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00:01On the day of my wedding to the Lycan prince, his childhood sweetheart, Rue, his wet nurse's daughter, killed herself
00:06with her own claw.
00:07Cain knocked over the Blood Covenant cup. He was silent for a long moment.
00:10Give the wet maid some gold coins for her retirement. Bury Rue properly.
00:15Then he went back to completing the Blood Covenant ritual with me, as if nothing had happened.
00:19Five years later, the night before Cain's coronation as Lycan king, the elders examined me and declared I was barren.
00:24Would never bear children. He had his warriors drag me to the stone quarry behind the royal grounds.
00:29Made me pave a road of atonement. Said I could never return to court.
00:32That night, he pointed at Rue's grave marker and said,
00:34She was carrying my pup when she died.
00:37If your Stormfreak tribe weren't so powerful, why would I have married you?
00:42Rue would still be alive. And so would my child.
00:46You don't deserve to have offspring. Spend the rest of your life moving stones.
00:51Atone for Rue and her pup.
00:54Within a year, my father and brother were framed for colluding with vampires.
00:57The entire Stormfang tribe was slaughtered. I coughed up blood and died.
01:01Then I opened my eyes. I was back the day I was marrying into the royal court.
01:07The wolves were howling at the moon. The sound of Alpha Cain kicking the wedding carriage axle snapped me fully
01:14awake.
01:15I was reborn. I clenched my fists. My heart pounded.
01:19If the moon goddess was giving me a second chance, I wasn't going to waste it.
01:23The Stormflag tribe wouldn't die in vain.
01:25I would live this time, and I would make and pay for every drop of blood he spilled in my
01:30past life.
01:31Cain led me into the ritual circle. Freya, my handmaiden, steadied my arm.
01:36As she leaned in, I whispered a few quick words.
01:39Freya's eyes flickered. She was a warrior raised by the Stormfling tribe.
01:43She'd been by my side since childhood.
01:45A handmaiden in name, a bodyguard in truth.
01:48I trusted her completely.
01:49The wedding between Alpha Cain and the daughter of Stormfang,
01:52every chieftain in the northern territories had come with their mates.
01:55It was the biggest union the north had seen in years.
01:57The daughter of Stormfang was about to become the luna of the royal court.
02:01The ritual circle was alive with noise.
02:04In the name of the moon goddess, bind by blood.
02:07Then a young servant from Rue's room came running in, stumbling over herself.
02:11Alpha! Rue tried to kill herself!
02:17Tears streaming down her face.
02:19She dropped to her knees, forehead hitting the ground.
02:22Rue grew up with the Alpha.
02:24Please, Alpha, save her!
02:26Why would she do something so stupid?
02:29I told her I'd give her a title after the wedding.
02:31He caught himself mid-sentence and shut his mouth.
02:33He turned to run, remembered it was his wedding day.
02:36Every chieftain in the north was watching.
02:38If he left now, by tomorrow, his father's desk would be buried in letters demanding his head.
02:43Leora, I need to check on Rue.
02:45I'll come back and finish the blood covenant.
02:48The wedding's set. What's the hurry?
02:49I widened my eyes, made my voice small and pitiful.
02:52Alpha, this is a matter of life and death.
02:56Why don't I come with you?
02:57Aluna should handle household affairs after all.
03:01Kane looked relieved.
03:02Yes, yes, of course.
03:04So the Alpha and his bride-to-be left the ritual circle halfway through the ceremony to visit a wet
03:09nurse's daughter.
03:09The crowd whispered behind us.
03:11They couldn't believe it.
03:14Inside the wooden house, Rue was wearing a moonlight gown, the kind a bride was supposed to wear for the
03:18blood covenant.
03:19She'd dyed cheap burlap white herself.
03:21The stitches were crooked.
03:22Her half-shifted claws were pressed against her own throat.
03:25Her fingertips had already broken skin.
03:28Blood trickled down her neck, dripping onto the white dress.
03:30She saw Kane walk in, burst into tears.
03:35Threw herself at him.
03:37Alpha, I didn't mean to.
03:39I just want to be with you.
03:43I know I'm lowborn.
03:45This entity.
03:45I can never be your Luna.
03:48But I wanted, just once, to wear a moonlight gown and complete the blood covenant with you.
03:56You know I've wanted to be your mate since we were children.
04:00Kane pulled her close.
04:02His face was twisted with pain.
04:04Why are you so stupid?
04:06Why are you stupid?
04:07I told you I'd give you a title after the Luna moved in.
04:13Why would you do this?
04:14If anything happened to you, how could I go on?
04:19Are you trying to rip my heart out?
04:21Rue took his hand, placed it gently over her stomach.
04:25Alpha the healer came a few days ago.
04:27I'm carrying your pup.
04:30Two months.
04:31I didn't want my child to be born low-win.
04:35To be mocked and called bastard.
04:41That's why I...
04:42Really?
04:44Really?
04:47You're carrying my pup?
04:53Yes, Alpha.
04:56We're having a child.
04:58They held each other.
04:59Everyone else just stared.
05:01No way.
05:02The Alpha knocked up a wet mater's daughter?
05:07On his wedding day.
05:08And she chose today to make a scene.
05:10Look at them.
05:11This is bad.
05:12Leora must be devastated.
05:14She's the future Luna.
05:16This is a slap in Stormwing's face.
05:18Alpha Kane.
05:19I thought she was just a servant.
05:21Now you're telling me she's pregnant with your pup.
05:23Leora, she's my wet nurse's daughter.
05:25We grew up together.
05:27She's the woman I love.
05:28So you're in love.
05:29You've been meeting in secret.
05:31And now there's a child.
05:37Roos scrambled off the bed.
05:39Dropped to the floor in a full submission kneel.
05:41Forehead to the ground.
05:43Hands spread wide.
05:45Throat bared.
05:47Luna, it's not the Alpha's fault.
05:50Luna, it's not myself.
05:53It's mine.
05:54I couldn't control myself.
06:01My palm connected with her cheek.
06:10How dare you.
06:12I'm the legitimate daughter of Stormfun.
06:15I was raised with discipline.
06:17I will not be slander.
06:19I met the Alpha two times before the engagement.
06:21Always with elders present.
06:24Never alone.
06:26So don't drag my name through the mud.
06:28Just to make yourself look less disgusting.
06:33Roos sobbed.
06:34Shook her head.
06:38It's my fault, Luna.
06:41Forgive me.
06:43Then she half-shifted and dragged her own claws down her face.
06:47Three gashes from forehead to cheekbone.
06:49Blood poured down her cheeks.
06:52Pain grabbed her arms.
06:54Stop.
06:57He looked at me.
06:59I not, you renounced to bend.
07:01His voice was sharp with blame.
07:03This isn't Roos' fault.
07:05That's baking at you it.
07:07You were.
07:07That's the only difference.
07:10Without your father's wolves.
07:14Would I want you as Luna?
07:16Roos tried to kill herself today because of you.
07:20She's carrying my pup.
07:22Now you're married in.
07:24Roos is my consort.
07:26I won't leave her or my child without a title.
07:29I laughed at him.
07:30Luna?
07:31The Lycan King himself had approved this match.
07:33If it weren't for this engagement, Cain wouldn't even be sitting in the Alpha's seat.
07:37I lifted my chin.
07:39The Lunar position was granted by the Lycan King himself.
07:44How you've behaved today on our wedding day.
07:47Insults not only Stormfig, but also the king.
07:50If you loved Roos, why not call the engagement?
07:53You wanted my family's army.
07:55And your lover.
07:57Did you think I'd refuse you a consort?
08:01And you?
08:03You've known about the pregnancy.
08:05You waited until wedding day to make a scene.
08:09Are you really not doing this on purpose?
08:14I heard a servant say, you make consorts drink sterilization tonic.
08:19I was afraid for my pup.
08:22Sterilization tonic.
08:23Which servant?
08:24My people just arrived.
08:26They don't even know where the wooden houses are.
08:28Why would they gossip about me?
08:30Do you think the servants of Stormburn are as undisciplined as yours?
08:33Go on.
08:34Name the servant.
08:35Let's have a face-to-face confrontation.
08:38Rue's face went red, then pale.
08:41Finally, she whispered,
08:43Oh, I don't know, maybe I misheard.
08:46Everyone understood.
08:47It was pathetic.
08:49Just a whore.
08:50Using her belly to cause trouble on a wedding day.
08:52She thought a noble bride would be too ashamed to fight back.
08:56Leora must be so humiliated.
08:58She's a Stormhome.
08:59The future Luna.
09:01Then Cain's wet nade.
09:02Rue's mother came rushing in.
09:05Drop to her knees in full submission pose.
09:08Luna.
09:09Luna.
09:10Praise the alpha.
09:12Give Rue a title.
09:13Or the king and queen will kill her.
09:17Get up.
09:20You're my Luna.
09:21And you're making her kneel?
09:23This is how Stormflin treats elders?
09:27I loved Rue before you.
09:29I accepted you as Luna.
09:32But if you're this jealous and petty,
09:34how can you be mate to a future Lycan king?
09:40I remembered what he'd done to my family in my past life.
09:43The blood rushed to my head.
09:48This time,
09:49I would not let history repeat.
09:53Cain and Rue clung to each other.
09:55I stepped back
09:56and pulled off my wolf-thing necklace.
10:01Your love is so touching.
10:03I won't stand between you.
10:04We haven't completed the blood covenant.
10:07Technically, we aren't mates.
10:09And Rue is already wearing her moonlight gown.
10:11Why don't you two complete the ritual together?
10:18The engagement is over.
10:20I'm not marrying you.
10:25The chieftains behind me erupted.
10:28No way.
10:29The Lycan king himself approved this match.
10:35The alpha slapped Stormfin in the face.
10:38Rannar Stormfin won't let this go.
10:39Lyora is a Stormfog princess.
10:41She doesn't have to take this.
10:42She'd rather lose the Luna position
10:44than tolerate a servant's bastard child.
10:49Cain stared at me, stunned.
10:51You're breaking off the engagement?
10:52This is treason.
10:54My father approved this marriage.
10:57Alpha, don't fight with the Luna because of me.
11:00I'll give up everything.
11:01Go complete the blood covenant.
11:03Don't make the Lion King angry.
11:05Don't break father and son apart.
11:08You're always thinking of me.
11:10My good Rue.
11:12I won't fail you.
11:14Are you sure your father and brother
11:16will agree to this?
11:17Can Stormvag really give up this kind of power?
11:20Stormfold can.
11:33It was my father.
11:34Behind him stood my brother.
11:36Ragnar Stormfin.
11:38This marriage was approved by the Lion King.
11:42Your daughter cannot simply throw away
11:44a royal convocment.
11:46He humiliated you in front of every tribe.
11:49Hold.
11:50My daughter has spoken.
11:52Stormfin stands with her.
11:54This covenant is broken.
11:56You dare defy the King's order?
11:59Tomorrow, I'll go to court myself.
12:02You dare!
12:03Leora, if you leave the royal court today,
12:05don't think you can ever come back!
12:07Don't worry, Alpha.
12:08I will never set foot in this court again.
12:18My father and brother brought me home.
12:20My mother had already heard the news.
12:23My Leora, you've been wronged.
12:26Her eyes were red as she came out to meet us.
12:29Because it was my wedding day,
12:30our tribe's relatives and friends were all there.
12:33Everyone was already here.
12:35Don't worry.
12:36You'll find someone better.
12:37He's not worth it.
12:38I laughed through my tears.
12:40This time, my family and tribe were alive.
12:42I would protect them.
12:44My mother held my hand.
12:45I leaned into her,
12:47feigning girlish neediness.
12:48Father,
12:49you and Mother have to stand up for me.
12:51That Alpha humiliated me.
12:53He disrespected Father too.
12:55Don't worry.
12:57The Alpha's out of line.
12:59We're not the only ones
13:01who will be writing letters of complaint.
13:03The next morning,
13:04Miss,
13:05you're awake.
13:07Something huge happened.
13:09You'll be so happy.
13:11It turned out that after I left the wedding,
13:13the servants had spread the news
13:15all the way to the Lion King and Queen.
13:19The Queen had smashed a cup of wine in fury.
13:23Rue Morrow,
13:24of all the people to offend,
13:26he chose Stormfane?
13:27That bitch.
13:28I knew her.
13:30A servant girl.
13:32I never took her seriously.
13:34Now she's carrying his pup?
13:36She thought Liara would just accept it quietly?
13:39On her wedding day?
13:41Does she even know who Liara is?
13:43Stormberg's only daughter.
13:45Raised by the Luna herself,
13:46I picked Liara for Kane.
13:48I spent years arranging this match.
13:52And they ruined it.
13:53All for a half-grown pup.
13:55She thinks she can marry into the royal court
13:58because she's got a lump of flesh in her belly.
14:00This court has never lacked for pups.
14:03Bring Rue Moran to the moon goddess altar.
14:05Make her kneel and reflect on her mistakes.
14:08When the Queen's female warriors
14:09dragged Rue out of her wooden house,
14:11she was still screaming.
14:16How dare you!
14:18I'm carrying the Lycan royal family's pup!
14:23When Alpha Cain finds out,
14:25he'll have you executed!
14:27The warriors were calm.
14:29Let me go!
14:30The Queen's orders.
14:32No!
14:34Kneel at the moon goddess altar.
14:37When you understand your mistake,
14:38you can get up.
14:39Impossible!
14:40I'm carrying a future royal pup!
14:43The Queen can't do this to me!
14:45I'm the Alpha's future consort!
14:48The Queen's personal attendant
14:49stood to the side, expressionless.
14:51Miss,
14:52the Queen has made herself clear.
14:54You ruined the Alpha's engagement.
14:57The punishment for that
14:59is death.
15:02If you don't kneel and reflect,
15:04you can reflect in the dungeon instead.
15:06Rue's face went white.
15:08She didn't say another word.
15:10She spent the moonless night
15:11on her knees
15:12at the moon goddess altar,
15:13hands bound behind her back,
15:15an iron chain around her neck.
15:17Noble women passing by
15:19whispered,
15:20This is the servant girl
15:21from yesterday.
15:23She's not a servant.
15:24She's the wet nurse's daughter.
15:25Her mother was claimed
15:26by a servant.
15:28She was born a slave.
15:29She grew up with the Alpha.
15:32I think she can seduce
15:34her way to the top.
15:35Disgusting.
15:36I heard Ragnar Stormvon
15:38went to court today
15:38to ask for the engagement
15:39to be formally enrolled.
15:41If that happens,
15:42the Queen is going to
15:44flay her alive.
15:46Rue broke out
15:46in a cold sweat.
15:47She looked like
15:48she might collapse.
15:54My father and brother
15:55knelt before the Lycan King.
15:57Your Majesty,
15:57we spoiled our daughter.
15:58She's not fit
15:59to marry the Alpha.
16:00Leora heard that
16:01the Alpha loved someone else.
16:02That woman is pregnant.
16:03Leora didn't want
16:05to come between them.
16:06She asked to annul
16:07the engagement.
16:07Please,
16:08Your Majesty,
16:09understand.
16:09The King's face was dark.
16:11Cain,
16:11what do you say?
16:12Cain lifted his chin.
16:14Ragnar Stormfern,
16:15where the women of Stormfern
16:16never taught basic manners.
16:18I'm going to be Lycan King,
16:20so what if I have another woman?
16:22She calls off
16:23the engagement over that?
16:24Spoiled.
16:25Completely spoiled.
16:26My brother raised his head.
16:28Alpha,
16:28this isn't worth it.
16:29A single woman?
16:30You'd ruin an alliance
16:32over one woman?
16:33You sit at the highest
16:34seat of power.
16:35You're supposed to set
16:36an example.
16:36Plenty of other women
16:37want to be my Luna.
16:38If your daughter
16:39doesn't want the position,
16:40fine.
16:41Engagement annulled.
16:43Your Majesty,
16:44the Alpha has agreed.
16:46Please issue the decree.
16:47My father pressed
16:48his forehead to the ground.
16:49The Lion King looked
16:50at his son with disappointment.
16:52You are my heir,
16:53and yet you behave like this.
16:55Fine.
16:56If you insist
16:57on breaking this engagement,
16:58I will give you
16:59what you want.
17:00My father and brother
17:01left the court,
17:02beaming.
17:03Meanwhile,
17:03on Cain's side,
17:05he barely stepped out
17:06of the hall
17:06when a servant
17:07came running.
17:08Your Highness,
17:09Rue,
17:10the Queen,
17:11locked her in the tower
17:12at the Moon Goddess altar.
17:16Cain rushed over.
17:18Rue was pale as death
17:20from kneeling.
17:20She saw him
17:21and collapsed
17:22into his arms.
17:25Alpha,
17:26save me.
17:26Cain carried her
17:28into the hall.
17:29The Queen rose
17:29to her feet,
17:30incandescent.
17:32Cain,
17:32you defied
17:33your father's order
17:34for her.
17:35You defied
17:36my order.
17:37Are you trying
17:38to bring
17:38the whole court down?
17:40Cain set Rue down,
17:42knelt before the Queen.
17:43Mother,
17:44Rue is carrying
17:45my first pup,
17:47your grandchild.
17:48The Queen smashed
17:49her cup.
17:51One pup?
17:52Against the entire
17:53Stormflow tribe?
17:54Do you understand
17:56what you've lost?
17:57Stormflow's wolves,
17:58the strongest warriors
17:59in the North.
18:00Gone!
18:01Cain raised his head.
18:03Stormfling is a loyal
18:04subject of my father.
18:05Whether his daughter
18:06is my Luna or not,
18:08he will serve the King.
18:09I'm not afraid.
18:11If I can't protect
18:12the woman I love,
18:14what kind of alpha am I?
18:15Not giving Rue
18:16the Luna position
18:17is already
18:18my biggest concession.
18:20Leora disrespected me.
18:22If I'd let her
18:23into this court,
18:24it would have been
18:24endless trouble.
18:25The Queen stared at him.
18:27For a long moment,
18:28she said nothing.
18:29Then she waved her hand.
18:31Years of teaching.
18:33All wasted.
18:36Fine.
18:37Have it your way.
18:38Leave.
18:39The news spread
18:40through the court.
18:41Cain had fought
18:42with the Queen
18:43over Rue.
18:44Some saw opportunity.
18:46If Rue would be
18:47the alpha's consort,
18:49it was worth
18:50curring favor.
18:52Noble women
18:53began visiting her.
19:00The Queen announced
19:01she would be selecting
19:02a new Luna for Cain.
19:06There was a banquet
19:07for the arrival
19:08of the Southern Emzays.
19:09The Queen invited
19:10all the noble daughters
19:11to keep them company.
19:13After the banquet,
19:14we walked through
19:15the moon goddess garden
19:17toward the spring pool.
19:18Rue was sitting
19:19in one of the poolside chairs,
19:21wearing a dark red dress.
19:23Several servants
19:23stood around her.
19:24She smiled
19:25when she saw us.
19:26Leora.
19:27Long time.
19:28Too bad the alpha
19:29isn't here today.
19:30We could have caught up.
19:32I heard you
19:32isn't engaged yet.
19:33Still waiting
19:34for the alpha?
19:35Oh, but the Queen
19:36is going to pick
19:36a new Luna for him soon.
19:38I bet you're regretting
19:39leaving now.
19:40I sat down
19:41across from her.
19:42I heard today
19:43was about choosing
19:43the alpha's Luna.
19:44Oh, but Rue,
19:45you're pregnant.
19:46I can't just call you
19:47by name.
19:48But you haven't been
19:49officially named
19:50a consort yet,
19:50have you?
19:52I heard today
19:52was about choosing
19:53the alpha's Luna.
19:54But you haven't been
19:55officially named
19:56a consort yet,
19:57have you?
19:58I'm not sure
19:59what to call you.
19:59That servant's bastard?
20:01The Queen seems
20:02to really like
20:03the Southern Princess.
20:05The Luna selection
20:06is probably settled.
20:08The Queen might pick
20:08a Luna,
20:09but the alpha says
20:10I'm the only one
20:11he loves.
20:11He'll bring in
20:12other women,
20:12but they'll just
20:13be decorations.
20:13I'm not worried.
20:15Whoever comes
20:16into this court,
20:16they'll answer to me.
20:17The Luna?
20:18The Luna is a joke.
20:19You all seem to be
20:20having such an
20:20interesting conversation.
20:22Mind if I join?
20:24I didn't see this young lady
20:26at the banquet.
20:27Who is she?
20:28Princess!
20:29This is the alpha's
20:30wet nerther's daughter.
20:31One of the noble
20:32women's explained.
20:33The one who caused
20:34a scene at his wedding.
20:35She's the alpha's favorite.
20:38None of us dare
20:39cross her.
20:40A wet mercer's daughter?
20:42So, a servant?
20:44And she doesn't even
20:45have a title?
20:46Then why are you sitting?
20:47We outrank you.
20:49Are you going to stand
20:50and bow?
20:52Is this how things
20:52are done in the north?
20:54Someone teach her
20:54some manners.
20:55Pick her up.
20:56Rue screamed
20:57as the guards
20:58stepped forward.
21:00Don't touch me!
21:02I'm carrying the alpha's
21:03puff!
21:03Your servant,
21:04teaching you manners,
21:05is doing you a favor.
21:06How is that
21:07a death sentence?
21:08Rue's voice
21:09turned strilly.
21:10The alpha and I
21:12grew up together!
21:13We love each other!
21:16Touch me and see
21:18what happens, princess!
21:20I said,
21:21do it.
21:23The princess raised
21:24her voice.
21:27The guards grabbed Rue
21:28and forced her
21:29to her knees.
21:30The alpha will have
21:32you all killed!
21:33Rue struggled.
21:34Hit her.
21:36The guards slapped
21:38Rue across the face.
21:39Her cheek swelled.
21:42Rue let out
21:43a high-pitched scream,
21:45shoved the guards
21:45away,
21:46and half-shifted.
21:48Bitch!
21:49She lunged
21:50at the princess.
21:50The princess reacted
21:52just a second
21:53too late.
21:54Something cut
21:54through the stillness
21:55and left its mark.
21:58I lunged forward,
22:00grabbed Rue,
22:01and shoved her back.
22:02She tripped over
22:03a tent rope.
22:03She screamed,
22:05but she held on
22:05and pulled me with her.
22:06We both fell
22:07into the pool.
22:07I could swim,
22:08but Rue panicked
22:10and latched on to me.
22:12We sank together.
22:14Before I lost
22:15consciousness,
22:16someone dove in.
22:17They pulled Rue off me,
22:19dragged me to shore.
22:20Brother,
22:21give Liora your cloak!
22:22She saved me,
22:23brother,
22:23help her!
22:26The healers
22:27pounded my back.
22:28Finally,
22:29I could breathe.
22:30Alpha Cain,
22:31Lyra told that
22:32southern savage
22:33to hit me,
22:33and she pushed me
22:34into the water.
22:35She tried to kill my pup.
22:37The queen is here.
22:38The queen and her party
22:39arrived at the pool.
22:41Rue threw herself
22:42at the queen's feet.
22:44Your majesty,
22:45Liora tried to murder
22:46a royal pup.
22:47She should be executed
22:49on the spot.
22:50I stood up,
22:51wiped my mouth.
22:53Kill a chieftain's daughter
22:54on the spot?
22:55You have a lot of nerve.
22:57I fell in
22:57because you dragged me.
22:59Everyone saw.
23:01The southern princess
23:02pressed a cloth
23:02to her face.
23:03Her voice was loud
23:04and furious.
23:05Your majesty,
23:07I don't know
23:07the customs here,
23:09but in the south,
23:10attempting to
23:11assassinate a princess
23:12means execution
23:14for the assassin's
23:15entire family.
23:16She tried to kill me.
23:17Everyone saw.
23:18She clawed my face.
23:20Cain rushed forward
23:21and put himself
23:22between the princess
23:23and Rue.
23:23That's just your side
23:24of story.
23:25Rue is timid.
23:26She would never...
23:26Liora,
23:27you were the one
23:28who didn't want
23:29to be my Luna.
23:30If you're having regrets,
23:31don't take it out on Rue.
23:33Pushing her into the water
23:34with my pup inside her?
23:36That's a capital crime.
23:37A man stepped forward.
23:39Alpha Cain,
23:40are you saying
23:41my sister is lying?
23:44He wore southern royal robes,
23:47sharp features.
23:48He was Sorin Mourningshide,
23:49third prince of the south.
23:50I happen to see
23:51everything in the pool.
23:52The prince is protective
23:53of his sister.
23:55Understandable,
23:55but you shouldn't
23:56make false accusations.
23:57Sorin pulled the prince's
23:58hand away from her face,
24:00looked at the bloody gash.
24:02Are you saying
24:03the southern princess
24:04clawed her own face
24:06just to frame
24:06a servant girl?
24:07I wasn't the only one
24:08watching.
24:09Your northern chieftains
24:10were there.
24:11The law keepers were there.
24:12Are they lying too?
24:13Standing nearby
24:14were the chieftains
24:15and justices.
24:16They were all looking
24:17at Cain with cold expressions.
24:19Cain,
24:20your woman tried
24:21to assassinate
24:22a southern princess.
24:23Cain's expression
24:24darkened.
24:25He turned
24:26and slapped Rue
24:27across the face.
24:30You lying bitch.
24:33You tried to frame
24:34the princess
24:34and Leora?
24:36Apologize.
24:37Now!
24:39Rue clutched her face,
24:41staring at him
24:42in disbelief.
24:43You hit me?
24:45For her?
24:46Cain leaned in,
24:47voice low and threatening.
24:49Apologize.
24:51Unless you want
24:52my father to execute you.
24:54Now.
24:55Then he hurried
24:56to Sorin's side,
24:57trying to smooth
24:57things over.
24:58The southern princess
24:59wasn't calming down.
25:01I walked over to Rue.
25:03Leaned down,
25:05spoke only loud enough
25:06for her to hear.
25:07The south is here
25:08to make an alliance.
25:10Do you really think
25:11the alpha will take
25:12your side over theirs?
25:13I could crush you
25:14like an insect.
25:15You're nothing.
25:16A servant's bastard.
25:26Sorin caught my wrist.
25:28The moment he touched me,
25:30he went completely still.
25:32Mate.
25:36The word was low and rough,
25:38dragged up from somewhere deep.
25:40I froze.
25:41Before I could process it,
25:42he let go,
25:43closed his eyes briefly,
25:45collected himself.
25:46When he opened them again,
25:47his voice was cold and hard.
25:50Alpha Cain,
25:51you don't give my sister justice.
25:53I'll take it myself.
25:55Rue's face twisted.
25:56She pointed at Sorin.
25:58You're defending Lyora?
25:59You don't know
26:00what kind of slut she is!
26:02She's jealous of me!
26:03She's hated me
26:04ever since Cain chose me!
26:05You think she likes you?
26:07Don't be pathetic.
26:08Rue,
26:09not everyone
26:10is as small-minded as you.
26:12I'm never marrying Cain,
26:13and I'm never being Luna.
26:15You can stop worrying.
26:17Rue clutched her stomach.
26:18You noble girls.
26:19So fake.
26:21You think I don't know
26:21you're just playing hard to get?
26:23You want Cain to come crawling back?
26:25You talk too much.
26:29The princess silver whip
26:30lashed across Rue's face.
26:32She clawed my face.
26:34I'll take a hundred times that.
26:35Arrest her.
26:37One hundred flashes.
26:38The whip came down again and again.
26:40Rue screamed,
26:42riled.
26:42Every lash left a burning wound.
26:45Cain tried to rush forward,
26:47but the queen grabbed his arm.
26:49Cain,
26:50do you want to start a war
26:52with the south by the 20th lash?
26:54Cain couldn't take it anymore.
26:55He shoved the executioner aside.
26:58The princess stepped forward to argue,
27:00but Sorin stopped her.
27:02A servant attacks royalty.
27:04The master must answer for her.
27:06The Lyman King is the master here.
27:08I've already sent word to our father.
27:09This will be handled properly.
27:10You think I'm like the noble girls here?
27:12I don't make idle threats.
27:14If I see your face again,
27:16I'll kill you.
27:18Rue was carried away,
27:20soaped in blood.
27:21Cain stood in silence,
27:22head down.
27:24Behave yourself.
27:25Cain opened his mouth.
27:26Stay in line,
27:27if you still want to be alpha.
27:29The queen cut him off.
27:31Rue miscarried it that night.
27:32She cried out all night.
27:34No one came,
27:35not even Cain.
27:37Before dawn,
27:39Cain's steward came.
27:40He moved Rue and her mother
27:41out of the court
27:42to a small house
27:43on the northern border.
27:44The alpha is merciful,
27:46leaving before sunrise.
27:47He'll report you dead.
27:48You'll be brought back to court
27:50as his consort
27:51once you've recovered.
27:52She waited.
27:54He never came.
27:55She heard that Cain
27:56was taking a new luna.
27:58Rue ran out of the wooden house.
28:00In the distance,
28:01the court blazed with bonfires.
28:03Cain rode a giant wolf
28:04at the head of the procession.
28:06The luna's carriage followed.
28:07The whole territory
28:08was celebrating.
28:10Cain!
28:11She screamed.
28:12Cain!
28:13I'm Rue!
28:14I'm the woman you love!
28:16Don't you remember?
28:18Don't you remember?
28:20The drums and the howls
28:22drowned her out.
28:23People shoved past her.
28:25She couldn't get close.
28:26She followed as far as the gates.
28:29A warrior blocked her.
28:30No entry.
28:32I'm Rue!
28:33The Alphas!
28:35Conscort!
28:37The warrior pushed her back.
28:39The Alpha has no consort.
28:42Leave.
28:43Keep causing trouble.
28:45And we won't be nice.
28:47She went back to the wooden house
28:48in a daze.
28:51Cain's steward was there
28:52with an unfamiliar old woman.
28:57The Alpha gives you these coins.
28:59You and your mother
29:00leave the North tonight.
29:03I don't believe you.
29:04The steward snapped his fingers.
29:06Coins are Wolfaban juice.
29:08A servant brought out a small bottle.
29:10Choose.
29:12She collapsed onto the floor.
29:15How did this happen?
29:17He loved me.
29:19The steward laughed.
29:21Miss,
29:21the Alpha is the future Lion King.
29:23He was infatuated.
29:25But the other princes are moving up.
29:28Now Cain knows.
29:29Power matters more than love.
29:31Rue asked.
29:32Who's the Luna?
29:33Is it Leora?
29:34The old woman snarted.
29:35Our Luna is a chieftain's daughter
29:37from the North.
29:38I heard Leora's engagement
29:40has been settled.
29:42She's marrying into the South.
29:44Didn't you know?
29:45Rue stared blankly.
29:49Then she started laughing.
29:51Hysterical.
29:52Tears running down her face.
29:55Stupid.
29:56I was so stupid.
29:58All that scheming.
30:00For nothing.
30:01She looked at her hands.
30:03At the full moon rising outside the window.
30:08My mother was right.
30:10And Omega's life means nothing.
30:12She poured the wolf's bane juice
30:14down her throat.
30:16Sorin asked the Lycan King for my hand.
30:18The King agreed.
30:19The engagement was announced.
30:21Sorin was already the Southern King's heir.
30:23With the alliance sealed,
30:25the Southern King publicly named him
30:26Crown Prince.
30:28I married into the South.
30:29I would be the future Queen.
30:31Sorin and I lived in harmony.
30:34Two years later,
30:35I gave birth to a son.
30:38News came from the North.
30:40Alpha Cain had been deposed
30:42for incompetence.
30:43His younger brother was named
30:45heir in his place.
30:46I held my son.
30:48Looked at the northern sky.
30:51Look.
30:52That's where your mother comes from.
30:58It's time to go home.
31:02Two years later,
31:04I returned to the North.
31:05Not as Alpha Cain's discarded wife,
31:07but as the Crown Princess of the South.
31:09Sorin rode beside my carriage.
31:11His hand never far from the door.
31:13The royal court gates opened.
31:14Cain's black wolf crest was gone.
31:16In its place flew the silver banner
31:17of his younger brother,
31:19Rowan,
31:19the new heir of the North.
31:21The Lycan King and Queen
31:22stood at the top of the steps.
31:24And behind them,
31:24my father,
31:25my mother,
31:26and my brother.
31:27Alive.
31:28My throat tightened.
31:29Sor reached into the carriage
31:31and held my hand.
31:32The Lycan King stepped forward.
31:33Princess Leora,
31:34the North goes in justice.
31:37Bring him out.
31:38A man was dragged forward in chains.
31:41Cain.
31:41His hair was unkempt.
31:43His face was thin.
31:44His once-proud shoulders were bent.
31:46He looked up.
31:47The moment he saw me holding my son,
31:49his eyes turned red.
31:51Lyra.
31:53Sorin's hand moved to his sword.
31:55Then,
31:55before the entire northern court,
31:57the former Alpha dropped to his knees.
32:01Cain knelt on the stone steps.
32:03In my past life,
32:05he had made me kneel in the quarry
32:07until I died.
32:08Lyra,
32:10I was wrong.
32:11The words came too late.
32:13Cain has been stripped of his title.
32:15He is no longer Alpha.
32:16He begged to apologize
32:18before the South-North Alliance ceremony.
32:20Cain looked at my son.
32:22Is he yours?
32:24Sorin's face darkened.
32:27Of course he is.
32:29I stepped out of the carriage.
32:31Sorin helped me down.
32:33Cain reached toward my hen,
32:34but stopped before touching me.
32:36I thought Rue loved me.
32:37I thought you were arrogant,
32:39spoiled, and cold.
32:40I looked down at him.
32:42No.
32:42You thought power meant
32:43never having to earn love.
32:45Rue left something before she died.
32:47Cain lowered his head.
32:48The steward stepped forward
32:49with a sealed leather pouch.
32:51Cain's voice shook.
32:52It names the people who helped her.
32:54My brother's expression changed.
32:56Helped her do what?
32:58Cain looked at the Lycan king,
33:00then at me.
33:02Frame Stormhawk.
33:05The courtyard went silent.
33:06My father's face turned cold.
33:08In my past life,
33:09Stormfang had been accused
33:10of colluding with vampires.
33:11Now the same knife
33:12had appeared again.
33:13The Lycan king broke the seal
33:14and read Rue's final confession.
33:16Before the wedding,
33:16Lady Marwyn promised me
33:18that if I forced Leora out,
33:19I would become Cain's only woman.
33:21A murmur swept through the court.
33:23Lady Marwick,
33:24the noble woman
33:24whose daughter later
33:25became Cain's luna.
33:26The king continued.
33:27Lady Marwick said Stormfen
33:28was too powerful.
33:29If Learla married Cain,
33:30the queen would favor her
33:31and Cain would become useless.
33:33The queen's face darted.
33:34She said once Stormfine withdrawn,
33:36evidence would appear
33:37proving Ravnar Stormfine
33:38had exchanged letters
33:39with vampires.
33:40My brother stepped forward,
33:41furious.
33:44I didn't know.
33:46You didn't want to know.
33:48A dead servant's words
33:49prove nothing.
33:50Then you won't mind
33:51if the South examines your letters.
33:53A southern guard
33:54entered and kneeled.
33:55Your Highness,
33:56we found a hidden raven tube
33:57in Lady Marwyn's carriage.
33:58He opened a silver case.
34:00Inside were three
34:01blood-sealed letters.
34:02The seal belonged
34:03to the vampires.
34:07Lady Marwyn tried to run.
34:10My brother slammed her
34:12to the ground
34:12before she reached the steps.
34:14Keep her alive.
34:15Keep her alive.
34:16The Lycan king
34:17opened one of the letters.
34:18His face grew colder.
34:20The vampires promised troops
34:21on the eastern border.
34:22In exchange,
34:23Lady Marwyn would deliver
34:24Stormflun patrol routes.
34:25Those routes are known
34:26only to the royal court
34:27and Stormflun commanders.
34:28The queen looked at Cain.
34:30Cain went pale.
34:31His own household
34:33had leaked them.
34:34Lady Marwyn laughed
34:35through the blood in her mouth.
34:37Stormben was too strong.
34:38The queen favored Leora.
34:40If that girl
34:41entered the royal court,
34:42my daughter would never rise.
34:43Rue was stupid.
34:45You were stupider.
34:46I only pushed you
34:47where you already
34:48wanted to go.
34:49Cain froze.
34:50I walked to Lady Marwyn
34:52and crouched before her.
34:53In another life,
34:54your plan worked.
34:56My father died.
34:58My brother died.
35:00Stormfen burned.
35:03For my father.
35:06For my brother.
35:08For Stormfen.
35:10The Lycan king raised his hand.
35:12Arrest Lady Marwyn
35:13and her household.
35:14At that moment,
35:15a horn sounded
35:16from the eastern wall.
35:18A scout rushed in.
35:19Your majesty!
35:20Vampire riders
35:21have crossed the border!
35:22The conspiracy had failed,
35:24so the war began.
35:27The northern court erupted.
35:30My father began issuing orders.
35:33Stormfling riders
35:33to the eastern pass!
35:35Send word to Frostheak
35:36and Ironclaw!
35:38Sora stepped forward.
35:39The southern escort
35:40rides with Stormfing.
35:41The Lion King
35:42looked at him.
35:43This is a northern war.
35:45My wife is northern.
35:46My son has northern blood.
35:49That makes it mine.
35:50Cain struggled
35:51against his chains.
35:53Let me fight!
35:55Let me fight!
35:59No.
36:00Lyora,
36:01I know the eastern pass.
36:03I can help.
36:03I remembered the quarry,
36:05the stones,
36:06the blood.
36:07Then,
36:08I looked at my father.
36:10He said nothing.
36:12The choice was mine.
36:14I walked toward Cain.
36:15If I let you fight,
36:16it is not forgiveness.
36:19I know.
36:20If you run,
36:21my brother will hunt you down.
36:23I know.
36:24If you betray Stormflag,
36:26I will kill you myself.
36:27Cain lowered his head.
36:28Yes.
36:29I turned to the Lion King.
36:30Unchain him.
36:31Put him under Stormflag command.
36:33My brother stared at me.
36:34Sister.
36:35We need every wolf.
36:36The eastern war bell sounded again.
36:38This time,
36:39close.
36:40We rad for the eastern pass
36:42before sunset.
36:43My son stayed behind
36:45with my mother and the queen.
36:46I kissed his forehead and left.
36:49The eastern pass was burning
36:51when we arrived.
36:52Vampire arrows fell like rain.
36:54Stormfloth warriors held the ridge.
36:56But the enemy had silver chains
36:58and fire oil.
37:00My father shifted first!
37:02A massive gray wolf
37:03charged down the slope.
37:05The Stormfig line followed.
37:08Zoran drew his sword.
37:12Stay where I can see you.
37:13Better.
37:14The battle swallowed us.
37:16A vampire lunged at me.
37:17I drove my dagger into his ribs.
37:20Another came from the side.
37:21Cain slammed into him
37:23and tore him down
37:23for one second.
37:25We looked at each other.
37:26No gratitude.
37:27No forgiveness.
37:29Only war.
37:30Then someone screamed.
37:32Lord Ragnar!
37:33Across the ridge,
37:35my father had been caught
37:36in silver nets.
37:37Three vampires surrounded him.
37:39My brother rushed in
37:40and took a blade
37:41through his shoulder.
37:42Father!
37:44The blade went through him.
37:45My world went cold.
37:51Again.
37:53Not this time.
37:57Before any crown,
37:58I was storm-boned.
37:59I tore through the battlefield
38:01toward my father and brother.
38:02The vampire who stabbed my brother
38:04turned to throat.
38:06I hit him with my full weight
38:07and ripped out his too late.
38:10My brother stared at me.
38:11Sister.
38:14Your dress.
38:15My southern silk gown
38:17was shredded and soaked in blood.
38:20Mother will scold me later.
38:22Zoran cut through the silver net
38:23around my father.
38:24Pain helped him.
38:25For a moment,
38:26the former northern heir
38:27and the southern crown prince
38:29fought side by side.
38:30My father rose.
38:31Wounded, but alive.
38:33Line formation!
38:34The vampires began to fall back.
38:36Too easily,
38:37Zoran noticed it too.
38:38They wanted us to chase.
38:40I turned toward the smoke.
38:41A smaller vampire unit
38:42was moving west.
38:43Toward the royal court.
38:44Toward my son.
38:45The main attack was a distraction.
38:46I know the old hunting tunnels.
38:48They lead back under the court.
38:50No.
38:51Zoran's eyes hardened.
38:54Cain lowered his head.
38:56I won't ask you to trust me.
38:59But the main road is too slow.
39:01I pointed my dagger at Cain's throat.
39:03This is a trap.
39:04You die first.
39:08Cain nodded.
39:10I know.
39:11Then we ran into the dark.
39:16The hunting tunnels were narrow and cold.
39:19Cain led the way with a torch.
39:20I followed with two Stormfung warriors.
39:23At the split, he stopped.
39:24This way leads to the queen's inner hall.
39:26That way leads to the nursery wing.
39:28The nursery.
39:29We ran.
39:30The tunnel opened behind an old stone wall.
39:32The nursery corridor was filled with smoke.
39:34Dead guards lay on the floor.
39:36My mother's shawl was torn near the doorway.
39:38Then I heard my son cry.
39:40A vampire stood inside the nursery.
39:42My mother lay injured on the floor.
39:44The vampire smiled.
39:45Stormfung blood and southern royal blood in one child.
39:47The perfect hostage.
39:49Put my son down.
39:50He laughed.
39:50Then the queen moved behind him.
39:52She drove a silver hairpin into his neck.
39:54My son fell.
39:56I dove and caught him.
39:58Cain rushed in and killed the vampire.
40:00My son cried in my arms.
40:02My mother touched my shoulder.
40:04He's safe.
40:05The queen staggered.
40:06Cain caught her.
40:07She looked at him and whispered.
40:08You finally protected something that mattered.
40:11Then another scream rose outside.
40:13The vampires had breached the inner court.
40:17I handed my son to my mother.
40:19Take him to the altar chamber.
40:21Seal the doors.
40:22My mother looked at me.
40:23Then nodded.
40:24The queen stood despite her wound.
40:26I am still queen.
40:28Together, we entered the inner courtyard.
40:30Lady Marwen's daughter stood beside the vampire commander.
40:33Cain's new Luna.
40:34She smiled at Cain.
40:35You were supposed to stay locked away.
40:37Cain stared at her.
40:39You opened the gates.
40:40She lifted her chin.
40:41My mother promised me a throne.
40:43Instead, I got a deposed husband and a dying court.
40:45It was always you.
40:46Even after you left, everyone talked about Leora.
40:48I handed my cloak to Freya, who appeared beside me.
40:51Then stopped hiding in my shadow.
40:52The traitor Luna shifted and lunged.
40:54Freya intercepted her.
40:56Steel flashed against claws.
40:58North Wolves!
41:00Protect the children!
41:01Hold the altar!
41:03Cain attacked the vampire commander.
41:05For once, he fought without pride.
41:07Only atonement.
41:08While he held the commander back, I saw the opening.
41:11I picked up the queen's silver spear and threw it straight through the vampire's heart.
41:17By dawn, the royal court was silent.
41:19The eastern pass held.
41:21Sorin returned before sunrise with my father and brother, both wounded, both alive.
41:26When Sorin saw me holding our son, he crossed the courtyard and pulled us into his arms.
41:31Lady Marwen's daughter was captured.
41:32Lady Marwen confessed before execution.
41:34The vampire letters were read before every northern chieflin.
41:37Stormflin was cleared before the accusation could ever be born.
41:40The Lycan king issued three decreeks.
41:42Second, the South-North alliance would be sealed by blood oath.
41:45Third, Cain would be sent to the border quarry.
41:48The same quarry where he had once condemned me in my past life.
41:52When the guards came, Cain did not resist.
41:55He looked at me one last time.
41:57I know you won't forgive me.
41:59No.
42:00He nodded.
42:01Then his eyes moved to my son.
42:04Protect him becoming like me.
42:06Sorin's arm tightened around I.
42:07He has a father.
42:10He won't.
42:11I answered coldly.
42:14Cain lowered his head.
42:15The guards led him away.
42:16The North has lost an heir.
42:18The Lycan king looked at Sorin.
42:20No.
42:20The North has found something better.
42:22He took my hand and raised it before the court.
42:23A queen who knows what it costs to lose a kingdom.
42:26The Northern wolves lowered their heads.
42:27One by one.
42:29To me.
42:29My son laughed in my arms.
42:31Reaching toward the rising sun.
42:34In my past life, I died under the weight of stones.
42:37In this life, I came home carrying a crown.
42:40And this time, no one would take my family from me again.
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