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00:00I died on a snowy night. I lay in an abandoned stone room, shivering under a stinking blanket.
00:06In the distance, music and howling drifted from the Great Hall, the wedding ceremony of Al Cadorian.
00:12But I, his former Luna, couldn't even beg for a single bullet blocker.
00:17If there is another life, my consciousness began to fade.
00:21Then, when my eyes snapped open, I saw my handmaiden Cora leaning her face close.
00:28Nia! You're awake!
00:30She smiled and handed me a cup of warm tea.
00:32Alpha sent this himself. He said your morning sickness has been bad. He wants you to rest.
00:38I touched my flat stomach. This was... Caleb? My first child, the one who had died so tragically early?
00:45What day is it? Fourth day after the Moonrise Festival. Your sister Alara is coming to see you today.
00:56I grew up in love with her at first sight. And it changed my life forever.
00:59After that day, he started pulling away.
01:02And then Caleb fell off because I was publicly rejected by Dorian.
01:05But in this life, he is still here, growing safely inside my body.
01:09In my last life, I hated that day.
01:12I hated Alara for stealing my mate and my heartless Alpha.
01:15This life...
01:16Help me get ready. Nothing fancy. Keep it simple.
01:20When Alara arrived, I was in the backyard trimming the branches of the moonflowers.
01:25She called out with a bright smile,
01:27Nia!
01:28In my last life, I was consumed by jealousy over her beauty.
01:32Looking at her now, my thoughts changed.
01:35She was indeed beautiful. Breathtakingly so.
01:37But what about it?
01:39Alara.
01:40I said with a faint smile, not bothering to stand up to greet her.
01:44Alara seemed a bit surprised by my coldness, but she quickly smiled again.
01:49I heard you're expecting. Parents are absolutely thrilled.
01:53They asked me to bring you some moon-infused tonic.
01:57I had Cora take it. Gave a polite thank you, but didn't say much else.
02:02Are you not feeling well today, Nia? Is the pregnancy making you uncomfortable?
02:07Just a bit tired.
02:09You've traveled a long way. Why don't you have some tea in the Great Hall?
02:12I'll join you after changing my clothes.
02:15I intentionally dragged out time, staying in my bedroom for another half an hour.
02:20Nina, aren't you going to the Great Hall? Alada should be here soon.
02:24Let her wait. She won't mind.
02:26In my past life, I couldn't wait to show Alara how much Dorian loved me,
02:30so I had deliberately planned for her to arrive right before he returned to the packhouse.
02:34But now, I only wanted to avoid this fated encounter entirely.
02:38Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
02:42By the time I walked into the Great Hall, Dorian was already sitting next to Alara.
02:46Dorian was laughing, and Alara was looking down with a shy smile.
02:49They were deep in conversation.
02:50The look in his eyes, I knew it too well.
02:52That instinctive, that's my mate's feeling.
02:54He waved me over.
02:56Niaia, your sister is amazing.
02:58We were just talking about pack history.
03:00She knows more than some of my elders.
03:03You're too kind.
03:04I stood at the door and watched.
03:06Last life, my heart would have shattered.
03:08I would have cried, made a scene, demanded to know why,
03:10and he would have rejected me even faster.
03:13But this life, she's very talented.
03:15I said calmly,
03:16I'm not feeling well. I'm going back to rest.
03:18You two go ahead.
03:19Dorian glanced at me, surprised for a second,
03:21but his gaze quickly returned to Alara.
03:24Get some rest.
03:25I turned and walked away without looking back.
03:29In the following weeks,
03:30Dorian found more and more reasons to visit Alara's family territory.
03:34I focused entirely on my pregnancy,
03:36never bothering to ask about his whereabouts.
03:39How are you?
03:40Sometimes he came by my room for a minute,
03:42asked, I nodded, smiled, had tea with him,
03:45then let him leave.
03:46I didn't try to please him anymore like I did last life.
03:50Nia, aren't you worried?
03:52He hasn't come in five days.
03:54Everyone says he's going to marry Alara.
03:57You're his Luna.
03:58I kept sowing.
04:00So what?
04:01If he wants to reject me, can I stop him?
04:04Cora opened her mouth, then said nothing.
04:06She knew I was right.
04:07Alara would move into the pack house,
04:09and she would become the true Luna.
04:11I would be pushed into her shadow forever.
04:14I used every cruel scheme imaginable
04:16to fight her for Alpha's affection.
04:18In the end, I destroyed myself and Caleb.
04:21This life, I decided to let go.
04:23Three months later, Dorian came.
04:25I knew what he wanted to say.
04:27Nia.
04:29I need to tell you something.
04:32Nia, you know that Alara...
04:35I understand.
04:37Alara has the beauty and wisdom to be a true Luna.
04:39It is only right.
04:40I will keep to my place and won't make things difficult for you.
04:43Dorian blinked, clearly not expecting me to be so reasonable.
04:47You are always so understanding.
04:49Understanding?
04:50I had heard those words a thousand times.
04:53A Luna must be understanding.
04:55A mate must be understanding.
04:56A woman must be understanding.
04:57But what did being understanding get me?
05:00A frozen corpse under a ragged blanket in an abandoned stone room.
05:06Dorian, I have a request.
05:10Name it.
05:11I want to move to the hunting house on the West Ed.
05:14It's quiet.
05:15Good for the pregnancy.
05:17That's far from the castle.
05:18You're carrying a pup.
05:19The doctor said my pregnancy is perfectly stable, so it's no trouble.
05:23Besides, once Alara moves here, the pack house will be chaotic.
05:26I just want to avoid the noise.
05:29Ultimately, he agreed.
05:32Caleb was born on a thunderstorm night.
05:35When his first wail rang out, I burst into tears.
05:38His early death last life was my lifelong agony.
05:42This life, I swore to the moon goddess that no one would ever harm him.
05:46A healthy little baby.
05:48The midwife laughed and placed Caleb in my arms.
05:50I carefully took it over, looking at the rosy little face in my arms,
05:54my heart full of tenderloin.
05:56This is my son, the most important person in my life.
06:01Dorian showed up three days later.
06:03He was grinning widely, cradling Caleb like a proud boy.
06:07Nia, you have given me a magnificent son.
06:10The pack elders are thrilled.
06:12I name him Caleb.
06:14I smiled weakly.
06:15Thanks.
06:16Alara is happy too, and she sent some tonics for you.
06:20I sneered.
06:21Of course she was happy.
06:22She was thrilled to have me tucked away in this hunting lodge.
06:25Safely out of the way of her and Dorian's loving life.
06:28Last life, I hated her to the bone for her, but now it was exactly what I desired.
06:33Dorian, I want to continue living here.
06:36The environment is peaceful, which is perfect for Caleb to grow up in.
06:41And I don't want to disturb you and Alita.
06:43Dorian froze, looking at me with a sudden flash of guilt.
06:48This place is too remote.
06:51Caleb is the Alpha's firstborn.
06:52He should grow up in the castle.
06:54He'll grow up fine.
06:55It's peaceful here.
06:57No fighting.
06:58No politics.
07:00He can just be a normal child.
07:02Nia, what happened to you?
07:04You weren't like this before.
07:06You used to fight, compete, and get angry.
07:11I'm tired, Dorian.
07:12That was the truth.
07:13Last life, I fought and competed my whole life.
07:16In the end, I couldn't even keep my own son safe.
07:19Alara's waiting for you.
07:21I don't want to disturb your life.
07:23He hesitated, then handed Caleb back and left.
07:28Cora came over, saying carefully,
07:30Nia, are you sure?
07:32If Alara becomes Luna, she might...
07:35Might bully me?
07:37Cora, look at the moonflowers in this yard.
07:40They don't fight for sunlight.
07:41Cora nodded, though she didn't really understand.
07:45This year, Caleb was six years old.
07:47Same as in the last life.
07:49Alara became Luna.
07:51And me, I was just Nia.
07:53The former Luna.
07:54The rejected woman.
07:55No title, no status, only a set of remote chambers.
07:59Caleb sat at a small table writing in the wolf rooms.
08:02I sat by the window sewing a small cloak.
08:06Mom, why does Serafina always say such mean things to Luna Lhasa?
08:10Serafina was the general's high-born daughter.
08:12Also, one of the women Dorian sometimes called for.
08:15Because they both want your father's attention.
08:18What about you?
08:20Do you want his attention, too?
08:22I put down the needle and looked at him.
08:24No, Caleb.
08:25I have you.
08:26That's enough.
08:28Last time, after Caleb died, I became a madwoman.
08:31I hurt so many people.
08:32I destroyed myself, too.
08:34This life, I just wanted him to grow up safe.
08:37Dorian almost never came to my chambers.
08:39But one day, Dorian walked in.
08:41He glanced at Caleb.
08:42How are your studies?
08:44I'm learning the pack laws.
08:46Your rooms are so quiet.
08:48I love this way.
08:49Dorian stared at me for a long time.
08:51Nia, do you hate me?
08:54My heart jumped.
08:55I wouldn't dare.
08:56Is it wouldn't dare or don't hate?
08:58Ever since we came here, you've avoided me like the plague.
09:01If I don't come to you, you never come to me.
09:02Back in the pack, you used to smile at me.
09:04Now, you won't even look at me.
09:06People change, Dorian.
09:08Right now, I just want to raise Caleb and be left alone.
09:10Dorian's expression grew complicated.
09:13Fine.
09:13I'll come see Caleb another day.
09:15Tomorrow, Ellara is holding a dinner in the castle grounds.
09:17Come and stay cooped up here.
09:19As you wish.
09:21In the castle's moon garden, long tables and chairs are set.
09:25Nobles are already seated.
09:26For the dinner, I chose the plainest dress,
09:29silver-gray with only a few moonflowers pinned in my hair.
09:32I didn't want to outshine anyone.
09:34I didn't want to be noticed.
09:37Mom?
09:37You look pretty today.
09:40Caleb, remember what I told you.
09:42Tell me whatever you see or hear tonight later.
09:44Don't speak up.
09:45He nodded obediently.
09:46Okay, Mom.
09:46I took his hand and walked into the garden.
09:48Ellara sat in the center.
09:50She looked beautiful, but tired.
09:52The makeup covered it well.
09:53Nia has arrived.
09:54Sit next to me.
09:55I did as instructed.
09:56Serafina made a small sound.
10:00Ellara, you are so kind to the former Luna.
10:03I heard the insult.
10:05She meant to remind everyone.
10:06I was the one who got rejected.
10:08Nia is my sister.
10:10She gave Alpha his first son.
10:12Of course I care for her.
10:15So what if he's firstborn?
10:17He's not born of a Luna.
10:19I drank my tea and said nothing.
10:23The dinner continues.
10:26Dancers are performing and the wolves talk and drink.
10:29Serafina, seeing I wouldn't take the bait, turned her attack back to Ellara.
10:33Luna, I heard the Alpha is selecting new companions.
10:35In a few months, the castle will be even livelier.
10:39You're well informed.
10:41I was just thinking.
10:43Maybe Alpha would be pleased to see more children around.
10:47As clever as the Alpha's firstborn.
10:50Speaking of which, I haven't congratulated you yet, Lady Serafina.
10:53I heard you had a new moon goddess statue brought to your chambers.
10:58One day I'll come to see and pray.
11:00After all, whose child the Alpha will carry?
11:04That's up to the moon goddess, isn't it?
11:07Serafina's face went pale.
11:08She understood perfectly.
11:10She'd been the Alpha's companion for three years, and her belly was still empty.
11:17I took a slow sip of tea.
11:21Yes.
11:22Her mouth opened and closed.
11:24A few people nearby were trying not to smile.
11:27Serafina shot me a hateful look and fell silent.
11:30Halfway through the dinner, the steward's voice rang out.
11:34The Alpha King arrives!
11:36Dorian walked in, but he wasn't alone.
11:39Behind him followed a young Omega I had never seen before.
11:42She wore a pale yellow dress, only a few pearls in her hair.
11:46Standing beside Dorian, she looked like a fresh moonflower.
11:49Pure, queen, and young.
11:51Everyone felt quiet.
11:53I looked at Alera.
11:54Her fingers gripped the armrest of her chair, knuckles white.
11:58Serafina's fan almost snapped in her grip.
12:00Dorian personally led the woman to her seat.
12:03That seat, right next to Serafina.
12:05The corner of Serafina's mouth twitched.
12:08This is Sable.
12:09No explanation of who she was.
12:11But everyone understood.
12:12This was the Alpha's new favorite.
12:14Serafina suddenly stood.
12:17Alpha!
12:18I recently learned a new piece.
12:20May I play it for you and everyone?
12:22Dorian nodded absently.
12:23Serafina had a heart brought and played.
12:25Her skill was decent, but the timing was desperate.
12:28When she finished, Dorian said a flat,
12:31Not bad.
12:32Then turned back to whisper to Sable.
12:34Serafina's smile froze.
12:36Sable, I hear you're very talented.
12:39Won't you play something for us?
12:41I'm not skilled enough to perform after Serafina.
12:44No need to be modest.
12:45The Alpha is always praising you.
12:48Tonight is the full moon.
12:49Let everyone enjoy your talent.
12:51Then I'll embarrass myself.
12:53She didn't choose the harp.
12:54She asked for a silver flute.
12:56The moment the flute sounded, the entire garden went quiet.
12:59I had never heard that piece before.
13:01Pure, soaring, like moonlight pouring over a lake.
13:05Dorian's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
13:07Alara's face was white as paper.
13:09The music ended.
13:10Dorian clapped first.
13:13Beautiful.
13:14Sable, I'll send you a pair of moonstone bracelets from my collection.
13:19Moonstone bracelets.
13:20Last time, Dorian gave them to Alara.
13:23Serafina shot to her feet.
13:25Alpha, I'm not feeling well.
13:27I'll take my leave.
13:28She stormed off before Dorian could respond.
13:30Her long dress swept across a goblet, spilling wine all over the table.
13:34The mood turned sour.
13:36Alara forced a few words to smooth things over, and the dinner limped along.
13:41But everyone could see she was barely holding on.
13:44It was late by the time we got back to my chambers.
13:47Nia, Lady Serafina really humiliated herself today.
13:51The more she acts like that, the more the Alpha will despise her.
13:56But the Alpha is so generous to Sable.
13:58Cora, go to sleep.
13:59Tomorrow is another day.
14:01Cora held back, then left.
14:03I sat by the window and looked at the moon.
14:06Sure enough, word came in a few days.
14:08Serafina was confined to her chamber in a month to disrespect Alpha.
14:12A month, plenty of time for Sable to settle into the castle.
14:15Summer faded into autumn.
14:17Alara grew worse.
14:18Alpha hadn't visited her in a long time.
14:21The next day, I went to Alara's room.
14:23When I opened the door, I almost didn't recognize her.
14:26The once radiant Luna was now a skeleton of skin.
14:29Dark circles under her eyes, pale lips, hair tangled on the floor.
14:34Last life, I would have wished Alara dead.
14:37This life, watching her fall apart.
14:39I felt something I didn't expect.
14:41Almost pity.
14:46Nia, sit down.
14:47I curtsied and sat by her bed.
14:49Are you alright?
14:50Alright?
14:51How could I be?
14:53Dorian hasn't set foot here for two months.
14:55All he sees is that Sable.
14:56I gave him everything.
14:58And this is how he treats me.
15:01The Alpha is just distracted by something new.
15:05No.
15:06I know him.
15:08Once his heart turns, it never comes back.
15:11Nia, do something for me.
15:14What?
15:16I want to see Sable.
15:18Alone.
15:20After leaving Alara, I went straight to Sable's rooms.
15:22Sable was surprised to see me.
15:24Nia?
15:25What brings you here?
15:26Only a few months in the castle, Sable had already lost her girlish shyness.
15:31I came to deliver a message from Luna.
15:33She wants to see you alone.
15:34Tomorrow at noon.
15:35In her garden.
15:36Whether you go or not, that's up to you.
15:38I deliver the message.
15:40The rest was their business.
15:41As I walked out of her room, Cora whispered,
15:44Nia, why are you helping Alara with this?
15:46What if something goes wrong?
15:47He's my sister.
15:48And besides, I want to see what Sable will do.
15:52In the garden, Alara sits at a stone table.
15:55Sable approaches from a distance, hesitates, then keeps walking.
15:59I didn't go.
16:00But I sent Cora to find out what happened.
16:03Caleb came back from his lessons at that time.
16:06Mom, why doesn't father love Luna Elsa anymore?
16:09Who told you that?
16:11Everyone in the castle is talking about it.
16:14Cora ran back, face pale.
16:17Nia!
16:18Something happened!
16:21Tell me.
16:22Luna Lelta and Sable met in the garden.
16:24I don't know what was said, but Luna Lelta suddenly collapsed.
16:28Everyone in the castle is saying Sable hurt her.
16:30I put down my sewing and stood up.
16:33Did they call a healer?
16:34Yes!
16:35I closed my eyes, just like the last life.
16:38Something went wrong again.
16:39Only this time, I wasn't the one caught in the storm.
16:44I arrived at Alara's chambers to find chaos.
16:48Alara lay unconscious on the stone bench in her garden.
16:51Sable was desperately pressing her wrist.
16:54What happened?
16:56Nia!
16:56Luna Lelta collapsed!
16:58I...
17:00Enough!
17:01Call a healer.
17:03I cut her off and signaled Cora to help carry Alara inside.
17:06Sable hesitated.
17:08Should I leave?
17:11I gave her a long look.
17:13What do you think?
17:15She bit her lip.
17:17I understand.
17:18Today, I was never here.
17:20Clever girl.
17:21If word got out that the Luna collapsed while meeting the Alpha's favorite alone,
17:25the rumors would tear the castle apart.
17:27Sable slipped away.
17:29The healer arrived and diagnosed prolonged grief and poor eating.
17:33Prolonged grief and poor eating.
17:35I sent word to the Alara.
17:35She needs rest.
17:36He returned with a cold message.
17:37I was in council and could not come.
17:40Alara rested in bed and woke at dusk.
17:42She saw me by her bed and disappointment flickered in her eyes.
17:47He didn't come, did he?
17:49I didn't answer.
17:50I just helped her sit up and handed her a cup of tea.
17:54Alara drank a few sips then asked,
17:57What did Sable say to you?
17:59Nothing.
18:00You collapsed not long after she arrived.
18:03She's special.
18:05Not just because she looks like I used to.
18:08She's smart.
18:09Clear-headed.
18:10When she talks about Dorian, she has admiration, not the crazy obsession I have.
18:16I listened in silence.
18:18Alara always kept her pride, but here she was dissecting her own failure.
18:23Rest more, Alara.
18:25Some things can't be forced.
18:29Nia, you've changed.
18:31Back in the pack.
18:32Your whole world was the Dorian.
18:34Now you watch everything like it's a play.
18:37My heart jumped.
18:38I never expected the person who understood me best was the sister I once hated.
18:44People change.
18:45After the Harvest Moon Festival, the days grew colder.
18:48One afternoon, I was teaching Caleb his letters when Cora hurried in.
18:51Sable is here to see you.
18:54Show her in.
18:57Sable stood admiring a tapestry.
19:02Nia, I hope I'm not intruding.
19:06Not at all.
19:07What brings you here?
19:10To be honest, I came to thank you.
19:13That day in Luna Alara's garden.
19:15If you hadn't arrived, I don't know what would have happened.
19:20You give me too much credit.
19:21It had nothing to do with you.
19:23You.
19:25You seem to know what's going to happen before it does.
19:28Just a coincidence.
19:29But visiting the Luna alone was risky.
19:33When the Luna summons you, you don't say no.
19:37I actually came to ask for your guidance.
19:39I've heard you don't scheme or compete.
19:42I feel like I'm walking on thin ice.
19:44I looked at her.
19:45My greatest enemy in another life.
19:48Now asking me for advice.
19:49You overestimate me.
19:51I'm just someone who minds her own business.
19:53I don't have any wisdom to offer.
19:55The first snow of winter fell when Alara invited me to her chambers.
19:59Nia, you're here.
20:02Come.
20:03Try this newly gifted tea.
20:06I sat across from her.
20:08You look well today.
20:11I've had time to think.
20:13That clears things up.
20:14I owe you thanks for the other day.
20:16I was surprised.
20:17I didn't say anything.
20:19You said nothing.
20:20When I woke up and saw you by my bed, there was no pity in your eyes.
20:24No mockery.
20:25Just calmness.
20:27In that moment, I understood.
20:29There's another way to live in this castle.
20:32I've been thinking a lot.
20:34After I married Dorian, I tied everything I had to him.
20:37When he loved me, I was the happiest woman alive.
20:39When he grew cold, I fell into hell.
20:42Until I saw you.
20:44Nia, do you know?
20:45I started to envy you.
20:46Envy me?
20:47Your freedom.
20:49You have your own world.
20:51Caleb.
20:51Books.
20:52Flowers.
20:53I've decided to be the Luna I should have been.
20:56No more self-pity.
20:58No more jealousy of Sable.
20:59I want to learn to live like you.
21:01I looked into her determined eyes.
21:03Moved.
21:03That's good to hear.
21:05Ilara smiled.
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