Reborn to Reject My Alphas :|| New Movie |🔝

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00:00:00I died in the year I loved Alpha Callister Compton most.

00:00:03I was carrying his pup when Callister and my sister Caitlin Donnie locked me inside and set the dark ritual

00:00:08fire.

00:00:11The silver chains bit into my wrists.

00:00:14The flames burned my Volf soul before they touched my skin.

00:00:18My ancient white Volf bloodline screamed as the fire climbed higher.

00:00:22Yet my Volf spirit lingered long enough to witness Xavier Remington's arrival.

00:00:27The most powerful Lycan king alive.

00:00:30His dark green pupils found my charred body.

00:00:34Something inside him shattered.

00:00:36His Volf howled.

00:00:39The sound ripped through every pack member within miles and drove them to their knees.

00:00:44Xavier cast everything aside and avenged me with the ruthless efficiency of an Alpha protecting his true mate.

00:00:52Finally, cradling my unrecognizable body, he leaped with me into the raging flames.

00:01:01Gwyn, I'll keep you a company.

00:01:04You won't be alone.

00:01:06Don't worry.

00:01:07However, the moon goddess gave me a second chance.

00:01:14I returned to six years in the past.

00:01:18The day of my wedding to Callister Compton.

00:01:24I ripped off my ceremonial dress.

00:01:29Under the shocked stares of every pack guest.

00:01:32I left Callister at the altar and walked toward Xavier Remington.

00:01:36The Lycan king who had died for me.

00:01:39This time, I wouldn't miss the mate the moon goddess had chosen for me.

00:01:43The mate bond pulled us together like gravity.

00:01:49The first time he claimed me, his wolf surfaced beneath his skin.

00:01:52Dark green eyes burning.

00:01:54A low growl vibrating through his chest.

00:01:56His hands traced my body like he was memorizing territory.

00:01:59The bond hummed between us.

00:02:00A live wire neither of us wanted to sever.

00:02:03When he pressed inside me, the mate bond flared white hot.

00:02:06I felt his need.

00:02:07His obsession.

00:02:08His wolf howling mine.

00:02:09Then I suddenly felt uneasy.

00:02:12A wrongness I couldn't name.

00:02:14But in the second year of our mating, Callister Compton was also reborn.

00:02:19He knelt before me in the pack temple.

00:02:21Crying his eyes out.

00:02:23Listing all his sins.

00:02:24He offered to transfer all his territory to my name.

00:02:28He came to the temple daily to pray.

00:02:30Hoping to earn my forgiveness.

00:02:31His eyes were red rimmed.

00:02:33He looked years older than I remembered.

00:02:41I coldly pulled the hem of my skirt from his grasp.

00:02:45My words were clear and cold.

00:02:47My words were clear and cold.

00:02:53Yet, the man I only wanted had changed.

00:02:55It started with a wrongness in his scent.

00:02:59Something foreign coiled through Xavier Remington's natural musk.

00:03:03Then his eyes.

00:03:04His dark green pupils no longer flared when I walked in.

00:03:07They dimmed.

00:03:08Clouded by something I couldn't name.

00:03:12And finally, Xavier chose Caitlin Donnie.

00:03:15The very sister who had burned me alive with Callister in my past life.

00:03:19Caitlin's scent hit me before I saw her rotting roses.

00:03:23The mark of the ancient dark wolf bloodline.

00:03:25I collapsed in the living room from stomach pain while.

00:03:28Xavier was having a candlelit dinner with Caitlin at a top-notch restaurant.

00:03:32When I confronted him, Xavier only looked at me coldly.

00:03:36Do people really need a reason to fall out of love?

00:03:39At that moment, I stopped asking for reasons.

00:03:42I could feel it now the mate bond between us had turned sour.

00:03:46His Volf, who had once been so intimate with mine, was silent.

00:03:50Caged.

00:03:52Something dark had wrapped itself around our bond.

00:03:55I drafted Luna abdication papers overnight and told Mariah Remington, Xavier's mother,

00:03:59who had always been kind to me.

00:04:01I would leave with nothing.

00:04:03To ensure Xavier wouldn't stop me.

00:04:05I even booked RIP services.

00:04:07The underground network that specialized in making people disappear.

00:04:11Seven days.

00:04:13The next day, I went to Xavier Remington's pack hall.

00:04:17Sorry, Miss Downey.

00:04:18The Lycan King is meeting with a guest.

00:04:20You can't go up.

00:04:20The pack sentry wore a professional smile.

00:04:23But her eyes held a hint of contempt.

00:04:25I didn't need to guess.

00:04:27The guest was Caitlyn.

00:04:29Caitlyn's scent hit me before I reached the door rotting roses.

00:04:32I held up the Luna abdication papers.

00:04:34My voice was eerily calm.

00:04:35I didn't come to catch up.

00:04:36I'm here to advocate as Luna.

00:04:38The pack sentry's smile froze.

00:04:40Replaced by sheer shock.

00:04:41I ignored her and walked straight to the elevator.

00:04:43The door to the Lycan King's war room was...

00:04:46Slightly ajar.

00:04:47The sound that drifted out was unmistakable.

00:04:50Zav?

00:04:51Who makes you feel better?

00:04:52Me or Gwen?

00:04:53Then came Xavier's low laugh.

00:04:56Laced with post-satisfaction laziness.

00:05:00Do you even have to ask?

00:05:02Caitlyn seemed unsatisfied.

00:05:04Then why did you claim Gwen in the first place?

00:05:06Why not choose me?

00:05:07A moment of silence fell inside.

00:05:09Through the crack in the door, I saw Xavier shirtless.

00:05:12Twirling Caitlyn's long hair carelessly.

00:05:16The sight was so sickening that I almost threw up.

00:05:18Then I heard Xavier's emotionless voice drift out softly.

00:05:21Maybe I just felt sorry for her.

00:05:26I pushed the door open.

00:05:29The sounds inside stopped abruptly.

00:05:32Caitlyn gasped and hurried to cover herself.

00:05:35Yet her face was flushed with triumph.

00:05:41Xavier glanced over, then buried his chin back into the crook of Caitlyn's neck.

00:05:46His voice was thick with annoyance at the interruption.

00:05:49Who let you in?

00:05:50I held back the metallic taste rising in my throat and set the Luna abdication papers on the desk.

00:05:56Xavier did not even bother to look.

00:05:58He only gestured to Caitlyn in his arms.

00:06:01You sign it.

00:06:03Curled against him, Caitlyn picked up the document.

00:06:06Zav, Gwen brought this for you to sign.

00:06:08You won't even look before making me sign.

00:06:10What if it's something important?

00:06:12Just sign it.

00:06:13You have my full authority.

00:06:14I stared at Xavier in shock.

00:06:16Xavier, take a look!

00:06:17This is-

00:06:18Her word is as good as mine.

00:06:20He cut me off with a derisive snort.

00:06:25Come on, you think I'd go back on my word?

00:06:27In that moment, I couldn't tell if it was disappointment or something else.

00:06:31Even at our worst, Xavier had always reviewed every document I brought before signing.

00:06:36As I watched blankly, Caitlyn picked up the pen and signed Xavier's name where the mate should sign.

00:06:43The second she finished, her face showed unbridled pride and triumph.

00:06:48I took the papers that symbolized my failed rebirth and turned to leave.

00:06:53But I had only taken one step when Xavier's voice came from behind me.

00:06:56Wait.

00:06:57Xavier yanked me back forcibly, caught off guard.

00:07:00I fell to the floor and looked straight up into Xavier's eyes.

00:07:03For a split second, a tremor ran through him.

00:07:05His wolf surfaced, howling beneath his skin.

00:07:08I felt it.

00:07:09Xavier's wolf, in agony, in panic.

00:07:12It was the same presence I had felt in my past life.

00:07:15When Xavier cradled my charred body in the flames, then his wolf went silent.

00:07:18Coldness.

00:07:19Annoyance.

00:07:20The Xavier the ritual had made.

00:07:23You're coming home.

00:07:25His voice carried the weight of a Lycan command.

00:07:29Lynn's carrying my pup.

00:07:30She's moving into the pack house from today on.

00:07:33You'll take care of her every need.

00:07:35Xavier paused and added.

00:07:37Your chicken soup tastes good.

00:07:39Go make some for her when we get home.

00:07:42Carrying his pup.

00:07:43Only then did I notice the pronounced curve of Caitlyn's belly.

00:07:49But something was wrong.

00:07:51My wolf stirred uneasily, pressing against my ribs.

00:07:54No pup scent.

00:07:55No heartbeat.

00:07:56Only the heavy smell of ritual smoke.

00:08:00I bit down hard to keep from vomiting on the spot.

00:08:03I won't make it.

00:08:04You'd better look at those papers.

00:08:07It's all right, Zav.

00:08:08Caitlyn cut in softly, tugging Xavier's sleeve with feigned fragility.

00:08:12Don't make her do something she doesn't want to.

00:08:15I can manage on her own.

00:08:17Sure enough, the next second, Xavier grabbed my wrist.

00:08:20His grip carried the full weight of Lycan authority.

00:08:22You'll do what I tell you.

00:08:24You're my mate.

00:08:25Bound to me under the moon goddess.

00:08:27And you know exactly what happens when an alpha is crossed.

00:08:30Xavier brought me back to the pack house against my will.

00:08:33The moment we arrived, Caitlyn stepped close.

00:08:38Caitlyn's rotting rose scent hit me full in the face.

00:08:40See, Gwen?

00:08:42Caitlyn's voice was soft but cutting deep.

00:08:47What's the point of a second chance?

00:08:52No matter who you choose, you can never win against me.

00:08:57I froze in place.

00:08:59My mind went blank.

00:09:01Caitlyn was reborn, too.

00:09:03I turned slowly and looked at Caitlyn Donnie, who was nestled in Xavier Remington's arms.

00:09:08Caitlyn's eyes were full of provocation and triumph.

00:09:11What are you waiting for?

00:09:12Do you want Lynn to go hungry?

00:09:15Xavier's voice was cold.

00:09:16Without another word, I walked into the kitchen.

00:09:19I didn't mention the Luna abdication again.

00:09:21Because I knew Caitlyn, who had died because of me in our past life, would never let me off easily.

00:09:27At that moment, I was glad I had planned my escape through the Undercity.

00:09:31In the kitchen, I chopped, prepped ingredients, and lit the stove.

00:09:35Just as I had done for every meal I'd made Xavier over the past two years.

00:09:39Yet every slice of the knife felt like cutting away my last illusion of the maid I once knew.

00:09:44Just a little longer.

00:09:46Once I found a moment alone, I would make the call to set my plan in motion.

00:09:51Gwen, use less salt.

00:09:53Zav likes it light.

00:09:56Caitlyn giggled and leaned over from the sofa to order me around.

00:10:00Xavier hummed an agreement and turned to Caitlyn.

00:10:02You're always so thoughtful.

00:10:04My hand paused for a second before resuming its rhythm.

00:10:06Just as the soup was almost ready, Xavier's phone rang.

00:10:11He stroked Caitlyn's hair.

00:10:14Wait for me.

00:10:16Xavier walked straight to the study on the second floor.

00:10:22The study door clicked shut.

00:10:24Only Caitlyn and I remained on the first floor.

00:10:27Caitlyn sauntered over to me the next second.

00:10:30Gwen, your soup smells amazing.

00:10:34Even better than the stuff you made in our past life.

00:10:37Then again, I could never stomach the garbage you cook.

00:10:40Before Caitlyn finished speaking, she reached out suddenly,

00:10:44picked up the scalding soup pot, and hurled it straight at me.

00:10:47A sizzling sound filled the air.

00:10:49A second later, Caitlyn's piercing scream echoed through the entire path house.

00:10:54Xavier rushed in.

00:10:56What's wrong?

00:10:57The moment Xavier saw my red, swollen hands,

00:10:59I saw a flicker of panic in his eyes.

00:11:04Sav!

00:11:06Caitlyn's eyes were red-rimmed.

00:11:08She buried herself in Xavier's chest and began to sob quietly.

00:11:13I tried to help Gwen carry the soup, but she tried to throw it at me!

00:11:17I curled up in pain.

00:11:19The burning agony almost made me faint.

00:11:23But at Caitlyn's lie, I looked up sharply.

00:11:27How can you be so despicable?

00:11:30You did this!

00:11:31Xavier turned to Caitlyn, doubt in his eyes.

00:11:35Seeing his look, I pointed to the camera in the kitchen.

00:11:39You can check the footage!

00:11:41See the truth for yourself!

00:11:43A smart camera was installed there, connected to the pack house security system.

00:11:48Xavier had picked it himself on our first day of mating.

00:11:51He said he wanted to see me anytime.

00:11:55Xavier looked where I pointed.

00:11:58As if remembering his old promise, Xavier froze completely.

00:12:02At that moment, Caitlyn, still in Xavier's arms, turned pale.

00:12:09Shut up!

00:12:10Xavier laughed coldly, full of anger and mockery.

00:12:13His voice was firm.

00:12:16I believe her!

00:12:18You tried to hurt her and ended up like this!

00:12:20You deserve it!

00:12:23Caitlyn held out her slightly blistered finger pitifully.

00:12:27Sav, it hurts!

00:12:29Xavier immediately panicked and prepared to take Caitlyn to the pack hospital.

00:12:35A dull pain hit my heart.

00:12:37I shook my head with a bitter smile.

00:12:39How stupid I was to think Xavier would care about me.

00:12:42I could no longer hold on and fainted.

00:12:46Gwen

00:12:47As I collapsed, I thought I saw Xavier Remington rushing toward me.

00:12:52His steps were frantic.

00:12:53His voice was filled with worry.

00:12:55When I awoke again, I found myself lying in a treatment room.

00:12:59My own blood know.

00:13:00My ancient bloodline essence was being steadily drawn into Caitlyn, who lay beside me.

00:13:06The dark ritual's first stage.

00:13:10I tried to pull out the tube, but Xavier grabbed my wrist.

00:13:15Xavier looked down at me sharply.

00:13:18Don't you dare move!

00:13:19Stay still and give your blood to Lynn!

00:13:23You've scared her so badly, she's hemorrhaging.

00:13:26I watched Xavier's mouth move, but my vision grew blurrier.

00:13:29I fainted again.

00:13:30The second I closed my eyes, I heard Xavier roar in anger.

00:13:39I only told you to take 20 milliliters to scare her!

00:13:44How dare you take 2,000!

00:13:47Don't you know taking that much can kill her?

00:13:50You idiots!

00:13:54His valve had broken through for one breath.

00:13:57Then the ritual dragged him back under.

00:14:01I didn't know how much time had passed before my consciousness slowly returned.

00:14:06My body still burned from the scald.

00:14:09Even breathing sent sharp, stabbing aches through me.

00:14:13Xavier walked in and yanked me up.

00:14:17Stop your acting.

00:14:19Get up.

00:14:20We're going back to mom's place.

00:14:22What the hell did you do to my mother?

00:14:27She even spent a fortune throwing a party.

00:14:30Just to pave the way for you.

00:14:32You're so scheming!

00:14:35Xavier shoved me into the car.

00:14:37Xavier's movements were devoid of any gentleness.

00:14:43When we get there, you'd better be careful about what you say.

00:14:46Don't make mom worry about you.

00:14:48Weak from the massive bloodline extraction, I curled up in the passenger seat.

00:14:52I understood perfectly.

00:14:54In this life, after choosing Xavier over Collister, I once thought I held to most precious things.

00:15:00One was Xavier.

00:15:02The other was Mariah, who treated me like her own daughter.

00:15:05On my first visit, Mariah had taken my hand and slipped the family moonstone onto my wrist.

00:15:11From now on, this is your pack.

00:15:13But now, one had changed.

00:15:16And I would soon lose the other, too.

00:15:19The car smoothly pulled up to the Remington pack territory.

00:15:23The moment I stepped out, Mariah Remington hurried over to meet me.

00:15:29My heart jolted.

00:15:30I feared Mariah would tell Xavier about the Luna abdication.

00:15:33I was about to signal Mariah when Xavier's phone suddenly rang.

00:15:39Xavier glanced at it and rushed outside.

00:15:43Whatever it is, wait till I get back.

00:15:45Mariah tried to stop him, but I held her hand and shook my head.

00:15:49I know who's calling.

00:15:51Let him go.

00:15:52He already signed the Luna abdication papers.

00:15:55He's having a pup with my sister.

00:15:57The pup needs a family.

00:15:59Mariah was shocked at first, then choked up.

00:16:02Gwen, you're a good girl.

00:16:04Our pack has failed you.

00:16:06At Mariah's words, all the grievances I had bottled up finally overflowed.

00:16:10I began to sob uncontrollably.

00:16:14I planned to introduce you to some people tonight.

00:16:18They might be helpful to you in the future.

00:16:20I wanted to refuse.

00:16:23After all, I planned to sever my mate bond and disappear.

00:16:26These connections meant nothing to me.

00:16:27But when I saw the tears in Mariah's eyes, I agreed.

00:16:31Mariah picked a beautiful dress for me and formally introduced me at the start of the full moon banquet.

00:16:36After socializing with pack allies for a long time, I excused myself to step aside and rest.

00:16:42A familiar figure appeared in front of me.

00:16:45Even though this wasn't the first time I'd seen Collister since my rebirth, the sight of him still sent an

00:16:50indelible wave of fear through me.

00:16:52What was Collister doing at the Remington Pack Territory?

00:16:56His volf had faded.

00:16:57I could see it in his posture, in the muddy gray-green of his eyes.

00:17:02Just as I turned to leave, Collister grabbed my wrist with shocking force.

00:17:06His voice was full of painful, desperate joy at finding me again.

00:17:11Gwen!

00:17:13Come with me!

00:17:15I can't lose you again!

00:17:17Pack guests nearby stared and began to whisper.

00:17:20I struggled fiercely.

00:17:22My voice was a low, urgent warning.

00:17:26Calista, I made myself perfectly clear the other day.

00:17:30Since we've all been given a second chance, please, just stay out of my life.

00:17:35Okay?

00:17:36Every word pierced Collister's heart.

00:17:38When I ran away from our mate ceremony, Collister had only felt anger and the humiliation of betrayal.

00:17:45But last year, memories of his past life flooded back.

00:17:49Cheating.

00:17:50Betrayal.

00:17:51Our unborn pup.

00:17:52The raging dark ritual fire.

00:17:55Endless regret almost drowned him.

00:17:57He thought Xavier was my salvation.

00:17:59But when Collister found out Xavier was entangled with Caitlyn, even worse than he had been in his past life,

00:18:05he thought he had another chance.

00:18:07He thought I would see his remorse.

00:18:10But my eyes held only cold distance.

00:18:12It's been two years!

00:18:14I've turned you down for two years, Callister!

00:18:16Haven't I made myself clear enough?

00:18:18I don't care how much you regret hurting me.

00:18:21I seized the moment to wrench my wrist free.

00:18:23I was about to leave when a woman's scream suddenly rang out.

00:18:26There was Caitlyn, completely naked, storming into the magnificent hall.

00:18:34Under everyone's shocked gaze, Caitlyn dropped to her knees and begged me.

00:18:39Gwen!

00:18:43I know it's wrong that I'm pregnant with Sav's pup.

00:18:46I can leave.

00:18:47But please don't send thugs to rape me.

00:18:49An uproar broke out.

00:18:51The scandalous revelation ignited furious whispers among the pack guests.

00:18:56What game are you playing at?

00:18:58My voice was loud and clear.

00:19:01The next second, Xavier pushed through the crowd.

00:19:04Xavier's face was ashen.

00:19:06Xavier slapped me hard.

00:19:08Gwylan, I never knew you could be this vicious!

00:19:11Xavier's gaze then flicked to Collister, who was rushing forward.

00:19:15Xavier shot me a look of utter contempt.

00:19:19Disgusting.

00:19:23Before leaving, Xavier warned all pack guests not to leak a word of what happened that day.

00:19:28Otherwise they would become mortal enemies of the Remington pack.

00:19:32I refused Mariah's company and Collister, who tried to follow.

00:19:36I stumbled home alone.

00:19:40As soon as I entered, my phone vibrated.

00:19:42It was a notice from the Undercity informing me that my identity documents had been officially nullified.

00:19:48The recorded cause of death for my staged disappearance was drowning at sea.

00:19:53There were only five days to go.

00:19:55In five days, it would be my mate's ceremony anniversary with Xavier.

00:19:59Since my love for Xavier and our past life began in his embrace, I decided to end it before his

00:20:05eyes in this one.

00:20:06I deleted all personal files on my computer, deactivated all social media accounts, and wore my mother's moonstone around my

00:20:14neck.

00:20:15It was like holding a silent, private funeral for myself in advance.

00:20:20Late the next night, the bedroom door was kicked open.

00:20:24Xavier returned, reeking of alcohol.

00:20:27Before I could react, Xavier grabbed me by the throat and pinned me to the bed.

00:20:36His alpha pressure crushed down on me.

00:20:39Are you so jealous of her carrying my pup that you'd hire someone to assault her?

00:20:45She went into premature labor because of you.

00:20:47The pup isn't out of danger yet.

00:20:50Xavier stared into my emotionless eyes as I tilted my head back.

00:20:54Xavier froze for a moment, then flared with anger.

00:20:57If you want a pup so badly, I'll give you one!

00:21:00Before I could refuse, Xavier bit down hard on my shoulder.

00:21:04Is that right where a mate might be?

00:21:05Xavier bit down hard on my shoulder.

00:21:07The metallic tongue of blood filled the air.

00:21:09Right where a mate might be.

00:21:10I felt it trickle down my back from the wound.

00:21:13Xavier froze.

00:21:15Xavier's voice softened with guilt.

00:21:19Why didn't you dodge?

00:21:21The vault made a low sound inside him.

00:21:24Xavier ignored it.

00:21:27Thinking about the Undercity confirmation I had received the night before,

00:21:31I looked into Xavier's eyes.

00:21:35My eyes reddened instantly.

00:21:38I finally asked the question I had been afraid to,

00:21:41but desperate to know the answer.

00:21:45Xavier, tell me.

00:21:47Why did you stop loving me after we were reborn?

00:21:51His grip on my neck suddenly loosened.

00:21:53A flash of struggle and pain crossed Xavier's face.

00:21:57But it was quickly replaced by overwhelming rage.

00:22:01Reborn?

00:22:02What reborn?

00:22:03I don't understand what you're talking about!

00:22:06Tears spilled from my eyes as I looked into his red eyes.

00:22:11But you used to love me so much.

00:22:14Enough!

00:22:15You don't get to say that!

00:22:16He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

00:22:24Contact Dr. Elwood.

00:22:26Have him come tomorrow to give her a psychological evaluation.

00:22:29As the door slammed shut,

00:22:31my last hope that he might have a hidden reason vanished completely.

00:22:34I was woken early the next morning by the housekeeper knocking.

00:22:40Miss Dorney?

00:22:41The Lyman King is back.

00:22:43He wants you downstairs.

00:22:44I gave no response until the bedroom door was roughly pushed open again.

00:22:50Lynn's condition is bad.

00:22:52You're going to the pack hospital and attend to her.

00:22:55Without even glancing his way,

00:22:57I refused flatly.

00:22:59I'm not her servant.

00:23:01Xavier ignored me.

00:23:03He stepped forward and tore the moonstone pendant from my neck.

00:23:10What are you doing?

00:23:12I lunged to take it back.

00:23:14It was the only keepsake my late mother had left me.

00:23:17Xavier easily raised it high, out of my reach.

00:23:20I know this means everything to you.

00:23:23His voice was measured, chillingly clear.

00:23:28So, you will take care of Lynn obediently.

00:23:31Otherwise, I'll destroy it.

00:23:34Xavier!

00:23:35Don't you dare!

00:23:36Give it back!

00:23:37I threw myself at him like a madwoman.

00:23:39Xavier pushed me to the floor impatiently.

00:23:41My forehead hit the floor hard,

00:23:43and my vision blurred.

00:23:44When I saw Xavier raise his arm as if to smash it,

00:23:48I gave in.

00:23:50Xavier, I'll go.

00:23:52But will you spend our mate's ceremony anniversary with me this year?

00:23:57Xavier looked into my lifeless eyes and nodded without thinking.

00:24:02When I arrived at the pack hospital room,

00:24:04Caitlyn was holding the infant.

00:24:06Her face was full of unhidden triumph.

00:24:10Gwen, you see?

00:24:11I told you.

00:24:13Either in our past life or this one,

00:24:16you could never win against me.

00:24:17I ignored her provocation and asked calmly,

00:24:21Why, Caitlyn?

00:24:23I never wronged you.

00:24:25Why have you targeted me in both lives?

00:24:28Caitlyn's face twisted instantly.

00:24:31Because I hate you!

00:24:33I hate that you were always better than me at everything!

00:24:36I hate that everyone loved you!

00:24:39Why should they?

00:24:42Hesitation flickered in her eyes.

00:24:44This wasn't the whole truth.

00:24:46The next second,

00:24:47her twisted expression turned into an eerie smile.

00:24:51She let out a sharp scream.

00:24:55Then, to my horror,

00:24:57she raised the infant in her arms

00:24:59and hurled it with all her strength onto the hard hospital floor.

00:25:01A sickening thud echoed in the room.

00:25:05The infant didn't even get to cry.

00:25:08Almost simultaneously,

00:25:09the hospital door burst open.

00:25:11Xavier and the medical staff rushed in.

00:25:14He saw the infant on the floor at once and froze completely.

00:25:18Caitlyn clutched her head,

00:25:19letting out a piercing wail.

00:25:22Gwen, I know you hate me,

00:25:24but the pup was innocent!

00:25:26It's all my fault!

00:25:27I shouldn't be alive!

00:25:29She cried out,

00:25:30spun around,

00:25:30and threw herself at the floor-to-ceiling window.

00:25:32No!

00:25:32Xavier tried to grab her,

00:25:34but he was too late.

00:25:35The huge glass shattered.

00:25:37Caitlyn's body disappeared outside,

00:25:39leaving behind only a spray of blood carried by the wind.

00:25:41Ritual smoke curled where she had stood.

00:25:44Xavier completely lost his mind.

00:25:46He rushed to the broken window,

00:25:47stared at the bloody figure below,

00:25:49then spun around.

00:25:50His eyes were terrifyingly red as they fixed on me.

00:25:53Guards!

00:25:54Take her to the ritual altar!

00:25:56If Lynn needs anything,

00:25:57take it from her!

00:25:58If Lynn dies-

00:25:59His gaze made his meaning perfectly clear.

00:26:01I would pay with my life.

00:26:03The pack healer ran out,

00:26:05sweating.

00:26:07Lyran King,

00:26:08the patient has a ruptured liver

00:26:09and is bleeding severely.

00:26:11She needs an immediate transplant.

00:26:13And

00:26:15the infant has intracranial bleeding

00:26:18and also needs-

00:26:19Xavier turned slowly and looked at me,

00:26:22held firmly by his pack warriors.

00:26:24My heart turned cold.

00:26:26I shook my head desperately.

00:26:28Xavier!

00:26:29I didn't push her!

00:26:31She threw the infant herself!

00:26:33She jumped on her own!

00:26:35You owe her this.

00:26:36Xavier stepped closer

00:26:38and pulled the moonstone pendant from his pocket.

00:26:40He held it in front of my eyes.

00:26:42Are you going onto the altar willingly?

00:26:44Or shall I smash this right now

00:26:46and drag you onto it?

00:26:47At the sight of the moonstone

00:26:49that held all my mother's love,

00:26:50I stopped struggling instantly.

00:26:52Every bit of fight drained from my body.

00:26:58I was led to the dark ritual altar

00:27:00while Xavier stood beside me,

00:27:02overseeing everything.

00:27:06Xavier!

00:27:07I suddenly laughed,

00:27:09tears sliding down my cheeks.

00:27:11If I die here today,

00:27:13will you regret it?

00:27:15No.

00:27:17His answer was unhesitating.

00:27:19You deserve this.

00:27:21I closed my eyes.

00:27:23The ritual haze blurred my consciousness.

00:27:26In a daze,

00:27:27I saw Xavier in his formal alpha coat,

00:27:30overlapping with the man

00:27:31who had rushed into the dark ritual fire

00:27:33and held my charred body in my past life.

00:27:36Gwen, I'll keep you a company!

00:27:38You won't be alone!

00:27:39Don't worry!

00:27:41Was it a vision?

00:27:42Before I blacked out completely,

00:27:44I thought I heard his wolf howl.

00:27:51A muffled roar filled with unbearable agony.

00:27:55Enough!

00:27:56Take mine!

00:27:57Use my liver!

00:27:59Hurry!

00:27:59Then came the healer's panicked protests.

00:28:02I thought it must be a delusion.

00:28:05The Xavier who had loved me so deeply in our past life

00:28:08had vanished the moment I chose him in this one.

00:28:11When I awoke,

00:28:12every part of me screamed with pain.

00:28:15I struggled to open my eyes and found the cold,

00:28:18smooth moonstone pendant clutched tightly in my hand.

00:28:22The tearing pain in my abdomen

00:28:24brought back a vague memory of Xavier's howl.

00:28:27Take mine.

00:28:28Was it another delusion?

00:28:30A pack healer entered to change my bandages,

00:28:33her movements gentle.

00:28:35My lips were dry and cracked.

00:28:38Excuse me,

00:28:39who donated the liver?

00:28:41Was it Xavier?

00:28:42The healer gave me a strange look,

00:28:45continuing her task.

00:28:48It was yours, of course.

00:28:50The Lycan King?

00:28:51He's been in the VIP room next door

00:28:53with Miss Catelyn and the infant.

00:28:55Just as I thought.

00:28:56It was a delusion.

00:28:57He only believed what he saw.

00:29:00How could he ever give his own liver for me?

00:29:02The next second,

00:29:03I picked up my phone and checked the time.

00:29:05I let out a breath of relief.

00:29:07I still had two days left.

00:29:10Thankfully,

00:29:11I hadn't slept too long.

00:29:14The hospital door was slammed open.

00:29:17Xavier walked in,

00:29:19bringing a chill with him.

00:29:21Exhaustion shadowed his eyes.

00:29:23Why did you throw the infant?

00:29:25Do you know he almost died?

00:29:27He's still in the ICU!

00:29:28Every word was laced with barely contained fury.

00:29:32Gwyndlin Dally,

00:29:33can you really not stand her?

00:29:36I didn't.

00:29:37My denial only earned a cold laugh from him.

00:29:41If you want a pup that badly,

00:29:43I can give you one.

00:29:44But you won't touch the one Catelyn had.

00:29:47Once you have one,

00:29:49you raise it.

00:29:51How does that sound?

00:29:52Before he finished,

00:29:53he reached to tear off my hospital gown.

00:29:55At that moment,

00:29:56the door was kicked open from the outside.

00:29:58Xavier!

00:29:59You bastard!

00:30:00Callister rushed in with bloodshot eyes,

00:30:03shoved Xavier off me,

00:30:04and punched him in the face.

00:30:06Blood immediately appeared at the corner of Xavier's mouth.

00:30:09He wiped it away,

00:30:10not with anger,

00:30:11but with a derisive smile.

00:30:13Xavier!

00:30:14Do you know how she died in her past life?

00:30:16She was burned alive by dark ritual fire!

00:30:19What you're doing now is no different!

00:30:21Callister's roar was raw with frenzy.

00:30:23At the word's past life,

00:30:25Xavier froze completely.

00:30:27Xavier's volf tore a crack through the ritual's hold.

00:30:30He slowly turned to Callister,

00:30:32his eyes turning cold.

00:30:35She's my mate.

00:30:36It's none of your business.

00:30:38Just then,

00:30:39Caitlyn appeared at the door in a wheelchair.

00:30:43Sav, Cal,

00:30:44stop fighting.

00:30:45Xavier called for his pack warriors

00:30:47to drag Callister out by force.

00:30:49Xavier!

00:30:50If you don't love her,

00:30:50why did you claim her?

00:30:52You'll regret this!

00:30:53You will!

00:30:54The room fell into dead silence.

00:30:56Xavier straightened his disheveled collar

00:30:58and turned back to me on the bed.

00:31:00It seems you and he

00:31:01share quite a few secrets I don't know about.

00:31:07We're going home.

00:31:09No one is allowed to visit without my permission.

00:31:12Ignoring my injuries,

00:31:14Xavier forcibly brought me back to the pack house.

00:31:16He also brought Caitlyn back,

00:31:18claiming I should make amends by caring for her during her recovery.

00:31:22As long as the infant was not fully recovered,

00:31:25I would have to keep serving them.

00:31:27With less than two days left,

00:31:29I did everything numbly.

00:31:31Caitlyn accepted the service with a sense of entitlement,

00:31:34constantly hurling insults and boasting about Xavier's care and attentiveness.

00:31:38Her rotting rose scent pressed close every time she leaned in.

00:31:42That night, I sat by the bed,

00:31:44staring at the moonstone pendant in the moonlight.

00:31:47I counted down the seconds until I could leave.

00:31:49The bedroom door suddenly opened.

00:31:51Xavier walked in and immediately spotted the item in my hand.

00:31:54It seems you still haven't learned your lesson.

00:31:56He let out a cold smile and stepped closer.

00:31:58Since you still have time to dwell on the past,

00:32:00I quickly hid the pendant behind me and looked up to meet his gaze.

00:32:04In two days, it'll be our mate ceremony anniversary.

00:32:07My voice was completely calm.

00:32:09You promised me.

00:32:10This was the final part of my plan.

00:32:12I would die before his eyes,

00:32:14in the most final way,

00:32:15to end this absurd entanglement spanning to lifetimes.

00:32:19Xavier froze.

00:32:20He studied my blank eyes and slowly nodded after a moment.

00:32:26Fine.

00:32:27Xavier withdrew his hand and gave his final warning.

00:32:31But if I catch you hurting Lynn or the infant again

00:32:33or having any contact with Callister,

00:32:35this will turn to dust at once.

00:32:37On the day of the anniversary,

00:32:38Caitlyn claimed she was upset and wanted to see the infant.

00:32:42She had the driver take me and her to the pack hospital.

00:32:46Standing before the viewing window of the NICU,

00:32:49Caitlyn stared at the tiny, pitiful infant in the incubator.

00:32:52Venom boiled in her eyes.

00:32:55She suddenly turned and smiled.

00:32:57Gwen, if that infant was never meant to live,

00:32:59wouldn't it be better if it just died?

00:33:01That way at least it could make Zav feel sorry for me.

00:33:04Before I could react,

00:33:05Caitlyn ripped out the infant's ventilator.

00:33:07She grabbed a pillow and pressed it hard over the tiny face.

00:33:10You're insane!

00:33:12I lunged to take the pillow away,

00:33:14but the second my hand touched the pillow,

00:33:16pain shot through my neck.

00:33:18The dark rituals touch.

00:33:22My vision went black,

00:33:23and I lost consciousness.

00:33:25I woke up to chaos.

00:33:27Xavier's roar,

00:33:28Caitlyn's heart-wrenching sobs,

00:33:29and the medical staff's panicked voices.

00:33:31The moment I opened my eyes,

00:33:34I saw Xavier's livid face.

00:33:35He grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against the wall.

00:33:38His alpha pressure crushed the air from my lungs.

00:33:41You evil woman.

00:33:43That was a life!

00:33:45How could you be so cruel to a newborn infant?

00:33:48I struggled to explain,

00:33:50pointing at Caitlyn,

00:33:52who had collapsed in tears.

00:33:57Caitlyn held the lifeless infant,

00:33:59sobbing so hard she almost fainted.

00:34:02Xavier stared at me fiercely.

00:34:06Which hand touched the pillow?

00:34:08He stared at my hands,

00:34:09trembling from fear.

00:34:10If you can't behave and keep using these hands to hurt people,

00:34:13then perhaps we should just get rid of them.

00:34:15Overwhelmed with terror,

00:34:16I felt a lump rise in my throat.

00:34:19Xavier dragged me away in front of everyone and drove home.

00:34:23In the car,

00:34:24no matter how I cried or explained,

00:34:26he ignored me completely.

00:34:27Driven to utter despair,

00:34:29I yanked the car door open and threw myself out.

00:34:31My body tumbled across the asphalt.

00:34:34Sharp pain shot through me,

00:34:35but I didn't have time for it.

00:34:37I struggled to run.

00:34:38A harsh braking sound rang out,

00:34:40and I was hit and sent flying.

00:34:42Xavier stopped the car,

00:34:44got out expressionlessly,

00:34:46looked at my messy figure,

00:34:47and dragged me back into the car.

00:34:51Back at the pack house,

00:34:53I saw Xavier's face immediately noon.

00:34:55Xavier!

00:34:56Let me go!

00:34:58There must be surveillance in the hospital!

00:35:00Please check it!

00:35:01I tried to run out at once.

00:35:02He pulled me back,

00:35:04then he cut off my hands.

00:35:09I screamed.

00:35:10My blood splashed onto his face.

00:35:12In that moment,

00:35:13his wolf howled inside him.

00:35:14A sound full of agony.

00:35:16But his hands didn't stop.

00:35:17Now you can never leave me.

00:35:19When I woke again,

00:35:20the pain was excruciating.

00:35:22Sharp,

00:35:23dull,

00:35:24and all-consuming.

00:35:25Then I saw the ends of my arms,

00:35:27wrapped in thick bandages,

00:35:28empty and numb.

00:35:30I had no hands anymore.

00:35:32Xavier sat by the bed.

00:35:33When he saw me open my eyes,

00:35:35he reached out as if to touch my forehead.

00:35:37I waved him away fiercely with my stumps.

00:35:39My movement was small,

00:35:40but it froze his outstretched hand in midair.

00:35:42His Adam's apple bobbed.

00:35:44The healer used the best medicine.

00:35:46You'll heal.

00:35:48I suddenly laughed.

00:35:50The sound was hoarse,

00:35:52jarring,

00:35:53echoing in the empty room.

00:35:54I looked straight at him.

00:35:58Xavier, have I atoned for my sins?

00:36:00He fell silent for a moment,

00:36:02then stood up and turned his back to me.

00:36:05You got what you deserved.

00:36:09Today,

00:36:11I looked out the window.

00:36:16Can we still celebrate our mate ceremony anniversary?

00:36:19Xavier turned around suddenly,

00:36:21looking at me in disbelief.

00:36:23In your condition,

00:36:24you still want that?

00:36:25I nodded slowly,

00:36:27using all my strength.

00:36:29Yes.

00:36:30Xavier stared at me for a long time,

00:36:32emotions churning in his deep,

00:36:34unreadable eyes.

00:36:35Finally,

00:36:35he turned and walked away.

00:36:39Fine.

00:36:40I happen to have something to tell you.

00:36:42Shortly after he left,

00:36:43Mariah rushed in with red eyes.

00:36:46Gwen,

00:36:47my dear,

00:36:49how could he do this to you?

00:36:52I looked at her and cried too.

00:36:54Summoning the last of my strength,

00:36:56I pleaded.

00:36:59Mariah,

00:36:59I need your help with one thing.

00:37:01Tonight,

00:37:02help me sever the mate bond,

00:37:04downgrade to rogue,

00:37:06and take me to the sea.

00:37:08Mariah froze.

00:37:10I told her the escape plan clearly.

00:37:12I could no longer do it on my own.

00:37:13Mariah hugged me,

00:37:14shaking with sobs,

00:37:15and finally nodded firmly.

00:37:16Okay,

00:37:17I'll help you.

00:37:19Our pack owes you this.

00:37:21Night fell.

00:37:22The appointed time finally arrived.

00:37:26Mariah changed me into my favorite white dress,

00:37:29combed my long hair,

00:37:30and put on delicate makeup.

00:37:32I looked beautiful,

00:37:34yet no cosmetics could hide

00:37:36the two empty sleeves hanging by my sides.

00:37:38Mariah turned her head,

00:37:40unable to bear the sight.

00:37:41Mariah,

00:37:42don't cry.

00:37:43It's time to be free.

00:37:46The sound of a car engine came from downstairs.

00:37:50Xavier had arrived.

00:37:51Pale and weak,

00:37:53I said to Xavier,

00:37:54who was about to go downstairs,

00:37:56I want Mariah to go with me.

00:37:58Xavier frowned,

00:38:00but looking at my fragile figure,

00:38:01he agreed.

00:38:03He walked me downstairs,

00:38:05Mariah following close behind.

00:38:07When we reached the car,

00:38:08he opened the door for me.

00:38:10Before getting in,

00:38:10I looked back one last time at the pack house

00:38:13that had held two years of my hopes and despair.

00:38:15Under the night sky,

00:38:16the mansion's lights shone brightly,

00:38:18but they held not a shred of warmth anymore.

00:38:21The car drove smoothly toward the dock.

00:38:24I didn't look at the scenery outside.

00:38:26I only stared at Xavier's profile in the driver's seat

00:38:28through the rearview mirror.

00:38:29His features were sharp,

00:38:31just like when we first met.

00:38:33The sea air is good.

00:38:34The healer said an open environment helps with recovery.

00:38:38His voice held no emotion,

00:38:39sounding more like a routine statement.

00:38:42I didn't respond.

00:38:44On the yacht's deck,

00:38:46Caitlyn lay lazily on a lounge chair

00:38:48in an elegant swimsuit.

00:38:49When she saw us,

00:38:51she waved with a smile.

00:38:56Mariah tensed instinctively

00:38:58and stepped in front of me,

00:38:59but my gaze swept past Caitlyn without lingering.

00:39:03Lynn's upset.

00:39:04I brought her out to relax.

00:39:06I remained silent,

00:39:07my gaze fixed quietly on the distant horizon

00:39:10where the sky met the sea.

00:39:11I didn't care who was there or not.

00:39:12I was waiting for a final release.

00:39:14Xavier was acting strangely tonight.

00:39:16He brought a plate of cut fruit to me.

00:39:18When he saw my bandaged stumps,

00:39:20he suddenly remembered and froze.

00:39:21I'll feed Gwen.

00:39:23Mariah took the plate and fed me herself.

00:39:25Xavier stood there silently for a moment

00:39:27before turning and walking away.

00:39:31Not long after,

00:39:32he returned with a cup of milk.

00:39:34But before he could hand it over,

00:39:36Mariah blocked him.

00:39:38I sat like a soulless puppet the entire time,

00:39:41quiet and unresponsive to everything around me.

00:39:44Xavier found a chance to approach me

00:39:46for the third time.

00:39:48Gwendolyn.

00:39:48He crouched down to meet my eyes.

00:39:51I've arranged fireworks here at midnight tonight.

00:39:54He paused.

00:39:57I have something I want to tell you then.

00:39:59I finally reacted.

00:40:01I nodded slightly.

00:40:03He would probably talk about making me keep

00:40:05being Caitlin's blood source and servant.

00:40:07It didn't matter anymore.

00:40:09Xavier seemed relieved by my response.

00:40:12He gave me a deep look,

00:40:13then stood up and went into the cabin.

00:40:19The next moment,

00:40:20seeing Mariah was gone,

00:40:22Caitlin walked over gracefully.

00:40:23Poor Gwen.

00:40:24Do your hands still hurt?

00:40:26Oh, right.

00:40:27I forgot you don't have hands anymore.

00:40:29How can you possibly hurt?

00:40:31I ignored her.

00:40:33Caitlin shook the diamond bracelet

00:40:34on her wrist proudly.

00:40:35Zav gave it to me.

00:40:37Isn't it pretty?

00:40:39By the way,

00:40:41he still doesn't know

00:40:42the doc you made me sign

00:40:43was your Luna abdication.

00:40:46Caitlin admired my pale face.

00:40:48He thought it was just

00:40:49a normal property document.

00:40:50You know how much he trusts me now?

00:40:53Gwen,

00:40:55guess what he wants to tell you

00:40:56with all those big fireworks tonight?

00:40:58She watched me,

00:40:59but I stayed unmoved.

00:41:01Her smile faded,

00:41:02replaced by annoyance at being ignored.

00:41:03What are you still pretending for?

00:41:05It's disgusting!

00:41:06She gently touched her flat belly.

00:41:09So what if the infant died?

00:41:10So what if you ran away

00:41:12from Callister in this rebirth?

00:41:14In the end,

00:41:15you still lost everything.

00:41:16I finally lifted my head slowly

00:41:18and looked at Caitlin.

00:41:20My eyes held no anger,

00:41:21no hatred,

00:41:23not even tears.

00:41:24There was only cold desolation.

00:41:26The smile on Caitlin's face

00:41:28faltered for a second.

00:41:31Yes!

00:41:32He still loves you!

00:41:34Caitlin suddenly leaned closer,

00:41:36her face twisted with madness.

00:41:38But so what?

00:41:39I just want to see

00:41:41when it's a matter of life and death.

00:41:43Who will he choose?

00:41:45Before she finished,

00:41:47Caitlin grabbed my shoulders

00:41:48and shoved me as hard

00:41:49as she could toward the edge of the deck.

00:41:51Go ask him together!

00:41:53I lost balance instantly

00:41:54and fell backward.

00:41:56At that moment,

00:41:57a huge wave hit the yacht

00:41:58without warning.

00:41:59Both of us were swept up

00:42:00by the immense force

00:42:01and thrown into the freezing sea.

00:42:03The sea swallowed us whole

00:42:05in an instant.

00:42:05Suffocation and cold hit at once,

00:42:08sharp and overwhelming.

00:42:09As I tumbled in the water,

00:42:11my unhealed stump slammed

00:42:12into the yacht's metal edge.

00:42:13Blood immediately spread in the sea.

00:42:16Man overboard!

00:42:17Help!

00:42:18Someone help!

00:42:19Panic broke out on the deck.

00:42:20Xavier and Mariah rushed out,

00:42:22frantic.

00:42:23A rescuer jumped in quickly

00:42:24but surfaced soon after.

00:42:26Lion King!

00:42:27Their blood will attract sharks soon!

00:42:29They fell in opposite directions!

00:42:30For safety!

00:42:31We can only save one first!

00:42:33On one side was Caitlyn,

00:42:34flailing and struggling.

00:42:36On the other was me,

00:42:37almost swallowed by the waves,

00:42:39only a flash of white skirt visible.

00:42:42Save Caitlyn!

00:42:45Xavier's roar cut through the chaos.

00:42:47When I heard those words,

00:42:49I had already swallowed

00:42:50several mouthfuls of salty seawater.

00:42:54I watched the rescuer swim

00:42:56to Caitlyn without hesitation.

00:42:59I saw Xavier's face

00:43:01filled with anxiety and panic.

00:43:03I suddenly wanted to laugh.

00:43:05Did he still love me?

00:43:07If he truly loved me,

00:43:08how could he hurt me over and over?

00:43:10I had known it all along.

00:43:12I closed my eyes.

00:43:13Inside me,

00:43:14I reached for the mate Bond.

00:43:16The thread that bound me to him,

00:43:18to the Remington pack,

00:43:19to the world above.

00:43:23I,

00:43:24Gwendolyn Donnie,

00:43:26reject you as my mate.

00:43:29Soul-tearing pain ripped through me.

00:43:33A jagged pain tore through Xavier's chest.

00:43:36His wolf let out a howl,

00:43:38sharp as a dying beast.

00:43:40His whole body shuddered.

00:43:47Then I gave up all struggle

00:43:49and let my body sink deeper into the sea.

00:43:55In a daze,

00:43:56I saw a huge black shadow rushing toward me.

00:43:59It was a sharp,

00:44:00extreme,

00:44:01sharp pain came from my leg.

00:44:03At the last moment before I lost consciousness,

00:44:06I saw the blue seawater turn eerie red,

00:44:09bit by bit,

00:44:10from my blood.

00:44:11And a resolute figure jumped off the yacht,

00:44:13rushing toward the sea of blood where I was.

00:44:16A dark shape sliced through the water

00:44:18from the opposite direction.

00:44:25Gwendolyn!

00:44:26The sea water surged into Xavier's mouth and nose.

00:44:31He swam toward the spreading crimson on the surface.

00:44:37Several massive dark shapes darted through the blood.

00:44:40They were tearing at something.

00:44:41He charged at the sharps.

00:44:45He punched the nearest one with all his might.

00:44:48A sharp pain shot through his leg.

00:44:50Blood dyed the water around him red.

00:44:53His vision blurred.

00:44:54The icy cold drained his last strength.

00:44:56Before he lost consciousness,

00:44:58a flash of raging fire.

00:45:02Zav, wake up!

00:45:04Don't scare me!

00:45:05Caitlin's sobbing sounded in his ears.

00:45:08Xavier's consciousness returned.

00:45:12Outside the door,

00:45:13the healer and Mariah whispered,

00:45:15the injuries are too severe.

00:45:17To save his life,

00:45:18amputation is the only option.

00:45:20Xavier's body went rigid.

00:45:22He tried to move his leg,

00:45:23his left leg.

00:45:25Below the knee,

00:45:26there was nothing.

00:45:30Where is Gwendolyn?

00:45:32The hospital room fell into dead silence.

00:45:35Mariah stood at the door.

00:45:36The usually gentle eyes

00:45:38swirled with emotions.

00:45:41Caitlin, Gretus,

00:45:42don't get upset, Gwen.

00:45:45Gwen still hasn't been found.

00:45:47The rescue team searched for a long time

00:45:49and said she was probably eaten by sharks

00:45:51with nothing left behind.

00:45:55Impossible!

00:45:56She can't be dead!

00:45:57Keep searching!

00:45:58Keep searching for her!

00:46:00A violent pain twisted in his chest.

00:46:02Xavier's vision went black

00:46:04and he fainted.

00:46:05Seven days after the accident,

00:46:07Xavier sat in the bedroom

00:46:09he shared with me.

00:46:10He had barely slept.

00:46:11His head would ache without warning.

00:46:13His hands shook.

00:46:14He stared at the empty kitchen,

00:46:15the empty sofa.

00:46:17As Wolf whimpered inside him,

00:46:18Xavier hurled the documents

00:46:19across the room.

00:46:21Get out!

00:46:23The room was empty.

00:46:25Dr. Elwood came for a follow-up visit.

00:46:27He looked at the bloodshot-tied man

00:46:28amid the mess.

00:46:29He prepared a sedative.

00:46:31Lie on, King.

00:46:32The treatment you interrupted before

00:46:34needs to continue.

00:46:36I had a very, very long dream.

00:46:38In my dream,

00:46:40the fire from my past life

00:46:42and the sea of my present intertwined.

00:46:44Halster's betrayal,

00:46:46Xavier's cruelty,

00:46:47and Caitlyn's smug face

00:46:49flashed before my eyes,

00:46:50just as I was about to give up

00:46:52and sink deeper into the sea.

00:46:55Miss Donnie, wake up.

00:46:56I struggled to open my eyes.

00:46:58The first thing I saw

00:47:00was an unfamiliar yet

00:47:01strikingly handsome face.

00:47:05You are?

00:47:06I am the executor

00:47:08of your R.A.P. services plan.

00:47:09My name is Silas Red.

00:47:11The man smiled

00:47:12and handed me a glass

00:47:13of warm water.

00:47:15Congratulations.

00:47:16Your escape plan

00:47:18was a great success.

00:47:19I instinctively tried

00:47:20to take the glass,

00:47:21but only moved

00:47:22my bandage stump by.

00:47:23Stared blankly

00:47:24at my empty sleeve.

00:47:25Silas placed the glass

00:47:27on the bedside table.

00:47:28There were some

00:47:28unexpected circumstances.

00:47:30After you fell into the water,

00:47:32the Lycan king

00:47:33jumped in after you.

00:47:35Sharks are more sensitive

00:47:36to blood

00:47:37and struggling motions.

00:47:38His violent resistance

00:47:40attracted all the sharks' attention.

00:47:43Fortunately,

00:47:44you had lost both arms

00:47:45and couldn't struggle,

00:47:46so our people

00:47:47were able to rescue you

00:47:48in the chaos.

00:47:49By the way,

00:47:50Ms. Downey,

00:47:51I am personally

00:47:52conducting a clinical trial

00:47:54on neural prosthetics.

00:47:56I wonder if you

00:47:57would be interested

00:47:57in participating.

00:47:59He adjusted

00:47:59his gold-rimmed glasses.

00:48:03Welcome to the other world,

00:48:05Mrs. Downey.

00:48:06The needle pierced

00:48:08Xavier's skin.

00:48:09His body collapsed

00:48:10onto the sofa.

00:48:11The healer left.

00:48:14Caitlyn immediately

00:48:15walked into

00:48:15the master bedroom.

00:48:17She opened the wardrobe.

00:48:18She began picking

00:48:20through the clothes

00:48:21with the air

00:48:21of a pack luna.

00:48:24Xavier awoke

00:48:25from his deep sleep.

00:48:27He opened his eyes.

00:48:28Caitlyn stood there

00:48:29wearing my pajamas.

00:48:32Get out!

00:48:33Who told you

00:48:35to wear her clothes?

00:48:37A cup shattered

00:48:38at Caitlyn's feet.

00:48:39You're still thinking

00:48:41about her?

00:48:41She's dead!

00:48:43Eaten by sharks!

00:48:44Caitlyn screamed hysterically.

00:48:46Did you forget

00:48:47how she betrayed you

00:48:48for Callister

00:48:49in your past life?

00:48:50Did you forget

00:48:51how she and Callister...

00:48:53Xavier rushed over

00:48:54with his cane.

00:48:55He gripped her throat

00:48:56tightly.

00:48:57Shut up!

00:48:58She's not dead!

00:48:59As long as she hasn't

00:49:01been found,

00:49:02she's still alive!

00:49:04The packhouse door

00:49:06was kicked open

00:49:07from the outside.

00:49:08Callister,

00:49:09eyes bloodshot,

00:49:10stormed in.

00:49:11He grabbed Xavier

00:49:12by the collar.

00:49:16Xavier!

00:49:17You beast!

00:49:20Where's Gwen?

00:49:21What did you do

00:49:22with my Gwen?

00:49:25What do you mean

00:49:26you're Gwen?

00:49:27She's mine!

00:49:29Xavier punched

00:49:31Callister in the face.

00:49:32You cheated on her

00:49:34and got her killed

00:49:35in your past life.

00:49:36Wasn't that enough?

00:49:37Why are you still

00:49:38bothering her

00:49:39in this life?

00:49:40Why did you go

00:49:42to the pack temple

00:49:43daily to pray for her?

00:49:45Callister's movements

00:49:46froze.

00:49:50You were reborn too?

00:49:53Yes,

00:49:54I was reborn

00:49:55long ago.

00:49:57The year before

00:49:58she chose you!

00:49:59Callister's voice

00:50:00trembled.

00:50:01Then what did you

00:50:03do in this life?

00:50:04Drained her blood?

00:50:05Cut off her hands?

00:50:07You're even worse

00:50:08than me!

00:50:09I thought I was

00:50:10already a bastard

00:50:11in my past life,

00:50:12but you are

00:50:13a complete monster!

00:50:15Do you have

00:50:15any faults yourself?

00:50:18If you hadn't

00:50:19barged into her life

00:50:21again and again,

00:50:22would she have

00:50:23ended up like this?

00:50:25I'm trying

00:50:26to atone!

00:50:28Callister roared,

00:50:30veins bulging.

00:50:32Enough!

00:50:33Both of you

00:50:34stopped!

00:50:34Caitlyn rushed over,

00:50:36crying out.

00:50:37Gwen is already

00:50:38dead!

00:50:39Can't you look

00:50:40at me?

00:50:40She's already

00:50:41dead!

00:50:42Both men

00:50:43stopped,

00:50:44their eyes red.

00:50:45They spoke

00:50:45in unison.

00:50:46She's not dead!

00:50:48She's still

00:50:48waiting for me

00:50:49to find her!

00:50:52Callister and

00:50:53Xavier turned

00:50:53toward the door.

00:50:54The beta

00:50:55handed over

00:50:55a semi-transparent

00:50:56waterproof sealed

00:50:57bag inside.

00:50:58A moonstone

00:50:59pendant lay quietly

00:51:00next to it

00:51:01a phone

00:51:02with a shattered

00:51:02screen.

00:51:03Found it

00:51:04in a crevice

00:51:04among the reefs,

00:51:05three nautical miles

00:51:06from the point

00:51:06where she fell

00:51:07into the water.

00:51:11The phone

00:51:11is completely

00:51:12destroyed.

00:51:14We've sent it

00:51:14to a professional

00:51:15agency to attempt

00:51:16data recovery

00:51:17based on the

00:51:17ocean current model

00:51:18and the spread

00:51:19and the spread

00:51:19of blood

00:51:19at the scene.

00:51:20The chances

00:51:21of survival

00:51:22for the Luna

00:51:23are extremely low.

00:51:25For though more,

00:51:26after a shark attack,

00:51:27the remains

00:51:28are likely

00:51:28incomplete.

00:51:32Callister

00:51:33grabbed Xavier

00:51:33by the collar.

00:51:36Did you hear that?

00:51:38It's all your fault!

00:51:39You killed her!

00:51:41Get out.

00:51:43Three words,

00:51:45flat and emotionless.

00:51:47Get them all out.

00:51:48Pack warriors

00:51:49dragged the still

00:51:50shouting Callister

00:51:51and the crying

00:51:52Caitlyn out.

00:51:54Xavier!

00:51:56She can't be dead!

00:51:57Since you can't

00:51:58find her,

00:51:59I'll go look for her!

00:52:00In the empty

00:52:01living room,

00:52:02Xavier poured

00:52:03the moonstone

00:52:03pendant into his palm.

00:52:06I won't believe

00:52:07she's dead

00:52:08until I see

00:52:08her body.

00:52:10Early the next

00:52:11morning,

00:52:12Caitlyn directed

00:52:13the servants

00:52:13to throw away

00:52:14all of my belongings.

00:52:17Who gave you

00:52:18permission

00:52:18to touch those?

00:52:20Mariah came

00:52:20downstairs.

00:52:22She snatched

00:52:22the bag of clothes

00:52:23from the servants' hands.

00:52:25Caitlyn's eyes

00:52:26reddened.

00:52:28Mariah,

00:52:29Gwen is gone.

00:52:30Someone has to

00:52:32take care

00:52:33of this packhouse.

00:52:34Zab needs someone

00:52:35to look after him, too.

00:52:37She tried to walk

00:52:38toward the master bedroom.

00:52:40Mariah blocked

00:52:40her directly.

00:52:41You know better

00:52:43than anyone

00:52:43how you lost

00:52:44the pup in your belly.

00:52:46The surveillance

00:52:47was broken.

00:52:48But unless you

00:52:49want no one to know,

00:52:50don't do anything

00:52:51you shouldn't.

00:52:53Caitlyn's face

00:52:54turned pale.

00:52:55Xavier came out

00:52:56of the study.

00:52:57He leaned on his

00:52:58cane,

00:52:59expressionless.

00:53:04Zab!

00:53:04Caitlyn's eyes

00:53:05glistened with tears.

00:53:07Xavier's gaze

00:53:08swept over them both.

00:53:09Stop arguing.

00:53:11No one is allowed

00:53:12to touch anything

00:53:13in the master bedroom.

00:53:14That night,

00:53:15the steward delivered

00:53:16the report

00:53:17from the technical department.

00:53:22Lichen King.

00:53:24Part of the phone data

00:53:25has been recovered.

00:53:26Most are daily photos.

00:53:28In addition,

00:53:29an unsent text message

00:53:31was found in the drafts.

00:53:32A string of order numbers

00:53:34and a few words.

00:53:35The plan remains unchanged.

00:53:37The final payment

00:53:38has been made.

00:53:41Xavier opened

00:53:42the recovered photo album.

00:53:44Photos of him.

00:53:45Almost all of him.

00:53:47His profile

00:53:48working in the study,

00:53:49the way he slept

00:53:50on the sofa.

00:53:51His silhouette

00:53:52while driving,

00:53:53all taken from

00:53:54secret angles.

00:53:56Mariah entered

00:53:57with red eyes.

00:53:58She slammed

00:53:59a stack of bank statements

00:54:00in front of Xavier.

00:54:01Look at this!

00:54:03Take a good look!

00:54:05In just a few days,

00:54:06how much money

00:54:07has Caitlyn transferred

00:54:08from the PAC account

00:54:09under the Luna's name?

00:54:11Caitlyn rushed in,

00:54:12escorted by

00:54:13T'PAC warriors.

00:54:15Zack!

00:54:16Let me explain!

00:54:17I was afraid!

00:54:18Afraid Gwen's funeral

00:54:20would need money,

00:54:20so I temporarily

00:54:21transferred it.

00:54:22Besides,

00:54:23you promised

00:54:24to make me your Luna.

00:54:26Make you Luna?

00:54:27Mariah let out

00:54:28a cold laugh.

00:54:31If you can't

00:54:32even protect

00:54:33the eldest

00:54:34legitimate pup

00:54:35of our Remington pack,

00:54:37why should you

00:54:38be claimed?

00:54:39Caitlyn's agitation

00:54:40burst out.

00:54:42That wasn't

00:54:43Sav's pup!

00:54:44It was just

00:54:45a defective,

00:54:46sick fetus

00:54:47that wouldn't have

00:54:48survived anyway!

00:54:49The entire living room

00:54:50fell into deathly silence.

00:54:52Caitlyn covered

00:54:53her mouth in terror.

00:54:54She backed away,

00:54:56knocking over the box

00:54:57on the coffee table.

00:54:58fragments of a

00:54:59ceremonial dress

00:55:00scattered across

00:55:01the floor.

00:55:03Xavier slowly

00:55:04raised his head.

00:55:05His dark green eyes

00:55:07turned forward.

00:55:09What did you say?

00:55:12Exactly?

00:55:14The steward's voice

00:55:15continued.

00:55:17Lichen King,

00:55:18we also discovered

00:55:20that a week before

00:55:21Mrs. Dawny's accident,

00:55:22a large sum of money

00:55:24was transferred

00:55:25from your pack account

00:55:26into this

00:55:27company's account.

00:55:28Severely injured,

00:55:30Xavier used

00:55:31every connection

00:55:32to put him.

00:55:33He turned the entire

00:55:34territory upside down.

00:55:37In an inconspicuous office,

00:55:39he met the man.

00:55:41My name is Silas.

00:55:44Miss Gwendolyn

00:55:45was indeed our client.

00:55:46Xavier leaned on his cane,

00:55:48approaching step by step.

00:55:50Cold sweat beaded on his forehead

00:55:52from the pain in his missing leg.

00:55:57Where is she?

00:56:00Silas adjusted his glasses.

00:56:03We went to pick her up

00:56:05as planned,

00:56:05but there was an accident

00:56:07at the spot

00:56:08where she fell into the water.

00:56:10A large number of sharks

00:56:11were attracted

00:56:12by the scent of blood.

00:56:14Our people took a risk

00:56:16and only managed

00:56:17to retrieve this.

00:56:19We handed over

00:56:19a semi-transparent

00:56:20waterproof sealed bag.

00:56:22A tattered piece

00:56:23of white dress inside,

00:56:24stained with dark red,

00:56:26dried blood.

00:56:27Beside it,

00:56:28half a piece of gauze

00:56:29soaked in blood.

00:56:31In the corner of the gauze,

00:56:32two words written

00:56:33with a marker.

00:56:34My name.

00:56:35Xavier stared

00:56:36at those two words.

00:56:37His cane struck the ground

00:56:39with a heavy thud.

00:56:43Lie on King

00:56:44in her final moments.

00:56:46She must have been

00:56:47in a lot of pain.

00:56:50Xavier!

00:56:53Callister burst in

00:56:54when he saw

00:56:55the sealed bag

00:56:56of Xavier's head.

00:56:57He broke down.

00:56:58He grabbed Xavier

00:56:59by the collar.

00:57:00He punched him hard.

00:57:01Are you satisfied now?

00:57:03You forced her

00:57:04to plan her own escape

00:57:05and now she's really dead.

00:57:06You killed her!

00:57:07Xavier did not resist.

00:57:09This landed on his face.

00:57:11Blood filled his mouth.

00:57:13Two equally battered men

00:57:14wrestled in the empty room.

00:57:15One with a missing breath,

00:57:16one with a broken soul.

00:57:18Then something shifted inside.

00:57:21Xavier,

00:57:21his wolf broke free.

00:57:23But the mate Bond's

00:57:23other end was empty.

00:57:25Gwen had already severed it.

00:57:27Xavier went alone

00:57:28to that stretch of sea.

00:57:29Only leaning on his cane.

00:57:31Limping across the cold beach,

00:57:32he took out the noonstone

00:57:33and went out.

00:57:36He knelt on the sand.

00:57:37He began to burn

00:57:39the photos recovered

00:57:39from her phone.

00:57:40The firelight reflected

00:57:41off his face.

00:57:43Streaked with tears.

00:57:45Gwen, I was wrong.

00:57:47He collapsed on the sand.

00:57:50When Xavier woke again,

00:57:51he was in the pack hospital.

00:57:53Mariah held his hand.

00:57:54Her eyes read,

00:57:56Zack.

00:57:58She wanted you to stay alive.

00:58:00Xavier turned his head

00:58:01numbly to look out the window.

00:58:04A nurse came in

00:58:05to change his dressing.

00:58:08Lion King,

00:58:09there was a woman

00:58:10downstairs just now.

00:58:11Her back looked a lot

00:58:12like the former Luna,

00:58:14but she had both arms.

00:58:17Xavier dashed out of bed.

00:58:21The surveillance!

00:58:22Pull up the footage

00:58:23from the main entrance!

00:58:24On the footage,

00:58:25a woman in a hospital gown

00:58:26was helped into a car.

00:58:28Her hair was cut short

00:58:29to her ears,

00:58:30her back thin and frail.

00:58:32Xavier began searching

00:58:33frantically.

00:58:34Hollister also received

00:58:35the news.

00:58:36The two former enemies

00:58:37mobilized all their resources.

00:58:39The clues led to a high-end

00:58:41private rehabilitation center.

00:58:43Its main program,

00:58:44Clinical Trials for Neural Prosthetics.

00:58:46Xavier and Hollister

00:58:48disguised themselves

00:58:48as visiting family members.

00:58:50They sneaked inside.

00:58:52At the end of a quiet corridor,

00:58:54through a large glass window,

00:58:56a woman sat by the window

00:58:57in a pale pink hospital gown.

00:58:58Her arms were intact.

00:58:59She carefully tried

00:59:01to grasp a cup

00:59:02with mechanical fingers.

00:59:03A faint smile appeared

00:59:04on her pale profile.

00:59:06Xavier and Hollister

00:59:07pushed open the glass door.

00:59:10Gwyndolin!

00:59:13Gwyndolin!

00:59:14Xavier and Hollister's voices

00:59:15trembled with wild joy.

00:59:17I slowly turned my head.

00:59:19Xavier's eyes reddened instantly.

00:59:20Leaning on his crutch,

00:59:21he staggered forward.

00:59:22Gwyn!

00:59:23I knew it!

00:59:24I knew you weren't dead!

00:59:25Hollister rushed forward.

00:59:26He reached for my hand.

00:59:27Then he froze.

00:59:28These were not real hands.

00:59:29They were mechanical prosthetics

00:59:31covered with bionic skin.

00:59:32Mr. Remington.

00:59:33Mr. Compton.

00:59:35Silas stepped forward,

00:59:36positioning himself before me.

00:59:37His gaze behind the gold-rimmed glasses

00:59:39was polite yet distant.

00:59:40This is a rehabilitation center.

00:59:42Please keep quiet

00:59:43and do not disturb my patient.

00:59:45Your patient?

00:59:47Xavier stared at Silas's

00:59:49protective stance,

00:59:50bloodshot eyes surging

00:59:51with emotion.

00:59:53She is my Luna!

00:59:55Former Luna.

00:59:56My voice was a little hoarse

00:59:57but clear.

01:00:00Xavier,

01:00:01you signed the Luna

01:00:02abdication papers yourself.

01:00:04Caitlyn was your proxy

01:00:06and you authorized it in person.

01:00:08Do you need me to remind you?

01:00:10Xavier looked as if

01:00:11he was being struck by lightning.

01:00:12His whole body swayed.

01:00:16Dr. Reed.

01:00:17I tilted my head slightly.

01:00:18I'm tired.

01:00:19Let's go back to my room.

01:00:22All right.

01:00:23Silas began to turn me away.

01:00:25Don't go!

01:00:26Xavier rushed forward,

01:00:27trying to grab me.

01:00:29Silas leftly blocked him.

01:00:31Gwen!

01:00:31Come with me!

01:00:32I'll get your hands treated.

01:00:34I'll find the best healers

01:00:35in the world.

01:00:36Whatever Xavier can give you,

01:00:37I can give you too!

01:00:38And what he can't,

01:00:39I still can!

01:00:40I kept my back to them.

01:00:41I walked farther and farther away.

01:00:44Xavier tried to chase after me.

01:00:45His missing leg

01:00:46caused him to fall awkwardly

01:00:47to the ground.

01:00:48He lay on the floor,

01:00:50watching the slowly closing door.

01:00:51A low, beast-like growl

01:00:53escaped his throat.

01:00:54Inside the door,

01:00:55the rehabilitation room

01:00:56hummed with the ticking of machines.

01:00:58Silas crouched in front of me.

01:01:00He held my cold mechanical wrist,

01:01:01his.

01:01:02Fingertips gently pressed

01:01:03several sensors.

01:01:06You controlled the grip

01:01:07on the cup very well just now.

01:01:09The neural network adaptation

01:01:10is progressing

01:01:11faster than expected.

01:01:13He looked up at me.

01:01:15However,

01:01:15it seems your emotional fluctuations

01:01:17affected the stability.

01:01:18The sensors show

01:01:19your heart rate

01:01:20was too fast just now.

01:01:21I lowered my lashes

01:01:22and said nothing.

01:01:26If you don't want to see them,

01:01:28you don't have to

01:01:29in the future.

01:01:31Silas stood up

01:01:32and walked to the console.

01:01:33Your death

01:01:34is officially recognized.

01:01:36They have no right

01:01:37to take you away.

01:01:39This rehabilitation center

01:01:40has the best security

01:01:42and my personal guards.

01:01:44You are safe here.

01:01:45I know.

01:01:46My voice was very soft.

01:01:47I just didn't expect

01:01:48that they could find this place.

01:01:51I gazed out the window.

01:01:52A faint light

01:01:53appeared on my pale face.

01:01:55But Dr. Reed,

01:01:57thank you.

01:01:58Not just for these hands.

01:02:00Xavier and Collister

01:02:02did not leave.

01:02:02They stood stubbornly

01:02:03outside the rehabilitation center

01:02:05like two immovable sentinels.

01:02:07Have you found out

01:02:08everything about that,

01:02:09Simus?

01:02:09Xavier asked his steward,

01:02:11his voice hoarse.

01:02:12Lion King,

01:02:12I have checked.

01:02:13Simus Reed.

01:02:13His records trace back

01:02:14only to the Undercity.

01:02:15He holds dual doctorate

01:02:16intermedicine and mechanical engineering.

01:02:17His power isn't

01:02:18in the packed territories,

01:02:19it's in the Undercity.

01:02:20Even a Lion King

01:02:21cannot reach him there.

01:02:22Xavier clenched his fists tightly.

01:02:24Collister tried to bribe

01:02:25the staff with money,

01:02:26resources,

01:02:27and every means

01:02:28at his disposal.

01:02:29But the people here

01:02:30showed an astonishing level

01:02:31of loyalty to Silas.

01:02:33It was not until

01:02:34the third day

01:02:34that Caitlyn appeared.

01:02:35She knelt pitifully

01:02:36outside the main gate

01:02:37in a plain white dress,

01:02:38holding up a cardboard sign.

01:02:41Gwen,

01:02:42I was wrong.

01:02:43Please forgive me.

01:02:45Let me see you just once.

01:02:47Xavier frowned deeply.

01:02:48Collister rushed straight down.

01:02:50Caitlyn!

01:02:51How dare you show your face here!

01:02:53Get out!

01:02:54Cal!

01:02:55Caitlyn cried even harder.

01:02:56I know I was wrong.

01:02:58I really know I was wrong.

01:03:00I just want Gwen's forgiveness.

01:03:02I want to atone.

01:03:04Atonement?

01:03:05Collister sneered.

01:03:06With what will you atone?

01:03:08With that bastard pup

01:03:09who isn't even Xavier?

01:03:10Collister sneered.

01:03:11Caitlyn's face instantly

01:03:13turned as pale as paper

01:03:14at that moment.

01:03:15The side door

01:03:16of the rehabilitation center

01:03:17opened.

01:03:18Silas came out,

01:03:19walking beside me.

01:03:21I had changed out

01:03:22of my hospital gown

01:03:23and wore a simple beige sweater.

01:03:24My short hair

01:03:25was gently tousled

01:03:26by the mountain breeze.

01:03:30Gwen!

01:03:33Caitlyn,

01:03:34as of seeing her savior,

01:03:35scrambled desperately

01:03:36toward me.

01:03:37Silas' guard stopped her.

01:03:40My gaze passed over her

01:03:41and landed on Xavier

01:03:42and Collister.

01:03:44It seems all three

01:03:45of you are here.

01:03:46My voice was-

01:03:46Good.

01:03:47There are some things

01:03:48I want to make clear,

01:03:50all at once.

01:03:51Xavier and Collister

01:03:52immediately stepped forward.

01:03:54Hope rekindled

01:03:54in their eyes.

01:03:55I

01:03:56raised my mechanical hands.

01:03:58Silver white light

01:03:58my wolf's energy

01:03:59flowed beneath

01:04:00the bionic skin.

01:04:02These hands,

01:04:03Xavier.

01:04:04You cut them off

01:04:05with your own hands.

01:04:06I looked at Xavier.

01:04:07My tone as calm

01:04:08as if I were telling

01:04:09someone else's story.

01:04:10Xavier's face

01:04:11instantly lost all color.

01:04:12He swayed,

01:04:13barely able to stand.

01:04:16This life, too.

01:04:18You pushed it into hell

01:04:19again and again.

01:04:21Drawing my blood.

01:04:23Cutting out my liver

01:04:24on a dark ritual altar.

01:04:26Framing me.

01:04:28The sharks in the sea.

01:04:30I paused

01:04:31and looked at Collister.

01:04:33As for you,

01:04:34Calliston,

01:04:35the fire in my past life

01:04:37was half your doing.

01:04:38The entanglement

01:04:40in this life

01:04:40disgustes me.

01:04:42My silver white pupils

01:04:43met Xavier's dark green

01:04:45old blood

01:04:45ancient blood

01:04:46eye to eye.

01:04:49I don't care

01:04:50if you regret,

01:04:51want to atone,

01:04:53or have your own reasons.

01:04:55I spoke each word

01:04:56clearly and forcefully.

01:04:58Your love shattered me.

01:05:00Destroyed me completely.

01:05:01I cannot bear it.

01:05:03Nor do I want it.

01:05:05The Gwendolyn standing here today

01:05:07is someone who has died once.

01:05:09All the past,

01:05:10love and hate,

01:05:11have been burned away

01:05:12and drowned.

01:05:13I moved my mechanical hand

01:05:15and gently held

01:05:15Silas's hand.

01:05:16Silas was slightly startled,

01:05:18but did not pull away.

01:05:20The ancient white wolf

01:05:21doesn't need

01:05:22any Alpha's protection.

01:05:23or any Alpha's confession.

01:05:25Looking at the two men's

01:05:27ashen faces,

01:05:28I said softly to Silas,

01:05:30Let's go back,

01:05:31Dr. Reed.

01:05:32It's winded out here

01:05:33and a litter lung.

01:05:36We turned and slowly

01:05:38walked back through the door.

01:05:39The door closed,

01:05:40completely separating

01:05:41the two worlds.

01:05:46Caitlin's retribution came swiftly.

01:05:48A video of her kneeling

01:05:49and begging me for forgiveness

01:05:50was posted online.

01:05:53Faking pregnancy to win favor,

01:05:55framing her own sister,

01:05:56the pup not being

01:05:57the Lycan kings.

01:05:59Neither pack tried

01:06:00to suppress the news.

01:06:02Overnight,

01:06:02Caitlin became infamous

01:06:03within pack society.

01:06:06Reporters and onlookers

01:06:08surrounded her apartment.

01:06:09Her phone was bombarded

01:06:10with insults and threats.

01:06:14One night,

01:06:15several masculine

01:06:15broke into her apartment.

01:06:17They stripped her naked.

01:06:19Wrote rich and venomous

01:06:19she-wolf all over her body

01:06:21with marketing.

01:06:21Took photos and videos

01:06:23and left those photos

01:06:24soon appeared on shady websites.

01:06:26Caitlin hid in a cheap motel.

01:06:28Surviving by selling her jewelry,

01:06:29her mind grew increasingly unstable.

01:06:32Plagued by hallucinations.

01:06:33She coughed black blood.

01:06:35Her spine twisted.

01:06:36Her rotting rose scent

01:06:37turned acrid.

01:06:38Even rogues avoided her shadow.

01:06:40The dark ritual began

01:06:41to devour its maker.

01:06:44One day,

01:06:45Caitlin wandered down the street.

01:06:48On a huge electronic screen,

01:06:50Xavier,

01:06:51leaning on a cane,

01:06:52announced a major strategic shift

01:06:54for the Remington pack.

01:06:55When reporters asked

01:06:56about his private life,

01:06:57he paused.

01:07:00This is the price

01:07:01I have to pay.

01:07:02Caitlin laughed foolishly,

01:07:03but what about her price?

01:07:08At that moment,

01:07:09the car suddenly lost control

01:07:10and sped toward her.

01:07:12Amid screeching brakes

01:07:13and screams,

01:07:14Caitlin was thrown

01:07:15into the air.

01:07:15Crashing heavily to the ground

01:07:17through the agony,

01:07:18she vaguely saw the driver's face.

01:07:20Hollister,

01:07:21Xavier,

01:07:22no one cared anymore.

01:07:23Her life was saved.

01:07:25But both her legs were shattered

01:07:26and her spine was damaged.

01:07:27The healer said she had spent

01:07:29her life in a wheelchair.

01:07:31The Volf counsels judgment

01:07:32in the next,

01:07:33dark bloodline

01:07:34forbiddance ritual.

01:07:35Interference with a mate bond

01:07:36involves pregnancy

01:07:37to the beserped

01:07:38pack rank.

01:07:38Three charges.

01:07:39One sentence.

01:07:50In the rehabilitation center,

01:07:53I saw the news

01:07:54of Caitlin's downfall.

01:07:55I stared at the screen

01:07:57for a few seconds,

01:07:58then calmly closed the page.

01:08:00No satisfaction,

01:08:01no sympathy,

01:08:02as if reading a piece

01:08:03of pack news

01:08:04unrelated to myself.

01:08:06My rehabilitation

01:08:07progressed smoothly,

01:08:08with Silas's personalized

01:08:09training and neural

01:08:10interface technology.

01:08:11My control over my

01:08:12prosthetic hands grew precise.

01:08:14I could write,

01:08:15draw and use utensils again.

01:08:18Silas respected my boundaries,

01:08:20never overstepped.

01:08:21He brought me books,

01:08:23played soothing music,

01:08:24handed me honey water

01:08:25when I was exhausted.

01:08:27He discussed prosthetic

01:08:29improvements with me,

01:08:30asking for my feedback,

01:08:31as if I were not just a patient,

01:08:33but a partner in this technology.

01:08:36During the neural

01:08:37interface calibration,

01:08:39Silas noticed an anomaly

01:08:40in the data.

01:08:41My neural signals at specific

01:08:42frequencies produced energy

01:08:43fluctuations that shouldn't

01:08:45exist.

01:08:46This wasn't mechanical.

01:08:47It was ancient.

01:08:49He adjusted the parameters

01:08:50and triggered a test frequency.

01:08:52My pupils turned silver-white

01:08:53and stayed that way

01:08:54for a full minute.

01:08:57An ancient,

01:08:58majestic voice

01:08:59echoed in my mind.

01:09:00Finally willing to face the truth,

01:09:02my little wolf cub.

01:09:03My wolf was waking.

01:09:07That afternoon,

01:09:08Silas wheeled me to the observation deck

01:09:10at the top of the hill.

01:09:11The setting sun painted the horizon

01:09:12in brilliant shades of gold and red.

01:09:15According to the plan,

01:09:16next week you can undergo

01:09:17the final stage of neural adaptation testing.

01:09:20If all goes well,

01:09:21you can be discharged.

01:09:23Silas stood by my side,

01:09:24his voice gentle.

01:09:27After that,

01:09:27have you thought about

01:09:28where you want to go?

01:09:29I gazed at the distant sunset,

01:09:31silent for a long time.

01:09:33I don't know.

01:09:34Before,

01:09:35I just wanted to escape,

01:09:36as far away as possible.

01:09:38Now,

01:09:39it seems I suddenly have freedom,

01:09:41but I don't know where to go.

01:09:43There's no rush.

01:09:44Take your time to think.

01:09:45You can stay at the center

01:09:47as a special consultant.

01:09:48Or,

01:09:49if you want a change of environment,

01:09:50I have a research institute

01:09:51in the Northern Sanctuary.

01:09:53It's quiet there,

01:09:54beyond any pack's reach.

01:09:56He paused and looked at me.

01:09:58It belongs to no pack territory.

01:10:01The choice is entirely yours.

01:10:04I turned to look at him.

01:10:05The afterglow of the sunset

01:10:06outlined him in gold.

01:10:07Dr. Reed,

01:10:08why are you helping me like this?

01:10:10Is it just because

01:10:11I'm your clinical trial subject?

01:10:13Silas was slightly taken aback,

01:10:15then smiled.

01:10:16At first,

01:10:17yes.

01:10:17Your case is very special.

01:10:19But later,

01:10:20He paused.

01:10:21Later,

01:10:21I saw your resilience.

01:10:23After all you've been through,

01:10:24you still chose to seize a new life.

01:10:26That's remarkable.

01:10:28These hands shouldn't be used

01:10:29only for revenge or defense.

01:10:31They can build something new.

01:10:33Something that bridges both worlds.

01:10:36I hope I can be part of

01:10:38building that future with you.

01:10:40That's all.

01:10:42His words carried no ambiguity,

01:10:44yet they made me feel more grounded

01:10:45than any words of affection could.

01:10:48The mountain breeze swept by,

01:10:50carrying the fresh scent of

01:10:51pine.

01:10:52The northern sanctuary.

01:10:55I repeated softly.

01:10:57That sounds like a start.

01:10:59The final stage of testing

01:11:00proceeded smoothly.

01:11:02On the night before my discharge,

01:11:03Silas brought a delicate gift box.

01:11:05A discharge gift for you,

01:11:07and also,

01:11:09the beginning of a new identity.

01:11:11Inside were finely crafted clothes,

01:11:13a cashmere coat,

01:11:14soft flat shoes,

01:11:15a passport,

01:11:16an ID card,

01:11:16and a bank card.

01:11:17The name on the passport was,

01:11:19Irene Donnie.

01:11:20Irene.

01:11:21I softly murmured the name,

01:11:23Gwenlyn Dusk's Bloom,

01:11:24became Irene.

01:11:25Radiance in Bloom.

01:11:26I carefully put away the documents.

01:11:29Do you like it?

01:11:31I like it.

01:11:34Tomorrow morning at 7,

01:11:36the helicopter will be waiting.

01:11:37Get a good rest tonight.

01:11:38Late at night,

01:11:39I found myself unable to sleep.

01:11:40I walked to the window

01:11:41and gazed at the tranquil night outside.

01:11:44Suddenly,

01:11:44a faint commotion arose downstairs,

01:11:46my heart tightened.

01:11:47A few minutes later,

01:11:48my door was gently knocked.

01:11:52A minor problem.

01:11:54Silas's expression was calm,

01:11:55but his gaze behind the lenses

01:11:57was sharper than usual.

01:11:59Xavier and Callister bribed a nurse,

01:12:01obtained part of the internal map,

01:12:03and tried to sneak in

01:12:04through a backup passage.

01:12:05Security has already subdued them.

01:12:07I gripped the edge of the bed tightly.

01:12:11Where are they?

01:12:12Detained in the security room.

01:12:14Do you want to see them?

01:12:17This is your last chance

01:12:18before you leave.

01:12:20Or I can handle it directly.

01:12:22I was silent for a moment.

01:12:24Let me see them.

01:12:25The security room was brightly lit.

01:12:27Xavier and Callister

01:12:28were each pressed into chairs,

01:12:29disheveled,

01:12:30with marks of struggle

01:12:31on their bodies

01:12:31when they saw me.

01:12:32Their eyes lit up

01:12:33then dimmed again.

01:12:37Gwyn.

01:12:38Xavier's gaze lingered on my face,

01:12:40then landed painfully on my hands.

01:12:44I'm sorry.

01:12:45I'm sorry.

01:12:47Gwyn!

01:12:48Don't go with him!

01:12:49Callister spoke urgently.

01:12:52Silas has a complicated background.

01:12:55I can give you a better life.

01:12:56I swear I'll never force you again.

01:13:00Make it up to me.

01:13:01I interrupted him,

01:13:02my voice flat.

01:13:03Calliston,

01:13:04your way of making it up to me

01:13:06is to barge into my life

01:13:07again and again.

01:13:08It was like this in the past life,

01:13:10and it's the same in this one.

01:13:12Your love has always been

01:13:13possessive and selfish.

01:13:15Callister looked as if

01:13:16he had been struck hard.

01:13:17I turned to Xavier.

01:13:19Xavier,

01:13:20you said you were ill.

01:13:22Psychological disorders,

01:13:23cognitive distortions,

01:13:24hallucinations.

01:13:26So,

01:13:27you chose to hurt me

01:13:28to keep me?

01:13:29To make me your prisoner?

01:13:31Your blood source?

01:13:32Your cripple?

01:13:33Xavier's breathing grew heavy.

01:13:35Tears rolled down his cheeks.

01:13:36Yes,

01:13:37I was cowardly.

01:13:38I was despicable.

01:13:39I didn't dare tell you the truth.

01:13:41I was afraid you'd leave,

01:13:42but I regret it.

01:13:43From the moment you jumped

01:13:45into the sea,

01:13:45I don't need your legs

01:13:47or your life!

01:13:48I shook my head.

01:13:49Xavier,

01:13:50maybe your illness is real,

01:13:51but the way you chose

01:13:52was wrong,

01:13:53terribly wrong.

01:13:55Your love chills me

01:13:56to the bone.

01:13:57I turned to Callister.

01:13:58My wolf surged forward.

01:13:59Silver white fur rippled

01:14:00across my skin.

01:14:01My bones shifted.

01:14:03My form expanded.

01:14:04The ancient white wolf

01:14:05stood where I was in.

01:14:07Callister's knees buckled.

01:14:08His fader'd.

01:14:09Alpha wolf dropped to its belly

01:14:11and bared its throat.

01:14:12Not a challenge.

01:14:13Submission.

01:14:19I shifted back,

01:14:20my silver white eyes

01:14:21still locked on his.

01:14:22Callister,

01:14:23I don't need your apologies.

01:14:26I just need you gone.

01:14:27Looking at the two men,

01:14:29I felt nothing but exhaustion.

01:14:30You always say you love me,

01:14:31but what is your love?

01:14:33Possession?

01:14:33Suspicion?

01:14:34Harm?

01:14:34You never once asked me

01:14:35what I wanted.

01:14:36Now I'll tell you.

01:14:38I want peace,

01:14:39freedom,

01:14:39and to be respected

01:14:40as a person,

01:14:41not as a possession.

01:14:43I no longer looked at them.

01:14:45I nodded to Silas.

01:14:46Silas turned me around.

01:14:48Gwendolyn,

01:14:49don't go!

01:14:50Please!

01:14:51Xavier's desperate cries

01:14:52echoed behind me.

01:14:55Gwen!

01:14:57Give me one more chance!

01:14:59Just one last chance!

01:15:00Callister's voice

01:15:01was broken and forced.

01:15:02I kept my back straight

01:15:03and did not look back.

01:15:05The door of the security room

01:15:06closed behind me,

01:15:07shutting out all the shouting

01:15:08and crying.

01:15:09The corridor was quiet,

01:15:11with only the faint sound

01:15:12of our footsteps.

01:15:13It's all over.

01:15:14Silas said softly.

01:15:16Hmm.

01:15:17I closed my eyes,

01:15:18took a deep breath,

01:15:19and slowly exhaled.

01:15:22It's all over.

01:15:24Behind the closed door,

01:15:25Xavier's dark green pupils

01:15:26held the last flicker of light,

01:15:28and then it went out.

01:15:29His vault didn't step forward,

01:15:31because its mate

01:15:31had already made her choice.

01:15:35Silas handed me the cocoa

01:15:36and glanced at the intelligence flows

01:15:38I was managing over three years.

01:15:40A tacit understanding

01:15:41had formed between us,

01:15:42making words unnecessary.

01:15:44The Undercity had given me technology.

01:15:46The surface had tried

01:15:47to give me a cage.

01:15:48I took the first

01:15:49and rejected the second.

01:15:50Now I had built something

01:15:51that belonged to neither.

01:15:53A sanctuary,

01:15:54for the broken,

01:15:55the wolfless.

01:15:56The rogue,

01:15:57any wolf who needed

01:15:58a place to stand.

01:15:59The only rogue

01:16:00whose wolf made,

01:16:01Alpha's Neil,

01:16:02and the only voice

01:16:02both worlds would hear.

01:16:04Silas supported

01:16:05all my creations,

01:16:06constantly optimized

01:16:07the performance

01:16:08of my prosthetics.

01:16:09He never treated me

01:16:10as someone to be pitied,

01:16:11but as an equal

01:16:12and respected partner,

01:16:13and I,

01:16:14in his company

01:16:15and the purpose

01:16:15of this work,

01:16:16slowly healed

01:16:17the cracks in my heart.

01:16:19By the way,

01:16:20Silas spoke as if casually.

01:16:22There is news

01:16:22from the territories.

01:16:24The Remington Pack

01:16:25fell into a severe crisis

01:16:26last year.

01:16:28Their influence

01:16:28cut in half.

01:16:30Xavier managed

01:16:31to save the pack

01:16:32from collapse,

01:16:33but it was badly damaged.

01:16:37He himself

01:16:38seems to be

01:16:38in poor health.

01:16:40The ritual's

01:16:40permanent scars.

01:16:42He rarely appears

01:16:43in public now.

01:16:45Three years later,

01:16:46the Northern Sanctuary.

01:16:48A quiet lakeside town

01:16:49beyond.

01:16:50Pack borders.

01:16:51A thin layer

01:16:52of early winter snow

01:16:53covered the stonehouses

01:16:54and the distant

01:16:54northern peaks.

01:16:56In a lakeside building

01:16:57with a glass-walled

01:16:58workspace,

01:16:59the fireplace burned

01:17:00with a warm flame.

01:17:01This was my command center.

01:17:04Holographic data screens

01:17:05covered the wall's

01:17:06surface-packed politics

01:17:07on the left.

01:17:08Under city network nodes

01:17:09on the right

01:17:10at the center console,

01:17:11I worked swiftly,

01:17:12my mechanical fingers

01:17:13gliding across the interface.

01:17:16Sanctuary requests,

01:17:18relocation routes,

01:17:19medical dispatches,

01:17:20each touch of my hand

01:17:21gave someone

01:17:21a place to stand.

01:17:23My short hair,

01:17:24now a bit longer,

01:17:25was softly tucked

01:17:26behind my ear

01:17:27in the firelight.

01:17:28My hands shimmered

01:17:29with a cold yet

01:17:30vibrant luster.

01:17:32The door was

01:17:32gently pushed open.

01:17:34Silas walked in

01:17:35carrying two cups

01:17:35of hot cocoa.

01:17:36He had shed his white coat

01:17:38and changed into

01:17:38simple home clothes.

01:17:43Three new arrivals

01:17:44this week.

01:17:45That's a record.

01:17:47I paused for a moment

01:17:48as I stirred my cocoa,

01:17:49then returned

01:17:50to my natural demeanor.

01:17:53What about Callista?

01:17:54He entered

01:17:55an arranged mating

01:17:56a year ago

01:17:57to a she-wolf

01:17:58from an allied pack.

01:18:00Their bond

01:18:01doesn't seem harmonious.

01:18:03He's often photographed

01:18:04drinking to excess.

01:18:05The Compton pack's

01:18:07territory is also

01:18:08much diminished.

01:18:09And Caitlin,

01:18:10she's been in a sanitarium,

01:18:12a wolfless ward.

01:18:13Her mental state fluctuates.

01:18:15She needs to use

01:18:16a wheelchair permanently,

01:18:17lives on a small amount

01:18:19of relief money.

01:18:20It's said she often

01:18:21curses at the air,

01:18:22sometimes cries

01:18:23and begs for mercy.

01:18:24I drank my cocoa

01:18:25in silence.

01:18:26Those names,

01:18:27those past events,

01:18:28now sounded so distant,

01:18:30as if they belonged

01:18:30to a previous life.

01:18:32There was no longer

01:18:33hatred or turmoil

01:18:34in my heart,

01:18:35only a faint sense

01:18:35of distance.

01:18:36They had all once

01:18:37been mad for me

01:18:38and all paid

01:18:39a heavy price for it.

01:18:40It's all in the past.

01:18:42Silas held my

01:18:43slightly cool

01:18:43mechanical fingers,

01:18:44his warm body heat

01:18:45passing through

01:18:46the sensors.

01:18:47You are Irene Donnie now,

01:18:49the mistress of no pack,

01:18:51the bridge between

01:18:52two worlds.

01:18:53I looked up at him,

01:18:54the firelight from

01:18:55the hearth warm

01:18:55on my face.

01:18:56Yes,

01:18:57it's all in the past.

01:18:59Outside the window,

01:19:00snowflakes began

01:19:00to fall quietly again,

01:19:02covering old scars

01:19:03and nurturing new life.

01:19:04The lake was like a mirror,

01:19:06reflecting a peaceful world.

01:19:08On the wall,

01:19:09a painting of the blood moon

01:19:10over the snow-capped northern peaks

01:19:11hung tranquil and full of light.

01:19:13I didn't choose any alpha,

01:19:15I chose myself,

01:19:16I didn't belong to any pack,

01:19:18I belong to both worlds,

01:19:19and to neither.

01:19:20walls in the water,

01:19:20together.Tourish

01:19:21gibberish

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