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