,
35:20you are suspected of hiring rogues
35:21to attack,
35:22defamation,
35:23violation of funeral rights,
35:25and false-eyeing Luna status.
35:27Come with us for investigation.
35:29Cold moonstone shackles
35:31locked around her wrists.
35:33Selena finally panicked.
35:37Kane,
35:38save me!
35:39I am carrying your pup!
35:41You cannot abandon me!
35:43The enforcer said coldly,
35:44the Royal Healing Center
35:46has completed a bloodline test.
35:47She is not pregnant.
35:49Kane's head snapped up.
35:50All color vanished
35:51from Selena's face.
35:54The so-called future alpha pup
35:56was fake.
35:57Selena had used a child
35:58who did not exist
35:59to steal Eve's blood bank.
36:00Eve's reputation
36:02and almost Eve's life,
36:03Kane did not speak for her.
36:04He only watched her
36:05be taken away.
36:06As if he was watching
36:08a disaster he had personally
36:09brought into Harbor Path.
36:10Three days later,
36:11he finally signed
36:12the mate dissolution agreement.
36:13Once you sign,
36:15the mate registry
36:15will update immediately.
36:17Alpha Foster,
36:18there will be no undo.
36:19Kane's fingers
36:20tightened around the pen.
36:23If I sign,
36:25will she come back
36:25to see me?
36:26Attorney Howard
36:27looked at him coldly.
36:28No.
36:29She is only taking back
36:31what belongs to her.
36:32The moment his signature
36:33touched the page,
36:34I felt a sharp pain
36:35in my chest
36:36from far away in the north.
36:37The faded mate bond
36:38tore open like a rusty nail
36:40being pulled from bone.
36:41Pain forced me
36:42to grip the edge of my desk.
36:44Cold sweat fell
36:44from my forehead.
36:46Ethan immediately
36:46supported me.
36:48Eve?
36:49I shook my head
36:50and slowly exhaled.
36:52I am fine.
36:53From now on,
36:55Kane's life,
36:55death,
36:56emotions,
36:56and scent
36:57had nothing to do with me.
36:58That same day,
36:59Harbor's Elders Council
37:00suspended Kane's
37:02Alpha authority.
37:03The Harbor Pack
37:04has no need
37:04for a failed Alpha
37:06who lets his emotions
37:07rule him.
37:08A leader like that
37:09would only bring disaster
37:11to the pack.
37:11Kane stood at the entrance
37:12of the Council of Elders,
37:14staring dejectedly
37:15at his empty palm.
37:16The wind blew past him.
37:17He lifted his head
37:18for a moment.
37:19Kane thought he saw Eve.
37:20Eve had stood beside him
37:22and smiled.
37:23Our Kane will become
37:24the greatest Alpha
37:25one day.
37:27Harbor Pike
37:27will be proud of you.
37:29Now when he looked back,
37:30he saw only an empty corridor.
37:32He finally realized
37:33the person
37:33who had been proud of him,
37:35waited for him,
37:36and given up everything
37:36for him would never return.
37:39Selina's trial began quickly.
37:41I did not return to Harbor.
37:42I submitted evidence
37:43through the Northern Court's
37:44remote trial seat.
37:45On the screen,
37:46Selina wore moonstone shackles
37:48and looked exhausted.
37:49When she saw me,
37:50hatred flashed
37:51through her eyes first.
37:53Then, strangely,
37:55envy appeared.
37:56Eve,
37:57I was jealous of you.
37:59Jealous that you were lowborn
38:00but still loved by him
38:01for so many years.
38:02Jealous that you could stand
38:03in court by your own ability.
38:04Jealous that after leaving Kane,
38:06someone else was there
38:07to catch you!
38:08I said lightly,
38:09so you destroyed
38:11my mother's funeral,
38:12killed my pup,
38:13and hired rogues
38:13to murder me?
38:14She could not answer.
38:16The presiding elder
38:17struck the gavel.
38:18Selina Shaw
38:19violated funeral rights,
38:20falsified Luna status,
38:22hired rogues
38:22to attack a registered mate
38:24and cause serious injuries.
38:25She is sentenced
38:26to 30 years of exile
38:28in the Northern Frost Mines.
38:31All rights to pack resources
38:33are stripped.
38:34The rogues
38:35who took part in the attack
38:36will be sent
38:36to the silver-lined prison.
38:38The Shaw family elder
38:39who tolerated
38:40the false Luna claim
38:41is removed from harbors
38:42at Elder's Council.
38:43Kane sat in the gallery.
38:45At the very end,
38:46he finally lifted his head
38:47and looked at me on the screen.
38:49Eve,
38:50Selina has already been punished.
38:51Can we talk now?
38:52I stayed silent
38:53for a long time.
38:54Even if you and Selina
38:55have both been punished,
38:56my dead pup
38:57will never come back.
38:58There is no future for us.
39:00Every word I say
39:00to you disgust is me.
39:03The day after Selina's trial,
39:05I did not go back to work.
39:08I asked Ethan to drive me
39:09to the smallest moon goddess
39:11cemetery
39:11in the Northern Neutral Zone.
39:13There,
39:14under a young white pine,
39:16the gravekeeper
39:17had already prepared
39:18a tiny moonstone marker.
39:21No name was carved on it yet.
39:23The pup had never opened his eyes.
39:25He had never seen harbors see,
39:27never heard my voice,
39:29and never received
39:30even one blessing
39:31from his father.
39:32My fingers trembled
39:33as I placed a white moon lily
39:35before the stone.
39:36I am sorry.
39:37Mommy came too late.
39:38The gravekeeper lowered his head
39:39and asked softly,
39:40Miss Wern,
39:41what name should I carve?
39:43I looked at the blank stone
39:44for a long time.
39:45Saren,
39:46peace beneath the stars.
39:47Ethan stood behind me,
39:48holding an umbrella
39:49over my head.
39:50Snow gathered on his shoulders,
39:52but he did not move away.
39:53Then let Saren sleep
39:54under Northern snow.
39:55No one from harbor
39:56can hurt him again.
39:58My throat tightened.
40:00He was so small,
40:01Ethan.
40:02I did not even have time
40:04to protect him.
40:05You survived.
40:06You brought him justice.
40:07That is also protection.
40:08Ethan crouched beside me,
40:10his voice steady and low.
40:11For the first time
40:12since the trial,
40:13I cried without holding back.
40:15Ethan did not touch me
40:16without permission.
40:17He only stayed beside me
40:18until the snow
40:19covered the whole grave white.
40:20Eve,
40:21I know this is not
40:21the right time.
40:22I also know your heart
40:23is still carrying
40:24too many graves.
40:25I turned to look at him.
40:27But if one day
40:27you want to try again,
40:28I hope I can be
40:29the first thing you considered.
40:30Not because I saved you.
40:32Not because I waited.
40:33Just because you choose me.
40:35My fingers tightened
40:36around the scarf
40:37he had he'd wrapped around me.
40:42Ethan,
40:43I cannot answer you now.
40:45He smiled.
40:46Not disappointed.
40:48Only gentle.
40:50Then do not answer.
40:52I can wait in the light
40:53where you can see me.
40:56Two weeks later,
40:58Ethan took me to
40:58At Moon Whale ATA.
41:00It was the oldest dress shop
41:01in the northern neutral zone.
41:02It made court robes,
41:04luna cloaks,
41:04and chosen mate wedding gowns
41:06for Frostmoon families.
41:07I had only come to collect
41:08a formal robe
41:09for my first public hearing
41:10at the northern high court.
41:12But the owner misunderstood
41:14when she saw Ethan
41:15standing so close beside me.
41:17Attorney Hale,
41:18should I also prepare
41:19the moon white bridal collection?
41:21Ethan's ears' ears
41:23turned faintly red.
41:25Only if Miss Wren
41:26wants to see it.
41:27I glanced at the rows
41:28of white gowns.
41:29For a moment,
41:30I felt no disgust,
41:31only a dull ache.
41:33Once,
41:34I had waited seven years
41:35for a marking robe
41:36Kane never gave me.
41:37I am only here
41:38for court robes.
41:39Ethan nodded at once.
41:41Then court robes.
41:42Nothing else.
41:43His obedience
41:43was so immediate
41:44that the dress shop owner
41:45smiled behind her hand.
41:47While I changed
41:48behind the curtain,
41:50I smelled something wrong.
41:53Not roses this time.
41:56Kerosene.
41:58My right ear
41:58could not hear
41:59the small click
42:00of the back door,
42:01but my wolf spirit
42:02suddenly raised its head.
42:04Outside the fitting room,
42:05a familiar sweet voice
42:06whispered,
42:07White really suits you, Eve.
42:10It makes me want
42:12to burn it black.
42:13The next second,
42:14flames climbed up
42:16the moon-white curtains.
42:19Fire spread faster
42:20than any wolf could run.
42:21The moon-white gowns
42:22caught the flames first,
42:24then the wooden racks,
42:25then the dried blessing flowers
42:26hanging from the ceiling.
42:27Fire!
42:28Someone help!
42:29I covered my mouth
42:30and tried to push open
42:31the fitting room door,
42:31only to find it jammed
42:33from the outside.
42:33Selina laughed
42:34beyond the smoke.
42:35You ruined my trial.
42:36You took Kane's pity from me.
42:37Now let me see
42:38whether your new man
42:39can save you.
42:39My chest wound
42:40tore open from coughing,
42:42but my mind stayed cold.
42:44I pulled the silverless hairpin
42:46from my hair
42:47and stabbed it
42:48through the old wooden lock.
42:50Selina,
42:50you should have learned by now.
42:52I do not die that easily.
42:54Before I could break
42:55the door fully,
42:56a black wolf shadow
42:57crashed through
42:58the burning corridor.
43:01Ethan's coat
43:02was already on fire
43:03at the edge,
43:04but he wrapped it around me
43:05and lifted me
43:05out of the smoke.
43:07Hold your breath.
43:08Do not talk.
43:10Selina tried to escape
43:11through the back alley,
43:12but I had already turned
43:12my phone towards her voice.
43:14The recording light
43:15flashed red.
43:15Confession,
43:16arson,
43:17attempted murder.
43:18Thank you for saving
43:19the court some effort.
43:20But Selina's smile vanished.
43:21She shifted halfway,
43:23claws tearing through
43:24her sleeves
43:24and lunged at me.
43:26Ethan stepped in front of me,
43:28his own wolf aura
43:28bursting through the alley
43:30like a storm.
43:31Touch her once more
43:33and Frostmoon Law
43:34will not be the thing
43:35you should fear.
43:37Frostmoon Alliance guards
43:38arrived through the snow
43:39and forced Selina
43:40to the ground.
43:42At the healing center,
43:44the healer treated
43:44the smoke burns on my arm
43:46and the reopened wound
43:47on my chest.
43:48Miss Wink,
43:48you were already injured.
43:50Another minute in that fire
43:51and your lungs
43:51might not have recovered.
43:53Ethan stood beside the bed,
43:54silent and pale.
43:55I had never seen
43:56his hands shake before.
43:57Ethan.
43:58He looked up at once.
43:59I am alive.
44:00Only then did he breathe,
44:02as if those words
44:03had given him permission.
44:04I rose to my feet,
44:06gave him a reassuring smile,
44:07then walked toward the room
44:09where Selina was imprisoned.
44:11Selina was chained
44:12to a moonstone chair.
44:14Her hair was burned
44:14at the ends,
44:15but her eyes were still venomous.
44:17Do you think catching me
44:18makes you the winner?
44:19Cain will come.
44:20He always comes
44:21when I call.
44:22I approached
44:23with my bandaged arm
44:24held up.
44:28Then call him.
44:30Let him see
44:31what the woman
44:31he protected has become.
44:33Frostmoon Alliance guards
44:34placed the evidence bag
44:36on the table.
44:37a broken lighter,
44:38a bottle of cariurine,
44:40and the recording
44:41from my phone.
44:44Selina Shaw,
44:45your exile sentence
44:46will now include
44:47attempted murder
44:48in Northern Territory.
44:50No Shaw family privilege
44:51can touch this case.
44:53Selina finally panicked.
44:54Eve, I only wanted
44:55to scare you.
44:56I did not really
44:56want you dead.
44:57I laughed softly.
44:58You said the same thing
44:59after my funeral flowers,
45:00after my car crash,
45:01after my pup died.
45:02I am tired of your almost.
45:03I stay here and pray
45:04that your cane
45:04comes to save you.
45:05Oh, what a shame.
45:07I almost forgot.
45:08He's no longer
45:09the alpha of the harbor pack.
45:11He can't protect you anymore.
45:12Eve, you bitch!
45:13I curse you
45:14to never find happiness!
45:17When I walked out,
45:18Ethan was standing
45:19in the hallway.
45:19His burned coat
45:20had been taken away,
45:21leaving only a thin shirt
45:23over his shoulders.
45:23He had clearly heard
45:25those vicious curses too,
45:26anger burning
45:27in his eyes.
45:28I smiled at him.
45:29Never waste your anger
45:30on someone who isn't worth it.
45:31I walked to him
45:32and took the medicine
45:33from the tray.
45:35Sit down.
45:36He obeyed at once,
45:37like a large wolf
45:38pretending to be harmless.
45:40When I wrapped
45:40his burned forearm,
45:42I saw the old
45:42moon-white blessing cord
45:44I had given him years ago.
45:45Eve, after today,
45:46I know waiting quietly
45:47is no longer enough.
45:48I want to stand beside you
45:49openly if you are willing.
45:50I am still afraid.
45:51Then be afraid with me.
45:52I will not rush you.
45:53I held his bandaged hand.
45:55Ask me in under the full moon.
45:56Half a month later,
45:57Moonveil Atelier
45:58reopened with fireproof
45:59moonstones glowing
46:00beneath every window.
46:02The dress shop owner
46:03carefully brought out
46:04a moon-white
46:04chosen mate gown.
46:06Miss Warnk,
46:06this one was remade for you.
46:08No roses,
46:09only moon lilies
46:10and frost patterns.
46:11This time,
46:11I did not refuse immediately.
46:13Far away in harbor,
46:14Kane received
46:15the public frost moon
46:16ceremony notice
46:17through an old
46:17council channel.
46:18Ethan Holley
46:19has applied for
46:20a chosen mate covenant
46:21with Eve Wren.
46:22Ceremony pending approval
46:23under the next full moon.
46:25The old moonstone ring
46:26fell from Kane's hand
46:27to the floor.
46:28No.
46:29She cannot marry him.
46:32On the night of the full moon,
46:34snow fell over
46:35the frost moon altar.
46:36Ethan waited for me
46:37beneath the moonstone pillars,
46:39wearing a dark formal cloak
46:40with the old blessing cord
46:42still wrapped around his wrist.
46:43There was no alpha command
46:45in his eyes.
46:46No possession.
46:47Only nervous hope.
46:48The priestess placed
46:49two ceremonial blades
46:50on the altar.
46:51Eve Wren,
46:52Ethan Hale,
46:53do you both come here
46:55by free choice?
46:56Ethan looked at me first.
46:57I do.
46:58I looked at the falling snow,
47:00then at him.
47:02I do.
47:03Before the priestess
47:04could continue,
47:05the outer gate
47:06crashed open.
47:07A wave of familiar rosemary
47:09and sea wind
47:09rushed into the altar square.
47:11Kane stood at the entrance,
47:13snow covering his black coat.
47:14His eyes were bloodshot,
47:16and his alpha aura
47:17trembled like a dying flame.
47:19Stop the ceremony!
47:21The guests gasped.
47:23Frostmoon Alliance guards
47:24immediately stepped forward.
47:25Ethan's hand moved
47:26to shield me,
47:27but I held his wrist.
47:28No.
47:29I will answer him myself.
47:31Kane walked toward me,
47:32holding the old moonstone
47:34ring in his palm.
47:35Eve,
47:35you cannot do this.
47:36You are my fated mate.
47:38The moon goddess
47:39chose us first.
47:40I looked at him calmly.
47:42The moon goddess
47:43gave you a bond.
47:45You destroyed it
47:47with your own hands.
47:48I know I did many things
47:49to hurt you before.
47:50I know you hate me,
47:51but I don't want you
47:52to use a new marriage
47:53just to spite me.
47:56You don't love Ethan,
47:57do you?
47:58I didn't answer right away.
48:00Instead,
48:01I turned back
48:02and glanced at Ethan,
48:03then gave my answer firmly.
48:05You're wrong, Kane.
48:07I love Ethan.
48:10Kane's face
48:11twisted with pain.
48:13I can still make it up to you.
48:15I can give you harbor.
48:16I can give you the Luna crown.
48:18I can kneel before
48:19your pup's grave
48:20every full moon.
48:21Do not mention my pup.
48:23My voice was not loud,
48:25but the altar fell silent.
48:27Kane froze.
48:28You do not get to use
48:29his grave as a bridge
48:30back to me.
48:31Kane suddenly reached
48:32for my wrist.
48:33His claws broke
48:34through his fingertips.
48:36Not enough to shift,
48:37but enough to show
48:38he had lost control.
48:39Ethan moved faster.
48:41He caught Kane's arm
48:43and forced it away from me.
48:45She said no.
48:47That should be enough
48:48for any decent wolf.
48:50Kane snarled.
48:51You stole her
48:52while she was hurt!
48:54Ethan's voice
48:55turned cold.
48:56No.
48:57I stayed while she healed.
49:00You are the one
49:00who wounded her.
49:02Kane lunged again,
49:03this time not at Ethan.
49:05But toward the ceremonial
49:06blade on the altar,
49:07the priestess struck
49:08the moonstone floor
49:09with her staff.
49:12Frostmoon Alliance guards,
49:14restrain him!
49:15Moonstone chains
49:15snapped around
49:16Kane's wrists and throat,
49:18suppressing his wolf spirit.
49:20Kane fell to one knee,
49:22still staring at me.
49:23Eve, please.
49:24Just look at me once
49:25like before.
49:26I looked at him
49:27before he's dead.
49:29The guards dragged him away.
49:31Ethan walked to my side
49:32and said apologetically,
49:34I'm sorry he ruined
49:35our ceremony.
49:37It's okay.
49:39We've already chosen
49:40each other, haven't we?
49:41Besides,
49:42how could we possibly
49:43miss the fun of watching
49:44Kane and Selina
49:45tear each other apart?
49:47Because Kane had attacked
49:49a protected Frostmoon ceremony.
49:51He was placed in a moonstone
49:53holding room
49:53before formal sentencing.
49:55Selina was already there.
49:57After the bridal shop arson,
49:59Frostmoon law required
50:00all connected offenders
50:01in the same chain of crimes
50:03to face a confrontation hearing.
50:05The Frostmoon Alliance guards
50:07locked the door
50:07and looked at both of them
50:08with disgust.
50:09You wanted the same woman
50:11destroyed.
50:12Now explain your lies
50:15to each other.
50:17The door closed.
50:19For a moment,
50:20Kane and Selina
50:21only stared at each other.
50:23Then Selina laughed.
50:25You still failed,
50:27didn't you?
50:28She chose him
50:29in front of everyone.
50:30Kane's eyes darkened.
50:32You should have stayed
50:33in the Frostmines.
50:34Selina stepped closer
50:35despite the shackles.
50:37And you should have stayed
50:39with Eve
50:39when thunder frightened her.
50:42But you came to me
50:44again
50:45and again.
50:47Do not put all of this
50:48on me!
50:49Kane's breathing grew rough.
50:51I changed the flowers, yes.
50:53I hired the rogues, yes.
50:55I lied about the pup
50:56in my belly.
50:57But who called me Luna first?
51:00Who denied Eve in public?
51:02Who signed the order
51:03that killed her child?
51:04Kane slammed his fist
51:06into the moonstone wall.
51:07Shut up!
51:08Selina smiled
51:09with tears in her eyes.
51:11You are angry
51:12because I ruined
51:13your love story.
51:14But Kane,
51:15there was no love story left.
51:17You killed it
51:18before I arrived.
51:22Kane's Volf spirit
51:23had already been weakened
51:24by the severed mate bond
51:25and the loss
51:26of Alpha,
51:27authority.
51:28Selina knew exactly
51:29where to cut.
51:30She leaned close
51:31and whispered
51:32like poison.
51:33Do you want to know
51:35the funniest part?
51:36Eve begged for you
51:37at first.
51:38Even after the flowers.
51:40Even after the rumors.
51:42That thunder night,
51:44she still called you.
51:45Kane's jaw tightened
51:46until blood appeared
51:47at the corner of his mouth.
51:49If you had gone back,
51:51maybe she would still be yours.
51:54But you chose me.
51:57Kane's claws burst
51:58fully from his hands.
52:00The moonstone chains lit up,
52:02burning his wrists,
52:03but he did not seem
52:04to feel it.
52:05I told you to stop!
52:08Selina laughed harder,
52:10madness shining
52:10in her eyes.
52:12And you're up!
52:13Do not look at me like that!
52:15I only pushed the stone.
52:17You were the one
52:18who opened the grave.
52:20Something in Kane
52:21smirked.
52:22A roar shook the hood
52:23around when the
52:24Frostmoon Alliance guards
52:25heard the alarm
52:26and rushed in.
52:27Selina was already
52:28on the floor,
52:29her throat torn
52:30by Alpha claws.
52:32Kane knelt beside her,
52:33covered in blood,
52:35staring at his own hands
52:36as if he no longer
52:37recognized them.
52:39Back away from the body!
52:42Kane did not move.
52:45Eve was right.
52:47I ruined everything
52:48I touch.
52:50The guards forced him down
52:52with silverless
52:52suppression chains.
52:54This time,
52:55Kane did not resist.
52:58The next morning,
53:00the Frostmoon Alliance guards
53:02came to my house
53:02in person.
53:03Ethan opened the door first.
53:05When he saw
53:06the guards' expressions,
53:07his face grew solemn.
53:09Attorney Rink,
53:10Selina Shaw is dead.
53:12Kane Foster killed her
53:13in the holding room
53:14last night.
53:14I held the cup
53:15in my hand
53:16and did not move
53:17for several seconds.
53:18There was no joy.
53:20No shock,
53:21only a strange emptiness,
53:22like a long court case
53:23finally closing
53:24after too many lives
53:25had already been ruined.
53:27Was anyone else hurt?
53:28No.
53:29Foster has been placed
53:30under heavy restraint.
53:31He asked to see you.
53:33Ethan looked at me,
53:34but he did not answer for me.
53:36I appreciated that
53:37more than any protection.
53:40No.
53:41The Frostmoon Alliance guards
53:42nodded,
53:43as if they had expected it.
53:45He said he only wants
53:46to apologize.
53:47I put the cup down.
53:50His apology is not a key.
53:52It cannot open my door
53:54whenever he wants.
53:55On the remote screen,
53:57Kane sat behind
53:57moonstone bars.
53:59His face was gray.
54:01His eyes empty.
54:02Is she there?
54:04Eve, can you hear me?
54:05The Frostmoon Alliance guards
54:07looked at me again.
54:08I reached forward
54:09and turned off
54:09the screen myself.
54:11Tell him nothing.
54:12Silence is my final answer.
54:14Ethan quietly stood beside me
54:16and placed his hand
54:17near mine.
54:17This time,
54:18I took it first.
54:21Three days later,
54:23the Frostmoon ceremony
54:24was held again.
54:25I did not wear
54:26the grand gown
54:27that had almost burned
54:28with me.
54:29Instead,
54:30I chose a simple
54:31moon-white dress
54:31with no crown,
54:33no heavy jewels,
54:34and no symbol of ownership.
54:36Ethan waited under the altar
54:37as he had before,
54:39but this time
54:39his eyes were calmer.
54:41Attorney Howard
54:42had come from harbor
54:43as a witness.
54:44When he saw me,
54:45he smiled
54:46with rare softness.
54:48This rink,
54:48your mother would be proud.
54:50My eyes warmed.
54:51Thank you, Howard.
54:52For everything.
54:53The priestess
54:54raised the ceremonial blade.
54:56Eve, rain.
54:57After betrayal,
54:59loss,
55:00fire,
55:01and trial,
55:02do you still choose
55:04Ethan Hall freely?
55:05I looked at Ethan.
55:07There was no bond
55:08pulling me,
55:09no fear pushing me,
55:11no debt trapping me.
55:12I choose him freely.
55:15Ethan Hale,
55:16do you choose
55:17at Eve Wrynn
55:18without possession,
55:20command,
55:21or pride?
55:24I choose her freedom first.
55:28Then I choose her.
55:30We cut our palms
55:31and let our blood fall
55:32onto the same moonstone.
55:33Light rose from the altar,
55:35soft and silver blue.
55:38Ethan lowered his head,
55:40not to mark me,
55:42not to claim me,
55:43but to ask.
55:45May I kiss you?
55:47I smiled through my tears.
55:50You may.
55:53On the night
55:54after the ceremony,
55:55Ethan brought a northern legal notary to me.
55:58Attorney Rick,
55:59this agreement gives you
56:01independent assets,
56:03residence rights,
56:04and Frost Moon Council voting rights.
56:08Everything you earn after marriage
56:11belongs only to you.
56:13I stared at Ethan.
56:16Are you trying to make sure
56:17I can leave you one day?
56:19Ethan signed first
56:20and smiled.
56:23Yes.
56:25Because I want you to stay
56:26only when you are free to go.
56:30He's in the northern court.
56:32My right ear still could not hear,
56:33but I had learned to read
56:35the smallest shift
56:36in a witness's expression.
56:37A young colleague
56:39once asked me after a hearing,
56:41Attorney Wynn,
56:42were you never afraid
56:43when you fought Harbors Alpha?
56:45I packed my files and smiled.
56:49I was afraid every day.
56:51I just stopped letting fear
56:53make my choices.
56:54When I returned home,
56:56Ethan was sitting on the carpet
56:57with our daughter in his arms.
56:59She was born on a snowy,
57:00full moon night.
57:02Her eyes were bright as moonstone.
57:04We named her Sirin.
57:06The name once carved
57:07for the child I lost.
57:08We did not name her Sirin
57:10to replace the child we lost.
57:12We named her Sirin
57:13because peace had finally returned
57:15to a place once filled
57:16only with grief.
57:17This time,
57:18it meant peace that survived.
57:22Daddy, whoop!
57:26Little Sirin grabbed Ethan's nose
57:28and laughed
57:29until her tiny wolf ears
57:30nearly popped out.
57:32Ethan pretended to be defeated
57:34and fell back onto the carpet.
57:37Attorney,
57:38your daughter has attacked
57:38as a court advisor.
57:40Should I file a complaint?
57:44Complaint denied.
57:45The court finds the defendant
57:47too cute to punish.
57:48That afternoon,
57:50PAC News reported
57:50that former Harbor Alpha
57:52Kane Foster
57:53had died from wolf spirit failure
57:54and long-term mate bond backlash
57:56in the Frostmoon Restraint Tower.
57:59The report said
58:00he had never stopped asking
58:01whether Eve Wren
58:02had replied to his final apology.
58:04I calmly turned off the channel.
58:06Mommy,
58:07why did that uncle die?
58:10Maybe he did too many wrong things
58:12and finally had to face them.
58:14Sirin did not understand.
58:16And she did not need to.
58:18That evening,
58:19Ethan and I took her
58:20to the small grave
58:21under the white pine.
58:23Fresh white moonlees
58:24swayed in the wind.
58:25Sirin placed a tiny pinnacomb
58:27beside the flowers.
58:30Your baby star.
58:31Ready to go home?
58:32My eyes warmed,
58:34but the pain no longer drowned me.
58:36Ethan held my hand.
58:37I looked toward
58:38the wide northern snow field.
58:40Yes, let's go home.
58:42The world is wide.
58:44The sea of people
58:45is endless.
58:46From now on,
58:47in this life and the next,
58:48I will not measure debts
58:50with Cain again
58:51because he is not worth it.
58:53The End
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