- 3 days ago
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00:02I was the only she-wolf in the black shadow pack with healing blood.
00:05My father, Alpha Kyle, took in 10 orphaned beta wolves and forged them into the sharpest blades.
00:10They answered to me alone.
00:11He had made a rule.
00:13The day I came of age, I could choose my mate from one of those 10 guards.
00:17I chose Cain.
00:18The one with the golden hair.
00:20I'd been in love with him for 12 years.
00:23Three days after a bonding ceremony, I was kidnapped.
00:26They threw me in a silver cage.
00:27They poured concentrated wolfsbane down my throat.
00:30My wolf was suppressed.
00:32My blood was useless.
00:33With the last of my strength, I reached for our mate Link.
00:36I screamed his name, again and again.
00:39I told him where I was.
00:41I told him how much it hurt.
00:42But he severed the Link.
00:44A long silence passed.
00:46Then his voice came through, ice cold and dripping with mockery.
00:49Cut the crap, Grace.
00:50You're still on pack lands.
00:53You can't seriously think I'd fall for that.
00:55You're doing this to keep me away from Naomi.
00:57His words crashed over me.
00:59I was stunned.
01:01Utterly broken.
01:02The poison surged to my heart.
01:04Then everything went black.
01:06In my final moment, I heard a single, heart-shattering howl.
01:09Then I opened my eyes.
01:11I was staring at 10 photos spread across a mahogany desk.
01:15My father was watching me.
01:16Have you decided?
01:18Who will it be?
01:19His golden eyes smiling.
01:21If Cain makes you happy, then choose him.
01:24No, father.
01:26I'm not choosing Cain.
01:27I reached out.
01:28I pointed to the photo at the very end of the row.
01:31The young wolf in it was scowling.
01:33His eyes were defiant.
01:35His face was a mask of pure impatience.
01:37My father's voice caught.
01:39You're choosing...
01:41Declan?
01:41Declan and I had never gotten along.
01:44When we were kids, he made it his mission to be my opposite.
01:47If I took first place in training, he'd show up the next day to challenge my rank.
01:51If I said go left, he would argue for right.
01:54He'd steal my secret stash of snacks.
01:56He even stuffed rocks into a cake I baked for Cain.
01:59We grew up, but Declan never changed.
02:01My father, however, always said he was the most reliable one.
02:05He trusted him with solo patrols of our entire territory.
02:08I barely saw him around.
02:10But whenever I was in real trouble, he would just appear.
02:13And he'd fix everything.
02:15My father studied my face again.
02:17Not Cain?
02:18Are you sure about this?
02:20I gave him a firm nod.
02:21I'm sure.
02:22I stared at Declan's photo.
02:24I could still hear that howl.
02:26In my last moments, I knew it belonged to him.
02:29I even smelled his unique scent.
02:31Cedarwood.
02:32But it was all too late.
02:33The moon goddess gave me a second chance.
02:35This time, I was making a different choice.
02:38I left my father's study and walked out into the grounds.
02:41Naomi blocked my path.
02:42She dropped to her knees right in front of me.
02:46Please.
02:46Her voice was shaking.
02:49Grace.
02:50Let me have Cain in.
02:51You have everything.
02:53The pack, the title, your whole future.
02:57But Cain is all I have.
02:59Before I could even answer, someone shoved past me.
03:01It was Cain.
03:02He pulled Naomi behind him, shielding her.
03:06He glared at me like I was poison.
03:08Are you targeting her again?
03:10Because she's the daughter of an Omega servant?
03:13Cain.
03:13I kept my voice perfectly level.
03:15I didn't ask her to do that.
03:17She's terrified of you.
03:19Everyone knows you planned on choosing me as your mate and she...
03:22He never finished that sentence.
03:24A deep roar suddenly shattered the morning piece.
03:26Three trucks rammed through the east gate.
03:28An ambush.
03:29Armed rogue wolves jumped out.
03:31They opened fire right at us.
03:33A blur of motion came from the side.
03:35Someone grabbed me.
03:37Woke me back hard.
03:38It was Declan.
03:39Declan came out of nowhere.
03:41A knife already in his hand.
03:42He moved fast.
03:44Brutal.
03:45The rogues didn't stand a chance.
03:47They were on the ground in seconds.
03:49I looked past him.
03:50Over to the side.
03:51Naomi was on the ground, maybe 30 feet away.
03:54She was clutching her arm, whimpering.
03:56Cain was already kneeling beside her, propping her up gently.
04:00This is on you, Grace.
04:02Naomi's hurt because of you.
04:04He turned and roared at me.
04:05If anything happens to her, I swear I will make you pay.
04:10An ice-cold chill shot up my spine.
04:12My fingers started to shake.
04:14Declan, his face splattered with blood, stepped between me and Cain.
04:17Cain, talk to Grace like that again, and you'll answer to the Alpha.
04:23He looked me up and down.
04:24His brow furrowed.
04:26Are you hurt?
04:28No.
04:29I took a deep breath.
04:31He gave a short nod.
04:32He picked up a fallen weapon and walked away without another word.
04:36Naomi sagged into Cain's arms.
04:38She turned her head and shot me a look.
04:40A vicious, fleeting smile crossed her lips.
04:43I looked away.
04:44My eyes tracked the retreating rogues.
04:46I was lost in thought.
04:48In my past life, there were no attacks before my ceremony with Cain.
04:52So who hired these rogues?
04:54Three days later, Cain came to my room.
04:56He knocked twice, then pushed the door open without waiting.
04:59Naomi's wound isn't healing.
05:01Not with normal techniques.
05:02The bullet was silver-tipped.
05:05The dust is spreading inside her.
05:07He looked at me with a hard, demanding stare.
05:09I need the Lunar Vast.
05:11The Lunar Vial.
05:12It could purify any toxin, reverse silver poisoning, and save someone from the brink of death.
05:17My mother was the most powerful Luna our pack ever had.
05:20She knew my blood would draw countless enemies.
05:23She had extracted some of it.
05:24With the last of her life force, she condensed it into an essence, sealed it in a crystal vial.
05:29It was meant to save my life one day.
05:32Cain knew all of this.
05:33You know what that vice means.
05:35I know.
05:36He stared right back at me, his face a mask of reluctance.
05:40I'll accept your father's arrangement.
05:43I will be your mate.
05:44In my last life, I would have said yes.
05:46I would have ended up dead in a silver cage while he called me a liar.
05:50This time, I just laughed.
05:52Don't bother.
05:53I never chose you.
05:55Cain's brown eyes flickered.
05:56He scoffed, a disbelieving smile twisting his lips.
05:59Grace, stop making excuses.
06:02I already said yes.
06:04I'm just asking you to give me the Lunar Viner.
06:07I took the small bottle out from my desk drawer.
06:10Take it.
06:11This is the last thing you'll ever get from me.
06:13And don't ever come to my room again.
06:15He took the vial.
06:16But he didn't leave.
06:18He stood there for a moment.
06:19As if he was waiting for the catch.
06:21For me to take it all back.
06:23But I didn't say a word.
06:25So he left.
06:26That night, Naomi vanished.
06:29Cain was borderline unhinged.
06:30He slammed his fists against my door.
06:34Where is Naomi?
06:35Her room's empty.
06:37Her phone's off.
06:38Her scent disappears at the eastern perimeter.
06:41You did this.
06:42I just stared at him.
06:43I said nothing.
06:45You're jealous of me and Naomi.
06:47You're scared I'll back out.
06:49You had someone take her!
06:52Cain, you don't have a shred of proof for anything you're saying.
06:55Keep talking, and tomorrow I'll tell my father everything.
06:58That got through to him.
06:59He stared at me for a long, hard moment.
07:02Then he finally turned and walked away.
07:04The next morning, Cain brought Naomi back.
07:07She was collapsed in his arms.
07:09Her hair was a mess.
07:10Her eyes were red-rimmed.
07:11Like she'd spent a freezing night in the forest.
07:14Cain held her protectively.
07:15His face was pale with fury.
07:17Grace, if you have a problem, take it up with me.
07:21Why do you keep torturing Naomi?
07:23Naomi ducked her head and put on this perfectly innocent voice.
07:27It's okay, Cain.
07:29Maybe Grace didn't mean to.
07:30If you keep coming after Naomi, the bond is off!
07:33I bit down hard on my lip.
07:35I turned and walked away.
07:37I thought it wouldn't hurt anymore, but my chest still felt like it was being ripped open.
07:41That night, Naomi came to my room.
07:44So, you were reborn too?
07:47It wasn't a question.
07:48I saw the bitterness in her eyes.
07:50I nodded.
07:52Something inside her seemed to shatter.
07:54In my last life, I died because of you.
07:57This time, you hired those rogues.
07:59You staged your own disappearance, all to wrap Cain around your finger.
08:04Yes.
08:05But I did it all for Cain.
08:07I love him.
08:09You already have everything.
08:11You don't need him.
08:13That's not for you to decide.
08:15Something in her eyes turned cold.
08:17Why do you get everything, Grace?
08:20This time, I won't let you win.
08:22She took two steps forward.
08:24Her hand shot out and clamped onto my wrist.
08:27She yanked me, hard, toward the edge of the balcony.
08:30I hit the stone pavement below.
08:31Naomi fell with me, letting out a piercing scream.
08:35Help!
08:36A few of my father's adopted sons rushed out.
08:39Cain was one of them.
08:41Grace!
08:42His face livid.
08:43Apologize to Naomi, or I will never be your mate.
08:47I scoffed.
08:48Never.
08:49Naomi clutched her chest and started sobbing.
08:51Cain gritted his teeth.
08:53His hand shot up.
08:54It was about to come down on my face.
08:56A shadow shot out from the side.
08:58Declan's hand clamped down on Cain's raised wrist like a vice.
09:01He met Cain's gaze, his wolf surfacing in a flash of gold.
09:04His voice was a low growl.
09:06Move that hand again.
09:07I dare you.
09:09Declan's voice was quiet, but at home, it was a little bit more.
09:12The other adopted sons tackled Cain.
09:15They pinned him to the ground before he could move again.
09:17My father's footsteps echoed from the hall.
09:20Steady.
09:21Unstoppable.
09:22Cain.
09:23Care to explain?
09:24Naomi was crying.
09:26Cain was shouting.
09:27He said I pushed her.
09:28That I'd always wanted to hurt her.
09:31Chaos erupted in the courtyard.
09:33Cain.
09:34Naomi.
09:36Pack your bags tonight.
09:38You are both banished from the manor.
09:41Until after Grace's ceremony.
09:43The crowd dispersed.
09:44Soon, it was just me and Declan.
09:47The raw fury in his eyes was gone.
09:48But the veins on his forearms were still standing out.
09:51He was breathing hard.
09:52You hurt?
09:54I'm fine.
09:56He didn't say anything else.
09:57But something flashed in those feral eyes of his.
10:00Something I couldn't quite name.
10:02Bitterness.
10:03Conflict.
10:04Possessiveness.
10:05I looked into that attack.
10:07He said.
10:08I tracked it back to an outsider.
10:10An Omega from outside our territory.
10:12They cleaned up most of the trail, but not well enough.
10:16I reported it to the Alpha.
10:18He'll deal with it.
10:19I watched him silently.
10:21I felt something small and warm stir inside me.
10:24Growing up.
10:24He had always spoken to me with that sarcastic, playful smirk.
10:28But that moment he shielded me.
10:30I could feel it wasn't duty.
10:32It was instinct.
10:33It was a wolf protecting what he cared for.
10:35Declan.
10:37Yeah?
10:38I paused, then added softly.
10:41For everything.
10:43Always.
10:44He didn't answer.
10:45He turned his head away.
10:47The moonlight caught his profile.
10:48I saw a flush creep up the back of his neck.
10:51The day of the ceremony was almost here.
10:53My father invited all our allies.
10:55The manor had been transformed.
10:57It looked grand.
10:59Lavish.
11:00I remembered my last life.
11:02Declan wasn't there on the bonding day.
11:04He'd left early to patrol the borders for a few days.
11:06But tomorrow night, he had to be there.
11:09No matter what.
11:10I picked up my phone.
11:12It rang twice before he picked up.
11:14His voice was deeper than usual.
11:15I could hear a low hum of noise in the background.
11:18It sounded like a bar.
11:20Declan, where are you?
11:21I asked.
11:22What is it?
11:23He hesitated.
11:24Tomorrow night, at the ceremony.
11:29I need you to be there when my father announces my mate.
11:32To watch you choose Cain?
11:34Declan.
11:35I'm not choosing him.
11:37He was silent for a moment.
11:39Then, in a strained, awkward voice, he said,
11:42Fine.
11:44I'll be there.
11:45The next evening, I moved through the ballroom.
11:47I'm wearing a long dress.
11:49The lights began to dim.
11:51Just then, a commotion started at the ballroom entrance.
11:54It was Cain.
11:55He had his arm wrapped around Naomi.
11:57They walked right through the main doors.
11:59His gaze locked onto me.
12:00It was filled with disgust.
12:02I don't love Grace!
12:04The second the Alpha makes this official, I'm done with this pack.
12:08The other adopted sons tried to reason with him, to calm him down, but Cain's face was
12:13like stone.
12:14I refuse to be bonded to a she-wolf I don't love.
12:20I'd rather die!
12:22Naomi stood by his side.
12:23She shot me a smug look.
12:25Everyone's eyes were on me, filled with pity.
12:28They saw me as this poor, pathetic creature, about to be abandoned.
12:31I ignored their stares.
12:33In the corner of my eye, I saw him, Declan, standing tall in the shadows.
12:38The familiar scent of cedarwood drifted over from his direction.
12:42I couldn't help but smile.
12:43Thank you all for coming to witness this important moment.
12:47Tonight, I will officially announce the chosen mate of my daughter, Grace.
12:53The entire ballroom held its breath.
12:55Her chosen mate is Declan.
13:00The silence lasted for four solid seconds.
13:03Then, the entire ballroom erupted.
13:05Guests gasped.
13:06They turned to each other, whispering furiously.
13:09The pack elders huddled together, murmuring.
13:12I turned my head.
13:13I looked at Declan beside me.
13:15He was already looking at me.
13:17And in those lazy, golden brown eyes, I saw something I'd never noticed in my last life.
13:21Cain let out a sharp gasp.
13:24What?
13:24He stormed to the front of the stage, staring at my father in disbelief.
13:29Alpha!
13:30Did you say the wrong name?
13:32How can it be Declan?
13:34The ballroom went dead silent.
13:36Every single I was fixed on this sudden drama.
13:38My father glanced at him.
13:40His expression was calm.
13:41Cain, since you intend to sever ties with the Black Shadow Pack, you can start by moving
13:47out.
13:48Immediately.
13:50But his eyes held a chilling coldness that made my skin crawl.
13:52My father was truly angry.
13:54The Alpha's rage echoed through the ballroom.
13:57You could feel it in the air.
13:58Naomi gently tugged on Cain's arm.
14:00Her voice was a soft whisper.
14:02This is perfect.
14:04Now we can finally be together.
14:06Officially.
14:08She nestled into his embrace.
14:10A flicker of pure joy flashed in her eyes.
14:12It doesn't matter that you're not the Alpha's adopted son anymore.
14:16We can leave the territory.
14:18I'll be with you.
14:19Always.
14:22Cain flinched.
14:23He pulled back from her like he'd been burned.
14:25The smile on Naomi's face froze.
14:27She stared at him.
14:29Stunned.
14:29The guests started to mingle again.
14:31The party noise resumed.
14:33Cain ignored Naomi.
14:35He walked straight toward me.
14:36He grabbed me and pulled me into a side hallway.
14:39His eyes were burning with rage.
14:40Grace!
14:41He stared at me.
14:42His gaze locked on mine.
14:44He practically spat my name.
14:45His grip on my wrist was crushing.
14:47You're doing this out of spite.
14:49You're throwing your entire life away just to spite me.
14:52Do you have any idea?
14:53Cain!
14:54I know you have feelings for me.
14:55He caught in.
14:56His eyes were intense.
14:58You have since you were 12.
15:00Did you really think I never noticed?
15:02Just tell me you want to reconsider.
15:05Cain.
15:06Let go.
15:07He didn't move.
15:09Cain.
15:09I looked up at him.
15:11My voice was dead calm.
15:12You've never once in your entire life truly seen me.
15:17I loved you for so many years and all you ever saw was what you wanted to see.
15:22That's not...
15:23It is.
15:24Every single time you chose the easier explanation.
15:28This wasn't Naomi's fault.
15:30This was your choice.
15:32Fine.
15:33Fine!
15:34Even if you're angry with me, you can't just bond with some random guy?
15:37You don't even love Deccan!
15:40You two have been at each other's throats since we were kids!
15:43I looked at him.
15:45My expression was serene.
15:47Cain, I know him.
15:49Better than you think.
15:50And you don't get to tell me who to love.
15:53You never did.
15:54I caught Declan's scent from nearby.
15:56I took a deep breath.
15:58My voice turned to steel.
16:00Let go.
16:01Cain's hand slowly loosened its grip on my wrist.
16:04I stepped back into the ballroom.
16:06Declan was standing about ten paces away.
16:08He was leaning against a pillar, holding a glass of wine.
16:11He was casually looking somewhere else.
16:13But I saw his ear twitch.
16:15He heard everything.
16:17I walked right up to him.
16:18I stopped and looked up at his face.
16:21That conversation with Cain.
16:23I said.
16:24You heard it, didn't you?
16:25He looked down at me.
16:27The corner of his mouth was tight.
16:28He didn't speak.
16:30Cain was wrong.
16:31You are the one I truly chose, Declan.
16:35This isn't about spite.
16:37This is a choice I made.
16:39With a clear head.
16:40The look in Declan's golden brown eyes shifted.
16:42Then, he placed his wine glass on a nearby tray.
16:45He leaned down.
16:46And he kissed me.
16:47Clean.
16:49Decisive.
16:49Right on the lips.
16:51The entire hall fell silent.
16:53Again.
16:54My brain short-circuited for a second.
16:56Then I wrapped my arms around his neck.
16:58And I kissed him back.
17:00Properly.
17:00Now it was Declan's turn to freeze completely.
17:03He gently placed his hands on my waist.
17:05After a moment, I lowered my arms and took a step back.
17:08Declan's lips were pressed into a thin line.
17:11The tips of his ears were red.
17:14Who says I don't love him?
17:16My voice was loud enough for everyone around us to hear.
17:19Declan let out a long, slow breath.
17:22Like something inside him had finally unclenched.
17:24Someone started clapping.
17:26Then more people joined in.
17:27The music swelled back to life.
17:29The moment was swept up into the celebration.
17:32Was that for him?
17:33Declan's hands were still on my waist.
17:35We swayed gently to the music.
17:36No.
17:37I shook my head.
17:39That was for you.
17:40I couldn't help but laugh.
17:42He looked at me for a long time.
17:45Then, the corner of his mouth tilted up.
17:47You could've given me a heads up.
17:49He said.
17:50His voice was low.
17:51Well, you kissed me first.
17:54He smiled.
17:55A real, quiet, genuine smile.
17:58Mixed with surprise.
18:00Like he'd forgotten he knew how.
18:02I'd never heard him laugh like that before.
18:04Kane was standing at the entrance to the hallway.
18:06His face, already dark, was now black as thunder.
18:10He hissed a cold laugh through his teeth.
18:12Fine, Grace.
18:13Don't come crying to me.
18:15When you regret this.
18:17Next to him, Naomi bit her lower lip.
18:19Her fingers curled into a tight fist.
18:22Kane and Naomi left together.
18:24I watched them go.
18:25I felt nothing but peace.
18:27In my last life, I spent so many years loving Kane.
18:30I pieced together scraps of hope from his indifference.
18:33I let him hurt me, ignore me, deceive me.
18:36I thought if I was just gentle enough, close enough, one day he would finally see me.
18:41Now, he was someone else's story.
18:44And I was finally free.
18:45You're staring at the door.
18:47Declan said beside me.
18:49I'm looking at the exit.
18:51I replied.
18:52Not at the person leaving.
18:53Turning to him.
18:54Declan's hair was still a little messy.
18:56The flesh from earlier was gone.
18:58Do you regret coming to my ceremony?
19:01I asked.
19:02He met my gaze.
19:04He raised an eyebrow and said, without a single flicker of hesitation.
19:08Not a chance.
19:09At the end of the party, Declan walked me back to my room.
19:12He didn't say much.
19:14I'd talk.
19:15He'd give a short reply.
19:16Grace.
19:17He stopped at my door.
19:19Yeah?
19:20He looked at me.
19:22After a long moment, he finally spoke.
19:24This whole choosing me thing, you're sure about it?
19:27The usual hard edge in his voice was gone.
19:30I looked right at him.
19:31I'm sure.
19:32He was quiet for a second.
19:33Okay.
19:34He turned to leave.
19:36Declan.
19:37He turned back.
19:38Thank you for today.
19:40From day one until now.
19:42Thank you for everything.
19:44He stared at me for a long time.
19:47Finally, he grunted.
19:49Stop thanking me all the time.
19:51But as he said it, the hard line of his mouth softened.
19:54I looked into his eyes.
19:56Usually guarded.
19:57Usually unreadable.
19:58Something in them was clear.
20:00Bright.
20:01He couldn't hide it.
20:02My heart suddenly started hammering.
20:04I launched myself into his arms.
20:06He went completely rigid.
20:08A moment passed.
20:10Then his arms came around me.
20:12Slowly, but firmly.
20:13He pulled me closer.
20:15Tighter.
20:16Through the thin fabric of my dress, I could feel everything.
20:19The hard muscles of his chest.
20:21His heart beat.
20:22Even faster than mine.
20:24The heat between us was so thick you could almost touch it.
20:27He kissed me again.
20:28More fiercely this time.
20:30A declaration.
20:31Then, he swept me up into his arms and carried me into my room.
20:34Amid the sound of our mingled breaths.
20:37I felt something I hadn't felt in two lifetimes.
20:39Happiness.
20:40Three days later, the wedding invitation arrived.
20:43For Kane and Naomi.
20:45Declan and I were having dinner at an Italian restaurant.
20:48I was twirling pasta on my fork.
20:50Declan suddenly reached across the table.
20:52He gently wiped a smudge of sauce from the corner of my mouth with his thumb.
20:56I froze for a second.
20:57I had to fight the urge to smile.
20:59Just then, someone stopped at our table.
21:02It was Kane and Naomi.
21:03Naomi placed an envelope on the corner of the table.
21:06Her voice was soft.
21:08Kane and I are getting married.
21:11Three days from now.
21:12We hope you can both make it.
21:14Kane stood behind her.
21:15He glanced at me, then his gaze shot to Declan, then quickly away.
21:19I didn't touch the envelope.
21:21We're traveling in three days.
21:23The plans are already set.
21:26Naomi's expression didn't change, but Kane's jaw tightened.
21:31Grace, you're not still holding a grudge, are you?
21:35Are you too scared to even come to my wedding?
21:39Afraid you'll lose control?
21:40Have a breakdown?
21:42Kane took a step closer.
21:44His eyes burned into me, like he was trying to see right through me.
21:47You don't have to keep this up.
21:49I frowned.
21:51Keep what up?
21:53This.
21:54Glancing at Declan.
21:56This running away.
21:58You two haven't even officially bonded yet.
22:01There's still time for me to take his place.
22:03I felt Declan's hand on my shoulder.
22:05It tightened, instantly.
22:07A flash of anger surged through me.
22:09How dare he?
22:10How could he always be so certain that I couldn't live without him?
22:14Kane.
22:14Declan's voice was low and steady from across the table.
22:17Whatever you have to say, say it when Grace isn't here.
22:20What's the point of saying all this in front of her?
22:23Kane's expression shifted.
22:24I took a deep breath.
22:26I covered Declan's hand with my own.
22:29Kane, you left your invitation.
22:31Congratulations, we won't be there.
22:33Kane's face went rigid.
22:34He looked like he'd swallowed a fly.
22:36Naomi tugged on his sleeve.
22:38Let's go.
22:38They left.
22:40The restaurant was quiet again.
22:42Just the soft clinking of silverware.
22:44Looking at Declan.
22:46I said.
22:47He glanced up at me, silent.
22:49He pushed the dessert menu toward me.
22:51This one has good reviews.
22:53You want some?
22:54I looked at him.
22:56Yes.
22:58Declan waited until they were long gone.
23:00He put down the menu and spoke, his tone carefully casual.
23:04He thinks you're still in love with him.
23:05What he thinks has always been far from the truth.
23:09I said.
23:10Declan watched me, quiet for a moment.
23:13You're really over him?
23:14Really.
23:15He didn't speak.
23:16He nodded and went back to cutting his steak.
23:19His movements were steady.
23:20Then he paused.
23:22He looked out the window, in the direction Kane had left.
23:25Your last life.
23:26He trailed off.
23:28Like he didn't know how to continue.
23:30I looked at him, waiting.
23:31He was silent for another moment.
23:34His gaze landed on my face, hesitant.
23:36Cautious.
23:37It was bad, wasn't it?
23:39I froze.
23:40I didn't answer.
23:42I slowly looked away.
23:43He didn't press me for an answer.
23:45He just finished cutting the rest of his steak.
23:48He pushed the plate over to my side of the table.
23:50Eat.
23:51Your portion isn't enough.
23:53I stared at the steak.
23:55I asked softly.
23:56You know?
23:57He blushed.
23:58You talked in your sleep one night.
23:59But his voice was steady.
24:01The rest, I guessed.
24:03It doesn't matter what happened in your last life.
24:06You chose me.
24:07I won't let any of that happen again.
24:09This time I'll keep you safe.
24:10I looked at him.
24:12A light, sweet ache spread through my chest.
24:14Okay.
24:15We went to Kane and Naomi's wedding after all.
24:18It was Declan's idea.
24:20Going is the only way to prove you don't care.
24:22He'd said.
24:23He was right.
24:24So we went.
24:25The wedding was held at a neutral territory venue.
24:28Simple, but tastefully decorated.
24:30Naomi looked beautiful in her gown.
24:33Kane stood at the altar.
24:34But he kept looking in our direction.
24:36During the exchange of vows, his eyes scanned the crowd.
24:39They rested on me for a moment.
24:41I met his gaze.
24:42There was no emotion.
24:44I watched him, calmly, until he was the one to look away.
24:48Beside me, Declan leaned in.
24:50He whispered something dumb about the flower arrangements in my ear.
24:53I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
24:56I covered my mouth with my hand, my shoulders shaking.
24:59Declan, realizing his joke had landed, turned away.
25:02He propped his chin on his hand and stared blankly at the stage.
25:05But the curve of his lips gave him away.
25:07In that moment, the whole unbearable ceremony became bearable.
25:10Because I was standing next to the person who could make ordinary moments mean something.
25:14We left before the reception ended.
25:17In the car, I leaned against the window.
25:19I looked out at the trees lining the road.
25:21I quietly reached for his hand.
25:23He didn't say anything.
25:25He just covered my hand with his.
25:27His palm was warm.
25:29It wasn't until the next day that we heard what happened after Kane and Naomi's wedding.
25:33Naomi went to the powder room to touch up her makeup.
25:35Kane waited for her outside the door.
25:37The door wasn't fully closed.
25:39He could hear Naomi and her mother talking inside.
25:42Low voices.
25:43Naomi was saying,
25:45Honestly, it went smoother than I expected.
25:48Kane was always biased against Grace.
25:52All we had to do was make him see her as a threat.
25:55The rest took care of itself.
26:00The rogue attack was the riskiest part.
26:03But it worked.
26:04Naomi's tone was light.
26:05Those rogues did their job perfectly.
26:08And my injuries were enough to make me need Grace's lunar vial.
26:11Her mother agreed.
26:13They must have had a huge fight after that.
26:16And the timing of your disappearance?
26:19Brilliant.
26:20Naomi laughed.
26:22She said casually.
26:23He was worried sick all night.
26:25After that, he couldn't see anything else.
26:28I didn't expect Grace to go off-crypt and choose Deccan.
26:32That's not how it happened last time.
26:34It doesn't matter now.
26:36Her mother patted her shoulder.
26:37You have Kaylee.
26:39That's all that matters.
26:40The footsteps outside the door stopped.
26:42Then, Kane pushed the door open.
26:44He was radiating pure fury.
26:46Everything that happened,
26:48you staged it all?
26:53Grace had nothing to do with it?
26:58Grace had nothing to do with it.
27:01Grace had nothing to do with it.
27:03Verification of pain.
27:03Grazie a lot.
27:10You
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