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00:00I was James' mistress for five years, but now his partner Isabella is coming back.
00:04Our relationship is about to end.
00:072 a.m. The Summonstone glows.
00:09Bring contraceptive pills to me now.
00:11I'm at his chamber door, soaked from the storm.
00:14He stares at my drenched clothes.
00:15Who told you to be such an obedient she-wolf?
00:18I hand him the pouch.
00:19The pills you asked for.
00:20He brushes my knuckles with his thumb.
00:22Isabella hasn't arrived yet.
00:24Why don't we make use of them first?
00:26I freeze, then he laughs.
00:27Just kidding. I'm not that much of a monster.
00:30He leans against the doorframe.
00:31I arranged a mate meeting for you next week.
00:33You've run at my side for years.
00:35I don't want you to feel discarded.
00:38You'll go, won't you?
00:38His eyes are cold. I know the truth.
00:40His mate is returning to the territory.
00:42He's disposing of me before she arrives.
00:45I clench my fists.
00:46Just send me the location.
00:48Alpha.
00:49He flinches at the word alpha.
00:50I turn to leave.
00:52Wait!
00:52He says.
00:52He wraps his heavy cloak around my shoulders.
00:55He grabs the collar, pulling me close.
00:57Don't leave tonight.
00:58But isn't someone else coming?
01:00He looks annoyed.
01:01You actually believe that?
01:03You think I'm nothing but a ruthless beast?
01:05Who else has there been but you?
01:06I grabbed my clothes and slipped out.
01:09That's our unwritten rule.
01:10He hates sleeping beside anyone.
01:12For five years, no matter how exhausted,
01:15I always crept to the guest chamber alone.
01:17Next morning, I rushed downstairs.
01:19He was back from the training yard.
01:21Shirtless.
01:21Muscles carved like stone.
01:24I had the servants leave you food.
01:26No time.
01:27I'll be late to the hall.
01:30I'll ride with you.
01:31No!
01:31I blurted out.
01:32My rank elevation results come out today.
01:34I can't arrive at your side.
01:36The pack will think I earned my title on your back.
01:39The room went dead silent.
01:40He stopped and let out a cold laugh.
01:43Fine.
01:43Suit yourself.
01:44He held out a sealed letter.
01:46Your arranged mate meeting.
01:48Next week.
01:49My head started spinning.
01:50The reason I agreed to deliver that herb pouch last night
01:53was to end our five-year secret arrangement.
01:55I didn't want to seem desperate.
01:57I took the letter.
01:58My hands were cold.
01:59Okay.
02:00I whispered.
02:01I'll go.
02:02I've stayed at James' pack manor every week for years.
02:05Back then, I'd carry bundles of spare clothes every time.
02:08He built me a whole wardrobe chamber just so I'd stop lugging them.
02:11But today, I'm clearing it all out.
02:13Everything, gone.
02:15James leaned against the doorframe, watching.
02:17We're just Alpha and pack member from now on, I said.
02:19He let out a cold, sharp laugh.
02:22Don't worry.
02:23I won't make things difficult for you.
02:25I rushed into the great hall just before the morning bell.
02:28My pack mate pressed a warm drink into my hands.
02:31Don't forget us when you're leading the unit!
02:34Nothing's decided yet.
02:35You deserve it.
02:36You've pushed harder than anyone.
02:38Five years of blood and sweat.
02:41It's yours!
02:41I smiled at the whole group.
02:43If I get it, I'm treating everyone to a feast!
02:45The hall erupted in cheers.
02:47I watched the announcement board, heart hammering.
02:50Then the scroll was pinned up.
02:51We regret to inform you.
02:53Rank, elevation denied.
02:55My mind went completely blank.
02:57The group crowded around, then dead silence.
03:00The Beta Elder strode in with a woman at his side.
03:03This is Isabella.
03:04New head, appointed personally by Alpha James.
03:07I looked up and stopped breathing.
03:09She looked exactly like the portrait.
03:11The one James kept hidden close to him always.
03:14I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.
03:16I walked to James' chamber like a hollow shell.
03:18I couldn't stop wiping away my tears.
03:21I knocked.
03:21James said coldly,
03:23Enter.
03:23My eyes were red.
03:25I broke the moment I opened my mouth.
03:27Why?
03:27I asked, voice trembling.
03:29He didn't even look up.
03:30What?
03:30Why did you hand Isabella my title?
03:33He finally looked at me.
03:34She wanted it.
03:35Just because she wanted it?
03:37What about the seven years I gave you in this pack?
03:41I nearly died on that rogue border assignment.
03:44James stood and walked toward me.
03:46Claire, this is reality.
03:48I decide everything here.
03:50I just wanted fairness.
03:52I sobbed.
03:53He let out a cruel, low laugh.
03:55Fairness.
03:56You dare speak to me about fairness?
03:58If you hadn't shared my bed, you'd never have gotten through the gate.
04:01You took the easy path.
04:02Now you want fairness?
04:04His words hit like a blade across the face.
04:06I had worked with everything I had for seven years.
04:09I pushed myself past the breaking point every single day.
04:13I had to prove I belonged here.
04:15But he was right.
04:16I entered this pack because of him.
04:18That's how all of this started.
04:19He gave when it suited him and discarded me when it didn't.
04:22I have no right to speak of fairness.
04:24So I'm done.
04:25I'm leaving this pack today.
04:27Meeting James was like something from a fable.
04:30I had just come of age and arrived in Silverstone territory alone.
04:34My mate bond had been broken.
04:36He'd chosen another she-wolf without a word.
04:38I was drowning in grief and the weight of starting over.
04:41So I went to the pack tavern to drink the pain away.
04:44I had never had that much ale before.
04:46I drank until I completely lost my senses.
04:49Usually I'm too timid to speak to strangers.
04:52But that night I walked straight up to the most powerful wolf in the room.
04:55He sat alone, cold, turning everyone away without a glance.
04:59That wolf was James Vane.
05:01I sat down and put my hand on his shoulder.
05:05Want to come back to my den tonight?
05:07I asked.
05:08He took a slow sip and laughed.
05:09I thought we'd be strangers by sunrise.
05:11I was wrong.
05:12The next morning I went to pack headquarters for my entry trial.
05:16I looked up and saw him seated at the head of the table in his alpha's mantle.
05:20I recognized him instantly, but held myself together.
05:23A few hours later I received my entry offer.
05:26On my first day he caught me alone in the corridor.
05:28Claire, isn't it?
05:29Can you handle a physical only relationship?
05:32I'm usually cautious, but his eyes were too deep to refuse.
05:35I can do that?
05:38I whispered.
05:39The moment I said it, I knew I was done for.
05:41I fell for him.
05:43Hopelessly and completely.
05:44Rare jewels.
05:45Everything an alpha could offer.
05:47But he also trained me.
05:48Pushed me.
05:49Taught me everything about this pack.
05:51I started to hope he might love me back one day.
05:53But today, the dream finally shattered.
05:56I was cast aside like a fool who never learned her place.
05:59I finally understood the painful truth.
06:01If it was never meant to be yours, it never will be.
06:05Since I didn't get the rank elevation, I don't even need his seal to leave.
06:09I went to the elder's chamber and it was done within the hour.
06:12Diana, the pack elder, pulled me into a long hug.
06:16Thank you for everything, Diana.
06:17I said.
06:20Can you do one last thing for me?
06:22Keep my departure quiet for now.
06:24I don't want anyone to know I'm gone yet.
06:26She's the only one who ever knew about me and James.
06:29She looked at me and gave a slow nod.
06:31I promise.
06:32That evening, my grandmother's messenger bird arrived.
06:35Sweetheart, did you get the rank elevation?
06:37You promised I'd be the first to know.
06:40My throat tightened.
06:41I couldn't hold back.
06:42Grandma, I'm leaving Silverstone territory.
06:45Silence on the other end for a long moment.
06:47That's wonderful news.
06:48I've missed you every single day.
06:51Come home.
06:52I'll make everything you love.
06:54I started sobbing and couldn't stop.
06:56I knew she was just trying to comfort me.
06:58She used to boast to every elder in the village about my place in the pack.
07:02I had planned to build us a proper den here after the elevation.
07:05A real home.
07:07Just the two of us.
07:08I had imagined it so clearly.
07:10But reality was just too cruel.
07:12I couldn't sleep that night.
07:13I decided to go out for a walk.
07:15I spotted two wolves hug a head.
07:17They were James and Isabella.
07:19Then I saw the ring.
07:20The rare silver ring.
07:21My heart stopped entirely.
07:23I knew that ring better than anyone alive.
07:25I had saved for months to commission it for him.
07:28You shouldn't spend what you can't spare on me.
07:30There's really no need.
07:32He had said.
07:33But you deserve the best.
07:34I told him.
07:35He kissed me.
07:36His eyes full of warmth.
07:37The next morning, he walked into the great hall with it on his hand.
07:40He even caught my eye and smirked, turning his hand slowly.
07:44Every she-wolf in the hall whispered about it for days.
07:47The ring was now on another she-wolf's hand.
07:49It struck me all at once.
07:50The one he was ever willing to hold through the night was never me.
07:54One week until I left the pack.
07:56Then Isabella appeared at the gathering hall.
07:58She slammed a sealed pouch onto the table between us.
08:01Inside was a single strand of my hair.
08:04I found this in James's guest chamber.
08:07So you're the secret she-wolf before I could speak.
08:09Ice-cold water hit me across the face.
08:12Then came the slap.
08:13Hard.
08:14How can you sink this low?
08:16She hissed.
08:17I raised my hand to strike back, but my wrist was caught mid-air.
08:20It was James.
08:21He didn't even look at me.
08:22Go to the stable, Isabella.
08:24I'll handle this.
08:24Isabella was shaking with sobs.
08:26You replaced me within six months of us parting?
08:29The moment she was gone, James's eyes turned to ice.
08:32Did I not make it clear?
08:33She was never to know about us.
08:35I pulled my wrist free and laughed.
08:38She came to me.
08:39I was waiting for my arranged meeting.
08:41The one you set up yourself, remember?
08:42I tilted my head toward the courtyard.
08:44He's here.
08:45James's face drained of color, his jaw locked tight.
08:49Fine.
08:49He said through his teeth.
08:51Enjoy yourself.
08:52He threw his cloak over my shoulders and walked away without looking back.
08:55The meeting was a disaster.
08:57An arrogant alpha heir with nothing worth hearing.
09:00When I got back to my quarters, a shadow was waiting.
09:03James was leaning against the stone wall, arms crossed.
09:06Back so soon?
09:08No moonlit walk?
09:09No shared meal?
09:10I tried to pass him, but he blocked my path.
09:12Are you that devoted to me?
09:14No interest in any other wolf at all?
09:16Then he dropped it.
09:18I'm taking Isabella as my Luna.
09:20Don't entertain any other ideas.
09:23Cause trouble and I'll have you exiled from this territory.
09:26My heart cracked clean through.
09:28I kept my eyes dry.
09:29You have nothing to worry about, Alpha James.
09:32I know exactly where I stand.
09:34I walked up the stone stairs without looking back.
09:36Below, James stood in the dark and lit a cigar.
09:39He watched my chamber window until the light went out.
09:42I returned to my quarters and sold everything.
09:45Every gift, every token, all of it gone through the territory traders.
09:49I had already arranged my passage home.
09:51Then Tom appeared with a warm drink in his hands.
09:54Ride out with me tonight?
09:55His ears went red.
09:56He held out a bundle of wildflowers.
09:58My favorites.
09:59Suddenly a sharp whistle cut through the courtyard.
10:02James was watching from his black stallion.
10:04His face was thunder.
10:06Then he spurred the horse and was gone.
10:08The next day was my last in the pack.
10:10The visiting trader, Harry, was vile.
10:12He kept finding reasons to touch me.
10:14I felt sick to my bones.
10:16It was raining hard when I finally left the hall.
10:18Footsteps behind me in the dark.
10:20It was him.
10:22Come on, sweetheart.
10:23Walk with me.
10:24I snucked.
10:25I ran into a narrow alley between the stone building.
10:28I pressed the distress rune on my wrist cuff.
10:30Please answer, James.
10:31I sobbed.
10:32The rune connected.
10:33It was Isabella's voice.
10:35James is bathing.
10:36What do you want?
10:37Isabella, please.
10:38Someone is following me through the alleys.
10:41Silence.
10:42And a cold laugh.
10:44Another act of desperation?
10:46Save it.
10:47Stop fantasizing about what doesn't belong to you.
10:50James's voice came from nearby.
10:52Who is it?
10:53Just Claire.
10:55Trying to ruin our evening as usual.
10:57If you respond to her, I'm leaving right now.
10:59James's voice went soft, gentle, coaxing.
11:02All right, my love.
11:03I won't.
11:04You know she can never compare to you.
11:06Don't let her get under your skin.
11:07The rune went dark.
11:09Connection severed.
11:10Carrie's footsteps were right behind me.
11:12Morning, Belle.
11:13My place in the great hall was empty.
11:15I was never absent.
11:16But James thought nothing of it.
11:18He assumed I was sulking, throwing a small tantrum.
11:21The gathering began.
11:22My seat stayed empty.
11:24Suddenly, Diana let out a sharp cry.
11:27It's Claire.
11:29Something has happened to Claire.
11:31James's face turned to ash.
11:33He shot to his feet.
11:34His chair scraped stone.
11:35What do you mean?
11:37Speak clearly.
11:38He was shown the Watchtower's recorded vision stone.
11:41Diana's voice was unsteady.
11:43Claire filed a complaint to Wolf Leadership.
11:45That traitor tried to assault her last night.
11:48A passing stranger pulled him off in time.
11:50She ran toward the Watchtower light to get the vision recorded as proof.
11:54She is asking the pack to bring him before the Elder Council.
11:57Where is she?
11:57James's voice came out.
11:58She left the pack a week ago.
12:00Diana said quietly,
12:01She is already gone from this territory.
12:04James stood frozen.
12:05The veins in his neck rose sharp against his skin.
12:08Why was I not told?
12:09His voice was barely controlled.
12:11Why did her departure notice never reach me?
12:14Diana looked him straight in the eye.
12:16Her own were red.
12:17Pack law, she said, each word deliberate.
12:20Lower ranks only need their unit elders marked to leave.
12:24You denied her elevation.
12:25You remember that?
12:26James had nothing to say.
12:27It landed like a fist across his face.
12:30He knew exactly why she had failed.
12:32And now, it was far too late.
12:34I gave my account at the border post.
12:36Then I snapped the old rune cuff he had given me and left it in the dirt.
12:40Goodbye, Silverstone.
12:41Goodbye, everything that hurt.
12:43I went home and bought a den outright.
12:45No debts, no ties.
12:47I sold every jewel and fine fur he had ever given me.
12:50It was enough to start completely fresh.
12:52I opened my own trade post.
12:54Small, but mine.
12:55Grandma's smile when she moved in was like the first warm day after a long winter.
13:00I told myself this was enough.
13:02This was good.
13:03But deep in the night, I still thought of James.
13:05He had been everything to me for so long.
13:08I was sure I would never fully get free of him.
13:10Until six months later at the village tavern.
13:12I saw a wolf across the room who carried himself just like James.
13:16Same broad shoulders.
13:18Same way of drinking alone.
13:20I waited for the old pain to tear through me.
13:22But nothing came.
13:23Not even a faint ache.
13:24I turned back to my friends and laughed.
13:27That was the moment I knew.
13:28I was finally free.
13:30A year passed.
13:31Then I saw James again.
13:32My trade post had grown fast and my rivals could not stand it.
13:36They sent wolves to spread lies about my goods across the territory.
13:40I brought it before the elder council and I did not flinch once.
13:43I thought it was finished.
13:45I was wrong.
13:46Six wolves cornered me in an alley near closing time.
13:49They smashed my runestone.
13:50I had no way to call for help.
13:52Then a familiar figure came crashing out of the dark.
13:55James.
13:56He threw himself between me and them without a word.
13:58He fought hard.
13:59He was still terrifying when he moved.
14:02One wolf drew a blade and drove it forward.
14:04James did not step aside.
14:06He took it.
14:07The blade sank deep into his side.
14:09Blood soaked through his tunic.
14:11I forgot how to breathe.
14:12He leaned his weight against me, breathing hard.
14:15He reached up and brushed a tear from my cheek.
14:17Don't be afraid.
14:19It takes a great deal more than this to bring me down.
14:22James survived.
14:23By morning, he was stable.
14:24His rode hard to reach the healer's quarters.
14:27Isabella came too.
14:28He's hurt because of you!
14:30She screamed at me in the corridor.
14:33I never once asked him to step in front of that blade.
14:37How can you be so cold?
14:39She gasped.
14:40I was the one who severed your ruin link that night.
14:44James never received your distress call.
14:47When he finally saw the Visionstone recording, he nearly tore that traitor apart with his bare hands.
14:52I cut her off.
14:52It no longer matters to me.
14:54She went quiet for a moment.
14:56We ended things a year ago, she said, much softer now.
14:59He ended it.
15:00Right after you left the territory.
15:03He loved you far more than he ever understood.
15:06She pressed a bundle of travel documents into my hands.
15:09Every single journey had the same destination.
15:12My home territory.
15:13He came twice every moon seasal.
15:15He never once approached you.
15:17He said he no longer had the right to.
15:20I'm telling you all of this because I have let go too.
15:23James opened his eyes and found me sitting beside him.
15:26His voice came out raw and broken.
15:29I thought I would never see you again.
15:31I set the travel documents down on the bed between us.
15:34You have already seen me more times than I knew.
15:36He turned his face away like a wolf caught doing something shameful.
15:39I never meant to disturb your life.
15:41He said quietly.
15:43James, none of that matters anymore.
15:45We have already closed that chapter.
15:48He looked pale as white bark.
15:49His eyes filled slowly.
15:51I am sorry about the rank invasion.
15:54I had a different path planned for you.
15:56A better one.
15:58I closed my eyes.
15:59My chest pulled tight.
16:00Telling me this now will not bring me back.
16:02But you never told me then, I snapped.
16:06Why did you say nothing when I stood in your chamber weeping?
16:09James went still.
16:10Nothing came out.
16:11Because you never thought I needed to know.
16:13You were always standing above everything.
16:15Above everyone.
16:16My feelings were never something you considered worth your attention.
16:19He looked as though something inside him had finally given way.
16:23He reached toward me.
16:24His hand fell before it got there.
16:26I did not look back.
16:27I walked out.
16:28As I rode away, I glanced up at the window.
16:31He was standing there, watching.
16:33Until the road curved, and he disappeared from sight entirely.
16:37I settled his healer's fees in full before I left.
16:40Another year passed.
16:41The cold season returned to Silverstone territory.
16:43I walked into my new post with my head straight and my steps sure.
16:48My new pack gave me real authority and room to grow.
16:51At 29, I was back in the heart of things.
16:54When a problem outgrew me, I sent James a message, and he always answered.
16:58He gave everything he knew and asked for nothing in return.
17:01I did not hate him.
17:03I simply used what he offered and moved forward.
17:06I grew faster than I ever had before.
17:08Five years on, our pack expanded and claimed new territory.
17:12As one of the founding members, I finally held a future I had built myself.
17:16I was at last the one writing my own story.
17:19We both showed up to a major inter-pack trade bid for a sought-after merchant alliance.
17:24James is presented first.
17:26Their idea centered on a story about an enchanted brew.
17:29One sip and your chosen wolf will fall for you completely.
17:32It was a perfect fated mate ending.
17:34The elder judges were impressed.
17:36But it was our idea too.
17:38My team went pale beside me.
17:39What do we do?
17:40They whispered urgently.
17:42I walked onto the stage.
17:43The torchlight caught my face.
17:45Our original concept was the same as theirs.
17:47I said plainly.
17:48The room stirred.
17:49I let it settle.
17:50But standing here right now, I want to change the ending.
17:54In our version, the she-wolf does not give the enchanted brew to her alpha.
18:00She drinks it herself.
18:02The judges stared.
18:03I kept going with a steady smile.
18:05If magic like that existed, I would want it to make us fall in love with ourselves.
18:10Because the moment you truly know your own worth, your life finally begins.
18:14I looked out across the room.
18:17This comes from something I lived.
18:20I once ran myself into the ground chasing a wolf I believed was beyond my reach.
18:24But the moment I started choosing myself, I understood something.
18:28I am just as worthy as he ever was.
18:30Perhaps more.
18:31Silence filled the hall.
18:33Then one pair of hands began to clap.
18:35It was James, sitting alone in the far corner of the room.
18:38He was not looking down at me the way he once had.
18:41He was looking up.
18:42Eyes steady.
18:43Something like reverence in them.
18:44We held each other's gaze for a moment and smiled.
18:47Not every wound needs to be reopened to be healed.
18:50The day I chose myself was the day I made peace with all of it.
18:54After the trade hall, James found me alone in the corridor.
18:57He looked like he had been waiting for the right moment.
18:59Claire.
18:59I stopped.
19:01I want to start over.
19:02He said.
19:03If you'll let me.
19:04I looked at him for a long moment.
19:05He was still the same James.
19:07Same broad shoulders.
19:08Same eyes that never gave much away.
19:10But I was not the same Claire who had stood outside his chamber door in the rain.
19:14James.
19:15I said.
19:16We're done for good.
19:17That's enough.
19:18I spotted Isabella standing not far away.
19:21Your fiancé is waiting for you.
19:23Don't keep her waiting.
19:24James frowned.
19:25I'll sort things out with her.
19:26Don't worry.
19:27He stepped forward, reaching out to hold me.
19:29I stepped back, dodged him, and left.
19:31He started appearing in my territory.
19:34That alpha comes a lot.
19:35My friend asked me curiously.
19:37He does.
19:38I said.
19:39Is it business?
19:41I picked up my ledger.
19:42It's always business with him.
19:43He was looking for a way back in.
19:45But there are doors that, once closed, do not open from the outside.
19:49He would figure that out eventually.
19:51A package arrived at my post one morning.
19:53I opened it and went still.
19:55That silver ring matched the one on his hand.
19:58It fit perfectly.
19:59I sighed, took off the silver ring, and carefully stored it in a box.
20:04If I'd gotten this before, I would have been overjoyed.
20:07My career is at a critical rising stage.
20:09But rivals have caused me huge trouble.
20:12My friend Mara finally pushed me out the door.
20:15Go.
20:17Two hours.
20:18You're no use to anyone like this.
20:20I ended up at the Territory Tavern.
20:22I sat at the far end of the bar and ordered something strong and didn't talk to anyone.
20:27Anything troubling you, miss?
20:28A handsome man sat down beside me with a wine glass.
20:32You can tell me everything.
20:33This encounter reminded me of my first meeting with James.
20:36I shook my head and stopped thinking about James.
20:39Of course.
20:40That night, I spent a lovely evening with this handsome young man, Ethan.
20:44When I woke up, Ethan walked over to me with a glass of milk.
20:48Must have worn yourself out last night.
20:50Want some milk?
20:51I sat on the bed holding the glass of milk.
20:53Claire, you might not remember me, but I've liked you for a long time.
20:58Will you be with me?
20:59I fell silent for a moment.
21:02Ethan, can you handle a physical-only relationship?
21:05His eyes turned red, yet he nodded in acceptance.
21:09It reminded me of myself back then.
21:11I couldn't bear to look at him any longer.
21:13So I got up, tidied myself up, and left.
21:16A few days later, I was dealing with work in my office.
21:19My office door slammed open.
21:22Claire, how could you get together with someone else?
21:25James burst in, with guards trailing behind him.
21:28The guards kept apologizing to me.
21:31We're so sorry, Miss Claire.
21:33We couldn't hold back this alpha.
21:35I waved the guards away, signaling them to leave.
21:38The office door closed, leaving only James and me alone.
21:42James, my life has nothing to do with you anymore.
21:46Please stop disturbing my life.
21:48James walked around the desk and pulled me into his arms.
21:51Claire, can you give me one more chance to win you over?
21:54I can't stand living without you.
21:56I sighed and said nothing in reply.
21:59He took my silence as consent
22:01and kept sending me gifts and flowers every single day.
22:04He even brought me homemade cookies one day.
22:07A mighty alpha made cookies for me with his own two hands.
22:10I found it harder and harder to stop myself
22:12from falling for him all over again.
22:15Memories of when James and I first got together washed over me.
22:18Though James claimed ours was merely a physical affair,
22:21the way we got along was just like a real couple.
22:24He would take me anywhere I wanted to go,
22:26whenever he had free time.
22:27He'd notice the things I liked and buy them for me.
22:30He also taught me how to handle the wolf pack's affairs.
22:33I grew little by little under his guidance.
22:36Once, he took me hunting out in the wild.
22:38We shared one horse.
22:39He sat behind me and showed me how to draw a bow and shoot arrows.
22:42I soon shot a rabbit under his instruction.
22:45When I excitedly showed him my catch,
22:47he'd pat my head and praise me.
22:51Well done, Claire.
22:52Yet an accident still happened.
22:54A black bear caught our scent and lingered nearby,
22:57waiting for a chance to strike.
22:59Just as I'd shot another rabbit and excitedly dismounted to pick it up to show James,
23:03Claire, watch out!
23:04I spun around and the black bear's paw was nearly upon me.
23:07I was overcome with terror,
23:09my legs shaking non-stop,
23:11barely able to move an inch.
23:13At that very moment,
23:15a figure stepped in front of me.
23:16It was James.
23:17He grabbed me and rolled with me to the other side of the grassland,
23:21and his face drained of all color.
23:23He gritted his teeth and stood up,
23:25shielding me behind him.
23:27Claire, stay safe.
23:28The black bear circled us non-stop,
23:31and we never broke eye contact with it.
23:33James' voice turned faint.
23:35Claire, I'll cover you.
23:37Ride away on the horse, right away.
23:39No, James, don't say that.
23:40I can't leave you here and run off alone.
23:44Listen to me, Claire.
23:45Go fetch the guards to come rescue me.
23:48Both our lives are in your hands now.
23:50Tears streamed down my face as I sobbed.
23:52The black bear grew restless,
23:54ready to charge at any moment.
23:56Now, Claire, run!
23:57The bear roared and charged straight at us.
24:00I forced my legs to move and sprinted toward the horse.
24:04I swung myself onto the horse and cracked the whip hard.
24:07The steed bolted forward with me at top speed.
24:10The wind howled fiercely,
24:12yet it could never dry the tears streaming down my cheeks.
24:15Only one thought filled my mind.
24:17Faster.
24:18I have to save James.
24:20At last, I spotted the guard's watchtower far in the distance.
24:24I screamed at the top of my lungs.
24:26Help!
24:27There's a black bear!
24:29Danger!
24:30Alpha's still back there!
24:32Hurry and save him!
24:33A squad of guards heard my cries.
24:36They halted my horse.
24:38What's wrong?
24:39Hurry and save Alpha!
24:40He's still in the forest fighting a black bear!
24:43I was gasping through my sobs,
24:45practically shouting the words.
24:47Their expressions turned grave at once.
24:49We've got this, miss.
24:51We'll need you to lead the way.
24:52As we drew near the area,
24:54we could hear the black bear's furious roars.
24:57We quickened our pace.
24:59James sat leaning back against a tree trunk.
25:01Blood splattered everywhere across the ground.
25:04The black bear was to him and dropped to my knees beside him.
25:07James, are you alright?
25:08James slowly opened his eyes and focused on me.
25:11I'm fine, Claire.
25:12Don't worry.
25:13He passed out again mid-sentence.
25:15The guards lifted him up and rushed him for treatment.
25:18In the infirmary, James' wounds had already been bandaged.
25:22I sat beside his bed, listening as the guards spoke.
25:25Miss, we tracked down the black bear near where Alpha collapsed.
25:29It bled out and perished.
25:31Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could stop them.
25:33The guards left, leaving just the two of us alone.
25:37I leaned over his bedside.
25:39James, you fool.
25:41Claire, what are you saying?
25:43I froze and quickly lifted my head.
25:45Those familiar eyes were open once more.
25:48I threw my arms around him, sobbing.
25:50James, you're awake.
25:52I was terrified you'd never open your eyes again.
25:55Claire, don't be afraid.
25:57I won't leave you alone in this world.
26:00After that incident, I fell completely in love with him.
26:02No one around us knew about our relationship, but I didn't care.
26:06He was all that mattered to me.
26:08Until one day, I walked into his room.
26:10His room was always locked, and he never let me step foot inside.
26:14I thought he was just a neat freak.
26:15That day, I passed his room and noticed the door was unlocked.
26:19His room was spotlessly tidy.
26:21A photo frame sat on the bedside table, holding a picture of a couple grinning happily.
26:25I wish the man in the photo wasn't James.
26:27Unfortunately, it was him, and I'd never seen him smile so brightly before.
26:31He was always cold toward me.
26:33I thought that was just his nature.
26:35But now I realize it was all simply because I wasn't the special one.
26:39My hands trembled slightly.
26:41I flipped the photo frame over, and Isabella and James' names were written on the back.
26:45Tears slipped down my cheeks before I knew it.
26:48That night, I sat in my room, unable to fall asleep no matter what.
26:52I got out of bed and knocked on James' door.
26:54He'd obviously just gotten out of the shower, still damp all over.
26:57Why aren't you asleep yet, Claire?
26:59James, I can't sleep.
27:01He held me patiently.
27:03What's wrong?
27:03Tell me, and I'll fix it.
27:05Perhaps James' doting affection emboldened me.
27:08That photo frame on your nightstand.
27:09I hadn't even finished speaking when he shoved me away abruptly.
27:12Did you touch it?
27:13I froze.
27:14He walked straight to the nightstand and checked the photo frame.
27:17He let out a relieved breath when he saw the frame was unharmed.
27:20Claire, who gave you permission to barge into my room?
27:23The overwhelming alpha aura rolling off him sent chills running down my spine.
27:28Know your place, and don't touch what doesn't belong to you.
27:31Pulling myself out of my memories, I stared at the flowers and cookies laid out on the table,
27:36a jumble of emotions swirling inside me.
27:39I took a cookie out of the bag.
27:41Surprisingly, it tasted wonderful.
27:43The office door swung open, and my first thought was that it was James.
27:47The cookies taste amazing.
27:49What cookies?
27:50Are you craving some, Claire?
27:52I looked up and saw Ethan.
27:54He stepped inside and spotted the cookie in my hand.
27:56His eyes reddened in an instant.
27:59I sighed.
27:59He looked just like I used to back then.
28:02I didn't want him to get hurt the way I did.
28:04Ethan, you can see it too.
28:06I still can't get alpha out of my heart, and it'll take a very long time to move on.
28:11This isn't fair to you.
28:12He seemed to guess what I was about to say and cut me off abruptly.
28:16Don't say it, Claire.
28:17I already know.
28:18I brought all of this on myself.
28:20I'll wait until the day you're ready to accept me.
28:22A wave of dizziness washed over me.
28:25When I came to again, everything was pitch black, and my hands and feet were tied tight.
28:31Worst of all, I suspected I'd been drugged.
28:33I couldn't shift into my wolf form at all.
28:36The big door creaked open, and the harsh light stung my eyes so badly I couldn't open them.
28:41Isabella's figure appeared before my eyes, with several half-wolves trailing behind her.
28:46I struggled to sit up straight.
28:48Isabella, I can't believe you're conciding with half-wolves.
28:52Rumors said half-wolves were loathed by the Luna, which was why they couldn't shift into wolves.
28:57Isabella let out a cold huff, squatted down, and tilted my chin up with her finger.
29:02Claire, that alpha abandoned his fated mate just for you, and humiliated me completely within the pack.
29:07He doesn't deserve to be the alpha of the pack at all.
29:10Tell me, if you became a broken wolf, would he still want you?
29:15My mind raced wildly, scrambling to think of a way to calm Isabella down.
29:20A wolf form is the most precious thing any werewolf possesses.
29:24I never knew any of this, Isabella.
29:28Cherish whatever time you have left, Claire.
29:31If James doesn't show up in two hours, you're finished.
29:34The door slammed shut once more.
29:36Despair washed over me, yet I refused to give up.
29:39I hadn't used the werewolf mental link in ages,
29:42because James had never once been willing to open a mental link with me.
29:46I sent out a tentative mental signal.
29:48Surprisingly, I connected with James almost instantly.
29:51Don't be scared, Claire. I'm on my way.
29:53Sounds of fighting and wolf howls echoed from outside the door.
29:57The door was slammed open, and Isabella stood there.
30:00She held a knife, sliced through the ropes around my ankles,
30:03then pressed the blade against my throat.
30:05This blade's coated in lethal poison.
30:08Cooperate, or you'll die.
30:10James appeared in the doorway.
30:12Isabella, there's still time to stop.
30:15Let her go.
30:16James, how dare you treat me like this for another woman?
30:20You told me to help you put on an act.
30:22You said once Claire bought your fake remorse, you'd marry me,
30:25and she'd only be your mistress.
30:26My knees nearly buckled at her words.
30:29The ridiculous thing was, I'd actually softened my heart back then.
30:33Shut up, Isabella!
30:36Claire, don't believe a word she says.
30:38It no longer matters who's telling the truth.
30:41All I want is to go back home and live a quiet life with my grandmother.
30:45James tried to step closer to us.
30:46Stop right there, James!
30:48Isabella pressed the knife even closer to my neck.
30:51A thin streak of blood had appeared on my neck.
30:53James held up his hands.
30:55All right, I won't come any closer.
30:57Calm down, Isabella.
30:58Tears streamed down Isabella's face,
31:00and her hand clutching the knife trembled violently.
31:03You've made me a laughingstock of the entire pack, James!
31:07I seized the chance right then and stomped hard on her foot.
31:11James didn't let the opportunity slip either.
31:13In an instant, he had Isabella restrained.
31:16He tied Isabella's hands behind her back.
31:19Then he walked toward me.
31:20Claire, are you all right?
31:22He pulled me tight into his arms.
31:23I felt wetness seep into my shoulder.
31:26He was crying.
31:27After that day, I put all my work on hold and stayed home to keep my grandmother company.
31:32I didn't want to see anyone at all.
31:34Only Ethan would drop by occasionally with bread he'd baked.
31:38Grandma adored him.
31:39It didn't take long for the investigation results to come out.
31:42Ethan's wolf fur was unexpectedly found at the scene.
31:46I could hardly believe it when James told me the news.
31:48I started investigating Ethan.
31:50Only after starting the investigation did I realize Ethan harbored countless secrets.
31:55I was worn out, so I took a chance and asked him straight out.
31:59Ethan, are you hiding something from me?
32:01He froze where he stood.
32:03He turned around, moonlight falling behind him.
32:07Claire, what are you talking about?
32:10Ethan, I'm not in the mood for riddles.
32:12His expression shifted, and a gust of air swirled around his body.
32:16It was the aura of an alpha.
32:18Claire, I never meant to lie to you.
32:20I'm the alpha of the neighboring territory, and I was utterly captivated by you at the press conference.
32:24You're beautiful, elegant, intelligent.
32:27You possess every fine quality imaginable.
32:30During all the time I've spent with you, I've fallen deeply in love with you.
32:33I'd never seen Ethan like this, looking so powerful.
32:36Claire, I swear on my wolf that I will be loyal to you for the rest of my life.
32:42Ethan, you know my wolf vanished after the kidnapping incident.
32:45I don't care about that, Claire. All I care about is you.
32:47He stepped forward and took both of my hands in his.
32:49I'll stay by your side until you get your wolf back.
32:52Even if you never do, it's fine.
32:54I'll share my wolf spirit with you.
32:56I blinked, holding back my tears.
32:58What about the wolf fur at the scene?
33:00James said he found your fur there.
33:02Ethan pulled me into his arms.
33:03I panicked the second I heard you'd been taken, so I unleashed my powers.
33:07Two alphas can't exist in one territory at the same time, and James sensed my presence.
33:11He tried to drive me away, but I offered to cede part of my territory in exchange for his permission
33:15to stay for half an hour.
33:17I dealt with the half-wolves outside, so James was free to rescue you.
33:20Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
33:22Ethan, that's your territory you gave up.
33:24Territory can be re-acclaimed.
33:26He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to my forehead.
33:29But I'll never get you back if I lose you.
33:31From that day on, Ethan came to see me openly every day, claiming he was helping me find my wolf.
33:38Grandmother was glad to see us getting along so well.
33:40One day, Ethan looked unusually dejected.
33:43What's wrong, Ethan?
33:44Claire, I think I've found a way to bring your wolf back.
33:47What is it?
33:48I asked anxiously.
33:49He seemed hesitant to speak.
33:51Just tell me, Ethan.
33:53I'll accept any cost it takes.
33:55His cheeks flushed slowly.
33:56Become my Luna and bear my wolf pups.
33:59That will awaken the wolf inside you.
34:01My cheeks burned with heat as well.
34:03After spending all this time with him, I'd realized Ethan was a reliable, thoughtful, and fiercely powerful mate.
34:10Yet I'd never once imagined becoming his Luna.
34:13Let me think about it, Ethan.
34:15I'll respect whatever you choose, Claire.
34:16I'll keep searching for another way.
34:18Grandmother was growing older by the day.
34:21Her greatest wish was to see me happy.
34:23Besides, I'd fallen in love with him after all our time together.
34:26So the next time Ethan came to my house, I reached out to Ethan.
34:30I'm willing.
34:31He froze, overcome by overwhelming joy the next second.
34:34Wait, Claire.
34:35I haven't given you the proper ceremony yet.
34:38I want to announce to everyone that you're going to be my Luna.
34:41I'll treat you well for all eternity, Claire.
34:44The wedding ceremony was grand beyond measure.
34:47It was a night of full moon.
34:49Ethan handed me a wolf-tooth necklace in front of all the wolves.
34:52This is the first wolf-tooth I ever shed.
34:55I give this to you now and ask you to be my Luna.
34:59I reached out to take it when a voice suddenly cut through the air.
35:02Wait a minute!
35:03James sat atop a tall horse, just like the day we'd gone hunting together.
35:08He was also dressed in formal robes.
35:10Claire is meant to be my Luna.
35:14Ethan, I challenge you to a duel.
35:16I accept your duel, James, but Claire shall not be the stake.
35:18Her choice alone will prevail.
35:21Very well.
35:22The wolves around them erupted into an uproar.
35:24Both of them unleashed their wolf-forms at the same time.
35:28Powerful alpha auras swept over the entire clearing.
35:30The duel lasted three full days and nights.
35:34Over those three days, I couldn't tell if I'd been consumed by worry or fear.
35:39I'd prayed Ethan would win.
35:40All the wolves gathered outside the woods, waiting for the victor to emerge.
35:45Ethan's figure came into view, did straight toward him.
35:48Ethan!
35:48We arrived at the infirmary, and I spread ointment over his wounds.
35:52The room held only the two of us.
35:54He leaned close to me.
35:56Claire, I missed you so much.
35:58My cheeks flushed.
35:59Me too.
36:00He pressed his lips to mine, and I grew light-headed from the kiss.
36:03I only realized what he intended when I felt a damp warmth against the side of my neck.
36:08I gave him a gentle push.
36:09Not here, Ethan.
36:10I want you to be mine right now, Claire.
36:13He held me tight so I couldn't pull away, then sank his fangs into the side of my neck.
36:18A burning heat spread across my neck as I felt his mark slowly surface on my skin.
36:23He panted softly.
36:24It's your turn, Claire.
36:25Leave your mark on me.
36:26It was an indescribable sensation, as if an invisible thread bound us two together.
36:32Crescent marks bloomed on both our necks.
36:34We could feel every single thing the other felt.
36:37After we mated, Ethan had seemingly endless stamina.
36:40We were together nearly every single day.
36:43Soon enough, I was carrying his wolf cubs inside me.
36:46The pack shaman came to examine me.
36:48The wolf cubs are perfectly healthy.
36:50They'll grow stronger than any alpha to come.
36:53I could also feel my body growing stronger, day by day.
36:56Sometimes, I could even faintly sense my wolf beneath my skin.
37:00After I fell pregnant, Ethan took perfect care of me, and wouldn't let me lift a finger at all.
37:06My love, thank you for bearing our wolf cubs for me.
37:09You too are the treasures bestowed upon me by the moon goddess.
37:12The wolf cub was born, a little boy.
37:15He was born on a full moon night.
37:17Moonlight spilled into the birthing room.
37:19Ethan meld beside the bed and slowly held out a finger for the baby to grasp.
37:24This alpha, who could stand his ground in a three-day duel, had red-rimmed eyes, his voice trembling.
37:30He's holding on to me.
37:33Let's name him.
37:34I whispered.
37:35Luca.
37:35Ethan said without hesitation.
37:37It means moonlight.
37:38It was on that night his call brought your wolf back to you.
37:41As soon as the words left his mouth, a sudden warmth seared my chest.
37:45A long, dormant power woke in my veins, flowing gently through me.
37:49Ethan's head shot up.
37:50He felt it too.
37:51Claire, your wolf has returned.
37:54I walked over to the window, bathed in perfect moonlight.
37:57I closed my eyes and reached for the power that had slumbered inside me for so long.
38:02A silvery-white she-wolf opened her eyes deep within my soul.
38:06She was far stronger than before, her coat as pure as snow.
38:10Ethan wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.
38:14She was never gone.
38:15She only waited for someone who could make you feel safe enough to come home.
38:19I turned and leaned into his embrace.
38:21Thank you, Ethan.
38:22Silly girl.
38:23He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
38:26You chose me first.
38:27That's the only reason I get to be here with you.
38:29We stayed awake all through that night.
38:31Luca slept peacefully in his cradle as Ethan and I sat by the window, watching the moon drift
38:36slowly down toward the horizon.
38:38On Luca's one-moon celebration, a grand feast was held across the pack territory.
38:43Grandma hobbled over with her cane, her face splitting into a wide grin the moment she held
38:48Luca in her arms.
38:50You were always my biggest worry in this life, Claire.
38:52She said softly.
38:54But all's well now.
38:55I can rest easy at last.
38:57I squeezed her wrinkled hand, my throat tightening with emotion.
39:01Ethan stepped forward and gently supported Grandma on her other side.
39:04Grandma, you've still got years to stay with us.
39:08Luca will need you to teach him how to read when he grows up.
39:11Grandma beamed, utterly charmed by his words.
39:13Midway through the feast, a guard hurried in to deliver a report.
39:17Luna, there is a visitor asking for an audience.
39:20It was James.
39:21He'd come alone, no attendants at his heels, clad in plain pale robes and carrying a wooden
39:27box in his hand.
39:28I met him in the courtyard.
39:30Ethan had wanted to follow, but I stopped him.
39:32I'll go alone.
39:33James stood beneath the tree, freezing for a split second when he laid eyes on me.
39:38You look radiant, Claire.
39:39I'm well.
39:40He held out the wooden box toward me.
39:42It's for the baby.
39:43I did not take it.
39:44I appreciate your kindness, James, but this gift is far too precious.
39:47We can't accept it.
39:49He forced a bitter smile and pulled the box back to his chest.
39:52I knew you'd say that.
39:53A long silence stretched between us before he lifted his gaze to mine.
39:58Claire, I came to say I'm sorry.
40:00I pushed away the person who mattered most to me from start to finish.
40:04I stared at him, suddenly realizing my heart had settled into complete calm.
40:08No hatred.
40:09No lingering longing.
40:11He was merely someone I'd known a long time ago.
40:13It's all in the past now, James.
40:15How is Isabella?
40:17Locked in the Northern Tower.
40:19Sentenced to life imprisonment.
40:20He paused briefly.
40:21My pack stripped me of my alpha rank.
40:24I leave for the southern lands next month.
40:26I was surprised, yet said nothing more.
40:28I wish you a safe journey.
40:30He nodded and turned to leave, only to halt again.
40:32Claire.
40:33Yes.
40:35Do you still keep that silver ring?
40:37I buried it under the cherry blossom tree on the back mountain.
40:40It used to be where I went to clear my head.
40:43Now it can rest there forever.
40:45James stood frozen for a long moment, then offered a faint, relieved smile.
40:49Very well.
40:50Farewell, Claire.
40:51He stepped out of the courtyard, his figure fading into the moonlight.
40:55I remained standing there until I heard Ethan's soft footsteps behind me.
40:58He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
41:01It's over?
41:02I sank back against his chest.
41:04It's all over.
41:06Years later, Luca had grown into a tall, handsome youth.
41:10The youngest heir to the alpha position the pack had ever seen.
41:13He had a little sister named Selene, stubborn and headstrong, just like me.
41:18Faint strands of gray threaded Ethan's temples.
41:20Yet he was still the man who'd bring warm milk to my bedside every dawn.
41:25Grandma passed away peacefully one spring afternoon, slipping off to sleep with my hand
41:30clutched tight in hers.
41:31Her last words to me were,
41:33Claire, you chose correctly.
41:34I held her and wept for hours, but I knew she was right.
41:38I often brought the children to the back mountain.
41:41When cherry blossoms bloomed in full bloom, pink petals carpeted every path.
41:46Selene would tug at my sleeve and ask,
41:48Mother, why do we always come here?
41:50I stroked her hair with a soft smile.
41:53Because long ago I buried an old version of myself right here.
41:56That girl once stood out in the rain all night long, waiting for shelter.
42:00But she learned afterward.
42:02You don't have to linger under someone else's roof waiting for the rain to end.
42:06She carries her own sunshine within.
42:08A gust swept by, sending cherry blossoms swirling all through the air.
42:13Ethan laced his fingers through mine,
42:15while Luca ran ahead with Selene tucked safely in his arms.
42:19The moon had not yet risen,
42:21yet I could tell the night would bring a beautiful, glowing moon.
42:24The moon had not yet risen, yet I could tell the night would bring a beautiful, glowing moon.