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00:00On the night of the full moon, I came to the blood moon altar, where the fate of the wolf
00:03langs would be decided.
00:04At the center of the altar stood two lifelike stone statues.
00:07On one side was Kayla, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years.
00:10On the other was Kayla, the alpha cursed by the dark witch.
00:13My father, the lion king, looked at me solemnly.
00:16Selina, you are a noble lichen princess.
00:19No weather wolf alpha in this world is worthy of you.
00:24That is why you must choose a mate and support him as the next lichen king.
00:27My mother gripped my hand tightly.
00:29Tell us, who do you choose?
00:31After a moment of silence, I pointed to the dark, battered statue.
00:35I choose Kale.
00:37My father's face changed in shock.
00:39The witch's curse inside Kale can't be broken.
00:41He's nothing but a useless wolf.
00:43Why not choose Caleb?
00:44You've loved him for 18 years.
00:46Exactly.
00:47As long as you bond with Caleb, he can use your bloodline to become the strongest alpha in history.
00:52What an honor that would be.
00:53I ignored their pleas.
00:55All I could think of was my previous life.
00:57In that life, I had married beneath my status and chosen Kale at all costs, using my noble bloodline to
01:03push him onto the throne.
01:04But once he held power, he turned around and married his first love, an omega named Allara, then demoted me
01:10to a servant.
01:11To improve Allara's bloodline, Kale even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:16fed it to Allara.
01:17Allara smiled as she crushed my fingers beneath her foot.
01:20Sister, I'll enjoy your bloodline, your lover, and live happily ever after!
01:24Caleb cut open my stomach while I was still alive, dug out our unborn child, and smashed it faciously onto
01:30the ground.
01:30Allara and I are the ones who truly love each other.
01:33Bonding with you was just a political marriage.
01:35Salema, the more I look at you, the more disgusting you are.
01:38As I lay dying, Kale, who had been locked in the dungeon, transformed on the night of the full moon,
01:43snapped his chains, and killed Caleb and Allara.
01:45He kissed me with desperate tenderness, hoping to save me with his own life's blood.
01:50Only then did I learn that ancient lichen blood flowed through Kale's veins.
01:53On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and become the strongest wolf alive.
01:58But I had lost too much blood.
02:00I still died on the blood moon altar.
02:02My thoughts returned to the present.
02:04Silently, I clenched my fists.
02:06Father, mother, my mind is made up.
02:08I will bond with Kale and help him become the next lichen king.
02:11Seeing my determination, my father finally relented with the issue of a harsh condition.
02:15You must drink the secrecy of the potion.
02:17You cannot reveal anything about breaking your engagement.
02:20And you must obey Caleb and everything.
02:21If you can last until the engagement banquet three days from now, I will do it.
02:25My heart ached.
02:26As the lichen princess, did I not even have the freedom to pursue my own marriage?
02:30With a bitter sigh, I took the potion from my father's hand and drank it.
02:33Just then, Caleb stormed into the blood moon altar and seized my hand.
02:37Selana, come out with me!
02:38Without another word, Caleb dragged me out of the blood moon altar.
02:43I was about to refuse.
02:44But the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart.
02:48It forced me to submit it to him.
02:50My parents were probably still unhappy with my choice.
02:54They did not stop Caleb's violence.
02:57They merely snorted coldly and turned away.
03:00Caleb dragged me into the main hall of the palace.
03:02When I looked up, I saw Alara sitting on the throne.
03:06She looked so proud, as if she were the lichen princess.
03:09The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her little mouth in
03:15feigned surprise.
03:17Oh, sister!
03:18How did you end up in such a state?
03:20Caleb be gentler with her.
03:22Caleb snorted.
03:24And slapped me to the floor.
03:27Selina, did you beg the lichen king to arrange a marriage between us again?
03:30His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust.
03:34Do you think that if you keep pestering me, I'll marry you sooner or later?
03:39Let me tell you something.
03:40You are the most disgusting woman I've ever met.
03:43Even if you knelt and begged me, I wouldn't spare you another glance.
03:46I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth, my fingers slowly curling into my palm.
03:51I didn't ask father for a marriage decree.
03:53Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
03:55Please, do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?
03:58Without my affection, you can't even survive.
04:02Caleb, don't say that about sister.
04:05She only acts this way because she loves you too much.
04:08Her voice was soft enough to melt and her eyes red in a slight.
04:11She truly looked like a considerate, gentle, young sister.
04:16You're too kind.
04:17That's your problem.
04:19Even a bitch like Selman can walk all over you.
04:23Caleb patted Alina's hand, then turned to me.
04:25How about this?
04:26I'll have Selina compensate you properly.
04:29Caleb pointed toward the eastern side of the main hall.
04:31Selina, from now on the pure silver ice in your bedchamber, belongs to Alara.
04:36She's weak and needs its spiritual energy.
04:39My breath stopped for an instant.
04:41The pure silver ice coffin was the symbol of the Lyman heir.
04:45What did it mean to give it away?
04:47It meant that the lowest omega had stepped onto the head of the Lyman princess.
04:52As for you...
04:53Caleb's lips curled into a smile full of malice.
04:57The pigsty on the west side of the palace is still empty.
05:00Starting tonight, you'll sleep there.
05:03The moment he said that, the nobles in the royal hall burst into laughter.
05:08How entertaining.
05:09The mighty Lycan princess, ordered by the man she loves to sleep in a pig-sit.
05:13Caleb clearly doesn't want her, yet she keeps throwing herself at him.
05:15She deserves it.
05:16She chased him for 18 years and ended up chased into a pig-sick.
05:19What a disgrace to the royal family.
05:21I lowered my head, my nails digging into my palm.
05:24I wanted to defend myself out loud.
05:26I did not love Caleb.
05:28I would rather marry the cursed Cale than have anything to do with Caleb.
05:31But the potion bound me tightly.
05:33The mere thought of resistance sent a pain through me that seemed to drill into my bones.
05:37Fine.
05:37My side.
05:38The pure silver ice coffee can go to Alara.
05:41I'll sleep in the pigsty.
05:42Caleb froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
05:44He said to Alara over his shoulder,
05:46This is the kind of bitch she is.
05:47The harder you trample her, the more she clings to you.
05:49Alara lowered her head, the corner of her mouth lifting for the briefest instant.
05:52When she looked up again, her face was full of concern.
05:54Sister, the pig-shed is so dirty.
05:56How can you live there?
05:57She stole the man you love, and you're still worried about her.
06:00How can anyone in this world be as kind as you?
06:01He lowered his head and kissed Alara.
06:03It was not a light, fleeting kiss.
06:05It was deep and deliberately drawn out.
06:06Alara rose onto her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck.
06:09Her peach blossom eyes looked past Caleb's neck, staring at me in blatant triumph.
06:12The main hall erupted with the noble's applause and cheer.
06:15If Selina were half as gentle as Alara, she wouldn't be despised this badly.
06:18Alara is soft, delicate, and so understanding.
06:20No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:21I turned my head away, unwilling to look.
06:24Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the side of the hall.
06:27It was a savage wild wolf.
06:29Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:31My face went pale with shock.
06:33An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away.
06:35I ran toward him.
06:36After all our years together, I thought he would at least reach out and block the attack.
06:40Caleb, save me!
06:41But before I could finish calling for help, his leg had already lifted.
06:43He kicked me hard in the side.
06:44Get away!
06:45My whole body flew sideways and slammed straight into the wolf's claws.
06:48Squish!
06:49Blood poured out like a waterfall, flowing wildly without end.
06:52The wild wolf's sharp claws pierced through my right shoulder and pinned me to the cold stone floor.
06:56My mouth opened.
06:57I wanted to scream.
06:57But as I stared up at Caleb's cold face, no sound came out at all.
07:00At that moment, the guards finally rushed forward, and they cut the wolf down.
07:03When its claws were pulled from my shoulder, they dragged out a spray of blood.
07:05Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and looked at him.
07:09Were you trying to run toward me just now?
07:11Did you think I would save you?
07:12His fingers tightened.
07:13Selima, don't think too highly of yourself.
07:14I would rather save a lamb than save you.
07:17My lips had gone white from pain, but I could not say a single word.
07:20Alara was still standing there, both hands covering her mouth.
07:22That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:24What a shame.
07:25She actually survived.
07:26Caleb snored.
07:27My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once felt for Caleb
07:31me.
07:31I never imagined he wanted me dead, or that he would shove me toward the blade himself.
07:35Alara lifted her head from Caleb's arms.
07:36Caleb, you're so good to me.
07:38Will sister be angry?
07:39Selona is a hopeless lovesick through and through.
07:41She's loved me for 18 years so much that she doesn't even know what dignity is.
07:43No matter whether I hit her, curse her, make her sleep in a pig head, or even kick her under
07:46a wolf's claws, she'll forgive me unconditionally.
07:49Then she'll crawl back like a dog and kneel to lick my feet.
07:51Alara lowered her lashes and sighed softly.
07:53Sister is so pitiful.
07:54But after saying that, when she turned her head to look at me, her lips moved in a low murmur.
07:58What a useless wild wolf.
08:00It couldn't even kill Selene.
08:02Then she looked away and said gently to Caleb, Caleb, should we have someone treat her?
08:05Treat her?
08:06Does she deserve that?
08:07Caleb, someone, throw her into the pig bed.
08:09Rotting mud in the pig shed swallowed my ankles.
08:12Two black pigs shoved their snouts toward me, snuffing as they sniffed the blood on my legs.
08:16I backed away until my spine hit the fence.
08:18The guards watching me tilted their heads, obscene smiles hanging from their mouths.
08:22Lion princess.
08:23The pig shed must be rough.
08:25Why not come enjoy yourself in my bed instead?
08:27Another guard picked up a wooden stick, shoved it through the gaps in the fence, and jebbed my hip.
08:31Oh, still pretending to be noble?
08:33You filthy whore.
08:34You're worse than a sow.
08:35The guard thrust the stick again, harder this time, striking the wound on my shoulder.
08:40My vision went black, and I collapsed my knees in the mud.
08:43The black pigs, excited by the scent of blood, surged forward restlessly.
08:46Their snorting swallowed me whole.
08:48With tongues cocked and filthy, they licked at my face.
08:50Just then, someone kicked the gate open.
08:52I turned my head.
08:53Caleb stood in the doorway.
08:54Moonlight fell from behind him, casting a long black shadow across the ground.
08:58He looked at me kneeling in the mud, then at the two guards.
09:01Who did this to me?
09:02The smiles froze on the guards' faces.
09:04Lord Caleb, we were only...
09:06Get out.
09:07The guards scrambled away.
09:09My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:11Had he remembered how deeply I had loved him for 18 long years?
09:15Caleb walked toward me.
09:17He bent down, seized my wrist, and dragged me out of the mud, his voice low.
09:19Lara was frightened.
09:20She's in need to begin with.
09:22And after that wild wolf scared her, she's even needed.
09:24He released my wrist.
09:25I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:27I remember.
09:28Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
09:30His expression changed.
09:33First, you have noble Lyman blood.
09:35Perfect.
09:37Give your blood to her.
09:39My heart stopped for a beat.
09:4218 years.
09:43I had loved Caleb for a full 18 years, yet he had never once truly looked at me.
09:48But Alara?
09:49He held her in his palms as if afraid she would fall, kept her in his mouth as if afraid
09:53she
09:53would melt.
09:54For the slightest discomfort, Caleb could generously order me to give her my blood.
09:57What am I to you?
09:58A piece of trash you can summon and dismiss at will.
10:01I was completely disheartened.
10:02I no longer had even the strength to resist as Caleb dragged me into the side hall.
10:06He tied my arm firmly to the arm press of a chair.
10:08A thin silver tube pierced my vein.
10:10Blood flowed down the tube, drop by drop, into a porcelain basin.
10:13Caleb bent down and spoke against my ear.
10:15Don't move.
10:15If the blood doesn't flow fast enough, I'll stab you a few more times.
10:18On the other side, Alara lay half-reclined on a soft couch.
10:21She watched my blood drip away, something bright gleaming in her pupils.
10:24Sister, it must hurt so much, doesn't it?
10:26Her voice was light and trembling.
10:28It's all my useless body's fault.
10:30If I could, I really wouldn't want to use your blood.
10:32Caleb went to the couch and gathered Alara's hand into his palm.
10:35You really are too calm.
10:36Just then, a guard hurried in and whispered a few words into Caleb's ear.
10:39The lichen king wants me to fight.
10:41Caleb frowned slightly.
10:42He took two steps toward the door, then looked back at me.
10:44Stay put.
10:45Don't try anything.
10:47The moment the door closed, Alara suddenly sat up from the scouch.
10:49My heart lurched.
10:50Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:52Alara walked up to me, bent down, dipped a finger into the blood in the porcelain basin,
10:56and brought it to her nose.
10:57Wow, so this is the scent of lichen blood.
10:59Delicious.
10:59Weakly, I said,
11:01You want?
11:01Alara giggled.
11:03You didn't really think I was anemic, did you?
11:05I'll tell you the truth.
11:06I was pretending.
11:07My pupil shrunk.
11:08What I want is your bloodline.
11:10As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body, I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14I'll be too paused.
11:15Something even nobler than me.
11:17It felt as if an invisible hand had clenched around my heart.
11:19She did not just want my blood.
11:20She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:23Caleb walked in.
11:25Alana's body stinted.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:29Everything about Alana is fake.
11:31Alara's face went white.
11:32She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling twice.
11:35Caleb, I didn't mean to lie to you.
11:37Tears instantly filled her eyes.
11:39I just envy sister so much.
11:42She was born the noble lichen princess while I have nothing.
11:45To everyone's surprise, Caleb walked to Alara's side and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
11:49You really are something.
11:50If you wanted her blood, you should have just said so.
11:52Why go through such a long act?
11:53Alara froze, then buried her face in his chest.
11:56I was afraid you'd be angry.
11:57Angry?
11:58Caleb laughed.
11:59He turned his head to look at me.
12:01Using this bitch's blood to improve your bloodline is her honor.
12:03If it would make you happy, I'd drain her into a dried wolf course.
12:06Alara lifted tearful eyes and tugged lightly at his lapel.
12:09I only thought if sister's blood flowed inside me, then when I loved you, it would be as if both
12:15of us were loving you together.
12:16Caleb lowered his head and kissed the top of her hair.
12:18Silly girl.
12:19You're the only one I love.
12:21I watched them kiss in front of me, lips pressed to lips, shadows overlapping.
12:26My blood was still flowing out, yet neither of them looked at me once.
12:31Sister's blood seems to be flowing a little slowly.
12:34Caleb walked over, raised his hand, and slapped me across the face.
12:38The corner of my mouth split open.
12:40Fresh blood streamed down from my lips.
12:42There.
12:43Isn't there more blood now?
12:46He slapped me again.
12:48Then a third time.
12:49A fourth.
12:51Every blow landed with full force.
12:54Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:56Come here.
12:57You try.
12:58Alara walked over timidly, shaking her head.
13:01I don't dare.
13:02Caleb gripped her hand, guided her wrist, and brought her palm down across my face.
13:06One slap.
13:07Then another.
13:08My face swelled, and blood from my nose dripped onto my clothes.
13:11Alara said softly,
13:13Caleb, sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snorted.
13:16Selina, I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:18Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:20I agree.
13:22But you can only be a breeder.
13:24Alara is my only Luna.
13:26He released her hand.
13:27Also, I need you to draft a treaty.
13:29The West Coast Wolf Clan will give two-thirds of its territory to us on the East Coast.
13:33He straightened and looked down at me.
13:35Sign it, and I'll marry you.
13:37If you don't...
13:38He turned and wrapped an arm around Alara's waist.
13:40I'll kill you.
13:41Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses.
13:47Two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:50A permanent submission treaty.
13:51Renouncing my right as heir, my fingers trembled.
13:54This was practically a treaty of surrender and humiliation.
13:57No, I could not sign it.
13:59Caleb's eyes darkened.
14:01He lifted his foot and stepped on the back of my neck,
14:03forcing my head hard contoured the floor.
14:05You won't sign?
14:06He crouched, grabbed my hair, and wrenched my face upward.
14:09Then I'll record how humiliated you look.
14:11He took a recording crystal from his waist and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you, the noble Lycan princess of the West Coast,
14:17kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:19The recording crystal flashed red.
14:21My wretched state.
14:22My blood.
14:23My eyelids swollen until they could barely open.
14:25All of it was captured inside that tiny stone.
14:28Tell me, if I spread the contents of this crystal throughout the entire wolf clan,
14:31where will the Lycan came with his face?
14:33A couple of sweetness surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb, must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense!
14:38Sign!
14:38He brutally pressed my hand down,
14:40stained it with my own blood,
14:41and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
14:43I struggled desperately, but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:47Wait, add another clause.
14:49After you marry her,
14:50he needs poor space to eat on every morning and evening.
14:52On your knees.
14:52She sits, you kneel.
14:53She drinks tea, you serve it.
14:54Tears of humiliation filled my eyes.
14:56Add another.
14:57He said, tilting his head as he thought.
14:58If we have a child,
14:59your own flesh and blood must call a Laura mother.
15:02As for you,
15:03you're only fit to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory, dignity, forcing bloodline, descendants.
15:07Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:09At last, it was finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the porch,
15:12read it from start to finish,
15:13and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto my head.
15:17Wear this to the engagement banquet tomorrow.
15:18It was the cross linen garment of a lowly laborer.
15:21The cuffs were worn ragged,
15:22and the collar was stained with blackened grease.
15:24Come wearing it.
15:24Let everyone see how lowly
15:26the noble lion princess is before me, Caleb.
15:28The royal hall was brightly lit the next day,
15:30and music drifted through the air.
15:32Werewolf nobles from the east and west coast gathered together,
15:34the clink of wine bales rising and falling.
15:37Everyone turned to look.
15:38Their gazes landed on the coarse linen I wore.
15:40First they froze.
15:41Then laughter exploded.
15:42The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet
15:45dressed like a slave.
15:47Isn't she ashamed?
15:48I think she did it on purpose,
15:49pretending to be pitiful,
15:50trying to win sympathy so Caleb will change his mind.
15:53What a cheap trick.
15:54Who would fall for that?
15:55I lowered my head,
15:56unable to stop myself from quietly sobbing.
15:58I had tried to resist,
15:59but the moment that thought appeared,
16:01the potion turned into thousands of needles
16:03stabbing viciously into my heart.
16:04It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then,
16:07a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:08Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:11He wore the silver-gray formal attire of the east coast,
16:13his cape trailing across the floor.
16:15Alara held his arms in a moon-white glass gazon.
16:18Pearls pimmed at her temples.
16:19Caleb is here.
16:20The nobles parted to make way for them.
16:22Caleb walked up to me and looked me up and down.
16:25Then he suddenly laughed.
16:28I told you to wear slave clothes,
16:29and you wore them.
16:30I told you to sign the treaty,
16:31and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pictist,
16:33and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
16:37Do you see this?
16:38This is the Lycan princess.
16:40She does whatever I say.
16:41More obedient than a dog.
16:43Hit her.
16:43Curse her.
16:44Humiliate her.
16:45And all she knows how to do is wag her tail.
16:47Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve,
16:50her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb,
16:53sister can't really still want to marry you, can she?
16:55Caleb pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead,
16:58a sinister smile on his lips.
16:59She loves me so much,
17:00of course she still wants to marry me.
17:02But don't worry.
17:03I have a plan.
17:04Once I get real power over the west coast,
17:06I'll divorce her immediately and marry you in full glory.
17:09No matter how I treat her,
17:10she'll forgive me unconditionally anyway.
17:14All right.
17:15Then I'll wait for you to marry me.
17:17In full glory.
17:18Caleb kissed her.
17:19Then,
17:19seeing my desolate expression,
17:21he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:22He took the recording crystal from his chest and raised it high.
17:25Oh, right.
17:26Let me show everyone something interesting.
17:28The crystal lit up.
17:29In the image,
17:30I knelt on the ground,
17:31my face covered in blood,
17:32my head forced down as I signed the treaty.
17:34The nobles laughed even louder.
17:36That's too miserable.
17:37The mighty Lycan princess bullied to this extent.
17:40What a bone-deep humiliation.
17:41Laughter surged from all directions,
17:43drowning me.
17:43At that moment,
17:44a hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
17:46I turned my head.
17:47It was my father,
17:48the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
17:49He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall
17:51and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene,
17:53even now,
17:53do you still intend to marry Kale and give up Caleb?
17:55Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face,
17:59at the swollen corner of my mouth,
18:00and at the bruises on my wrist from the silver tube.
18:02You would rather endure so much suffering
18:04than marry Kale,
18:05it seems your mind truly is made up.
18:06Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:08My tears fell beyond my control.
18:11My father turned and walked step by step
18:12towards the platform at the center of the main hall.
18:15Kale was still holding up the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:18Everyone,
18:19tonight's engagement banquet
18:20was originally meant to announce the betrothal
18:22between my daughter Selene
18:23and the East Coast Alpha Kale.
18:25He paused.
18:26However,
18:27at my daughter's firm request,
18:28I now formally announce,
18:29in my capacity as Lycan King,
18:31Selene will marry another alpha,
18:33Kale.
18:34Kale froze where he stood.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:38Kale stood stunned.
18:39He looked at my father,
18:41then at me,
18:41and suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
18:43Lycan King,
18:44please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me for 18 years.
18:47For my sake,
18:47she was even willing to sleep in a pig hole.
18:49How could she possibly marry a useless wolf?
18:51He turned and walked toward me,
18:53his tone still full of condescending charity.
18:54Selene,
18:55I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me on purpose,
18:58aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake in public now,
19:02I can still treat you well like before.
19:03I looked quietly at his arrogant face.
19:05Take your Omega and get out of my sight.
19:07I let out a long breath of relief.
19:09The secrecy potion had worn off.
19:11At last,
19:11I could say what I wanted to say.
19:13The smile on Caleb's face finally collapsed.
19:15Fine, fine.
19:16You don't know what's good for you, do you?
19:17He suddenly took the unequal treaty from his chest
19:19and raised it toward my father.
19:21Lyon King,
19:21Selene has already signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not marry me today,
19:24two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed under D'Adress has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
19:33Caleb had not expected my father,
19:34who had always been cold,
19:35to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No, Selene must marry me.
19:39He released the pressure of an East Coast Alpha,
19:42transformed into a giant wolf,
19:43and lunged,
19:44reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand was about to touch me,
19:47the clouds in the sky broke apart,
19:48and a blood-red full moon hung overhead.
19:50In the corner,
19:51Cale,
19:51who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time,
19:53suddenly let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted from his eyes.
19:55With a deafening crack,
19:57the thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
19:58A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instant,
20:02Cale transformed into an ancient lycan.
20:03He brought one claw down hard,
20:04and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood again and again,
20:08unable to move.
20:09The nobles all retreated in terror.
20:11Caleb's eyes were full of unwillingness and fear.
20:14Knowing he was no match for Cale,
20:15he could only flee the hall in humiliation with the screaming Alotta.
20:19Cale,
20:19you useless wolf.
20:20Don't get cocky.
20:21I'll take Selene back.
20:22I walked onto the high corridor,
20:23and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped back to their residence,
20:27when they ran straight into a group of loyal guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly throwing,
20:31box after box of their belongings into the mud.
20:33Alara froze,
20:33then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
20:36My jewels!
20:37My gown!
20:38How dare you touch my things!
20:40The guard captain said coldly,
20:42This is the Lyman King's order.
20:44Caleb linched his fists and gritted his teeth.
20:45It must be Selene!
20:46She must have spoken ill of us to the Lycan King!
20:48Alara turned back,
20:49clutching Caleb's arm tightly as tears of grievance streamed down her face.
20:52Caleb,
20:52is sister still holding a grudge against me?
20:54I can give up anything,
20:55but you gave me all these things.
20:56Caleb looked at the mess on the ground,
20:57and pulled Alara into his arms in distress.
21:00Don't cry.
21:00This is just Selene playing hard to get.
21:02He deliberately raised his voice and hussed with absolute confidence.
21:05She thinks that if she takes everything back,
21:06I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much.
21:08Without me,
21:08she can't survive.
21:09Looking at his self-ephorious face,
21:11I found him utterly laughable.
21:12Why did he think I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom,
21:15and now,
21:16I also had Kale who was willing to protect me.
21:18I did not want to look at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned to the hall.
21:24Yet three hours later,
21:26the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor to report to me.
21:30Lycan princess,
21:32Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace
21:34and demand an explanation for you.
21:38I snorted coldly.
21:40You let him in?
21:41The guard captain said respectfully.
21:43It seems he lost his privileged J token during the fight.
21:46We stopped him outside the gate.
21:48If he has no token,
21:49then tell him to get lost.
21:50I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard.
21:52Beside a stone table,
21:53I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Kale,
21:54who had returned to human form.
21:55Kale had just broken through the witch's curse,
21:57and his face was still somewhat pale,
21:59but every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose,
22:03he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us
22:05and draped it gently understanding.
22:06I lifted my head and smiled at him.
22:08There were no unnecessary words between us,
22:10yet we shared an understanding as if our souls resonated.
22:13Just then,
22:14rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw Kale being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates
22:20by two fully armed royal guards.
22:21I'll tell you,
22:22I need to tell you guys don't make it!
22:23The guard captain answered coldly.
22:24Without the life and princess's privilege J token,
22:26no one may enter.
22:27Kale insisted on forcing his way in,
22:29but the guards shoved him back without mercy,
22:31making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state,
22:34my face held no expression.
22:35He should finally realize that without my protection,
22:38he could not take a single step on the west coast.
22:40Kale knew he could not force his way through the palace gates.
22:43He could only run to one corner of the gate
22:44and stare through the iron bars at me in the courtyard.
22:47When he saw Kale papaling a cloak over me
22:48and saw me smiling at Kale,
22:50the muscles in his face twitched out of control.
22:52For eighteen years I had only ever had eyes for him.
22:54I had never smiled that way at another man.
22:56He gripped the iron bars hard,
22:58his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me.
23:00Selene, come out here!
23:01I am your fated mate!
23:02At the sound of his voice,
23:04the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head,
23:07my gaze resting on Caleb's flushed face for one second.
23:09There was no anger in my eyes,
23:10nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were looking at a patch of empty air.
23:13Drag him away,
23:14I ordered coldly.
23:15The guard stepped forward.
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Kale roared in fury.
23:18He punched two guards to the ground
23:20and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
23:23Selene!
23:24Why are you pretending to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down his game piece
23:28and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant,
23:31he transformed into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying pressure erupted,
23:39crushing Kale in place.
23:40Kale's bones cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not defeat Kale,
23:43he could only retreat in humiliation
23:45and snar through gritted teeth.
23:46Fine.
23:47Selene,
23:47don't regret this.
23:48Even if you come kneeling to beg me,
23:50I won't look at you again.
23:51A few days later,
23:52my personal lady-in-waiting
23:53entered angrily with a bright red invitation.
23:55Lycan princess,
23:56Caleb has gone mad.
23:57He has publicly announced to the whole clan
23:59that he is marrying Elera,
24:00and he tells everyone
24:01that once you see the invitation,
24:02you'll break down,
24:03admit your mistake,
24:04and cry as you beg him to change his mind.
24:06I did not even look at the invitation.
24:08I lifted my teacup and took a sip.
24:10Let him.
24:11Without West Coast royal funding,
24:13what would he use to hold a respectable wedding?
24:15And he still thought I would apologize to him?
24:17Did he truly think I still loved him?
24:20That afternoon,
24:21with maids accompanying me,
24:21I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage
24:23for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass the most luxurious
24:25tailor shop in the city.
24:26I had just reached the opposite side of the shop
24:28when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
24:29You dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
24:31It scratches my skin.
24:32Can you afford to pay for it,
24:33you lowly dog?
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment,
24:36Caleb, who had just returned from buying mutton,
24:37froze at the shop entrance.
24:38Elera turned her head.
24:39When she met Caleb's shocked gaze,
24:41her face instantly went deathly pale.
24:42She had never expected Caleb
24:43to witness her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes, meanwhile,
24:46were full of suspicion and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate Elera he praised to everyone
24:49as someone who would shed tears
24:50even over stepping on an ant?
24:51Elera immediately squeezed out tears
24:53and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
24:55Caleb, this tailor pricked me on purpose with a needle.
24:57It hurt so much that I lost control of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me, all right?
25:01Caleb stiffly patted her back,
25:03his voice dry.
25:04It's fine.
25:05I don't blame you.
25:06But the seed of doubt
25:07had already been planted deep in Caleb's heart.
25:09Watching from the corner,
25:11I suddenly came up with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain carry a brocade box
25:14and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb,
25:17Lion Princess Selina has sent you a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name,
25:20Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
25:22He eagerly took the brocade box,
25:24the corners of his mouth rising beyond his control.
25:27I knew it.
25:28She really couldn't hold back after all.
25:30She's finally bowing to me.
25:32I watched Caleb's arrogance with cold eyes.
25:35Full of expectation,
25:36he opened the brocade box,
25:38seeming certain that inside would be a tear-stained apology letter.
25:41Only a wooden sword snapped cleanly in half.
25:44It was the first token of affection young Caleb had given me one summer ten years ago.
25:48Back then, he had patted his chest and said,
25:51Selina, if anyone bullies you from now on,
25:53I'll protect you with this sword.
25:54I had once treasured that wooden sword as if it were my life,
25:57but now I had broken it and returned it to him as a wedding gift.
26:01I saw clearly how Caleb's hand trembled uncontrollably around the broken sword.
26:05His face, which had been wild with joy, turned deathly white.
26:08No, this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped the broken sword tightly,
26:12his lips shaking.
26:14How could she bear to break it?
26:16She must be trying to make me angry, right?
26:18Selina, come out!
26:20I know you're nearby! Come out!
26:22He suddenly lifted his head,
26:24looking around the street in panic like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless, I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:32Three days later, on the day of the wedding,
26:35without West Coast support,
26:36the East Coast Chapel was decorated in an extremely shabby manner.
26:39Caleb stood at the altar, his face pale and his eyes hollow.
26:42Again and again, he looked toward the chapel's tightly shut doors.
26:45The guests below whispered among themselves.
26:47Beside him, Alara saw his distraction and immediately grew angry.
26:52Caleb, everyone is watching us.
26:54Today is our happy day.
26:55Can you focus on me?
26:57But Caleb pulled his hand away irritably and murmured like a lost soul.
27:01She can't really not come, can she?
27:03She clearly loves me so much.
27:06How could she watch me marry someone else with her own eyes?
27:09His mind was full of me.
27:10He did not look at Alana at all.
27:11Alara clenched her fists in resentment, so jealous she was nearly going mad.
27:15Just as the priest frowned and prepared to read the vows,
27:18the master of ceremony outside announced loudly,
27:20Lycan Princess and Lord Kale have arrived.
27:23The heavy doors were pushed open.
27:25Wearing a noble black formal dress,
27:27I held Kale's arm and walked calmly into the chapel.
27:30The moment Caleb saw me, his dead eyes instantly lit up.
27:33Selina, you came.
27:35His voice trembled with excitement.
27:36He flung Alara's arm away and came down from the altar to greet me.
27:40But I did not spare him a single extra glance.
27:42I walked straight to the front row of guest seats and sat down elegantly.
27:46I'm not here to steal the groom.
27:47Continue your wedding.
27:48Don't mind me.
27:49Caleb froze where he stood.
27:51He grinned his teeth, still stubbornly staring at me.
27:53Don't regret this.
27:55The priest cleared his throat and began reading the lengthy vows.
27:58Lord Kale, whether in poverty or wealth,
28:00are you willing to take Alara as your wife?
28:02I...
28:03Kale drew out the word.
28:04His gaze was locked firmly on me,
28:05as if saying,
28:06Selina, if you stand up and stop me now,
28:08I'll cancel the wedding at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly lifted the red T
28:12and turned my head to speak softly to Kale.
28:14Kale, has the West Coast border defense map been checked?
28:16Kale brushed a fallen leaf from my shoulder,
28:18his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference,
28:22Caleb's face instantly turned ashen.
28:23Alara stood beside him,
28:24gritting her teeth as she urged in a low voice,
28:26Caleb, everyone is waiting for your vow.
28:28If not for me, then for our child.
28:30Caleb froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:32Alara showed a shy smile and nodded.
28:34Of course.
28:35Your own flesh and blood.
28:37Caleb sighed and nodded.
28:38All right.
28:39Since you're carrying my child,
28:40I should indeed give you a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:44I do.
28:45Just then,
28:46the chapel's enormous stained glass window
28:48shattered with a crash,
28:49and more than a dozen rogue werewolves
28:51with blood-red eyes rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly fell into chaos.
28:56Nobles screamed and fled in every direction.
28:59This group of rogue werewolves
29:00had an extremely clear target.
29:01They did not even look at the bride
29:03and grew on the altar.
29:04Raising bright curved blades,
29:06they charged straight toward me.
29:07Kill the lichen princess!
29:09Caleb watched the werewolves lunging toward me,
29:11his mind going blank.
29:12Selene!
29:13Watch out!
29:14Without hesitation,
29:15he moved to rush down from the altar
29:17and save me.
29:18But the instant he took one step,
29:20Alana screamed and threw herself at him,
29:23clinging tightly around his waist.
29:25Caleb!
29:26Help me!
29:27I'm so scared!
29:28Don't leave me!
29:28Caleb was suddenly tripped up
29:30and shouted in panic.
29:31Get off, Alara!
29:32Let go!
29:32Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard to prow Alina's hands away,
29:36but Alina clung to him like an octopus,
29:38her cries piercing.
29:39You're not allowed to go!
29:41I am your bride!
29:43Because of that one second delay,
29:45the strongest rogue willwolf
29:47had already rushed in front of me.
29:49He raised a curved blade
29:50coated in green poison
29:51and slashed viciously towards my back.
29:54Caleb screamed in despair.
29:56No!
29:59At the critical moment,
30:00Cale snutted coldly.
30:01His tall body instantly blocked me.
30:03He did not even transform into wolf form.
30:05He merely lifted one hand
30:06and with a crisp clang,
30:07caught the descending poisoned blade barehanded.
30:10Under the terrified gaze of the rogue werewolf,
30:12Cale turned his wrist
30:13and the curved blade forged of fine steel
30:15shattered inch by inch.
30:16You're caught in death.
30:17The terrifying pressure of an ancient wolf king
30:19erupted instantly
30:19and cracks spread across the chapel floor.
30:22Within a few moves,
30:23those vicious assassins
30:23did not even have room to resist
30:25before their limbs were broken
30:26and they were hurled miserably to the ground.
30:27From beginning to end,
30:28Cale shielded me completely behind him.
30:30Not even a strand of my hair was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Caleb finally push Alera away
30:35and stumble over with his sword in hand.
30:37He foes two steps away.
30:40Cale was kneeling on one knee before me,
30:43checking with extreme care
30:44whether I had been frightened.
30:46The hand Caleb used to hold his sword dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be the hero who protected me,
30:50but only now did he realize
30:51he had already lost both the right
30:52and the strength to protect me.
30:54The royal guards quickly rushed into the chapel
30:56and restrained all the badly injured assassins.
30:58Cale stood and coldly opened the assassin leader's clothes,
31:01pulling a blood-stained piece of parchment from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it,
31:05and my gaze instantly turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alera,
31:12who was trembling on the steps,
31:14and it was drawn with ink,
31:16specially supplied to the East Coast royal family.
31:19All eyes in the hall snapped onto Alera.
31:23Is there a traitor in the East Coast?
31:25Facing everyone's suspicion,
31:27Aloda's face went deathly pale.
31:28She shook her head desperately as she backed away.
31:30It wasn't me, I didn't Caleb believe me, I really didn't.
31:32Seeing the guards with blades in hand,
31:34Aloda used her best trick.
31:35Her eyes rolled back,
31:36and she let out a string cry.
31:38Ugh, my heart.
31:38My anemagia's acting up again.
31:40Caleb, I'm so dizzy.
31:41She collapsed with perfect accuracy toward Caleb's arms.
31:44Caleb's brows knitted.
31:45Instinctively, he reached out to catch her.
31:46Step aside.
31:47An aged yet majestic voice rang out.
31:49The high-ranking witch doctor accompanying us
31:50strode forward and seized Alana's wrist.
31:52Alora panicked and tried to pull her hand back.
31:54Don't touch me, Caleb.
31:56Blue investigative magic glowed in the witch doctor's palm.
31:58After only a few seconds,
31:59she stood with a cold laugh
32:00and announced to everyone present.
32:01This omega has no trace of any blood disease in her body.
32:04Her vitality is stronger than that of a bison.
32:06Caleb went rigid, his eyes widening in disbelief.
32:08You're lying.
32:09She clearly fainted from anemia before.
32:11She even needed to lose blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:15That was a false weakness created by black magic herbs.
32:17Not only that.
32:18The witch doctor looked at Alana on the floor with contempt.
32:21She is not pregnant at all.
32:24What did you say?
32:25Caleb looked as if he had been struck by lightning.
32:27He stumbled half a step back.
32:29Just then, the assassin leader pinned to the ground,
32:31spat out a mouthful of bloody Sava,
32:33and glared viciously at Alaya.
32:34It was this bitch.
32:35She gave us the defense map
32:36and told us to kill the Lycan princess in the chaos.
32:38She said once it was done,
32:39she'd give us half of the West Coast territory.
32:41With irrefutable evidence before everyone,
32:44Alara's disguise was completely torn apart.
32:46No!
32:47This isn't true!
32:48Caleb looked at Alara with bloodshot eyes,
32:50his voice trembling.
32:52So you've been lying to me all along?
32:53The anemia was fake and the pregnancy was fake too?
32:57Alara knew she had nowhere left to retreat.
32:59She broke down instantly and crawled to Caleb's feet,
33:02clenching his leg as tears and snot covered her face.
33:04Caleb, listen to me!
33:05I was forced!
33:06They threatened me!
33:07She begged frantically like a pitiful worm,
33:08not a strice remaining of her former delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much!
33:13Protect me with your East Coast privileges
33:14like you used to, all right?
33:16Looking at the ugly woman before him,
33:18Caleb felt his stomach churn with disgust.
33:20He kicked Alarka away and stared at her with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate first love
33:25for whom he had given up everything
33:26and even broken with the West Coast.
33:28For this lying bitch,
33:30he had forced me to sleep in a pigsty.
33:32For this vicious woman who had never been ill,
33:34he had forced me to bleed.
33:35Each truth that came too late
33:37filled Caleb with unbearable regret.
33:39What kind of person had he lost?
33:41Someone who had loved him so deeply.
33:43With a thud,
33:44Caleb's legs gave out
33:46and he collapsed heavily to his knees in the ruins.
33:48His face streamed with tears.
33:50As he turned and crawled toward me,
33:52his eyes read,
33:54Selena, I'm sorry.
33:56I was blind.
33:58I was a fool.
33:59I was wrong.
34:00Please forgive me.
34:01Faced with Caleb's repentance,
34:03I had no interest in even stopping.
34:05Calmly, I looked away,
34:07took a clean silk handkerchief from my sleeve
34:09and pulled Cale's hand toward me.
34:12Did it hurt when you crushed that poisoned blade?
34:15No.
34:16As long as you're unharmed,
34:17that's all that matters.
34:18Let's go.
34:20It's too filthy here.
34:22I, Cali, dropped the package beside Caleb's hand,
34:25linked arms with Cale,
34:26and walked straight out of the chapel.
34:29Caleb froze where he was.
34:30At last, he understood.
34:31I was no longer willing to give him even hatred.
34:34He knelt there,
34:35watching helplessly as Cale and I left side by side,
34:38his nose stinging.
34:39What will it take?
34:41What will it take for you to forgive me?
34:43Just then,
34:44a messenger covered in blood stumbled into the hall.
34:47Report!
34:48Rogue werewolves are invading on a massive scale.
34:50The West Coast defense line is in critical danger.
34:53Caleb suddenly lifted his head,
34:54a crazed light flashing in his eyes.
34:56War.
34:57War has come.
34:58As long as I earn great merit on the battlefield,
35:01as long as I prove my worth,
35:04Selina will surely look at me again.
35:06The rogue werewolves invaded on a massive scale,
35:08and the flames of war spread quickly.
35:10Cale volunteered to command the armies,
35:13going from former useless wolf to present ancient wolf king,
35:16and led the troops out to suppress the rebelt.
35:18As for Caleb,
35:19because of his blindness,
35:20foolishness,
35:21and sheltering of a traitor,
35:22he had been stripped of all status
35:24and reduced completely to a commoner.
35:26He could have hidden in the rear and clung to life,
35:28but in order to stir even the slightest ripple in my heart,
35:31he concealed his name
35:32and voluntarily joined the suicide squad
35:34with the highest death rate,
35:35becoming the lowest ranking footseller.
35:37On the day the army set out,
35:38I stood personally atop the high city wall
35:40to see Ka'al off.
35:41Below the wall,
35:42the army stood in solemn formation.
35:44Ka'al sat on his warhorse
35:45and looked up at me with deep affection
35:47before the entire army.
35:49I placed a wolf-tooth amulet
35:51for protection around Ka'al's neck
35:52with my own hands,
35:53then bent down and gently kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your triumphant return.
35:59Ka'al's eyes burned hot.
36:01In front of everyone,
36:03he kissed the back of my hand.
36:06For you,
36:07I will bring victory.
36:09And down in the muddy infantry ranks,
36:11Ka'al,
36:11dressed in coarse linen,
36:13stared famously at the scene,
36:14watching me give another man my favor.
36:16Jealousy and regret
36:16twisted together in his heart.
36:18Once,
36:18that place had been his.
36:20That amulet had once been prepared for him.
36:21He bit hard enough to split his lip.
36:24Selene,
36:24I'll prove to you that I'm stronger than Ka'al.
36:29I'm the alpha worthy of you.
36:31He swore it silently in his heart,
36:32then stepped onto the battlefield
36:34without looking back.
36:35Battle reports from the front lines
36:37were sent back to the capital every day.
36:38On the battlefield,
36:39Ka'al planned and commanded
36:40with brilliant strategy.
36:41Not only was he not dragged down
36:42by the witch's curse,
36:43he displayed the bearing
36:44of an unparalleled general.
36:45He won every battle
36:46and became the hero admired
36:47by the entire army.
36:49Ka'al, meanwhile,
36:50fought in the lowest trenches
36:51like a beast that did not care
36:53whether it lived or died.
36:54He deliberately refused
36:56to wear heavy armor,
36:57allowing enemy blades
36:58to leave hideous wounds
36:59across his body.
37:01Every time he was injured,
37:02every time he bled,
37:03he felt he was paying back the debt
37:04for once draining my blood.
37:05He felt he was easing
37:06the guilt in his heart.
37:07He fought desperately for merit,
37:09charging forward like a madman
37:10and cutting down
37:11countless enemy heads,
37:12only hoping that his name
37:13might appear once
37:14in the military reports
37:15and be seen by me.
37:15But he did not know
37:16that when I read the reports,
37:18my gaze only stopped
37:19on Ka'al's name.
37:20I did not care
37:21which common soldier
37:22had earned credit.
37:23During an especially
37:24brutal breakout battle,
37:25the rogue werewolf army
37:26surrounded the suicide squad.
37:28A military banner
37:29representing the West Coast
37:30royal family
37:31was about to be cut down.
37:33That was my territory.
37:36My banner.
37:38Caleb's eyes went red
37:39as he roared
37:40and threw himself forward.
37:43No one touches Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body
37:47to shield the flagpole,
37:48refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish.
37:50An enemy spear
37:52ruthlessly pierced
37:53through the soldier's abdomen.
37:55He vomited a mouthful of blood,
37:57but his hands still clung
37:58tightly to the banner
38:00as he collapsed heavily
38:01into a pool of blood.
38:04The dark, damp
38:05woundager's camp
38:05was filled with
38:06the thick smell of blood
38:07and screams of pain.
38:08Caleb's injuries
38:08were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced
38:10through his abdomen
38:10and his high fever
38:11would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat,
38:13barely breathing.
38:14In the extreme agony
38:15between dreams and waking,
38:17he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return
38:18to that summer
38:19ten years ago.
38:20A little version of me
38:21followed behind him,
38:22eyes full of worship
38:23as I called him
38:23Brother Caleb,
38:24blushing while I handed him
38:25that wooden sword.
38:26Brother Caleb,
38:27will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:32I'll protect you
38:33for the rest of your life.
38:35But the scene shifted.
38:36It became me locked
38:37inside the reeking pig pet,
38:38my face covered in blood,
38:39looking at him in despair
38:40as he married Alara.
38:42No, don't look at me like that.
38:43In his coma,
38:44tears of pain
38:45streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly
38:46at empty air
38:47as he murmured
38:48in a broken,
38:48miserable voice,
38:49It's lame.
38:49I was wrong.
38:50Please, don't go.
38:52But in the illusion,
38:53I pulled my hand away coldly
38:54and turned away
38:55without hesitation.
38:56Just as he was drowning
38:57in unbearable pain,
38:59in reality,
39:00he suddenly felt
39:00a pair of cooled hands
39:02touch his forehead.
39:03Then a bottle
39:03of high-grade royal potion
39:05with a faint fragrance
39:05was placed in his hand.
39:07This familiar scent
39:08belonged only to potions
39:09the royal family
39:10was qualified to use.
39:12Caleb's whole body jolted.
39:14It's hard.
39:15Here comes.
39:18Summoning all his strength,
39:20he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes
39:22in wild joy,
39:23a smile of attestation
39:24already lifting
39:25the corner of his mouth.
39:25But when he saw
39:26the person before him clearly,
39:27he felt as if he had fallen
39:28to an ice cower.
39:29The person standing by his bed
39:30was not me at all,
39:30but an old logistics medic
39:31with a face full of wrinkles.
39:33Young man,
39:33you're awake.
39:33Tough life you've got.
39:34A spear went clean through you.
39:35You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic pulled the stopper
39:37from the potion bottle
39:38and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink.
39:40This was personally ordered
39:41by Commander Cale.
39:42In recognition of your
39:43suicide squad's merit
39:44in protecting the banner,
39:45every severely injured member
39:46has been given a royal potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily
39:49at the potion bottle.
39:50His fingers tightened
39:50inch by inch,
39:51his knuckles turning white.
39:52So it was not for him.
39:54So he was only the most
39:55insignificant one
39:56among tens of thousands
39:57of wounded soldiers.
39:58He had risked his life
39:59to prove himself
40:00and repay his debt.
40:01But in the end,
40:02the harm he had done me,
40:03the feelings he had for me,
40:04did not even qualify him
40:05to be hated by me anymore.
40:07I had completely treated
40:08as an unrelated stranger,
40:10a piece of air
40:10that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched
40:13the potion bottle tightly,
40:14tears falling
40:15and heavy drops
40:16onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly,
40:17he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me.
40:20So being ignored
40:22is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later,
40:25the rebellion
40:26of the rogue werewolves
40:27was completely pacified
40:28and the border welcomed
40:29a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned in triumph.
40:32The gates of the capital
40:34opened wide
40:34and citizens lined the streets
40:36cheering
40:36as they welcomed home
40:37the hero
40:37who had saved the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile,
40:39on the execution ground,
40:40on the other side of the city,
40:42Alara,
40:42who had served as an insider
40:43for the rogue werewolves,
40:45was finally facing her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge of the crowd,
40:48a man with a crippled leg
40:49and a body covered in mud
40:49staggered forward.
40:50He wore ragged linen.
40:52His appearance withered,
40:53his vacant gaze fixed on the cross.
40:54A rough rope
40:55was looped around Alara's neck.
40:56Her hair hung loose
40:57as she struggled violently
40:58and screamed in agony.
40:59Ah, Caleb!
41:00Save me!
41:00For the sake of the love
41:01we once shared,
41:02save me!
41:03But Caleb merely looked
41:04at her coldly.
41:04The old obsession
41:05was gone from his eyes,
41:06leaving only the remort
41:07of a man who had been blind
41:08in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious woman
41:11full of lies,
41:11he should now have been
41:12standing on the execution platform,
41:14receiving the admiration
41:14of the whole clan
41:15as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command,
41:17Alarma's struggle stopped.
41:18She hung in the wind
41:19like a scrap of cloth.
41:20Caleb lowered his head,
41:22feeling nothing but emptiness inside.
41:23At that moment,
41:24cheers a hundred times louder
41:25than before,
41:26Prince Remy erupted
41:27from the front of square.
41:28It's the Lycan princess's
41:29royal carriage!
41:30She has come personally
41:31to welcome the hero,
41:32Lord Cale!
41:33At the sound of my name,
41:34Caleb trembled violently.
41:36He snapped his head up
41:38and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped
41:41in the center of the square.
41:43Cale dismounted,
41:44not even bothering
41:45to brush off the dust of war
41:46clinging to him
41:47and strode to the carriage.
41:49With extreme tendness,
41:50he extended his hand to me.
41:52I lifted the velvet curtain,
41:54placed my hand in his palm,
41:56gathered my magnificent skirts,
41:57and stepped down
41:58from the carriage.
41:59By now,
42:00I was no longer
42:01the pitiful woman
42:02who had been forced
42:03to wear coarse slave linen.
42:04My face shone
42:05with a bright smile
42:06Caleigh had never seen before.
42:08It was the kind of glow
42:09that could only appear
42:10when someone was surrounded
42:11by absolute love.
42:12In the crowd,
42:13Caleb desperately stood on tiptoe,
42:15trying to see my face clearly,
42:16but when his gaze landed on me,
42:18his whole body froze
42:20as if he had plunged into ice,
42:22because my other hand
42:23was gently resting
42:24on my noticeably rounded belly.
42:26Lord Cale and her highness
42:27already have a child.
42:29They really are
42:29a match made in heaven.
42:31The commoners beside him
42:32discussed it excitedly.
42:34Their words pierced Caleb's soul
42:36like ten thousand arrows.
42:39Not only had she married someone else,
42:41she was carrying another man's child.
42:43The girl who had once
42:44had eyes only for him,
42:45the girl who had refused
42:47to leave him
42:47even after he kicked her
42:48into a wolf's claws,
42:50now truly belonged
42:51to someone else completely.
42:52A violent cramp of pain
42:54nearly stole Caleb's breath.
42:55His eyes were bloodshot
42:56and a hopeless whimper
42:57rose in his throat.
42:58A light breeze passed,
42:59stirring several fallen leaves.
43:01As if sensing something,
43:02I casually swept my gaze
43:03across the crowded masses.
43:04Across the noisy sea of people,
43:06my eyes briefly met Caleb's.
43:08In that instant,
43:09Caleb's breathing stopped.
43:10His whole body went rigid
43:11and his lips trembled violently.
43:12Tears filled his bloodshot eyes.
43:14How desperately he wished
43:15to see even the slightest ripple
43:16in my eyes.
43:17Pity, even mockery or hatred.
43:18As long as it proved
43:19I still cared about him,
43:20he would have been willing
43:21to die on the spot.
43:22But my gaze was absolutely calm.
43:24It was as if I were looking
43:25at a tree by the roadside,
43:26a stone,
43:27a pile of trash
43:28no one cared about.
43:29No lingering,
43:30no pause.
43:31I naturally looked away
43:32and turned to Cale beside me.
43:34Look, the wind is rising.
43:36Let's go home,
43:37I said,
43:37smiling gently at Cale.
43:39Cale lowered his head
43:40and kissed my forehead
43:40with deep affection,
43:42wrapping me in our unborn child
43:43tightly in his broad cloak.
43:46I'm strong.
43:50Let's go home.
43:51A pain that cut to the marrow
43:55left him unable to stand.
43:57He collapsed heavily
43:59into the muddy water.
44:00The cheering crowd
44:01surrounded Cale and me
44:02as we went farther
44:04and farther away.
44:06All that remained for Cale
44:08was a ground full of flowers
44:09crushed mercilessly by hooves
44:11and the rest of a life
44:13he could never redeem.
44:14Years later,
44:15my aging father formally abcated.
44:18I put on the crown,
44:19symbolizing supreme power,
44:21and became the greatest
44:22lichen princess
44:23in West Coast history.
44:24Cale guarded me and our child
44:26with unwavering loyalty.
44:27The internal strife
44:28and external threats
44:29of the past
44:30were completely pass-approved
44:31and the wolf clans
44:32entered an unprecedented
44:33golden era.
44:34My name became
44:35the highest symbol
44:36of power and glory.
44:38As for the name Caleb,
44:39it vanished from
44:40everyone's memory
44:41like an insignificant
44:42speck of dust.
44:44No one mentioned
44:44the once arrogant
44:45East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:47No one remembered
44:48his ridiculous shaby wedding.
44:50Ten years later,
44:50in the most remote,
44:51dilapidated slum
44:52on the East Coast,
44:53the cold wind howled
44:54as it swept garbage
44:55across the ground.
44:56A broken-down tavern
44:57reeking of mold
44:57and cheap alcohol
44:58stood with its drafty
44:59wooden door half-open.
45:01An old werewolf
45:01who had lost his left leg
45:03and one arm,
45:04his face weathered
45:05by hardship,
45:06limped through the door
45:06and shuffled to the bar.
45:08It was Caleb.
45:09But he was filthy
45:10from head to toe,
45:12with not the slightest
45:12traces of an alpha
45:14left in him.
45:14With trembling fingers,
45:16he dug a few copper coins
45:17smeared with grease
45:18from his torn pocket
45:19and pushed them
45:20towards the bartender.
45:21Give me a cup
45:23of the cheapest ale.
45:25The bartender
45:26set a cup of murky ale
45:27heavily in front of him
45:28with a look of disgust.
45:30The old werewolf
45:31did not mind.
45:32He simply picked up the cup,
45:35dragged his crippled leg,
45:36and stumbled to the darkest
45:38corner of the tavern.
45:40Through drunken,
45:41blurred eyes,
45:42he lifted his head
45:43and looked at an old poster
45:44pasted on the mottled wall.
45:46On the poster,
45:47written in ornate lettering,
45:49were the words,
45:50celebrating the tenth
45:51wedding anniversary
45:52of Lichen Princess and Kale.
45:54At the center of the image,
45:55I wore a crown,
45:57my smile noble and bright,
45:59my eyes filled with happiness.
46:01The old werewolf
46:02raised his rough,
46:03frostbitted hand
46:04and paused in midair
46:06for a long time.
46:07Only then did he carefully,
46:09across the empty space,
46:11gently touched my cheek
46:13on the poster.
46:14I was the treasure
46:16he had once had
46:16within easy reach,
46:18only to trample
46:19into the mud
46:20with his own hands.
46:21Cloudy tears
46:22mixed with cheap ale
46:23and rolled down
46:24his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman,
46:27he cried and laughed,
46:28then slapped himself
46:29hard twice,
46:31letting out
46:32a piercing wail.
46:34If that day
46:35I hadn't abandoned you,
46:38if that day
46:39I hadn't driven you
46:41to the pig fed
46:42for that bitch,
46:43hadn't drained
46:44your blood.
46:46Would you still love me?
46:48Selina,
46:50I'm sorry,
46:52my Selina.
46:54In the ruined tavern,
46:56no one paid any attention
46:57to the raravings
46:58of a disabled old man.
47:00Everyone was celebrating
47:01the Queen's prosperous reign.
47:03Who cared about
47:04about a drunkard's tears?
47:06Outside the window,
47:07the raging snowstorm
47:08completely swallowed
47:09his cries.
47:11He could only carry
47:12the regret
47:13he would never be able
47:15to make up for,
47:16slowly ending
47:17the rest of his life
47:19in endless loneliness
47:21and ruin.
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