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00:02In the year when I most longed for a handsome face, I found an amnesiac man while gathering
00:07herbs on Silvermoon Mountain. Taking advantage of his injury and memory loss, I persuaded him
00:12to marry me. He agreed gladly. On our wedding night, candlelight flickered. Drunk and bleary-eyed,
00:18I looked at him, a faint blush rose on his cheeks. When he lowered his head to kiss me,
00:23raindrops began to fall softly outside the window. In the second month after the wedding,
00:28he suddenly regained his memory. He said he was the heir of the Bloodmoon family,
00:32but his house controlled the Bloodcrystal mines and asked me to go back with him.
00:36I went with him to the capital, but then I overheard a conversation between him and his mother
00:41and learned the truth. Three months earlier, while gathering herbs, I passed a stream in the forest
00:47and saw a man lying among the rocks, a hideous sword wound on his back, the water stained red
00:51with blood. His skin was pale as moonlight, and the silver threads on his robe gleamed coldly in the
00:56sun. He was more beautiful than all the men I had ever seen put together. I went up to check
01:02his
01:02breath. He was alive, so I carried him home on my back. I tended him without rest for three days.
01:08I made him a blood-staunching broth, a recipe my mother taught me. But with the same herbs,
01:14mine worked faster than others. The villagers called me a born healer. Before she died,
01:19my mother also said,
01:21Saren, remember, humans have the prophet's prophecy. Neither wolf nor vampire dare harm you.
01:30But still be careful of them.
01:33I didn't understand then. I would later. On the third morning, he finally woke. The first
01:39words he spoke were. Where is this? Who am I? He had amnesia. I thought about lying,
01:46telling him I was his wife. After all, with a face like his, it wouldn't be a bad deal to
01:50have him
01:51as a husband. Overjoyed, I dug out the six gold coins my mother had left me from under the bed.
01:59A simple wedding was enough. The village priest held the ceremony, and everyone came to the feast.
02:04That night, a little drunk, I looked at him and said,
02:07Marrying you is the luckiest thing. He cupped my face in his hands,
02:11his light-colored eyes reflecting the candle flames. I feel the same.
02:16Nyx looked at me and kissed me. Then the rain began to fall,
02:19drops hitting the window by the bed. His hand slid to my waist, fingers grazing,
02:24and I shivered, not from cold. The rain grew heavier, covering our breaths.
02:29When I woke the next morning, I was not tired at all, turning to look at him.
02:34I saw the edges of the wounds on his back glowing faintly with a pale green light.
02:38Days passed quickly. Every day I went up the mountain to gather herbs,
02:42then returned to treat patients in the village or town. He stayed home, repairing the house.
02:47I thought life would go on like that forever. Until one day, when I came back from gathering
02:53herbs, I saw two strangers in black robes standing in my yard. Their skin was pale,
02:59their pupils reddish, and thin swords hung at their belts. My heart jumped.
03:03I thought the men who had injured him had come for revenge. He had already remembered his name,
03:08Dorian, and was standing by the little table where we usually ate together.
03:12The black-robed men knelt on one knee facing him.
03:14What's going on?
03:16I walked to Dorian's side and lowered my voice.
03:18Are these people here to cause you trouble?
03:20He looked at me with a complicated emotion in his light-colored eyes that I had never seen before.
03:25Saren, my memory has returned.
03:27His memory had returned. I thought of the first day we met, the fine silver thread on his robes,
03:33the faint ring mark on his finger, the mark of a family crest worn for years.
03:36He was no ordinary man. What had he remembered? Did he already have a wife?
03:42If his family was noble, would they accept me as his wife?
03:45Flustered, I asked,
03:47Then, what will you do now?
03:50Will you come back with me to the capital?
03:54Before, I didn't know who I was, and I couldn't repay you for saving my life.
03:59Now that I remember, come with me, alright?
04:04He remembered where he came from, that he was not yet married, and he said he wanted me as his
04:09wife.
04:09I was more than willing.
04:11Dorian's full name was Dorian Blood Moon.
04:13The Blood Moon family, the wealthiest vampire nobles on the continent,
04:17who had controlled the blood crystal mines for generations.
04:20His mother gave birth to him when she was over 400 years old.
04:24He was cherished like a jewel, spoilt since childhood.
04:27During the two months he was missing, the family spent fortunes hiring all manner of forces to find him.
04:32Listening to him tell me this, I felt a little envious.
04:36Your family really loves you.
04:37My mother had loved me very much too.
04:40She had been the best healer in the village, but she died when I was 12.
04:44Before she fell ill, she left me her medicine chest and a packet of seeds.
04:48These are moonshadow flower seeds.
04:51When they bloom you will know who you are.
04:54I always thought it was just her ravings.
04:58Because Dorian hadn't fully healed, we spent several days on the road before reaching the capital.
05:03One night we stopped in the wilderness, moonlight flooded the plains.
05:07Dorian stood under the moon, and from his back unfolded a pair of wings, bat-like, their membranes dark red
05:12in the moonlight.
05:13He reached out his hand to me, and I took it.
05:16He lifted me into the night sky.
05:18The wind roared in my ears as the sun sank below the horizon, darkness fell, and one by one the
05:23stars appeared.
05:24Half a day later, the carriage stopped before a great manor.
05:28Looking at the gate carved with the blood moon crest, I felt a sudden unease.
05:32As soon as the carriage stopped, an elderly woman came out, followed by four servants.
05:37Her eyes filled with tears at the sight of Dorian.
05:40Young lord, you've finally returned.
05:42My lady has nearly wept her eyes out.
05:45How thin you've become.
05:46The crowd surrounded Dorian as he walked inside.
05:49I followed, pushed to the back.
05:52Dorian didn't look back once.
05:54Once inside the manor, Dorian was taken to see his mother.
05:57I was randomly placed in a secluded room and forgotten.
06:00About half an hour later, a servant called me.
06:03Miss, my lady requests your presence at dinner.
06:06I followed him into a hall ten times larger than my home.
06:12On the main seat sat a strikingly beautiful woman who looked barely thirty.
06:15Vampires aged very slowly.
06:18Mother, this is Seren.
06:19She saved my life.
06:21I stepped forward and greeted her.
06:23Good day, my lady.
06:24Her expression was cold.
06:25Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, like she was appraising a worthless object.
06:30Seren, thank you for saving my son.
06:33This meal is a token of thanks, so please don't stand on ceremony.
06:36Not a family dinner, a thank you.
06:39I looked at Dorian, but he looked away.
06:42Dorian and I were married two months ago.
06:44You needn't thank me.
06:45A flicker of unease crossed Lady Bloodman's face, then she forced a smile.
06:49You jest.
06:50In our clan, marriage requires approval of the family council.
06:54Not to mention that my son had lost his memory, even if he hadn't.
06:59Without the family's consent, the union is invalid.
07:03But he was willing.
07:04Our wedding was witnessed by a priest.
07:08Her false smile finally broke.
07:10Dorian has been betrothed since childhood to the Crimson family, one of the twelve noble bloodlines.
07:17His fiancée is Evangeline Crimson, daughter of the council's chief.
07:23How can a common herb grather like you compare to her?
07:26But we...
07:28I finished.
07:29She lifted a crystal glass, sipped a red liquid, cut me off, and rose to leave.
07:34Dorian glanced at me, hesitated, and chased after her.
07:38I looked at the untouched feast on the table, picked up a metal fork, and began to eat.
07:44In the evening, Dorian came to see me.
07:48Siren, what Mother said today isn't true.
07:51I only think of Evangeline as a sister.
07:54You really are betrothed to her?
07:56It was arranged by the elders when we were children.
07:59It doesn't count.
08:01Then will you break the engagement?
08:05I...
08:05Dorian, I was wrong to trick you into marrying you while you had amnesia.
08:11But after you recovered, you told me you weren't married.
08:14Now your mother doesn't like me and wants you to marry that Crimson girl.
08:18Can't you decide your own marriage?
08:21Think it over, and then come talk to me.
08:25Dorian left, looking despondent.
08:27The next three days, I didn't see him.
08:30But I heard from servants that Evangeline had arrived.
08:33I didn't want to court trouble, so I stayed in my room.
08:36Yet she came to find me herself.
08:41The beautiful, richly dressed vampire girl opened her mouth.
08:44So you're the one who saved Dorian.
08:47Looking at her face, I felt a pang of pity for such a pretty face.
08:50When I didn't answer, she got annoyed.
08:53Just as I thought, a country bumpered with no manners at all.
08:57And yet I am a married woman because of your Dorian.
09:00Her face flushed from pale to red.
09:03Huss!
09:03To say such things in broad daylight!
09:06So this is how you seduce Dorian.
09:09If I didn't answer, she was angry.
09:11If I answered, she was angrier.
09:13These noble girls were impossible.
09:15I simply turned and went back into my room.
09:18Staying out of sight should be safe, right?
09:21But she wouldn't let it go.
09:22From outside my door, she said she would go to Lady Blood Moon for justice, then stormed off.
09:27I shrugged and popped a pastry into my mouth.
09:30Since Dorian wouldn't come to me, I went to find him.
09:33In the evening, on my way to his room, I passed the study and heard voices, his and his mother's.
09:38I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but I caught words like crude.
09:42There was probably only one person in this manner that those words could refer to.
09:49Dorian, I tell you once more, for the family's sake, your wife must be Evangeline Crimson, that woman.
09:56You'll marry her only over my dead body.
09:59Mother, you worry too much.
10:03Dorian is just an ordinary person.
10:05I brought her back only because she saved my life.
10:07Just give her the status of a mistress and let her stay.
10:11Dorian's words struck me one by one.
10:13I gripped my skirt tightly.
10:15Standing there, I felt like I had fallen into an ice cave.
10:19After a long moment, I turned and walked back to my room.
10:22For this trip to the capital, Dorian had said not to bring much, so I packed only a cloth bundle,
10:27a few changes of clothes, my mother's medicine chest, and the packet of moonshadow seeds.
10:33I looked at the bundle, so out of place in this luxurious room, like me, out of place in this
10:38manner.
10:38Taking a deep breath, I went to Lady Bloodman's room under cover of night.
10:42When she saw me, her blood crystal glass paused mid-lift.
10:46What is it, this late?
10:48Give me 500 gold coins, and I'll leave tonight.
10:51A flicker of contempt crossed her face, then suspicion.
10:55You're truly willing to leave, Dorian?
10:57Pretending not to see her scorn.
10:59He wants me as his mistress, and I refuse.
11:02Even a mistress of the Bloodmoon family is better than a common nobleman's wife.
11:09Glorious? So what?
11:11My mother used to say, being a mistress is no life for a woman.
11:15Taking the 500 gold coins, I hired a carriage and left the capital that same night.
11:19Back in the village.
11:21My neighbor Martha looked at me in surprise.
11:23Saren Child, why are you back?
11:26Didn't you go to the capital for a good life with your husband?
11:29He has a fiancé, and I don't want to be his mistress, so I came back.
11:33Too right! Being a mistress is awful!
11:37Good to be home!
11:39See? Even the village women understand this truth.
11:42Why couldn't Dorian?
11:44I stuffed the bag of coins under my bed and went back to my daily routine of gabbing herbs and
11:48tending patients.
11:49In the first few days after returning, I began having strange dreams.
11:53In the dream there was a forest, and at its center stood a giant tree whose crown touched the sky.
11:59Between its branches flowed a silver-blue light.
12:01On the tree's limbs were built treehouses, with warm golden light in their windows.
12:06Rope bridges and spiral staircases connected them all the way to the highest canopy.
12:10A woman stood before the great tree, reaching out to me.
12:13She wore a silver robe, and starlight swirled in her pupils.
12:17She said,
12:18Come back, child.
12:23I always woke just before she could touch me.
12:26My heart raced, but the dream faded like water through my fingers, leaving only a faint impression.
12:31Luna lay by my bed, rubbing her head against my hand.
12:35I touched her ear and whispered to myself,
12:38Just a dream.
12:39Luna was always with me, pure white.
12:41The sheep my mother had left me.
12:43Mother said she was special and her milk could aid healing.
12:47When I went out to gather herbs, she followed me.
12:49When I prepared remedies, she lay on the threshold and napped.
12:52It was strange, but I could always find the rarest herbs.
12:56The mullein that others searched three days for, I would spot at my feet in the forest.
13:00The villagers said I had the blessing of the forest spirit.
13:03I thought it was just luck.
13:05Once, while crossing a valley where wolves often roamed, I came face to face with a gray wolf.
13:11Instinctively, I crouched and reached out my hand.
13:13The wolf stared at me for a few seconds, then whined, lowered its head, and ran off.
13:19Luna bleated proudly.
13:20I patted her head.
13:22You're quite brave.
13:26Two months passed.
13:28I only rarely thought of Dorian now, and when I did, my heart no longer hurt as much.
13:33I thought I might find a new husband.
13:35My mother died early.
13:37For years I had been alone.
13:39All I ever wanted was to find a partner and make a family.
13:42I took two silver coins from the bag and decided to go to the next village to seek a matchmaker's
13:47help.
13:47The matchmaker lived far, over a mountain.
13:50I tucked two black loaves into my pocket, strapped on my herb basket I could gather on the way, and
13:56set off.
13:56Halfway up the mountain, I felt uneasy.
13:59When I reached the stream, a wind carried the strong smell of rust.
14:03I followed the scent and found a man lying by the water.
14:08He was covered in wounds, unconscious.
14:11His injuries were far worse than Dorian's.
14:14Cuts all over.
14:14The stream stained red with blood.
14:16I fought the urge to check on him, force myself to look away, and kept walking.
14:21No more picking up strangers.
14:23Hadn't I learned my lesson?
14:25I was a healer, I couldn't let someone die.
14:28I crouched, heaved him onto my back.
14:30He was heavy.
14:32I gritted my teeth.
14:33One night, if you're not awake by morning I'll throw you back into the mountains.
14:37Once home, I saw how bad his wounds were.
14:40Hardly a patch of unbroken skin.
14:42The worst was an arrow wound near his heart, half an inch lower and he would have been dead.
14:47Luna came over, sniffed him, and whined.
14:50She rubbed her head against his arm.
14:52Maybe her milk would help.
14:54I fetched clean water, carefully washed his wounds, applied the ointment my mother had left, and spooned a few mouthfuls
15:00of warm sheep's milk into him.
15:01While cleaning him, my fingers accidentally touched the deepest wound on his chest.
15:05He shuddered, and the wound's edge visibly began to close.
15:09I felt heat in my fingertips.
15:11It was as if some force was pulling the edges together.
15:14Luna bleated and lay down beside him, refusing to move.
15:18The rest was up to fate.
15:19Just before dawn, the man woke.
15:22The moment he opened his eyes, they were sharp as knives, like a wounded beast.
15:26His gaze locked on me, full of suspicion and killing intent.
15:32Who are you?
15:33Where is this?
15:34I rubbed my head at the familiar question.
15:37Do you remember who you are?
15:38His expression didn't change, but I felt an inexplicable pressure.
15:42What do you want?
15:44So he did remember who he was.
15:46Good.
15:47No amnesia.
15:48I exhaled in relief.
15:49You were hurt.
15:50I was afraid you'd die by the stream, so I brought you to here to heal.
15:54Now that you're awake, leave once you can walk.
15:58I have my own affairs, and I can't keep you long.
16:01He looked down at his bandaged wound.
16:03His guard remained high, but the killing intent had lessened.
16:07You bandaged me?
16:08Who else?
16:11Call me Ash.
16:12Once I recover, I'll repay you for saving my life.
16:15I didn't want repayment.
16:17I just wanted him gone quickly.
16:19But things didn't go as planned.
16:23On the third night, as I was about to blow out the lamp and sleep, a hand covered my mouth.
16:28Before I could struggle, Ash's low voice whispered,
16:31Don't make a sound.
16:33Someone's outside.
16:34In the moonlight, his ears seemed to twitch slightly, as if tracking the faintest footsteps.
16:39He pulled me behind a cabinet, a knife already in his hand.
16:42The men outside moved.
16:44The door was silently forced open, and a dark figure slashed out the bed.
16:48Finding it empty, he turned and swung at the cabinet.
16:51Ash raised his arm to block the blow.
16:53In that instant, a silver light flared around him, and behind him appeared the phantom of
16:57a huge wolf, its green eyes locked on the enemy alongside his own.
17:01After about a quarter of an hour, the cabinet door opened from outside.
17:05Under the moonlight, Ash's already sharp face was streaked with blood, giving him a wild,
17:09otherworldly beauty.
17:11He reached out a hand to me.
17:13Come out.
17:14They're dealt with.
17:16The air was thick with the smell of blood.
17:18I looked at the motionless bodies on the ground.
17:21My stomach churned, and I bent over dry heaving.
17:24They were my enemies.
17:26It won't happen again.
17:27I didn't answer.
17:29I dragged my exhausted body to the bed.
17:32Clean the floor before you sleep.
17:38After that, nothing similar happened.
17:41But a black raven began to visit my home often, entirely black, with a broad wingspan, and
17:46something always tied to its leg.
17:48It never landed anywhere but near Ash.
17:50I'd heard of such birds, they carried messages.
17:53Ash must have been in contact with his people.
17:55So I asked him when he would leave.
17:58He gave me a pouch of gold coins and said he needed to stay a while longer.
18:01I looked at the coins and thought for a moment.
18:04You can stay, but you have to help with the work.
18:06Gathering herbs, drying them, chopping wood.
18:09He smiled, the first smile I had seen on him in days, and said,
18:12All right.
18:13He settled in with me for now, much like Dorian had.
18:16I went up the mountain to gather herbs and tender patience, while he stayed home to tidy
18:20up and dry the herbs.
18:21Only, he didn't need to do odd jobs for money, and I didn't dare lose my heart again.
18:26My instincts told me this man was far more dangerous than Dorian.
18:29Still, Ash was an excellent cook.
18:32He made anything taste good.
18:34One day, he used a spice I didn't recognize in a stew.
18:37I asked what it was, and he said bay leaves.
18:40I was puzzled.
18:42I had never planted bay.
18:43Later, I found a small bay sapling growing in the corner of the yard, though I was certain
18:48nothing had been there before.
18:49I crouched down and touched its leaves.
18:52The tiny seedling seemed to receive an infusion of life.
18:55Within moments, it shot up a hand's length.
18:57Pale white light patterns appeared on the leaves.
18:59Flowing along the veins.
19:01I pulled my hand back in fright.
19:06During the time Ash stayed, he always had a meal ready when I came home.
19:10He would slip two flatbreads into my pocket before I left, and I would give him the biggest
19:14piece of meat at dinner.
19:16We grew more comfortable with each other.
19:18Sometimes I thought it wouldn't be so bad to go on like this.
19:21But he would have to leave eventually.
19:23The matchmaker had news.
19:25In the next village lived a hunter whose wife had recently died.
19:29He wanted to remarry.
19:30He didn't mind that I had been married before, and asked if I'd meet him.
19:34I thought about it.
19:35Why not?
19:36I couldn't stay alone forever.
19:38When Ash learned of it, he was sharpening his knife in the yard.
19:41He paused, and the blade scraped against the stone with a screech.
19:45You're really going?
19:47Yes.
19:48I went inside.
19:50When will you leave?
19:51He didn't answer.
19:53He threw down the knife and went into his room.
19:55I walked along the stream toward the next village.
19:58The hunter's house wasn't far.
20:00When he saw me, he grinned.
20:02So you're Saren?
20:03Not bad looking?
20:05I frowned.
20:08My wife died young.
20:09A misfortune.
20:10If you marry me, you just cook and wash for me every day.
20:14Nothing else to worry about.
20:16I didn't want to stay.
20:18We're not a good match.
20:20He got anxious and blocked my way.
20:22You've been married before.
20:24I didn't mind you.
20:25And now you're turning me down?
20:27Before he finished speaking, he reached for my arm.
20:30A blade pressed against his throat.
20:32Don't touch her with your filthy hands.
20:35It was Ash.
20:36Who are you?
20:38Ash gave him a cold look and pulled me away.
20:41I looked at my wrist in his grip.
20:43Why did you come?
20:45To see what kind of man you'd marry.
20:48I wasn't going to marry him.
20:50Then, why did you come?
20:53He stopped walking and took out a dark silver pendant from his chest.
20:56A crescent moon.
20:57Ancient looking.
20:58Cool to the touch.
20:59Saren.
21:00I have to go.
21:03Take this.
21:05When I've had my revenge, I'll come back for you.
21:08Revenge.
21:08He was silent for a moment.
21:10Then his eyes darkened.
21:12The vampires invaded our wolf lands and killed many of my people.
21:16This war.
21:17Either they die or we do.
21:19Don't worry.
21:21The human prophecy protects you.
21:23No one will harm you.
21:24In the moonlight, his pupils narrowed to slits, and his canines showed briefly, then disappeared.
21:30I wanted to ask more, but he had already turned and walked into the night.
21:37Ash left.
21:38The pendant looked too valuable, and I didn't take it.
21:41But a week later, while cleaning the house, I found it again in the bag of gold coins under my
21:46bed, along with two more pouches of gold and a note.
21:49The note had just three words, wait for me.
21:51I folded the note back into the bag.
21:54I held the pendant for a long time.
21:56In the moonlight, the silver crescent glowed faintly, as if alive.
22:00Life went on as usual.
22:02Herbs to pick, patients to see, the stove to light.
22:05But at meals, there was only one set of cutlery again.
22:09Luna lay on the threshold, occasionally bleeding as if asking, where's that man?
22:13When winter came, mountain herbs grew scarcer.
22:16Yet each time I went out, I would run into a fine plant on my usual path, as if waiting
22:21for me.
22:22Once I was certain the path had been bare the day before, but overnight a clump of silver thread grass
22:27had sprouted from a crack.
22:30Child, you true are blessed by the forest spirit.
22:33I smiled, but in my heart I felt something was off.
22:37A month later, news of war came.
22:40I went to the town storyteller to ask,
22:42Fighting in the north, I hear.
22:44Indeed!
22:46Wolves and Vampines have been at it for hundreds of years.
22:49This time, the Wolvles have a young king named Lucian.
22:53He swore to drive the Vampines out of the north and take back the wolves' land.
22:58And who's winning?
23:03The wolves, they say.
23:05The old vampire nobles are no good at fighting, though they have money.
23:09But this wolf king is determined.
23:11He's pushed all the way into vampire territory.
23:14Someone else chimed in.
23:16But vampires have magic, don't they?
23:18The storyteller shook his head.
23:19Magic can't match wolf claws.
23:21And the vampires aren't united.
23:23You know the Blood Moon family?
23:24One strong, but centuries ago one of their ancestors lost control.
23:29Drink human blood.
23:30Killed a human.
23:31That broke the prophet's curse, and that branch has been greatly weakened.
23:35Now all they have are mines and gold, useless in war.
23:38My heart stirred.
23:39The Blood Moon family.
23:41Dorian's family.
23:42I raised my clay cup and took a sip.
23:45Saying nothing.
23:46After war talk, the storyteller changed the subject to private matters.
23:50They say he still hasn't married, not even a woman by his side.
23:53Maybe he's got some ailment?
23:57You don't know.
23:59I have a distant relative in the capital who serves in the palace.
24:04And he says the king already has someone in his heart.
24:10Who?
24:10What kind of woman?
24:14A healer, they say.
24:17A village medic from a smill hamlet.
24:20Another jeer.
24:21Why would a king want a herb gatherer?
24:25Ah, you don't understand.
24:28She can bring the dying back to life.
24:31My clay cup slipped, spilling its contents down my front.
24:35I brushed off my clothes and hurried out of the inn.
24:37There were still herbs to gather today.
24:40While gathering herbs, I cut my hand.
24:42That night, after applying ointment, I sat by the window.
24:46Moonlight fell on my hand,
24:47and the skin around the wound glowed faintly with a pale green light.
24:51The cut healed before my eyes.
24:53I reached up and touched the small, leaf-shaped birthmark on my upper ear.
24:56My mother said it was our people's mark.
24:58That night, the first snow of the year fell.
25:01Saren!
25:02Saren!
25:03Come quick!
25:04Come see!
25:09I walked out into the snow and saw a troop of riders at the village entrance.
25:13The wind was strong, and the banner flapped and curled.
25:16The villagers all hid inside their homes.
25:18I started back to, my hand instinctively going to the cleaver at my waist.
25:22The troop came closer.
25:24They stopped right in front of my yard.
25:26The man at the head, in a black cloak.
25:29He pushed open my gate and walked in through the snow.
25:31One step, two deep and heavy prints.
25:35He stopped before me and pushed back the hood of his cloak.
25:37In the wind and snow, his face was thinner than it had been half a year ago, the lines deeper.
25:42I slowly loosened my grip on the cleaver, my voice trembling.
25:46You!
25:47Before I could finish, he pulled me into his arms.
25:50His chin rested on my head, his voice muffled.
25:52I'm home.
25:53Luna bleated from the threshold, wagging her tail and rubbing against his leg.
25:59I had guessed right.
26:01He was the Wolf King.
26:03The war god they called the Wolf of the North stood before me now, still holding two flatbreads.
26:07He had pressed them into my hand as he came through the door, still warm.
26:11He reached out and touched the pendant hanging around my neck, his nostrils flaring slightly
26:15as if checking something, and the corner of his mouth lifted.
26:18You're wearing it?
26:19I didn't answer.
26:20I looked him in the eyes.
26:22Are you the Wolf King?
26:24Yes, Lucian.
26:27What?
26:29My real name, Lucian.
26:32The war lasted half a year, all that time.
26:36I missed you terribly.
26:38Will you come with me?
26:40No.
26:41He hadn't expected that.
26:43Surprised.
26:44What?
26:46No.
26:47Why?
26:48I won't be a mistress.
26:50I'm asking you to be my queen.
26:54But...
26:55He was silent.
26:56After a long moment...
26:58You don't want to marry me.
27:03No, though I hated to admit it.
27:05I had fallen for him again.
27:07I did love Ash.
27:08But Ash wasn't Lucian.
27:10Lucian was a king.
27:12I remembered what Lady Blood Moon had said to me.
27:14You are the Wolf King.
27:16And now you have united this land.
27:20Your queen should be of noble birth.
27:22So you can support each other in marriage.
27:25He laughed.
27:26A bold, confident laugh.
27:28Nonsense.
27:30I won this land with my own sword.
27:33Not through marriage alliances.
27:36But...
27:37I don't want to live in a palace.
27:41No one would pick my herbs.
27:44No one would see my patients.
27:46After a long while, he turned and left.
27:49I thought he had gone for good.
27:51But the next morning, when I opened the door, I saw soldiers busy in my yard, moving tables,
27:56weeding, chopping wood, building a pavilion.
27:59They had even brought a whole cart of herbs, neatly stacked.
28:02I was dumbfounded.
28:04I grabbed a young soldier.
28:06Maybe 15.
28:07What are you doing?
28:11Your...
28:11Your majesty, the queen.
28:14His majesty says he will live here from now on.
28:18And told us to fix up the yard.
28:22He also said to build an extra room for a dispensary.
28:25Where is Lucian now?
28:28At the inn in town.
28:30When I arrived, Lucian was reviewing documents.
28:33The guards must have been told in advance.
28:35For no one stopped me.
28:37Seren.
28:38You're here.
28:39What do you mean by this?
28:43After I left yesterday, I thought all night.
28:46Since you won't come to the palace, I'll have to come live with you.
28:50I've already started building the dispensary.
28:52What kind would you like?
28:53I looked at his roguish expression and gritted my teeth.
28:56My humble hut can't hold a great man like you.
29:01It's all right.
29:03Wherever Seren likes, I like.
29:05He truly moved in again.
29:07He slept in the same bed where he'd recovered.
29:09Sometimes made me the meals he used to make.
29:11Spent his days reviewing reports and practicing swordsmanship.
29:14In the evenings, he clumsily helped me sort herbs, doing his best.
29:19The black raven began visiting frequently again.
29:22Every time I frowned and urged him to go back to his palace,
29:25the next meal would include a dish he'd cooked himself.
29:27After a few times.
29:28It felt like I was only trying to drive him away for the sake of the food.
29:32I stopped asking him to leave.
29:34If he wanted to stay, let him stay.
29:39One incident happened during this time.
29:42I was out gathering herbs as usual when my neighbor Martha came running.
29:45Seren, quick, come home!
29:47See who's here!
29:49I followed her back.
29:50It was Dorian.
29:52He knelt in my yard, before Lucian.
29:54His head hung low, his spine sagging, a far cry from the elegant noble he once was.
30:00Luna stood to the side, bleeding at him unpleasantly.
30:03I heard him say,
30:04Please, your majesty.
30:06Spare the Blood Moon family.
30:09We will give you the Blood Crystal Mines.
30:11Of course I want the Mines.
30:15But you have to ask someone besides me.
30:21Seren!
30:23Why don't you come in?
30:24Dorian looked up at the voice and his body jolted.
30:28Seren!
30:30Your majesty!
30:31I looked at him.
30:32In just one year, his eyes were no longer clear, and he had grown terribly thin.
30:36What's going on?
30:38He brushed his stray hair from my forehead.
30:41Dorian flinched.
30:42Lucian's lips curled.
30:44The vampires fought me for years.
30:47Now they've lost.
30:48And he comes to beg for mercy.
30:51I looked at Dorian, his head bowed, his whole body shaking.
30:55What do you plan to do with the Blood Moon family?
30:59By law, death.
31:03Then, execute them.
31:06Dorian's head snapped up.
31:07Seren!
31:08We were one husband and wife!
31:11How can you be so heartless?
31:14I looked at him and found it almost funny.
31:17Dorian, I saved your life.
31:19And you took me to the capital just to humiliate me.
31:23How ridiculous.
31:25His lips trembled.
31:26I didn't.
31:27That was all to appease my mother.
31:31I already broke off the engagement with the Crimson's.
31:34I wanted to marry you.
31:36It doesn't matter anymore.
31:39What you did doesn't matter to me.
31:41Do as you see fit.
31:43Lucian, however, seemed in good spirits.
31:46He personally helped Dorian to his feet.
31:48The Blood Moon family, though thou defeated, has offered their minds a contribution.
31:54Lucian, I'll spare their lives and exile them to the Western border.
32:00Thank you, your majesty.
32:02The West is hard, but you'll live.
32:05I knew he was doing it for my sake.
32:10That evening, Lucian cooked a whole table of dishes.
32:13I sat watching him, remembering how last winter he had stood by the same stove, turning sour wild fruit into
32:18jam.
32:19What are you looking at?
32:21At you.
32:23You look better cooking than holding a sword.
32:26Then I'll cook for you.
32:27Every day.
32:28Aren't you also a king?
32:32Kings have to eat, too.
32:34He put a piece of stewed meat on my plate.
32:37Taste it.
32:38I braised it half an hour longer today.
32:40Looking at the meat in my bowl, I finally couldn't help it.
32:44Lucian, yes.
32:45Can your queen continue gathering herbs?
32:48Can she still see patience?
32:50He paused for a heartbeat, then his eyes lit up with surprise.
32:54Yes.
32:55You can keep gathering herbs, and you can keep seeing patience.
32:58Keep doing what you love.
33:00I'll be with you.
33:01I saw nothing but joy in his eyes.
33:04He looked at me and kissed me.
33:05The night grew light the moment our lips met.
33:08His tongue entered, and I clutched his hand.
33:11My fingertips trembling.
33:13Our breathing grew tangled.
33:14I couldn't tell whose was hotter.
33:16He put one hand on my waist, pulled me onto him, and with the other touched my neck, his
33:21thumb stroking my pulse.
33:22I let out a faint whimper that he swallowed.
33:25The night-like water swallowed every sound, leaving only intertwined breaths and the soft
33:29rustle of cloth.
33:35On the day of the full moon, I dug out the packet of moon shadow seeds from the bottom
33:40of my medicine chest, the seeds my mother had left me.
33:43Somehow, the cloth bag had torn a little, and a few seeds had scattered onto the windowsill.
33:48Moonlight streamed through the window and fell on those seeds.
33:51And then, they bloomed.
33:53Silver-white petals opened in the moonlight, one after another, like stars falling onto
33:58my windowsill.
33:59A cool, sweet fragrance filled the air, seeping into my skin, into my bones.
34:04My body began to glow.
34:06The small cartilage at the top of my ear had grown into a sharp point.
34:09I touched it, then ran to look in the mirror.
34:12My face was the same, but deep in my pupils a point of silver light swirled, like two tiny
34:17moons.
34:21A stag of white gold, phantom-like, bent its forelegs and bowed its head to me.
34:26A voice spoke in my ear, my mother's voice.
34:29Seren, last blood of the moon shadow elves.
34:33Your true name is Seren Moonshadow.
34:36When you remember who you are, return to the silver moon forest.
34:40Lucian pushed open the door and saw the silver light filling the room in my pointed ears.
34:44He froze.
34:46Then he smiled.
34:47So my queen is an elven princess.
34:50You... you knew?
34:52I guessed.
34:53Then why didn't you tell me?
34:55Because it doesn't matter who you are.
34:57You are Seren.
35:00That's enough.
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