- 12 hours ago
21 Days to Moonsever - Full
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00:00Every unmated young wolf in the Southern Pax Union wanted a taste of my nectar.
00:04At 16, I tricked my father's battle brother into taking his first sip.
00:08That night, he drank every last drop from me.
00:11By dawn, Silvermoon City exploded.
00:13His childhood sweetheart fled with tears.
00:16I moved into the most lavish estate in Silvermoon,
00:19became the wife of the North Legion's rising star,
00:22the woman every she-wolf envied.
00:25Every night, the entire manor reeked of rose nectar and pine,
00:29tangled so thick that passing pack members didn't dare come near.
00:33Each time he rode north with the Legion, I counted the days until his return.
00:37Until this time, he returned from the northern border as a hero,
00:41brought back his childhood sweetheart and her two-year-old cub, Amber Eyes.
00:46His Amber Eyes, he moved them into our house,
00:49taught the pup to call him Daddy.
00:51I didn't rage, didn't cry.
00:53I simply handed over the keys to our estate, the rights to the family properties.
00:57My place is Ironclaw's matriarch.
00:59He thought I'd finally learned to be docile,
01:02that I'd accepted my place as the unloved wife.
01:04What he doesn't know,
01:06while he was busy playing house with his sweetheart and their pup,
01:09I was on my knees before the Alpha King.
01:11Child, you once knelt here begging the Moonbloom's blessing for your mating bond.
01:16Do you understand what price must be paid to Strever what the Moon Goddess has granted?
01:20Yes.
01:21To earn your consent, I will go to the Frostlands in the Prince's place.
01:25Bring me the Severance Oskrolt with his signature and yours.
01:29The next full moon after you deliver it,
01:32the Moon Goddess will answer your prayer.
01:34My remaining years traded for freedom.
01:36The countdown begins.
01:3821 days, that is all I have left.
01:4021 days, until the Goddess severs our bond.
01:4321 days, until I leave this cage and ride north.
01:46Not as a discarded wife, but as a bride to the Lord of the Frost.
01:50He wanted a docile wife.
01:52Never would he get one.
01:53He'll only watch me become a legendary queen.
01:5621 days, until the Moon severing rite.
01:58Kael returned from the Royal Palace and went straight to Seraphine's bed in the East Wing.
02:03I heard them.
02:04The night was still and my hearing had been trained sharp.
02:07Her moans, his growls, they coupled from Moonrise to Moonset.
02:11They had many such nights.
02:13Once whenever Kael returned to Silvermoon from the border.
02:16Lyra do not disturb me.
02:18Be a good wife.
02:19Be decile.
02:20I would bend every effort to please him, but all I earned was refusal and correction.
02:25Now I finally understood, Dossiel was for the unloved.
02:28The loved received companionship.
02:30So I learned docility.
02:31Even when my handmaiden Meera rushed to report.
02:34Mistress, today Kael went to the palace.
02:37He's petitioning the Alpha King for a formal title.
02:39For Seraphine.
02:40Let him.
02:41He failed.
02:42Of course, that evening, Seraphine wept in his arms, sorrowful and trembling.
02:47He would continue to fail.
02:49The Alpha King regarded me as his own daughter, so he would never consent to Kael's request.
02:54Not when it humiliated me.
02:56Then, as expected, Kael came seeking my help.
02:59Lyra.
02:59Your petition?
03:00The King refused.
03:02I will ask again.
03:03With military honors with-
03:04I drew a scroll from beneath my pillow and pressed it into his palm.
03:08Give her the title.
03:10My signature marked it.
03:11The Royal Seal marked it.
03:13Formally acknowledge her.
03:14Let her enter the halls.
03:16Attend pack gatherings.
03:17Gain standing in society.
03:19A female raising a bastard cut alone in Silvermoon?
03:22Survival is too harsh.
03:25Kael's expression faltered at my indifference.
03:27Your military honors were bought with years of blood on the northern border.
03:31Do not waste them on household issues.
03:33How did you convince the King?
03:35The King regards me as his daughter.
03:36I asked as a daughter, and he granted it.
03:39Of course, the truth was simpler.
03:41I had offered to sever our mating and take the princess's place as bride to the Lord of
03:45the Frost.
03:46That was my price.
03:48Now only his signature stood between us and freedom.
03:51Sel's eyes trembled.
03:52Moved by my reasonableness.
03:54He stepped forward.
03:56Seeking to kiss me, I pushed him away.
03:58From my drawer, I withdrew the prepared family property inventory.
04:02Your signature is required to formally transfer management to Seraphithine.
04:06Eager to please Seraphine, he signed and sealed without hesitation.
04:10Never noticing that buried in the stack of documents lay the mating bond dissolution
04:14agreement I had hidden from him.
04:17Ansi signed.
04:18Once it was delivered to the moonbloom altar, on the next full moon when the moon goddess's
04:22consent arrived, he and I would be north and south never to meet again.
04:26Twenty days until the moon severing right, I secured Kael's signed documents and went
04:31to the palace.
04:32The Luna Queen received me very soon.
04:34With this severance scroll, the Alpha King can arrange the moon severing right for the
04:38next full moon in twenty days.
04:40You, the Luna Queen, hesitated.
04:43Lyra, there is something I think you should know.
04:46The moonbloom priests discovered large quantities of frost moon grass toxin in the calming tea
04:51samples you sent last month.
04:53This poison is extracted from the northern wastelands, colorless and tasteless, extremely cold in nature.
04:58If a she-wolf consumes it long term, she will be barren for life.
05:03The words fell softly.
05:05My mind went white.
05:07Frost moon grass toxin, a forbidden substance only the North Legion could access.
05:12In that calming tea, Kael had prepared it himself after every border return.
05:16I had drunk it for three full years.
05:19Thirty-six moon cycles.
05:21How many tears had I shed?
05:22Believing myself barren, unable to give Kael an heir, unable to make him a father.
05:28Yet Kael had said it mattered not.
05:30When elders urged him to seek other females for bloodline continuation.
05:34I will only raise young with the one I love, and I will touch no other she-wolves.
05:39I had wept at his devotion, believing I was that love.
05:42Now I saw myself the complete fool.
05:45The one he wished to raise young with was not me.
05:47I was of the other she-wolves.
05:49Tears finally spilled.
05:51Unstoppable.
05:51So this was his sworn devotion.
05:54This was the mate I had loved for three years.
05:56I rushed back to the estate, desperate to confront him.
06:00The sitting room was empty.
06:02The study was empty.
06:03Then they must be in the East Wing.
06:04The East Wing maids could not stop my fury.
06:07I burst through the door.
06:08Seraphine's musk scent engulfed me, but the room was empty.
06:12The master accompanies Madame Seraphine on inspection of family holdings.
06:16Rage seized me.
06:17I grabbed every document on her desk to tear them apart.
06:20Then I saw it.
06:21My moon, my blood, my only.
06:24Counting the days until I need not share your shadow.
06:27Every word burned with the heat of faded mates.
06:30From sail to seraphine.
06:31From number one, the first day I miss you, to number 523.
06:36My heart flies to thee.
06:37Three years of marriage.
06:39523 letters.
06:41Messengers could scarcely have rested, delivering daily.
06:44Every day they corresponded in secret.
06:46Even on nights I believed he belonged only to me.
06:49Only raise young with the one I love.
06:51I whispered his words and I knew.
06:53This love he had performed for three years.
06:56All of it illusion.
06:58Fortunately, the moon bloom tree would sever our bond in 20 days.
07:01And Kale's formal acknowledgement ceremony for seraphine.
07:06That same day.
07:06Ten days until the moon-sivering rite.
07:09Kale's return to silver moon grew later and later.
07:12Mira told me he spent these days taking seraphine everywhere.
07:16Pack gatherings from the Alpha King's moon hunt ceremonies.
07:19To the seven clans rotating blood oath banquets.
07:22Even the border military councils.
07:24Restricted to North Legion officers and silver moon officials.
07:28Sale found ways to seat seraphine among the observers.
07:31I knew what he was doing.
07:33Fastest way to establish her as future matriarch of Ironclaw.
07:37Every step climbed over my spine.
07:39But I did not care.
07:40I continued performing my duties as Ironclaw's current matriarch.
07:44Including visiting Kale's grandmother at her estate.
07:47The moment I entered I saw seraphine kneeling beside the old woman's lounge chair.
07:52Hands folded, the picture of obedience.
07:54Kale stood behind her, palm resting on her shoulder.
07:58Fingers buried in her loose red hair.
08:00The grandmother's clouded amber eyes sharpened at my presence.
08:04You still have the face to come here?
08:06Three years mated to Kale and your belly remains empty.
08:10You wouldn't even let him seek other she-wolves to continue the bloodline.
08:15If not for seraphine's sensibility, offering to enter the house and bear Ironclaw's heir,
08:22Kale's line would have ended with you.
08:23You, this useless barren she-wolf.
08:26My posture froze.
08:28I looked at Kale.
08:29He only turned away.
08:30His gaze fixed on the dancing flames in the hearth.
08:33Not once did he speak to me.
08:34This was not the first time his grandmother had tormented me over the topic of bearing Young.
08:39But it was the first time he had not stood by my side.
08:42I remained silent for a long moment.
08:44Then empty of grief or rage.
08:46It is my failing.
08:47There, there, grandmother, don't be angry.
08:50Even if sister Lyra cannot bear Young, you should calm yourself.
08:54For Kale's sake.
08:56And for your own health's sake.
09:00I lowered my eyes, hiding bitterness, and seated myself farthest from them.
09:05Soon made served grilled meat.
09:07The traditional morning meal of wolf nobility.
09:09I reached with silver fork for a cut of tenderloin when Kale's furious voice cracked like a whip.
09:14Who prepared silverberry sauce?
09:1620 strips, now!
09:17I looked at Kale instinctively.
09:20Three years mated, and Kale was famous for one thing.
09:23At a moon hunt banquet, he had publicly smashed his plate, removing every dish containing silverberries.
09:29Because I was allergic.
09:31The berry swelled my throat, stripped my human form, left me vulnerable in half-wolf shape before the pack.
09:36For this, Kale became the perfect mate in every she-wolf's eyes.
09:40See how Ironclaw's master loves his wife, the trouble he takes for her.
09:44I opened my mouth to plead for the maids when I heard.
09:47Remember this well.
09:48Serafina cannot consume anything related to silverberries.
09:51If I see you forget again, I'll throw you into the northern mines to feed the snow wolves.
09:56...every fragment of my pride.
09:58So, this rare proof that he cared for me, also an illusion.
10:04Five days until the moon-severing rite, the Luna Queen invited females of all clans to the Moonbloom Garden for
10:11pre-ceremony blessings.
10:12Sale had prepared the carriage early.
10:14The Ironclaw crest, Iron Wolf on cold silver, gleamed through morning mist.
10:19I reached for his hands instinctively, but he stepped back.
10:22The carriage is crowded.
10:23Inconvenient.
10:24I froze.
10:25Lyra, it truly is cramped.
10:28You'll have to take the rear carriage, I'm afraid.
10:30I laughed quietly, understanding.
10:32Inconvenient.
10:33Not the space.
10:34Me.
10:34I would crowd his true love.
10:36I climbed the rear carriage alone.
10:38When I got off the rear carriage, I came to the cluster of weighing looks from clan females.
10:43Pity.
10:43Mockery.
10:44Rare sparks of sympathy.
10:46Serafina proudly made her formal debut before the Luna Queen.
10:49It went poorly.
10:50The Luna Queen's face iced.
10:52She demanded Kale.
10:53I am the Luna Queen appointed by the Moongoss' own oracle to wed the Alpha King.
10:57I invited clan dignitaries and their goddess-blessed mates.
11:01You dare to bring a Paranor today?
11:05Do you mean to strike my face?
11:08Kale dragged the trembling Serafine down.
11:11Not a curtsy, but the four-limbed submission posture of wolves showing fealty.
11:15Your grace, Serafine is my mate.
11:18We love truly.
11:20She is no Parazor.
11:21The Luna Queen laughed coldly, fangs glinting.
11:24Unblessed by the moon, she is no mate.
11:27Ask those gathered.
11:28Who sense bond marks between you?
11:31Forget not.
11:33You stood beneath the moon-bloom tree and swore to Lyra.
11:36This one before you is unbonded.
11:38She can only be the Paraman.
11:40Females of all houses spoke.
11:42The Queen speaks true.
11:44What love?
11:46What truth?
11:47What love?
11:48Without mateing reach, she is outsider.
11:51Indeed, Kale was called the model of fated devotion.
11:54I see now all falsehood.
11:56Kale's face flushed crimson.
11:58He fled with Serafine, disgraced.
12:01After the ceremony, the Luna Queen showered me with gifts.
12:04Moonstone charms, silverberry preserves, northern furs for warmth, comfort, perhaps.
12:10Or pity.
12:10The morning after our return to Ironclaw State,
12:13Mira fumed at me.
12:15Serafine's people seized half the Queen's gifts.
12:17Best she ate it all, silverberries included.
12:19Let her be allergic, swell, and suffer.
12:21I watched Mira's indignation and gently patted her hand.
12:25She is not worth the charge of attempted murder.
12:27I went to the east wing to fulfill my obligation of notice.
12:31My hand rose to knock.
12:32Then I heard Serafine's weeping voice within.
12:35Kale, you swore to take me as true mate beneath the moonbloom tree.
12:40Why must I remain nameless, unacknowledged?
12:44Kale sighed.
12:45That tone I had never heard from him, soft as melting snow.
12:48Whatever outsiders say, within Ironclone you are my mate.
12:54Always.
12:54Serafine pressed on.
12:56Then Lyra, three years mated, did you ever love her?
13:00I held my breath.
13:01Nails bit crescents into my palm, drawing blood.
13:05Kale was silent.
13:06Serafine, I love you.
13:08Only you.
13:09Years ago, I arranged Liba's drunkenness and my mating with her to establish myself in Silvermoon.
13:14To bring you both here.
13:16Do not be angry.
13:17I drugged her for our future.
13:19Without that knight, how would I have caught the king's eye?
13:23Become North Legion commander in three short years?
13:27My raised hand fell limp.
13:29The wolf tooth bracelet on my wrist struck the door ring.
13:32A sharp cry.
13:33Who is outside?
13:35Kale threw the door open, met my burning eyes.
13:38L-Lyra.
13:39I forced a hideous smile.
13:42The queen's gifts Serafine took included silver berries.
13:46I came to warn her not to consume them.
13:48Sel reached for my hand, blocking my departure.
13:50Lyra, listen to me.
13:52A pained wail cut him short from within.
13:54A maid's voice rose.
13:55Master!
13:56Madam Serafine feels unwell.
13:58Please attend her!
13:59His hand withdrew.
14:01I turned and left without looking back.
14:03One more second and I would have lost control.
14:06The wine would have escaped.
14:07My half-wolf foo would have shown my shame.
14:10I bit down until blood filled my mouth.
14:12Eyes crimson.
14:13Even walking away, I felt Kale's panic.
14:16Burning gaze on my spine.
14:17Kale, you disgust me.
14:19To the core.
14:20All these years I blamed myself for that impulsive knight.
14:23Believed I had forced you into marriage.
14:25Now I learned I was your ladder to power.
14:27Your tool to claim Alpha King's attention.
14:29Your key to unlock my late father's Northern Legion connections.
14:33Three years of marriage I had cherished.
14:36Every moment, deception.
14:37Three days until the moon-severing rite.
14:40Late that night, a drunken Kale pushed open my door.
14:43I sat up, pulling the quilt to cover my thin nightgown.
14:46Who permitted you entry?
14:48Kale pressed me down into the bedding.
14:50His face buried in my neck.
14:51His voice rough with irritation.
14:53You are my mate.
14:55Blessed beneath the moon-bloom tree.
14:57We are fated pair.
14:59Kale, why may I not come?
15:01He tried to kiss my jaw.
15:02I turned away, calling loudly for Mere.
15:04Mere!
15:04He is drunk.
15:06Arrange for him to be escorted to his own chamber.
15:08Kale braced himself on one arm.
15:10The other forcing me to face him.
15:12I saw the flush drain from his face.
15:14Who says I wish to return to that chamber?
15:16Then deliver the master to Seraphina's east wing.
15:19Sail flung himself from the bed, standing to glare at me in fury.
15:24Lya, have you lost your mind?
15:26You would send me to another she-wolf's quarter?
15:29Do you even regard me as mate?
15:31I pulled at the corner of my mouth.
15:33Do you ever regard me as mate?
15:36Lyra, I know granting Seraphina title displeases you.
15:39I only...
15:40I only wish to give you a young.
15:42Give me a young?
15:44So Seraphine is avatar of the fertility goddess?
15:48Thanks to her blessing, I who never conceived may now bear fruit?
15:51Or perhaps she is a miracle healer, able to purge three years of frostmoongrass toxin from my blood?
15:57The drugging laid bare in mockery.
15:59Kale froze, reaching as if to grasp me.
16:02Lyra, I...
16:03Master!
16:04Madam Seraphine feels unwell.
16:05Please attend her.
16:07A maid's voice cut through from beyond the door.
16:09Sail loosened his hand, standing silent.
16:12Go.
16:13I lowered the bed curtains, separating myself from him.
16:16Sail did not move.
16:17He only watched me for a long while.
16:20The voice outside continued.
16:21Master! Master!
16:23Sail finally turned.
16:24As he left...
16:25Do not dwell on it.
16:27I will still treat you well.
16:28Liars speak devotion so easily,
16:31performing depth for whom to witness.
16:33Disgusting.
16:34The following days, I had Meera inventory all my personal property.
16:38I would take nothing belonging to Ironclaw.
16:40Leave nothing of myself behind.
16:42If we do, Moonister, we sever it clean.
16:45Three hours until the moon severing right.
16:47The estate was hung with silver, white silk, and moonbloom branches.
16:51Decorations reserved for true mating ceremonies.
16:54Seraphine had insisted.
16:56Seal had granted it.
16:57Meera entered, interrupting my gaze through the window.
17:00Madam, all your personal assets have been inventorated and packed.
17:04She helped me remove the Ironclaw-crested cloak before the mirror,
17:07dressing me in gowns from my maiden days.
17:09Beautiful.
17:11You look as you did then.
17:12The door opened.
17:13Sail stood in mating rights attire, a groom's finery.
17:17Yet his face carried something like sorrow.
17:20Soon I go to swear with Seraphine beneath the moonbloom tree.
17:24Have you nothing to say to me?
17:26May your bond hold firm.
17:28May you bear many young.
17:30Kale's eyes dimmed after silence.
17:32Rest assured, I will still treat you well.
17:35I said nothing.
17:36Rose pushed past him toward the door.
17:38Kale, I never wanted your charity, especially not built on lies.
17:42Three hours until Alpha King's envoy arrives.
17:46The incense of the moonbloom herb filled the estate purification for ritual space.
17:51One hour until the moon-severing rite.
17:53I stood in the main hall.
17:55Pity.
17:56Mockery.
17:56Schadenfreude.
17:57I smiled at them all.
17:58Thirty minutes until the moon-severing rite.
18:01Kale took Seraphine's hand.
18:03The pair advanced toward the temporary altar in the estate gardens, surrounded by guests.
18:08He paused passing me, eyes holding something I did not understand, would not understand.
18:14I only watched coldly as the pair prepared their vows.
18:18Swear to the moon goddess.
18:19Swear to the pack.
18:20Swear to...
18:21Decree from the Alpha King.
18:23Silver, armored guards burst through, escorting moonbloom priest Eldrin in moon white ritual robes.
18:30Moonbloom priest Eldrin spoke calmly.
18:33I trust my arrival does not interrupt your... celebration?
18:39Priest, you jest.
18:41What business brings the Alpha King's decree?
18:45Today is Kale's joyous occasion.
18:48The king surely brings honors.
18:50Obvious, is it not?
18:52The king himself approved this second mate.
18:54He comes to add blessing.
18:56Ah, but if so, Lady Lyra will be thoroughly shamed.
19:00First the king's approval for Seraphine, now wedding day honors.
19:04She'll have no standing left in Silvermoon nobility.
19:07Lyra might hear.
19:08I felt their pity, mocking eyes.
19:10My face remained serene.
19:12I stepped before Eldrin, kneeling to receive the decree.
19:15Then was roughly pulled aside.
19:17Kale's grandmother surged forward, fawning smile for Eldrin, venomous glare for me.
19:23Move aside!
19:24This must be the king's blessing for Kale and Seraphine.
19:26Do not disgrace us here!
19:27Her whisper carried.
19:29Kale's face darkened.
19:30He reached for me.
19:31I evaded.
19:32Grandmother, Lyra is my first mate.
19:34How could she disgrace us?
19:35Such words shame me.
19:36Whatever comes, Lyra remains Ironclaw's first lady.
19:39Shock rippled through the hall.
19:40Especially Seraphine.
19:42What do you mean?
19:43You said I was the mate you wanted.
19:46Lyra was only a convenience!
19:47Guests beyond heard clearly.
19:50What?
19:50I misheard.
19:51Kale never loved Lady Lyra.
19:53Only the parasite.
19:54This is ridiculous.
19:56Seraphine flung her bouquet to the floor.
19:58Lyra, hear me well.
20:00Kale never loved you.
20:02Never.
20:03He married you from necessity.
20:04Even your mating night, he spent it writing to me.
20:08Silence!
20:11Lyra, listen.
20:12I can explain.
20:13She is mad.
20:15Her words are false.
20:16I love you.
20:17I truly love you.
20:18I looked at his face and felt only irony.
20:20Three years married.
20:21Three years I loved him truly.
20:24In return, five twenty-three nights of secret letters.
20:27Poison in my tea made barren before his grandmother's contempt.
20:31Now I woke.
20:32Now I chose not to love.
20:34Yet he spoke of love.
20:36I laughed.
20:37Ironic.
20:37Absolute.
20:38Belated devotion.
20:39How cheap.
20:40I smoothed my disheveled hair.
20:41Nelt slow and certain before Eldrin.
20:43Priest.
20:44Read the decree.
20:46Eldrin nodded, opening the moonstone casket, withdrawing the gold-sealed scroll.
20:51All knelt to hear.
20:52Only Kale remained frozen, standing.
20:54Some foreboding gripped him.
20:56As though something precious would slip away.
20:59Wait!
20:59Kale's voice cut through.
21:00All turned to stare, shock, confusion.
21:04His grandmother seized his ritual garment, whispering urgently.
21:07Whatever it is, wait until the priest finishes.
21:10Kale opened his mouth.
21:12Met Eldrin's displeased gaze.
21:13Kale, you repeatedly interrupt Alpha King's decree.
21:17Do you question the king's proxy of the moon goddess's will?
21:21The threat woke him.
21:22He knelt silent.
21:23Eldrin cleared his throat, unrolled the gold-sealed scroll.
21:27By the moon goddess's name, the Alpha King decrees.
21:29The king's ward Lyra Silverstone and Kale Ironclex Moonbloom Blessed Bond is formally severed at the consent of the moon
21:35goddess.
21:37Henceforth, each may wed where they will.
21:41So ends the decree.
21:43Eldrin's voice fell.
21:45Kale and his grandmother cried out together.
21:47Priest, have you misread?
21:49How could the king permit Lyra to sever our moon bonding?
21:53This must be error.
21:54His grandmother followed.
21:55Lyra is Kale's mate, blessed beneath the moonbloom tree.
21:58How can severance be so casual?
22:00Eldrin ignored them.
22:01Congratulations, Miss Lyra.
22:03You may return home today.
22:06I received the gold-sealed scroll with both hands, my truest smile in days.
22:12Priest Eldrin, my thanks.
22:14Eldrin sighed, his gaze fond.
22:16No need.
22:16I watched you grow from cub, child.
22:19The king grieves for you, too.
22:21Then all remembered who I was.
22:23Feyond Kale, Ironclaw's first mate, I was Silverstone's daughter, only child of the late North Legion commander.
22:30When my parents fell, the Alpha King and Luna Queen raised me among their own.
22:34Before marriage, few noble females, but the princesses in Silvermoon ranked above me, married to Kale.
22:40His careful construction made my first attribute Kale Ironclaw's wife, erasing my old fame as the Pearl of Silvermoon.
22:47Eldrin departed soon after.
22:49The festive estate fell silent.
22:51Guests exchanged glances, then withdrew as one.
22:54The royal carriage arrived, with twenty moon guards to transport my belongings.
22:59As I left, Kale seized my sleeve.
23:02Lyra!
23:04Did you petition the king for this severance?
23:07I smiled, withdrawing my garment from his grasp.
23:10Yes.
23:12You could petition for Seraphine.
23:14Why could I not petition for freedom?
23:17How could the king agree?
23:19That was the moon goddess's own blessing, her own witness.
23:23Kale, what makes you believe what you could not obtain, I could not achieve?
23:27Have you forgotten?
23:28Have you managed to marry me just because I held the king's favor?
23:31I wasted no more words, turned to go.
23:34Kale followed, refusing to stop.
23:36Lyra, Lyra!
23:38After a few days, I came back to the palace.
23:42Silvermoon's noble ladies and matriarchs visited in succession.
23:45I had feared their judgment.
23:47After all, actively severing a goddess, blessed mating was heresy in conservative southern clans.
23:53True mates do not leave you howling alone beneath the moon.
23:56You found your claws again, leaving that liar who preached loyalty while creeping in shadows.
24:03The Luna Queen even petitioned the Alpha King to spare me the Frostland's marriage.
24:08I have received royal kindness for years.
24:11I owe the southern Pax Union my service.
24:14North Pax raid our borders endlessly.
24:17As royal ward, I enjoyed wealth and peace.
24:19Now I must pay my debt.
24:20My father and his ancestors held the northern line for three centuries.
24:23I can buy the next three centuries with myself.
24:30Good girl.
24:32Courage.
24:33The moon goddess bless you.
24:36She sent gifts in endless streams.
24:38Next spring, you depart for the northern frost.
24:41These garments, jewels, medicines, you will need them there.
24:43Luna, your kindness overwhelms me.
24:45How may I repay?
24:46Then on clear days, walk Silvermoon's markets.
24:48Choose a birthday gift that pleases me.
24:51I knew her meaning.
24:52Birthday excuse for fresh air for final glimpses of the city I would leave.
24:56Mira and I visited Silvermoon's finest shops.
24:59Soon Cal entered with Seraphine.
25:02Cal instinctively released Seraphine's waist, striding forward to embrace me.
25:06Lyra, why are you here?
25:07I frowned.
25:08Before I spoke, Mira blocked him.
25:10Master Ironcloth, conduct yourself with dignity.
25:15Maintain appropriate distance from Lady Lyra.
25:18Misunderstandings must be avoided.
25:23Kale's face darkened, displeasure at Mira naked in his eyes.
25:27Insolence.
25:28You dare address me so?
25:30Mira's ears twitched in her hair, utterly unafraid.
25:32I am Lady Lyra's handmaid.
25:34I protect her honor and safety.
25:36Master Ironcloth, shall I report to the Alpha King that you forget basic pack protocol,
25:40addressing a royal lady by her first name?
25:43Fell flushed, speechless.
25:44You!
25:46As my handmaiden, this was Mira's first open contempt for him.
25:49I stood by, fan hiding my smile.
25:52Seraphine's brows rose, voice shrill.
25:54What an ill-mannered low she-wolf.
25:56Such handymaid.
25:57Such her lady.
25:58I laughed coldly, preparing to speak, when Kale spoke first.
26:02Enough.
26:03Do not worsen this.
26:04Seraphine stared, disbelieving fangs showing at her lip.
26:08Kale, what do you mean?
26:09Do you side with her or me?
26:12I am your true mate now.
26:13Lyra is merely discarded.
26:15A sharp crack stunned all present.
26:20Kale withdrew his hand slowly, cold in his eyes.
26:24Control your tongue, or I will cast you from Ironclaw.
26:26I frowned, signaling Mira.
26:29She stepped forward, defensive posture.
26:31Master Ironclaw, you are striking a she-wolf?
26:34Kale's face darkened, hand rising again.
26:37I moved directly before Mira.
26:39My pupils narrowed to slits, silverstone bloodline pressure manifesting.
26:43This master strikes his own mate, and now wishes to strike my handmaid?
26:48Other customers gathered.
26:50Gaze is hostile.
26:51This was Silvermoon's grandest shop.
26:53Patronized by titled Ladies and Matriarchs.
26:56Seeing Kale strike Seraphine publicly, they seethed.
27:00A countess stepped forward, claws scoring deep marks in the counter.
27:05Master Ironclaw, I once respected you as a commander serving the Union.
27:08Now I see you.
27:09Only a cur who strikes his mate.
27:10Others joined.
27:12Precisely.
27:12Once called the model of devotion.
27:14Yet he begged the king for his parisere, drove his true mate to moon severments.
27:17Now strikes his second mate in public.
27:19I spit on him.
27:19I...
27:20Facing their contempt, Sail flailed for explanation.
27:23Found none.
27:24All had witnessed.
27:25No disguise remained.
27:27He fled in disorder.
27:31That day, Kale thoroughly offended Silvermoon's noble ladies.
27:35Word spread.
27:36Ten told ten hundred.
27:38Told hundred throughout southern nobility.
27:41The female whispered poison in their mate's ears.
27:44Officials shook heads at his name.
27:46Even the Luna Queen learned.
27:48Adding harsh words to the king.
27:50Utterly disgraceful.
27:51He became complete outcast.
27:53Within the year, Kale could no longer remain his stand in Silvermoon.
27:57The Alpha King decreed his transfer to northern frontline garrison.
28:01But years of Silvermoon comfort had ruined him for true battle.
28:05North Pax captured him soon after.
28:07The king raged, decreeing.
28:09Shameless.
28:10Confiscate Ironclaw estates.
28:12Cancel all clan privileges.
28:14The once glorious North Legion commander.
28:16Laughing stock of the entire southern Pax Union.
28:19Well, his defeat also hastened my departure for the marriage.
28:26I faced this calmly.
28:28From the Luna Queen, I obtained grain and herb seeds.
28:31From Elder Wolves skilled in cultivation, I learned methods for farming frozen soil.
28:35The North Frostfields is bitter precisely because the wolves there lack clothing and food.
28:39They raid south because they hunger.
28:41I would bring southern planting techniques.
28:43Teach them to till.
28:44To sustain themselves.
28:46This will bring true peace between lands.
28:49Preparations complete.
28:50I dressed in heavy northern bridal robes.
28:52My second marriage in this life.
28:54First time, I walked toward hope.
28:56Kale gave me despair.
28:57This time, I walked north toward hope for the Union's people, for peace.
29:00Departure day.
29:02All Silvermoon lined the streets to watch me leave.
29:05Word spread along the road.
29:08I heard my story told everywhere.
29:10I vowed.
29:11I would not fail them.
29:15At the border, northern wolves met me raw wildness in their bearing.
29:19They ignored southern envoys through open my carriage curtain.
29:24This is the southern bride.
29:26Such slendy waist.
29:27How will she bear young for the Lord of the Frost?
29:31Hearing his offense.
29:32The envoy captain gripped his blade.
29:34Silver edge half drawn.
29:36I emerged.
29:37Stopped him.
29:38Borrowed his silver blade.
29:42One stroke, he howled, rolling on ground, half-wolf feeling shy.
29:46The remaining northern wolves stared dumbstruck.
29:49I mounted the carriage step, stood above all, addressing them.
29:53I, Lila Silverstone, stand before you as southern ambitre, as your Lord of the Frost's future mate.
29:59I bring sincerity, not merely treaty and gifts, but viable seeds and planting techniques for your frozen soil.
30:06Offend me again, and you offend the southern Pax Union.
30:09Offend your Lord of the Frost.
30:11Offend your own people's hope for full bellies and warm backs.
30:14I struck the fallen wolf again, blade flashing crimson.
30:20Offend again.
30:21Suffer likewise.
30:25The northern wind whipped snow against my crown.
30:28Blood streaked my cheek, my silver-blue pupils burning fierce.
30:32On distant icy mountains, a tall figure rode a black giant wolf.
30:37Suddenly he clapped, laughing.
30:39Then that black wolf swept like wind past my ear.
30:42Before I could react, Cedar's favored arms lifted me to wolfbeck.
30:46Go tell your king, my mate I have taken.
30:52The peace of 300 years I promised, I would keep.
31:00Northern frost wolf warriors dismounted across the ice plains.
31:04I led the southern ex-bjordert to teach them to farm.
31:10They asked carefully, powerful bodies, clumsy as they placed seeds in frozen soil.
31:15First green sprout in the ice-blue world.
31:18Then second, third, until green life filled the frost plains.
31:22It lives, it lives!
31:23We made it!
31:23By the moon goddess, blessing the frost!
31:28Wolf warriors became farmers immersed in harvest joy.
31:32Weapons transformed into tools of abundance.
31:36Their wives took grain from mates' hands, prepared steaming meals.
31:41Cooking smoke rose from the cold frost.
31:43Pups carried fresh fruits.
31:45Take this to Luna Lyra.
31:47Without her not today's good life.
31:49Mothers entrusted them with hot food.
31:51Mira entered with a basket brimming with food.
31:55Luna, unstoppable.
31:57They bring daily.
31:58Accept their heart's gift.
32:01Later.
32:02Later distribute to orphans and elderly.
32:04This routine, I know.
32:05Ice wolf guards arrived, respectful.
32:07Luna, the lord request your presence in the cultivation fields.
32:11I followed him to find the lord of the frost mighty warrior, crouching awkwardly before a shrub.
32:16Fresh ripe berries hung from branches.
32:20You grew this?
32:22I brought no such seeds.
32:28I grew it.
32:30Sent my buddies south, fetching them.
32:32You mentioned loving these berries.
32:34I witnessed.
32:36The lord dug for months.
32:38Only this one survived.
32:40Talkative.
32:40Feigned annoyance, but his eyes sought my praise.
32:46I reached instinctively for the nearest bright fruit.
32:49He stopped me.
32:51Wait.
32:53Frost cross conditions cause mutation.
32:56Color resembles silver berries.
32:58I had the healer test for your allergy first.
33:01How did you know?
33:03How would you notice?
33:05Because you are my mate.
33:06My Luna Lyra, who brought life and hope to the north.
33:11So everything about you I care to know.
33:14He lowered his head, kissed my brow.
33:16Before the berry bush he grew for me.
33:18When the lord of the frost passed, he left but two wishes.
33:22First, burial beside his mate.
33:24Second, the peace of 300 years must not change.
33:27The re-after.
33:27The southern Pax Union told Lady Lyra's story.
33:30How she married north for peace between lands.
33:33When Luna Lyra passed, southern people raised memorial statues in Silvermoon and major cities.
33:39For descendants to honor.
33:40Her tale, passed through generations, was forever praised.
33:43Thank you so much for joining us.
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