Rejected, betrayed, and cast aside by the Alpha she loved, a powerful Luna chooses to walk away and reclaim her destiny. But when hidden truths emerge and old enemies are exposed, her former mate is forced to face the consequences of his choice. Too Late, My Rejected Mate is an emotional werewolf drama filled with Alpha regret, Luna revenge, fated mates, and second chances.
#TooLateMyRejectedMate #RejectedMate #AlphaRegret #LunaRevenge #WerewolfRomance #FatedMates #ShortDrama #FullEP #ENGSUB
#TooLateMyRejectedMate #RejectedMate #AlphaRegret #LunaRevenge #WerewolfRomance #FatedMates #ShortDrama #FullEP #ENGSUB
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Short filmTranscript
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 Caleb, the east coast alpha I had loved in secret for 18 years.
00:10On the other was Caleb, 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.
00:36I choose Kale.
00:37My father's face changed in shock.
00:39The witch's curse inside Kale can't be broken.
00:42He'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 Caleb 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 Alara, then demoted me
01:10to a servant.
01:11To improve Alara's bloodline, Kale even tricked me to the blood moon ultra, drained me of my life's blood, and
01:16fed it to Alara.
01:17Alara 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 viciously onto
01:30the ground.
01:30Alara 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 Alara.
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.
01:54On nights of the full moon, he could break through the witch's curse and become the strongest wolf alive.
01:59But 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.
02:09I will bond with Kale and help him become the next lichen king.
02:12Seeing my determination, my father finally relented, but issued a harsh condition.
02:16You must drink the secrecy of her ship.
02:18You cannot reveal anything about breaking the engagement.
02:20You must obey Caleb in everything.
02:22If you can last until the engagement banquet a few days from now, I will be.
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, but the potion turned into needles, stabbing into my heart.
02:48It forced me to submit it to him.
02:51My 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.
03:10The moment she saw Caleb dragging me in, she hurried down from the throne and covered her little mouth in
03:16feigned surprise.
03:17Oh, sister!
03:18How did you end up in such a state?
03:21Caleb 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.
03:54Caleb gave a disdainful laugh.
03:56Please, 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 a better girl, 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, younger sister.
04:16You're too kind. That'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? I'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.
04:40My 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-sit.
05:19What a disgrace to the royal family.
05:22I 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.
05:38Inside, the pure silver ice coffee won't 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?
06:02He 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.
06:21No wonder Caleb likes her.
06:22I turned my head away, unwilling to look.
06:24Just then, a gray shadow burst from behind a puller at the side of the hall.
06:28It was a savage wild wolf.
06:29Its white fangs flashed as it lunged straight at me.
06:32My face went pale with shock.
06:33An assassin!
06:34Caleb stood only three steps away.
06:36I ran toward him.
06:37After 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.
06:45Get 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
06:55stone 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.
07:06Caleb crouched down, pinched my chin in, and forced me to lift my face and lift 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.
07:15I 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.
07:23That wild wolf was so frightening.
07:25What a shame.
07:25She actually survived.
07:27Caleb snored.
07:27My blood was still pouring out, taking with it the last of the love I had once felt for
07:31Caleb me.
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.
07:37Caleb, 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
07:46under a 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
07:57murmur.
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?
08:06Treat 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, the 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
08:30my hip.
08:31Oh, still pretending to be noble?
08:33You filthy whore.
08:34You're worse than a sow.
08:36The guards thrust the stick again, harder this time, striking the wound on my shoulder.
08:40My vision went black, and I collapsed to 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.
08:55Moonlight 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.
09:08The guards scrambled away.
09:09My lips trembled.
09:10Had Caleb regretted it?
09:12Have you 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.
09:20Lara was frightened.
09:20She's a demon to begin with, and after that wild wolf scared her, she's even more.
09:24He released my wrist.
09:25I staggered before barely managing to stand.
09:28I can't remember.
09:28Caleb looked at the place where I was bleeding.
09:31His expression changed.
09:33You have noble Lyman blood.
09:36Perfect.
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.
09:49But 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.
09:59You 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 it.
10:47The moment the door closed, Alara suddenly sat up from the couch.
10:50My heart lurched.
10:50Wasn't she anemic?
10:51How did she look anything like a patient?
10:53Alara 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.
11:00Weakly, I said,
11:00You walked.
11:02Alara 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 pupils shrunk.
11:08What I want is your bloodline.
11:10As long as I transfer your life's blood into my body,
11:12I'll no longer be a lowly omega.
11:14I'll be too fast.
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.
11:21She wanted my life.
11:22Just then, the door opened.
11:23Caleb walked in.
11:25Alana's body stint.
11:26My heart jumped violently, too.
11:28Caleb, did you hear that?
11:29You must have heard it.
11:30Everything 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?
11:54Alara 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.
12:23Lips pressed to lips.
12:25Shadows 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.
12:50A fourth.
12:51Every blow landed with full force.
12:54Then he stopped and beckoned to Alara.
12:57Come here.
12:58You try.
12:59Alara 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,
13:12Caleb, sister will hurt.
13:15Caleb snorted.
13:16Selina, I just went to see the Lycan king.
13:19Haven't you always wanted me to marry you?
13:21I 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.
13:42Caleb threw a parchment scroll in front of me.
13:44Sign it!
13:45The parchment was densely packed with clauses.
13:48Two-thirds of the West Coast territory.
13:50A permanent submission treaty.
13:51Renouncing my right as air, 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.
14:12He took a recording crystal from his waist and aimed it at my blood-streaked face.
14:15Look at you, the noble lichen princess of the West Coast,
14:18kneeling at my feet like a stray dog.
14:20The 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 lichen king with his face?
14:33A copy sweetly surged in my throat.
14:35Caleb, must you treat me this way?
14:37Enough nonsense. Sign.
14:38He brutally pressed my hand down, stained it with my own blood,
14:42and forced my handprint onto the treaty.
14:44I struggled desperately, but it was useless.
14:46Then Caleb spoke again.
14:47Wait.
14:48Add another clause.
14:49After you marry her,
14:50please call her a sister in honor 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.
14:59If we have a child,
15:00your own flesh and blood must call it Laura Mother.
15:02As for you,
15:02you're only fit to be the wetness.
15:04Add another.
15:05Territory.
15:05Dignity.
15:06Forcing bloodline.
15:07Descendants.
15:08Every line trampled me deeper into the mud.
15:10At last, he's finished.
15:11Caleb picked up the porch,
15:12read it from start to finish,
15:14and nodded in satisfaction.
15:15Then he threw a ragged piece of clothes onto my head.
15:17Wear this to the engagement banker tomorrow.
15:19It 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.
15:25Let everyone see how lowly the 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,
15:35the 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.
15:42Then laughter exploded.
15:43The mighty lichen princess came to her own engagement banquet
15:46dressed 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,
16:00but the moment that thought appeared,
16:01the potion turned into thousands of needles
16:03stabbing viciously into my heart.
16:05It left me unable even to struggle.
16:06Just then,
16:07a commotion sounded at the entrance to the hall.
16:09Caleb entered with Alara on his arm.
16:11He wore the silver gray formal attire of the east coast,
16:14his 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 and you wore them.
16:30I told you to sign the treaty and you signed it.
16:32I told you to live in the Pygdys and you lived there.
16:35He turned and spread his hands to the hall full of nobles.
16:38Do you see this?
16:39This is the Lycan princess.
16:40She does whatever I say.
16:42More 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.
16:48Laughter filled a main hall.
16:49Alara tugged Caleb's sleeve,
16:51her voice soft and gentle.
16:52Caleb, sister can't really still want to marry you, can she?
16:56Caleb pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
16:58A sinister smile on his lips.
16:59She loves me so much, of 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, seeing my desolate expression,
17:21he seemed to feel it still was not enough.
17:23He 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, I 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, drowning me.
17:44At that moment, a hand rested lightly on my shoulder.
17:46I turned my head.
17:47It was my father, the only Lyman king of the wolf clans.
17:49He led me behind a pillar at the side of the hall and lowered his voice.
17:52Selene, even now, do you still intend to marry Kale and give up Caleb?
17:56Yes.
17:56My father was silent for a long time.
17:58He looked at my face, at 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 than marry Caleb.
18:05It seems your mind truly is made up.
18:07Very well.
18:08I agree.
18:09My tears fell beyond my control.
18:11My father turned and walked step by step towards the platform at the center of the main hall.
18:15Kale was still holding up the recording crystal.
18:17The nobles were still laughing.
18:19Everyone, tonight's engagement banquet was originally meant to announce the betrothal between my daughter Selene and the East Coast Alpha
18:24Kale.
18:25He paused.
18:27However, at my daughter's firm request, I now formally announce,
18:29In my capacity as Lycan King, Selene will marry another Alpha, Kale.
18:34Caleb froze where he stood.
18:36What did you say?
18:37What did you say?
18:38Caleb stood stunned.
18:40He looked at my father, then at me, and suddenly let out a squamful laugh.
18:43Lycan King, please don't joke.
18:45Selene has loved me for 18 years.
18:47For my sake, she 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, his tone still full of condescending charity.
18:55Selene, I know you're angry with me.
18:57You're trying to provoke me on purpose, aren't you?
18:59Stop making a scene.
19:00If you admit your mistake in public now, I can still treat you well like before.
19:04I 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, I 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?
19:18He suddenly took the unequal treaty from his chest and raised it toward my father.
19:21Lycan King, Selene has already signed a blood contract.
19:23If she does not marry me today, two-thirds of the West Coast territory belongs to me.
19:27My father snored coldly.
19:28A treaty signed under the dress has no legal force.
19:31The West Coast does not recognize that thing.
19:33Caleb had not expected my father, who had always been cold, to defend me.
19:36He was completely enraged.
19:38No!
19:38Selene must marry me!
19:40He released the pressure of an East Coast alpha, transformed into a giant wolf, and lunged,
19:44reaching for my shoulder.
19:45Just as his hand was about to touch me, the clouds in the sky broke apart, and a blood-red
19:49full moon hung overhead.
19:50In the corner, Kale, who had been bound by magical iron chains all this time, suddenly
19:53let out a roar.
19:54Blazing light erupted from his eyes.
19:56With a deafening crack, the thick chains were torn apart by brute force.
19:59A terrifying pressure swept through the hall like a tidal wave.
20:01In an instant, Kale transformed into an ancient Lycan.
20:03He brought one claw down hard, and Caleb was knocked straight back into his original form.
20:07Caleb vomited blood again and again, unable 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 Kale, he could only flee the hall in humiliation with the
20:18screaming Alotta.
20:19Kale, you useless wolf!
20:20Don't get cocky!
20:21I'll take Selene back!
20:22I walked onto the high corridor, and looked coldly down at the palace gates.
20:25The two had barely escaped back to their residence, when they ran straight into a group of loyal
20:28guards.
20:29The guards were mercilessly throwing, box after box of their belongings into the mud.
20:33Alara froze, then threw herself into the muddy water and screamed.
20:37My jewels!
20:37My gown!
20:38How dare you touch my thing!
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!
20:47She must have spoken ill of us to the Lycan King!
20:49Alara turned back, clutching Caleb's arm tightly as tears of grievance streamed down
20:51her face.
20:52Caleb, is sister still holding a grudge against me?
20:54I can give up anything, but you give me all these things!
20:56Caleb looked at the mess on the ground and 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, I'll bow to her.
21:07She loves me so much.
21:08Without me she can't survive.
21:09Looking at his self-ephorious face, I found him utterly laughable.
21:12Why did he think I could not live without him?
21:14I had regained my freedom, and now, I also had Kale who was willing to protect me.
21:19I did not want to look at Caleb's twisted face anymore.
21:21I turned and returned to the hall.
21:24Yet three hours later, the guard captain suddenly came up to the corridor to report to me.
21:30Like him, princess.
21:32Caleb says he wants to enter the inner palace and 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, then tell him to get lost.
21:50I returned to the inner palace dot in the courtyard.
21:52Beside a stone table, I played an ancient wolf clan war game with Kale, who had returned to human form.
21:55Kale had just broken through the witch's curse, and his face was still somewhat pale.
21:59But every movement of his was exceedingly gentlemanly.
22:02When the wind rose, he thoughtfully picked up a white fox fur between us and 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, rough shoving and furious roars came from beyond the heavy iron gate.
22:17I turned and saw Kale being stopped mercilessly outside the palace gates by two fully armed royal guards.
22:21I'll tell you, I need her now, but you guys don't be!
22:23The guard captain answered coldly.
22:24Without the life and princess's privilege, J token, no one may enter.
22:27Kale insisted on forcing his way in, but the guards shoved him back without mercy, making him stumble.
22:32Looking at his sorry state, my face held no expression.
22:35He should finally realize that without my protection, he 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 and stare through the iron bars at me in the
22:46courtyard.
22:47When he saw Kale papaling a cloak over me, and saw me smiling at Kale, the muscles in his face
22:51twitched out of control.
22:52For 18 years, I had only ever had eyes for him.
22:55I had never smiled that way at another man.
22:56He gripped the iron bars hard, his eyes reddening as he lost control and shouted at me.
23:00Selene, come out here! I am your fated mate!
23:02At the sound of his voice, the hand with which I was placing a piece paused slightly.
23:06I turned my head, my gaze resting on Caleb's flushed face for one second.
23:09There was no anger in my eyes, nor sorrow.
23:11It was as if I were looking at a patch of empty air.
23:13Drag him away, I ordered coldly.
23:15The guards stepped forward.
23:16Don't touch me!
23:17Kale roared in fury.
23:18He punched two guards to the ground and glared at me with bloodshot eyes.
23:24Selene, why are you pretending to be so noble?
23:27Kale set down his game piece and stepped in front of me.
23:30In an instant, he transformed into an ancient lion.
23:34Selene told you to get lost.
23:36Did you not hear her?
23:37Kale's terrifying pressure erupted, crushing Caleb in place.
23:40Caleb's bones cranked under the force.
23:42Knowing he could not defeat Kale, he could only retreat in humiliation and snar through gritted teeth.
23:46Fine!
23:47Selene, don't regret this.
23:49Even if you come kneeling to beg me, I won't look at you again.
23:51A few days later, my personal lady-in-waiting entered angrily with a bright red invitation.
23:55Lycan princess, Caleb has gone mad.
23:57He has publicly announced to the whole clan that he is marrying Elera,
24:00and he tells everyone that once you see the invitation, you'll break down,
24:03admit your mistake, and 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, what 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, with maids accompanying me, I left the palace in a sheep-drawn carriage for an inspection
24:24and happened to pass the most luxurious tailor shop in the city.
24:26I had just reached the opposite side of the shop when I heard a crisp slap from inside.
24:29Dare put this rough, rotten fabric against me?
24:31It scratches my skin!
24:32Can you afford to pay for it, you lowly dog?
24:34Elera cursed furiously.
24:35At that moment, Caleb, who had just returned from buying mutton, froze at the shop entrance.
24:39Elera turned her head.
24:40When she met Caleb's shocked gaze, her face instantly went deathly pale.
24:42She had never expected Caleb to witness her true self.
24:45Caleb's eyes, meanwhile, were full of suspicion and shock.
24:47Was this the delicate Elera he praised to everyone as someone who would shed tears even over stepping on an
24:51ant?
24:52Elera immediately squeezed out tears and threw herself into Caleb's arms in grievous.
24:55Caleb, this tailor pricked me on purpose with a needle.
24:58It hurt so much that I lost control of my temper.
25:00Please don't blame me, all right?
25:01Caleb stiffly patted her back, his voice dry.
25:04It's fine.
25:05I don't blame you.
25:06But the seed of doubt had already been planted deep in Caleb's heart.
25:10Watching from the corner, I suddenly came up with a plan.
25:12I had the guard captain carry a brocade box and stride up to Caleb.
25:16Lord Caleb, Lion Princess Selina has sent you a wedding gift.
25:19At the sound of my name, Caleb's eyes instantly lit up.
25:22He eagerly took the brocade box, the 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, he opened the brocade box, seeming 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, I'll protect you with this sword.
25:55I 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.
26:09No, this can't be.
26:11Caleb gripped the broken sword tightly, his 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!
26:23He suddenly lifted his head, looking around the street in panic like a drowning man.
26:28Expressionless, I lowered the carriage curtain.
26:31Back to the palace.
26:33Three days later, on the day of the wedding, without 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.
26:56Can 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.
27:12Alara clenched her fists in resentment.
27:14So jealous she was nearly going mad.
27:16Just as the priest frowned and prepared to read the vows,
27:18the master of ceremony outside announced loudly,
27:21Lycon Princess and Lord Kale have arrived.
27:23The heavy doors were pushed open, wearing 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.
27:37He 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.
27:49Don't mind me.
27:49Caleb froze where he stood.
27:50He 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, are you willing to take Alara as your wife?
28:02I...
28:03Kale drew out the word.
28:04His gaze was locked firmly on me, as if saying,
28:06Selina, if you stand up and stop me now, I'll cancel the wedding at once and leave with you.
28:10But I only calmly lifted the red T and 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, his voice gentle.
28:20Seeing our intimate difference, Kale's face instantly turned ashen.
28:24Alara stood beside him, gritting her teeth as she urged in a low voice,
28:26Kale, everyone is waiting for your vow.
28:28If not for me, then for our child.
28:30Kale froze.
28:31You're pregnant?
28:32Alara showed a shy smile and nodded.
28:34Of course.
28:35Your own flesh and blood.
28:37Kale sighed and nodded.
28:38All right.
28:39Since you're carrying my child, I should indeed give you a proper title.
28:42He nodded to the priest.
28:44I do.
28:46Just then, the chapel's enormous stained glass window shattered with a crash, and more than
28:50a dozen rogue werewolves with blood-red eyes rushed madly into the hall.
28:54The chapel instantly fell into chaos.
28:57Nobles screamed and fled in every direction.
28:59This group of rogue werewolves had an extremely clear target.
29:02They did not even look at the bride and grew on the altar.
29:04Raising bright curved blades, they charged straight toward me.
29:07Kill the lichen princess!
29:09Kale watched the werewolves lunging toward me, his mind going blank.
29:13Selene!
29:13Watch out!
29:14Without hesitation, he moved to rush down from the altar and save me.
29:18But the instant he took one step, Alana screamed and threw herself at him, clinging tightly
29:24around his waist.
29:26Kale, help me!
29:27I'm so scared!
29:28Don't leave me!
29:29Kale was suddenly tripped up and shouted in panic.
29:31Get off!
29:32Alara!
29:32Let go!
29:33Selene is in danger!
29:34He tried hard to prow Alina's hands away, but 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, the strongest rogue willwolf had already rushed in front of
29:49me.
29:49He raised a curved blade coated in green poison and slashed viciously towards my back.
29:55Caleb screamed in despair.
29:56No!
29:59At the critical moment, Kale snutted coldly.
30:01His tall body instantly blocked me.
30:03He did not even transform into wolf form.
30:05He merely lifted one hand, and with a crisp clang, caught the descending poisoned blade
30:09barehanded.
30:10Under the terrified gaze of the rogue werewolf, Kale turned his wrist, and the curved blade
30:14forged of fine steel shattered inch by inch.
30:16You're caught in death.
30:17The terrifying pressure of an ancient wolf king erupted instantly, and cracks spread across
30:21the chapel floor.
30:22Within a few moves, those vicious assassins did not even have room to resist before their
30:25limbs were broken and they were hurled miserably to the ground.
30:28From beginning to end, Kale shielded me completely behind him.
30:30Not even a strand of my hair was disturbed.
30:32Only then did Caleb finally push Alera away, and stumble over with his sword in hand.
30:37He foes two steps away.
30:40Kale was kneeling on one knee before me, checking with extreme care whether I had been frightened.
30:46The hand Kale used to hold his sword dropped weakly.
30:48He had wanted to be the hero who protected me, but only now did he realize he had already
30:52lost both the right and the strength to protect me.
30:54The royal guards quickly rushed into the chapel and restrained all the badly injured assassins.
30:58Kale stood and coldly opened the assassin leader's clothes, pulling a blood-stained piece of
31:03parchment from his chest.
31:04I glanced at it, and my gaze instantly turned cold.
31:08This is a hand-drawn defense map of the chapel.
31:11I looked toward Alera, who was trembling on the steps.
31:14And it was drawn with ink, specially 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, Alota'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, Alota used her best trick.
31:35Her eyes rolled back, and she let out a string cry.
31:38Ugh, my heart, my 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 strode 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, she stood with a cold laugh and 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 faces from anemia before.
32:12She even needed Celine's blood.
32:13The witch doctor interrupted him.
32:15That was a false weakness created by black magic herbs.
32:18Not only that, the 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, sat out a mouthful of bloody Sava,
32:33and glared viciously at Alaya.
32:34It was this bitch.
32:35She gave us the defense map and told us to kill the Lycan princess in the chaos.
32:38She said once it was done, she'd give us half of the West Coast territory.
32:42With irrefutable evidence before everyone, Alara's disguise was completely torn apart.
32:46No, this isn't true.
32:48Caleb looked at Alara with bloodshot eyes, his 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, not a strice remaining of her former delicate helplessness.
33:11I only loved you too much.
33:13Protect me with your East Coast privileges like you used to, all right?
33:16Looking at the ugly woman before him, Caleb felt his stomach churn with disgust.
33:20He kicked Alarka away and stared at her with loathing.
33:23This was the delicate first love for whom he had given up everything and even broken with the West Coast.
33:28For this lying bitch, he had forced me to sleep in a pigsty.
33:32For this vicious woman who had never been ill, he had forced me to bleed.
33:35Each truth that came too late filled Caleb with unbearable regret.
33:39What kind of person had he lost?
33:41Someone who had loved him so deeply.
33:43With a thud, Caleb's legs gave out and he collapsed heavily to his knees in the ruins.
33:48His face streamed with tears.
33:50As he turned and crawled toward me, his eyes read,
33:54Selina, I'm sorry.
33:56I was blind.
33:58I was a fool.
33:59I was wrong.
34:00Please forgive me.
34:02Faced with Caleb's repentance, I had no interest in even stopping.
34:05Calmly, I looked away, took a clean silk handkerchief from my sleeve, and pulled Kale's hand toward me.
34:12Did it hurt when you crushed that poisoned blade?
34:15No.
34:16As long as you're unharmed, that's all that matters.
34:19Let's go.
34:20It's too filthy here.
34:22I, Cali, dropped the package beside Caleb's hand, linked arms with Kale, and 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, watching helplessly as Kale and I left side by side, his nose stinging.
34:39What will it take?
34:41What will it take for you to forgive me?
34:43Just then, a 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, a crazed light flashing in his eyes.
34:56War.
34:57War has come.
34:58As long as I earn great merit on the battlefield,
35:02as long as I prove my worth,
35:04Selina will surely look at me again.
35:06The rogue werewolves invaded on a massive scale,
35:09and the flames of war spread quickly.
35:11Kale 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, because of his blindness, foolishness, and sheltering of a traitor,
35:22he had been stripped of all status and 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 and voluntarily joined the Suicide Squad with the highest death rate,
35:35becoming the lowest-ranking foothold.
35:37On the day the army set out,
35:38I stood personally atop the high city wall to see Kale off.
35:41Below the wall, the army stood in solemn formation.
35:44Kale sat on his warhorse,
35:45and looked up at me with deep affection before the entire army.
35:49I placed a wolf-toothed amulet for protection around Kale's neck with my own hands,
35:54then bent down and gently kissed his cheek.
35:57I'll wait for your triumphant return.
35:59Kale's eyes burned hot.
36:01In front of everyone, he kissed the back of my hand.
36:06For you, I will bring victory.
36:09And down in the muddy infantry ranks,
36:11Caleb, dressed in coarse linen, stared famously at the scene.
36:14Watching me give another man my favor,
36:16jealousy and regret twisted together in his heart.
36:18Once, that place had been his.
36:20That amulet had once been prepared for him.
36:22He bit hard enough to slit his lip.
36:23Selene, I'll prove to you that I'm stronger than Kale.
36:29I'm the alpha worthy of you.
36:31He swore it silently in his heart,
36:33then stepped onto the battlefield without looking back.
36:36Battle reports from the front lines were sent back to the capital every day.
36:38On the battlefield, Kale planned and commanded with brilliant strategy.
36:41Not only was he not dragged down by the witch's curse,
36:43he displayed the bearing of an unparalleled general.
36:46He won every battle and became the hero admired by the entire army.
36:49Caleb, meanwhile, fought in the lowest trenches,
36:51like a beast that did not care whether it lived or died.
36:54He deliberately refused to wear heavy armor,
36:57allowing enemy blades to leave hideous wounds across his body.
37:00Every time he was injured, every time he bled,
37:03he felt he was paying back the debt for once draining my blood.
37:06He felt he was easing the guilt in his heart.
37:08He fought desperately for merit,
37:09charging forward like a madman and cutting down countless enemy heads,
37:12only hoping that his name might appear once in the military reports and be seen by me.
37:16But he did not know that when I read the reports,
37:18my gaze only stopped on Kale's name.
37:20I did not care which common soldier had earned credit.
37:23During an especially brutal breakout battle,
37:25the rogue werewolf army surrounded the suicide squad,
37:28a military banner representing the West Coast royal family was about to be cut down.
37:34That was my territory.
37:36My banner.
37:38Caleb's eyes went red as he roared and threw himself forward.
37:43No one touches Sylvine's banner!
37:46He used his body to shield the flagpole, refusing to retreat.
37:50Squish.
37:51An enemy spear ruthlessly pierced through the soldier's abdomen.
37:55He vomited a mouthful of blood,
37:57but his hands still clung tightly to the banner
38:00as he collapsed heavily into a pool of blood.
38:04The dark, damp woundager's camp was filled with the thick smell of blood and screams of pain.
38:08Caleb's injuries were too severe.
38:09The spear had pierced through his abdomen,
38:11and his high fever would not break.
38:12He lay on a crude straw mat, barely breathing.
38:14In the extreme agony between dreams and waking,
38:17he began to hallucinate.
38:18He seemed to return to that summer ten years ago.
38:20A little version of me followed behind him,
38:22eyes full of worship as I called him Brother Caleb,
38:24blushing while I handed him that wooden sword.
38:26Brother Caleb, will you protect me forever?
38:31Of course.
38:33I'll protect you for the rest of your life.
38:35But the scene shifted.
38:36It became me locked inside the reeking pig pet,
38:38my face covered in blood,
38:39looking at him in despair as he married Alara.
38:42No, don't look at me like that.
38:44In his coma, tears of pain streamed down his face.
38:46His hands clawed wildly at empty air
38:47as he murmured in a broken, miserable voice,
38:49Celine, I was wrong.
38:50Please, don't go.
38:52But in the illusion,
38:53I pulled my hand away coldly,
38:55and turned away without hesitation.
38:57Just as he was drowning in unbearable pain,
38:59in reality, he suddenly felt a pair of cooled hands touch his forehead.
39:03Then a bottle of high-grade royal potion
39:05with a faint fragrance was placed in his hand.
39:07This familiar scent belonged only to potions
39:09the royal family was qualified to use.
39:12Caleb's whole body jolted.
39:18Summoning all his strength,
39:20he opened his eyes.
39:21Caleb opened his eyes in wild joy,
39:23a smile of attestation already lifting the corner of his mouth.
39:26But when he saw the person before him clearly,
39:27he felt as if he had fallen to an ice cower.
39:29The person standing by his bed was not me at all,
39:31but an old logistics medic with a face full of wrinkles.
39:33Young man, you're awake.
39:34Tough life you've got.
39:34A spear went clean through you.
39:35You still didn't die.
39:36The old medic pulled the stopper from the potion bottle
39:38and brought it to his lips.
39:40Drink.
39:40This was personally ordered by Commander Cale.
39:42In recognition of your suicide squad's merit
39:44in protecting the banner,
39:45every severely injured member has been given a royal potion.
39:48Caleb stared daily at the potion bottle.
39:50His fingers tightened inch by inch,
39:51his knuckles turning white.
39:53So it was not for him.
39:54So he was only the most insignificant one
39:56among tens of thousands of wounded soldiers.
39:58He had risked his life to prove himself and 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 to be hated by me anymore.
40:07I had completely treated him as an unrelated stranger,
40:10a piece of air that could exist or not.
40:12Caleb clutched the potion bottle tightly,
40:14tears falling in heavy drops onto the straw mat.
40:17Suddenly, he laughed bitterly.
40:19Ignoring me.
40:20So being ignored is the cruelest punishment.
40:24One year later,
40:25the rebellion of the rogue werewolves was completely pacified,
40:28and the border welcomed a long-awaited peace.
40:31The army returned in triumph.
40:33The gates of the capital opened wide,
40:34and citizens lined the streets,
40:36cheering as they welcomed home the hero
40:38who had saved the wolf clans.
40:39Meanwhile, on the execution ground,
40:41on the other side of the city,
40:42Alara, who had served as an insider for the rogue werewolves,
40:45was finally facing her hanging.
40:46At the outermost edge of the crowd,
40:48a man with a crippled leg and a body covered in mud,
40:50staggered forward.
40:51He wore ragged linen.
40:52His appearance withered,
40:53his vacant gaze fixed on the cross.
40:54A rough rope was looped around Alara's neck.
40:56Her hair hung loose as she struggled violently
40:58and screamed in agony.
40:59Oh, Caleb!
41:00Save me!
41:01For the sake of the love we once shared, save me!
41:03But Caleb merely looked at her coldly.
41:05The old obsession was gone from his eyes,
41:06leaving only the remort of a man
41:08who had been blind in both sight and heart.
41:10If not for this vicious woman full of lies,
41:11he should now have been standing on the execution platform,
41:14receiving the admiration of the whole clan as an alpha.
41:16At the executioner's command,
41:17Alarma's struggle stopped.
41:19She hung in the wind like a scrap of cloth.
41:21Caleb lowered his head,
41:22feeling nothing but emptiness inside.
41:23At that moment,
41:24cheers a hundred times louder than before,
41:26trinch reme erupted from the front of square.
41:28It's the Lycan princess's royal carriage!
41:30She has come personally to welcome the hero, Lord Kale!
41:33At the sound of my name,
41:35Caleb trembled violently.
41:37He snapped his head up and looked toward me.
41:40The carriage slowly stopped in the center of the square.
41:43Kale dismounted,
41:44not even bothering to brush off the dust of war clinging to him
41:47and strode to the carriage.
41:49With extreme tendness,
41:51he extended his hand to me.
41:52I lifted the velvet curtain,
41:54placed my hand in his palm,
41:56gathered my magnificent skirts,
41:58and stepped down from the carriage.
42:00By now,
42:00I was no longer the pitiful woman
42:02who had been forced to wear coarse slave linen.
42:04My face shone with a bright smile
42:06Kale had never seen before.
42:07It was the kind of glow
42:09that could only appear
42:10when someone was surrounded by 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 Kale and her highness
42:28already have a child.
42:29They really are a 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.
42:38Not only had she married someone else,
42:41she was carrying another man's child.
42:43The girl who had once had eyes only for him,
42:46the girl who had refused to leave him
42:48even after he kicked her into a wolf's claws,
42:50now truly belonged to 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 rose 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.
43:05Across 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.
43:13Tears filled his bloodshot eyes.
43:14How desperately he wished to see
43:15even the slightest ripple in my eyes.
43:17Pity, even mockery or hatred.
43:19As long as it proved
43:19I still cared about him,
43:20he would have been willing to 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, a 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, I said,
43:38smiling gently at Cale.
43:39Cale lowered his head
43:40and kissed my forehead
43:41with deep affection,
43:42wrapping me and our unborn child
43:43tightly in his broad cloak.
43:45All right, let's go home.
43:48The last spark inside Caleb
43:50was completely extinguished
43:51in that moment.
43:53A 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 and farther away.
44:06All that remained for Caleb
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 lichen 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 golden era.
44:35My name became
44:36the highest symbol
44:36of power and glory.
44:38As for the name Caleb,
44:39it vanished from everyone's memory
44:41like an insignificant speck of dust.
44:44No one mentioned
44:45the once arrogant
44:45East Coast Alpha anymore.
44:47No one remembered
44:48his ridiculous,
44:49shaby wedding.
44:50Ten years later,
44:50in the most remote,
44:52dilapidated 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
44:58and cheap alcohol
44:58stood with its drafty
45:00wooden door half open.
45:01An old werewolf
45:02who had lost his left leg
45:03and one arm,
45:04his face weathered by hardship,
45:06limped through the door
45:06and shuffled to the bar.
45:08It was Caleb.
45:10But he was filthy
45:11from head to toe
45:11with not the slightest traces
45:13of an alpha left in him.
45:15With 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 set a cup
45:26of murky ale
45:27heavily in front of him
45:28with a look of disgust.
45:30The old werewolf
45:31did not mind.
45:33He simply picked up the cup,
45:35dragged his crippled leg,
45:36and stumbled
45:37to the darkest corner
45:38of 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,
45:56I wore a crown,
45:57my smile noble and bright,
45:59my eyes filled with happiness.
46:01The old werewolf
46:02raised his rough,
46:03frostbitten hand
46:04and paused in midair
46:06for a long time.
46:07Only then did he carefully,
46:09across the empty's face,
46:12gently touch my cheek
46:13on the poster.
46:15I was the treasure
46:16he had once had
46:17within 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
46:24and rolled down
46:24his scarred face.
46:26Like a madman,
46:27he cried and laughed,
46:29then slapped himself
46:30hard twice,
46:31letting out a piercing wail.
46:34If that day
46:36I 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 your blood,
46:46would you still love me?
46:50I'm sorry.
46:52why should you know?
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 his cries.
47:11He could only carry the regret
47:13he would never be able
47:15to make up for,
47:16slowly ending the rest
47:18of his life
47:19in endless loneliness
47:21and ruin.
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