- 7 hours ago
They Called My Pups Bastards
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00They tripped me first!
00:00:01See? Even here he talks back.
00:00:04Yet you brought unclaimed children before the Moonstone.
00:00:08You did nothing wrong.
00:00:09Noah!
00:00:10And you punished the weak!
00:00:12Noah! Stop!
00:00:13Then you have no right to judge my mother!
00:00:16A fatherless child dares lecture me on justice?
00:00:20Take this bastard away!
00:00:22Seal his wolf!
00:00:2620 years in Moonwolf Palace.
00:00:28After tonight, I'm finally free.
00:00:31Packed already?
00:00:33Dawn can't come fast enough for her.
00:00:3620 years in the palace, and still just a low-born maid.
00:00:41Tonight of all nights, the Alpha King takes his blessing.
00:00:45Then keep that old maid's scent away from him.
00:00:50Old Moon Temple. We need hands. Now.
00:00:53That cursed place? No Omega goes in there.
00:00:56Hot water. Clotting salve. Move.
00:00:59Everly.
00:01:01You're going.
00:01:02Me?
00:01:03You leave at dawn.
00:01:05No one will miss you by morning.
00:01:08Listen carefully.
00:01:10What happened there?
00:01:11Don't look at his face.
00:01:12Don't leave your scent.
00:01:13And if anyone remembers you were there, you won't see dawn.
00:01:23His Alpha aura.
00:01:25I can barely breathe.
00:01:27Hot water and salve.
00:01:29I was told to leave them here.
00:01:31Leave!
00:01:31I will.
00:01:32I won't come in.
00:01:36Silver.
00:01:38Poison.
00:01:43Poison.
00:01:51Leave!
00:02:01Do you want to die?
00:02:03No.
00:02:05Then leave.
00:02:07I will.
00:02:08After I pull that blade out.
00:02:17What?
00:02:20A mate, Mark.
00:02:33One more step and I'm free.
00:02:38Stay with me.
00:02:40No!
00:02:42I should be running.
00:02:44So why am I holding on?
00:02:58Last chance.
00:02:59Push me away.
00:03:01Liv.
00:03:02Please.
00:03:04Please.
00:03:18Oh, Don.
00:03:20He's not some common alpha.
00:03:22If he's royal, I'm dead.
00:03:32Your Majesty.
00:03:34Your Majesty.
00:03:43The Omega from last night.
00:03:45Now.
00:03:57Careful.
00:03:58Mum just fell asleep.
00:03:59She coughed all night.
00:04:04Who told you to stoke the fire?
00:04:06The soup was getting cold.
00:04:08Cold soup makes your cough worse.
00:04:13You take the big piece, Mum.
00:04:20No child goes hungry in this house.
00:04:27Where did you get these?
00:04:29I hauled wood for the blacksmith.
00:04:31I told you, I'll get the academy fee.
00:04:35Registration closes at the end of the month.
00:04:37We're still short twenty-seven silver coins.
00:04:40That doesn't mean you should haul firewood.
00:04:44I don't want you carrying everything alone.
00:04:49These hands should be turning pages, not hauling wood.
00:04:52I'll make it in.
00:04:53I promise.
00:04:54And I'll become a moon priestess and make your cough go away.
00:05:06Noah.
00:05:07No blacksmith today.
00:05:09Then I'll carry the clothes.
00:05:11You'll carry your book.
00:05:13I'll get the silver.
00:05:15Look.
00:05:16Fatherless pup thinks he belongs at the academy.
00:05:18No one even knows which robes they are.
00:05:21Pick them up.
00:05:23Are you giving me orders?
00:05:24Your mother got kicked out of the palace.
00:05:26No one even knows which robes I had you.
00:05:30Kneel.
00:05:31Come on, Mum.
00:05:34Claws in.
00:05:36They deserve it.
00:05:38Save your claws for real enemies, not spoiled pups.
00:05:40They insulted you.
00:05:42Then get into the academy.
00:05:44Earn your crest.
00:05:45Make them swallow every word.
00:05:46Pick them up.
00:05:50Noah.
00:05:52Those eyes.
00:05:54They look more like his every day.
00:05:56The Elder Council smells weakness.
00:05:59I'm still alive.
00:06:01And airless.
00:06:03That's all they need.
00:06:05Your Majesty.
00:06:07Let me stay tonight.
00:06:10Liv.
00:06:12Please.
00:06:13Everyone out.
00:06:15You won't even look at me.
00:06:16I did.
00:06:18You're not her.
00:06:20Six years, Kale.
00:06:24Choose your next words, careful.
00:06:26No air.
00:06:27No Luna.
00:06:28All for an Omega from one night.
00:06:30She was never just one night.
00:06:32She's my fated mate.
00:06:33If he won't choose a Luna, I'll give every pack a sign they can't ignore.
00:06:37Grand Luna.
00:06:37You mean?
00:06:38The Moonborn Blessing.
00:06:39Every pup, six or younger, comes to the Royal City.
00:06:43Noble, common, border pack.
00:06:44I want them all.
00:06:45Every pack will talk.
00:06:46Good.
00:06:47Let them talk.
00:06:48We put every young pup before the Moonstone.
00:06:50For an heir?
00:06:51For a sign.
00:06:53And the Elder Council?
00:06:56Then they'll stop treating the Crown like it's theirs to divide.
00:07:02Mercy.
00:07:03She came back with shame.
00:07:05She knew this pack wouldn't forget.
00:07:07Mom!
00:07:08Get up!
00:07:09Don't beg him!
00:07:10Everly, the children!
00:07:11I know!
00:07:15Still proud?
00:07:16You kept their names off the register.
00:07:18Don't play innocent now.
00:07:19No sirline!
00:07:20And they still think they belong here?
00:07:22She just wants our well and our grain.
00:07:24Leave my mother out of this.
00:07:26This is about blood.
00:07:27Yours has stained this pack.
00:07:29Don't tie the greys to her.
00:07:30My son has a sireline.
00:07:32Her bastards have no claim to us.
00:07:35Cain!
00:07:36They're five!
00:07:36Old enough to shame us.
00:07:38They barely know the world outside this village.
00:07:40Don't punish children for your pride!
00:07:42Enough!
00:07:42Beg again and you leave with them.
00:07:46The Moon Goddess should judge you!
00:07:50What did you say?
00:07:51You shame mothers.
00:07:53You make elders kneel.
00:07:55You don't deserve to leave this pack.
00:07:57No!
00:07:58Apologize to her.
00:08:00Neil!
00:08:03Apologize to her.
00:08:06You dare bark orders at me before a royal envoy?
00:08:11I ask for justice.
00:08:15Who gave you the right to send a mother and her children out to die?
00:08:23What's this?
00:08:28Your Majesty!
00:08:30Your Majesty!
00:08:34Noah, stop.
00:08:36Please.
00:08:40Mom, did I do something wrong?
00:08:47Those eyes.
00:08:48Those words.
00:08:49Just like His Majesty as a boy.
00:08:51Call it sorcery and you answer to me, Sir Gideon.
00:08:55What happens to the children now?
00:08:57They go to the royal city.
00:08:59His Majesty must see this boy.
00:09:03Your Majesty!
00:09:05Sir Gideon!
00:09:06Sir Gideon!
00:09:10Whose eyes.
00:09:13Sir Gideon, he was frightened.
00:09:15We'll leave.
00:09:16Leave?
00:09:17He brought a royal envoy to his knees.
00:09:19I didn't hurt him.
00:09:20Not yet.
00:09:21You all saw it!
00:09:22A five-year-old with no sire line just froze royal guards!
00:09:25Does that look normal?
00:09:27My knees almost gave down.
00:09:29I couldn't move.
00:09:30Something is wrong with that child.
00:09:32He could make us all kneel next time.
00:09:34And who suffers when he does?
00:09:37Mom.
00:09:39She came back from the royal city pregnant.
00:09:41No mate bond.
00:09:42No sour line.
00:09:43And now she's raised a monster.
00:09:44Noah is not a monster!
00:09:46Then name his father.
00:09:48Say it, Evelyn.
00:09:49Twenty years in the palace and you can't name their father?
00:09:52No answer.
00:09:53Then it was a rogue.
00:09:54Shut up, Noah.
00:09:55Please.
00:09:58Wait.
00:09:59She left the royal city six years ago?
00:10:01Yes.
00:10:02She served in Moonwolf Palace.
00:10:04Pregnant?
00:10:04With no mate.
00:10:06No father named.
00:10:07This pack has sheltered her shame long enough.
00:10:10That was years ago.
00:10:12We won't cause trouble.
00:10:13No trouble?
00:10:14You just brought a royal envoy to his knees.
00:10:16She already brought shame here.
00:10:18Now her son brings danger!
00:10:20Don't let them drag us down with her.
00:10:22Everly Gray, the pack has spoken.
00:10:24You and those two pups are cast out.
00:10:26Mom, where will we go?
00:10:28Drive them out!
00:10:29You wouldn't dare!
00:10:30Noah!
00:10:30Get out!
00:10:32No well water.
00:10:33No grain.
00:10:34Not one stick of firewood.
00:10:37Cain!
00:10:38They're children!
00:10:39You can't cast them out!
00:10:41Mabel,
00:10:42your daughter has shamed this pack long enough.
00:10:45Keep begging,
00:10:46and you go with her.
00:10:49You already pushed her to the edge of the village.
00:10:52How much further do you want to push her?
00:10:55She brought this on herself.
00:10:56Six years protecting her,
00:10:59and she still brought shame home.
00:11:00Keep her off the registry if you must.
00:11:02Mabel.
00:11:03Cut her off from the stores.
00:11:05Even the well.
00:11:07Just don't cast them out.
00:11:09Too late.
00:11:09No!
00:11:10Mom!
00:11:11Please don't throw them out!
00:11:12They'll die out there!
00:11:13Cain!
00:11:14Have mercy!
00:11:18Mercy.
00:11:19She came back with shame.
00:11:21She knew this pack wouldn't forget.
00:11:23Mom!
00:11:24Get up!
00:11:24Don't beg him!
00:11:26Everly,
00:11:26the children!
00:11:27I know!
00:11:31Still proud?
00:11:32You kept their names off the register.
00:11:34Don't play innocent now.
00:11:35No sirline!
00:11:36And they still think they belong here?
00:11:37She just wants our well and our grain.
00:11:40Leave my mother out of this.
00:11:42This is about blood.
00:11:43Yours has stained this pack.
00:11:44Don't tie the greys to her.
00:11:46My son has a sireline.
00:11:47Her bastards have no claim to us.
00:11:50Cain!
00:11:51They're five!
00:11:52Old enough to shame us.
00:11:53They barely know the world outside this village.
00:11:55Don't punish children for your pride.
00:11:57Enough.
00:11:58Beg again and you leave with them.
00:12:01The moon goddess should judge you.
00:12:06What did you say?
00:12:07You shame mothers.
00:12:08You make elders kneel.
00:12:10You don't deserve to lead this pack.
00:12:13Kneel.
00:12:14Apologize to her.
00:12:16Kneel.
00:12:19Apologize to her.
00:12:21You dare bark orders at me before a royal Anvai?
00:12:27I ask for justice.
00:12:31Who gave you the right to send a mother and her children out to die?
00:12:39What's this?
00:12:43Your majesty.
00:12:50Noah, stop.
00:12:52Please.
00:12:55Mom, did I do something wrong?
00:13:02Those eyes.
00:13:03Those words.
00:13:04Just like his majesty as a boy.
00:13:06Call it sorcery and you answer to me.
00:13:09Sir Gideon.
00:13:10What happens to the children now?
00:13:12They go to the royal city.
00:13:14His majesty must see this boy.
00:13:18This place is huge.
00:13:20Stay close.
00:13:21Don't let go.
00:13:28Oh.
00:13:29Oh.
00:13:30Oh.
00:13:31Oh.
00:13:31Oh.
00:13:32Oh.
00:13:32Oh.
00:13:33Oh.
00:13:35Oh.
00:13:36Oh.
00:13:36Oh.
00:13:36They looked at you like you didn't belong.
00:13:38Not here, Noah.
00:13:39No fights today.
00:13:40Everly.
00:13:41I almost didn't recognize you.
00:13:43Iris.
00:13:44It's been years.
00:13:46And these two.
00:13:48Grandchildren.
00:13:49My children.
00:13:52Yours?
00:13:53That's the part she never explains.
00:13:56She left this palace pregnant.
00:13:59Six years later,
00:14:01no pact will claim them.
00:14:04Everly?
00:14:06You brought them into the palace?
00:14:08At her age.
00:14:09With some rogue?
00:14:11And now his pups are in the palace?
00:14:14Don't talk about my children like that.
00:14:16Then put them before the moonstone.
00:14:20Let it prove me wrong.
00:14:24See?
00:14:26Even she knows better.
00:14:27Don't let your children near them.
00:14:30Don't.
00:14:35Noah.
00:14:36Look at me.
00:14:38Don't give them what they want.
00:14:40I won't.
00:14:42Know your place, Everly.
00:14:43The moonstone isn't for old servants or unclaimed pups.
00:14:55Noah.
00:14:57Noah.
00:14:57I won't use my wolf.
00:14:59I just want an apology.
00:15:01Noah!
00:15:05Noah.
00:15:06Your Majesty,
00:15:06the Grand Lunar is waiting inside.
00:15:13That boy.
00:15:15Why do I know that walk?
00:15:21Still chasing us, fatherless pup?
00:15:23Noah!
00:15:24Stay back.
00:15:25He could snap any second.
00:15:27Healer.
00:15:29Don't touch me!
00:15:32What's your name?
00:15:39Your Majesty.
00:15:45Is he your son?
00:15:47Yes.
00:15:49He's bleeding.
00:15:51Get him to the healer.
00:15:52Yes, Your Majesty.
00:15:55Your Majesty.
00:15:57Your Majesty.
00:15:57The Grand Lunar is waiting.
00:16:00That scent.
00:16:01No.
00:16:02It can't be.
00:16:10Bring the children forward.
00:16:21Those eyes.
00:16:23I've seen them before.
00:16:24Little one.
00:16:26Come here.
00:16:35What's your name?
00:16:37Allara Gray.
00:16:39Gray.
00:16:40Who hurt you?
00:16:51Grand Lunar, don't let that sweet face fool you.
00:16:56Who are you?
00:16:58Cora Gray.
00:16:59I'm her cousin.
00:17:00Cora, enough.
00:17:02Enough?
00:17:02You hid those children for six years.
00:17:05She left this palace pregnant, with no mate and no father named.
00:17:10And they let her into the temple.
00:17:14Her son already started trouble outside.
00:17:17They tripped me first!
00:17:19See?
00:17:20Even here, he talks back.
00:17:23No mate bond?
00:17:27Grand Luna.
00:17:29She brought unclaimed children before the Moonstone.
00:17:33That is an insult to this temple!
00:17:44Is that true?
00:17:50Grand Luna.
00:17:51Grand Luna, they're my children.
00:17:53Then answer for them.
00:17:54They did nothing wrong.
00:17:56Then why are they on no-pack record?
00:17:57And why bring them before the Moonstone?
00:18:00She wanted the Moonstone to wash it all away!
00:18:04This palace gave her a home.
00:18:07She brought scandal back.
00:18:09You served in this palace?
00:18:10Yes, Grand Luna.
00:18:12And when you left, were you already carrying them?
00:18:16She won't answer.
00:18:17Because whatever happened to her, happened inside these walls.
00:18:22Don't talk about my mother like that.
00:18:25Look at you.
00:18:26Rogue-born through and through.
00:18:27Don't call us that.
00:18:29And don't lie about my mom.
00:18:30Grand Luna, he's challenging you in your own temple.
00:18:33An unclaimed pup bears his teeth in my temple?
00:18:38Grand Luna, please.
00:18:40He's just a child.
00:18:41Punish me, not him.
00:18:42Mom, you did nothing wrong.
00:18:44No.
00:18:45She raised us alone.
00:18:47She never hurt anyone.
00:18:49Why punish her for a lie?
00:18:52Grand Luna, he's talking back to you.
00:18:55If the boy is this dangerous, what about the girl?
00:18:59Touch my sister and see.
00:19:04You release your error in my temple and expect mercy?
00:19:08He wasn't trying to hurt anyone.
00:19:10He was protecting his sister.
00:19:12Protecting her?
00:19:13He's losing control inside the palace.
00:19:18Everly Gray, you knew the law of this temple.
00:19:21I never meant to insult it.
00:19:23Yet you brought unclaimed children before the moonstone.
00:19:27My children are innocent.
00:19:29Then you should have spared them this shame.
00:19:32Take her to the front.
00:19:36Grand Luna!
00:19:37Twenty strokes.
00:19:39Let every pack know this temple will not protect disgrace.
00:19:43Noah, take care of your sister.
00:19:46I'm not leaving you!
00:19:47Noah, please!
00:19:48Don't hurt Ma!
00:19:51Don't touch her!
00:19:54You don't get to hurt her!
00:19:55Your mother is being punished.
00:19:57What can a bastard do?
00:20:00You're the ones who don't belong before the moonstone.
00:20:03What did you say?
00:20:05You don't want the truth.
00:20:06You listen to lies.
00:20:09And you punish the weak.
00:20:11Noah, stop!
00:20:13Then you have no right to judge my mother.
00:20:17Grand Luna!
00:20:18He's defying the temple!
00:20:20How dare he?
00:20:22A fatherless child dares lecture me on justice?
00:20:27You don't get to decide if I have a father.
00:20:31Take this bastard away!
00:20:33Seal his wolf!
00:20:38Grand Luna, they're my children.
00:20:41Then answer for them.
00:20:43They did nothing wrong.
00:20:44Then why are they on no-pack record?
00:20:46And why bring them before the moonstone?
00:20:48She wanted the moonstone to wash it all away!
00:20:53This palace gave her a home.
00:20:55She brought Scandal back.
00:20:57You served in this palace?
00:20:59Yes, Grand Luna.
00:21:00And when you left, were you already carrying them?
00:21:04She won't answer.
00:21:06Because whatever happened to her,
00:21:08happened inside these walls.
00:21:11Don't talk about my mother like that.
00:21:13Look at you.
00:21:14Rogue-born through and through.
00:21:16Don't call us that!
00:21:17And don't lie about my mom!
00:21:19Grand Luna, he's challenging you in your own temple!
00:21:21An unclaimed pup bears his teeth in my temple?
00:21:26Grand Luna, please.
00:21:28He's just a child.
00:21:30Punish me, not him.
00:21:31Mom, you did nothing wrong.
00:21:32No!
00:21:34She raised us alone.
00:21:35She never hurt anyone.
00:21:37Why punish her for a lie?
00:21:41Grand Luna, he's talking back to you!
00:21:43If the boy is this dangerous, what about the girl?
00:21:48Touch my sister and see!
00:21:52You release your error in my temple and expect mercy?
00:21:56He wasn't trying to hurt anyone.
00:21:58He was protecting his sister.
00:22:00Protecting her?
00:22:01He's losing control inside the palace.
00:22:06Everly Gray, you knew the law of this temple.
00:22:09I never meant to insult it.
00:22:11Yet you brought unclaimed children before the moonstone.
00:22:15My children are innocent.
00:22:17Then you should have spared them this shame.
00:22:20Take her to the front.
00:22:25Grand Luna!
00:22:26Twenty strokes.
00:22:27Let every pack know this temple will not protect disgrace.
00:22:32Noah, take care of your sister.
00:22:34I'm not leaving you!
00:22:36Noah, please!
00:22:37Don't hurt Ma!
00:22:39Don't touch her!
00:22:42You don't get to hurt her!
00:22:44Your mother is being punished.
00:22:46What can a bastard do?
00:22:48You're the ones who don't belong before the moonstone.
00:22:52What did you say?
00:22:53You don't want the truth.
00:22:55You listen to lies.
00:22:58And you punish the weak.
00:22:59Noah, stop!
00:23:01Then you have no right to judge my mother.
00:23:05Grand Luna!
00:23:06He's defying the temple!
00:23:09How dare he?
00:23:10A fatherless child dares lecture me on justice?
00:23:15You don't get to decide if I have a father.
00:23:19Take this bastard away!
00:23:21Seal his wolf!
00:23:25My cousin.
00:23:26She carried another dragon egg.
00:23:28I kept my eyes closed.
00:23:29Breathed steady.
00:23:30Let her think I was sleeping.
00:23:32Cinder stopped beside the cradle.
00:23:34Then she lifted my golden shelled egg and replaced it with her own dull, cracked one.
00:23:38Behind her, ash stood in rags.
00:23:41Bruises everywhere.
00:23:42Scalp bleeding where hair had been torn out.
00:23:44No dragon spark in her eyes.
00:23:46Just fear.
00:23:47My daughter.
00:23:48Born from the egg, Cinder had stolen from me.
00:23:50The dragons gather.
00:23:52The weavers watched from the heavens.
00:23:53Serafina descended in a gown of woven starlight.
00:23:56The crowd gasped at her beauty, her power, her perfection.
00:24:00Cinder stumbled through the crowd, clutching a bloodstone.
00:24:03Ash trailed behind her on an iron chain, crawling across the marble like an animal.
00:24:07Stop the trial!
00:24:08It's all a lie!
00:24:10Serafinas is my daughter!
00:24:12Swapped the eggs a century ago!
00:24:14Very well, let's swap them back.
00:24:16Cinder froze.
00:24:16She'd prepared speeches, arguments, threats.
00:24:20None needed.
00:24:20Kale's face darkened.
00:24:22Ash is my daughter.
00:24:23I watched the eggs get swapped.
00:24:25Ash's eyes went wide.
00:24:27She crawled toward me, mouth opening, trying to say,
00:24:29Mother, through her ruined taan.
00:24:31I watched my cousins steal my dragon egg.
00:24:36And I let her.
00:24:39For 100 years, she tortured my real daughter.
00:24:45While I raised hers as the future dragon queen.
00:24:50Then, at the air ascension trial, my cousin exposed the truth.
00:24:55Stop the trial!
00:24:57She thought she had won.
00:24:59She thought she was about to take back her daughter and steal my future.
00:25:04Because I had been waiting 100 years for this exact moment.
00:25:09Moonlight spilled across the crystal cradle beside my bed.
00:25:12Inside rested a golden dragon egg.
00:25:14My heir.
00:25:15The future of the dragon empire.
00:25:17Then the door opened.
00:25:19My cousin.
00:25:20She carried another dragon egg.
00:25:24I kept my eyes closed.
00:25:26Breathed steady.
00:25:27Let her think I was sleeping.
00:25:28Cinder stopped beside the cradle.
00:25:30Tears filled her eyes.
00:25:32It should have been me.
00:25:33Kale should have chosen me.
00:25:35Then she lifted my golden shelled egg.
00:25:37And replaced it with her own dull, cracked one.
00:25:39My nails dug into my palms.
00:25:41Cinder left with my egg.
00:25:43The door closed behind her.
00:25:44I opened my eyes.
00:25:46A stranger egg sat in my cradle.
00:25:48I stared at it.
00:25:49I could have stopped her.
00:25:50But I didn't.
00:25:52Tired opposite of her.
00:25:54Your hold is another larbly enchast.
00:25:59Elyria!
00:26:00You're working Seraphina too hard!
00:26:03Poor thing.
00:26:04Are you hungry?
00:26:06Tired?
00:26:07You don't deserve this.
00:26:10I've got a flame gem that can help you get through the dragon trial.
00:26:13I'll send it to you tomorrow.
00:26:14This was her ritual.
00:26:15Ever since the swap, Cinder found every excuse to be near her daughter.
00:26:21Criticizing my parenting.
00:26:22Offering gifts.
00:26:24Stealing moments with the girl she'd stolen from my arms.
00:26:27I said nothing.
00:26:29Behind her, Ash stood in rags.
00:26:31Bruises everywhere.
00:26:33Scalp bleeding where hair had been torn out.
00:26:35No dragon spark in her eyes.
00:26:37Just fear.
00:26:37My daughter.
00:26:38Born from the egg Cinder had stolen from me.
00:26:41Cinder turned, grabbed Ash by the hair, and dragged her forward.
00:26:48Look at Seraphina!
00:26:49Look at what you can never be!
00:26:51Ash whimpered.
00:26:53Cinder pulled harder.
00:26:54A clump of bloody hair came free.
00:26:58Teach you what happens when you forget your place.
00:27:01She held the bloody hair in front of my face.
00:27:04See, Aurelia?
00:27:05Aurelia, this is how you train trash.
00:27:12You're too kind.
00:27:13Cinder's smile faltered.
00:27:15She wanted me to care.
00:27:16Because the girl in chains?
00:27:18She was never my daughter.
00:27:20Not really.
00:27:22Seraphina loved firefish.
00:27:24And Cinder spent dinner deboning it for her.
00:27:26Never eating as her full attention stayed on the daughter she believed was hers.
00:27:30Ash sat chained to the table leg.
00:27:33Iron collar, rusty and tight, digging into her neck.
00:27:37Mother, may I have bread?
00:27:41Cinder's face transformed into something demonic.
00:27:43She seized Ash's head and shoved it into the slop bucket leftovers.
00:27:47Bones.
00:27:48Grease.
00:27:51Eat!
00:27:52Eat, you ungrateful worm!
00:27:54Ash's face emerged covered in filth.
00:27:57Tears cut through the grime.
00:27:58She looked at me, pleading.
00:28:00Begging for the mother who had never once defended her.
00:28:03I lifted my wine glass.
00:28:04I took a sip.
00:28:05Didn't move.
00:28:07Seraphina turned pale.
00:28:09Cinder noticed immediately.
00:28:10What's wrong, dear?
00:28:11You look pale.
00:28:12She hauled Ash away by the collar.
00:28:19You've upset your eminency.
00:28:21I'll deal with you later.
00:28:23The next morning, Cinder brought the flame gem as promised.
00:28:26Last night, I sent three males to teach the little brat some manners.
00:28:31She watched my face for a reaction.
00:28:33She's just an Ashborn.
00:28:35What matters is Seraphina.
00:28:36Right, cousin?
00:28:37I gave her none.
00:28:39Kale, my husband, shot me a look of disappointment.
00:28:42He'd always behave the honorable type.
00:28:45Cinder pressed the flame gem into Seraphina's hands.
00:28:51This will protect you through the ascension trial.
00:28:53Then leaned down to Seraphina's ear.
00:28:56On the day you win, I'll tell you a great secret.
00:29:00I closed the door behind them, masking the cold fire in my eyes.
00:29:07Yes, some secrets are overdue.
00:29:10Seraphina's clothes gradually disappeared, and her body was enveloped by an orb of light.
00:29:15Then the orb of light shattered into fragments, and her body transformed into a dragon.
00:29:23Cinder watched, mesmerized.
00:29:25Then her gaze snapped to the tail.
00:29:27She's missing a scale!
00:29:29How could you miss this?
00:29:30What kind of mother are you?
00:29:31Your daughter's nearly bald from lesson lets, but Seraphina loses one scale, and you're screaming?
00:29:38Cinder trembled with rage.
00:29:40Then her lips twisted into something venomous.
00:29:43She activated her communication crystal.
00:29:46Scar the little one's face.
00:29:49Your eminency lost a scale.
00:29:51She must have cursed her.
00:29:54From the crystal, screams.
00:29:58Please, I beg you.
00:30:01I'll be good!
00:30:03Cinder closed her eyes in bliss.
00:30:09Seraphina frowned.
00:30:11Auntie, I knocked the scale off myself.
00:30:13It doesn't affect my power.
00:30:15Every scale matters.
00:30:17Aurora, you must infuse her again with heart flame!
00:30:20I stared until Cinder squirmed.
00:30:22I'm sure Seraphina appreciates your concern.
00:30:25You should worry about your own daughter, not mine.
00:30:28I said it flatly, then turned and walked away.
00:30:31I heard Cinder whisper,
00:30:33When you're the Ascended Queen, I'll tell you everything.
00:30:40I smiled.
00:30:41She'd tell Seraphina nothing.
00:30:43Because I would tell everyone first.
00:30:46And the great secret she planned to reveal?
00:30:48The Ascension trial was three days away.
00:30:50I had waited 100 years.
00:30:52I could wait three more days.
00:31:04The dragons gather.
00:31:06The weavers watched from the heavens.
00:31:09Seraphina descended in a gown of woven starlight.
00:31:11The crowd gasped at her beauty, her power, her perfection.
00:31:16Elders raised his staff.
00:31:22By blood and fire, we name the-
00:31:24Wait!
00:31:26Cinder stumbled through the crowd, clutching a bloodstone.
00:31:29Ash trailed behind her on an iron chain, collarbone bleeding, crawling across the marble like an animal.
00:31:35Stop the trial!
00:31:37It's all a lie!
00:31:39Seraphina's is my daughter!
00:31:41My daughter swapped the eggs a century ago!
00:31:44Elaria, give me back my baby!
00:31:50Cinder fell to her knees, grasping my skirt.
00:31:53Elaria, take your Ashbourne back!
00:31:56Seraphina is my daughter!
00:31:58The crowd erupted.
00:32:00Seraphina's an Ember-class dragon!
00:32:02You're a wizened!
00:32:04How could you birth an Ember-class-
00:32:05The Ashbourne's been ruined!
00:32:06You want to swap now?
00:32:07The Ashbourne does look more like Ariria.
00:32:09The Ashbourne does look more-
00:32:11Ash glanced at me, looked away.
00:32:14Kale rose from his throne.
00:32:16This is absurd.
00:32:18My wife would never-
00:32:19I raised my hand.
00:32:20Silence fell.
00:32:21Then I smiled.
00:32:22Very well, let's swap them back.
00:32:25Cinder froze.
00:32:26She'd prepared speeches, arguments, threats.
00:32:29None needed.
00:32:30Kale's face darkened.
00:32:31He rushed to me.
00:32:33You can't do this alone!
00:32:35We've invested everything in Seraphina!
00:32:37I looked at the crowd.
00:32:38At Ash.
00:32:40Ash is my daughter.
00:32:43I watched the eggs get swapped.
00:32:45Ash's eyes went wide.
00:32:47She crawled toward me, mouth opening, trying to say,
00:32:50Mother, through her ruined taan.
00:32:54His eyes were red with fury.
00:33:02Why, Ariria?
00:33:04Why?
00:33:15The dragons gather.
00:33:17The weavers watched from the heavens.
00:33:19Seraphina descended in a gown of woven starlight.
00:33:22The crowd gasped at her beauty, her power, her perfection.
00:33:26Elders raised his staff.
00:33:32By blood and fire, we name the-
00:33:35Wait!
00:33:36Cinder stumbled through the crowd, clutching a bloodstone.
00:33:39Ash trailed behind her on an iron chain, collarbone bleeding,
00:33:43crawling across the marble like an animal.
00:33:46Stop the trial!
00:33:48It's all a lie!
00:33:50Seraphina's is my daughter!
00:33:52Swapped the eggs a century ago!
00:33:54Elyria, give me back my baby!
00:34:01Cinder fell to her knees, grasping my skirt.
00:34:04Elyria, take your Ashborn back!
00:34:06Seraphina is my daughter!
00:34:09The crowd erupted.
00:34:11Seraphina's an Ember-class dragon!
00:34:13You're a wizened!
00:34:14How could you birth an Ember-class-
00:34:16The Ashborn's been ruined!
00:34:17You want to swap now?
00:34:18The Ashborn does look more like Ariria.
00:34:20The Ashborn does look more like Ariria.
00:34:22Ash glanced at me, looked away.
00:34:25Kale rose from his throne.
00:34:27This is absurd.
00:34:28My wife would never-
00:34:30I raised my hand.
00:34:31Silence fell.
00:34:32Then I smiled.
00:34:33Very well, let's swap them back.
00:34:35Cinder froze.
00:34:36She'd prepared speeches, arguments, threats.
00:34:39None needed.
00:34:41Kale's face darkened.
00:34:42He rushed to me.
00:34:44You can't this alone!
00:34:46We've invested everything in Seraphina!
00:34:48I looked at the crowd.
00:34:49At Ash.
00:34:50Ash is my daughter.
00:34:54I watched the eggs get swapped.
00:34:56Ash's eyes went wide.
00:34:58She crawled toward me, mouth opening, trying to say MOTHER through her ruined taan.
00:35:04His eyes were red with fury.
00:35:13Why, Ariria?
00:35:14Why?
00:35:15I'm a top-tier adult content creator.
00:35:17Then my monitor went black.
00:35:19Only the mirror, except.
00:35:20There was someone inside it.
00:35:22My faded mate.
00:35:24And the mirror grabbed me.
00:35:25Cut out their heart.
00:35:26Offer it to the throne.
00:35:27Or die.
00:35:28Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:35:31Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:35:33The chainsaw?
00:35:34I'm a top-tier adult content creator.
00:35:36I've seen every wild request imaginable.
00:35:38And I know how to fulfill my subscribers' darkest fantasies.
00:35:40203.
00:35:41And I refreshed my earnings page.
00:35:42Then my monitor went black.
00:35:44Red text slowly appeared.
00:35:46A million dollar donor?
00:35:48Okay, either I'm hallucinating, or my rent problems are officially over.
00:35:51Another message appeared.
00:35:52The room suddenly felt colder.
00:35:54Slowly I looked behind me.
00:35:55Only the mirror.
00:35:56Except.
00:35:57There was someone inside it.
00:35:59A man sat upon a massive black throne, or half a man, below his waist, coiled an enormous
00:36:04serpent tail covered in dark scales, long black hair, gold-slit pupils, ancient eyes that
00:36:08looked almost inhuman.
00:36:09Then he smiled.
00:36:10There you are.
00:36:12My faded mate.
00:36:13The word echoed strangely in my head, like it belonged to something old.
00:36:16I stepped closer.
00:36:18My fingers almost touched the glass.
00:36:19And the mirror grabbed me.
00:36:21The live stream never ended.
00:36:24387,421 viewers watched the screen shake violently.
00:36:27Then the mirror cracked down the center.
00:36:29Red text splashed across the stream.
00:36:31Rule number zero.
00:36:32If the king calls you mate, do not resist.
00:36:41The monitor flickered with static.
00:36:43Then the live stream interface changed on its own.
00:36:45The Scarlet Kingdom season finale tonight's featured guest.
00:36:48The king's mate, special notice.
00:36:49The king is watching tonight.
00:36:54The screen glitched dot, and suddenly I was thrown hard onto the foldstone floor of a
00:37:00dim corridor.
00:37:02I looked down at myself dot black silk slip dress, leather garter around my thigh, five-inch
00:37:07red bottom heels.
00:37:08My working uniform.
00:37:10Crimson lights flickered overhead like broken streamer lights during a haunted sponsorship event.
00:37:15No way!
00:37:16They actually brought in a streamer?
00:37:18That outfit is not survival approved.
00:37:20Wait, the king?
00:37:22What is this?
00:37:24Some kind of reality show?
00:37:28Welcome, Contestus.
00:37:29Tonight's entertainment will begin shortly.
00:37:31Find the one who unleashed the scarlet rot.
00:37:33Cut out their heart.
00:37:34Offer it to the throne.
00:37:35Or die.
00:37:36Heavy footsteps echoed somewhere ahead.
00:37:38Two figures emerged from the red haze.
00:37:44The first was a massive man covered in scars, dressed like a mercenary.
00:37:49He looked me up and down and laughed.
00:37:50Great.
00:37:51Influencer bait.
00:37:52The woman beside him elbowed his ribs before stepping toward me.
00:37:58Ignore him.
00:37:58I'm Mia.
00:38:00Stay close to me.
00:38:00First time contestants die fast here.
00:38:02Before anyone reaches the palace, they have to pass through the slaughterhouse.
00:38:06And that's where the kingdom's favorite monster lives.
00:38:09The butcher.
00:38:10If he starts chasing you, that usually means the episode is over.
00:38:14The slaughterhouse looked like something ripped out of a nightmare.
00:38:17Transparent plastic sheets covered the floor.
00:38:19Blood smeared the stone walls.
00:38:20And somewhere in the darkness,
00:38:24a chainsaw growled low and steady.
00:38:27I held my breath, praying we wouldn't run into the butcher.
00:38:30Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:38:34The butcher only takes one victim an hour.
00:38:36Thanks for volunteering, Barbie.
00:38:38Before I could react, she and the mercenary disappeared into the red fog.
00:38:41My heel caught between cracked stones.
00:38:43I bent down to pull it free.
00:38:48Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:38:50The chainsaw.
00:38:56I'm a top tier adult content creator.
00:38:58Then my monitor went black.
00:39:00Only the mirror, except there was someone inside it.
00:39:03My fated mate.
00:39:05And the mirror grabbed me.
00:39:06Cut out their heart.
00:39:07Offer it to the throne.
00:39:08Or die.
00:39:09Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:39:12Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:39:14The chainsaw.
00:39:15I'm a top tier adult content creator.
00:39:17I've seen every wild request imaginable.
00:39:19And I know how to fulfill my subscribers' darkest fantasies.
00:39:212.03.
00:39:22And I refreshed my earnings page.
00:39:23Then my monitor went black.
00:39:25Red text slowly appeared.
00:39:27A million dollar donor?
00:39:29Okay, either I'm hallucinating,
00:39:30or my rent problems are officially over.
00:39:32Another message appeared.
00:39:33The room suddenly felt colder.
00:39:35Slowly I looked behind me.
00:39:36Only the mirror, except there was someone inside it.
00:39:40A man sat upon a massive black throne, or half a man, below his waist,
00:39:44coiled an enormous serpent tail covered in dark scales, long black hair, gold-slit pupils,
00:39:49ancient eyes that looked almost inhuman.
00:39:50Then he smiled.
00:39:51There you are, my fated mate.
00:39:54The word echoed strangely in my head, like it belonged to something old.
00:39:57I stepped closer.
00:39:59My fingers almost touched the glass.
00:40:00And the mirror grabbed me.
00:40:02The live stream never ended.
00:40:05387,421 viewers watched the screen shake violently.
00:40:08Then the mirror cracked down the center.
00:40:10Red text splashed across the stream.
00:40:12Rule number zero.
00:40:13If the king calls you mate, do not resist.
00:40:22The monitor flickered with static.
00:40:24Then the live stream interface changed on its own.
00:40:26The Scarlet Kingdom season finale tonight's featured guest.
00:40:29The king's mate, special notice.
00:40:30The king is watching tonight.
00:40:35The screen glitched dot,
00:40:37and suddenly I was thrown hard onto the fold stone floor of a dim corridor.
00:40:43I looked down at myself, dot black silk slip dress,
00:40:46leather garter around my thigh,
00:40:48five-inch red bottom heels.
00:40:49My working uniform.
00:40:51Crimson lights flickered overhead like broken streamer lights
00:40:55during a haunted sponsorship event.
00:40:56No way!
00:40:57They actually brought in a streamer?
00:40:59That outfit is not survival approved.
00:41:01Wait, the king?
00:41:03What is this?
00:41:05Some kind of reality show?
00:41:08Welcome, contestus.
00:41:10Tonight's entertainment will begin shortly.
00:41:12Find the one who unleashed the scarlet rot.
00:41:14Cut out their heart.
00:41:15Offer it to the throne.
00:41:16Or die.
00:41:17Heavy footsteps echoed somewhere ahead.
00:41:19Two figures emerged from the red haze.
00:41:25The first was a massive man covered in scars,
00:41:28dressed like a mercenary.
00:41:30He looked me up and down and laughed.
00:41:31Great.
00:41:32Influencer bait.
00:41:33The woman beside him elbowed his ribs before stepping toward me.
00:41:39Ignore him.
00:41:39I'm Mia.
00:41:41Stay close to me.
00:41:42First time contestants die fast here.
00:41:43Before anyone reaches the palace,
00:41:45they have to pass through the slaughterhouse.
00:41:47And that's where the kingdom's favorite monster lives.
00:41:50The butcher.
00:41:51If he starts chasing you,
00:41:52that usually means the episode is over.
00:41:55The slaughterhouse looked like something ripped out of a nightmare.
00:41:58Transparent plastic sheets covered the floor.
00:42:00Blood smeared the stone walls.
00:42:01And somewhere in the darkness,
00:42:05a chainsaw growled low and steady.
00:42:08I held my breath,
00:42:10praying we wouldn't run into the butcher.
00:42:11Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:42:15The butcher only takes one victim an hour.
00:42:17Thanks for volunteering, Barbie.
00:42:18Before I could react,
00:42:20she and the mercenary disappeared into the red fog.
00:42:22My heel caught between cracked stones.
00:42:24I bent down to pull it free.
00:42:29Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:42:31The chainsaw.
00:42:37I'm a top tier adult content creator.
00:42:39Then my monitor went black.
00:42:41Only the mirror,
00:42:42except there was someone inside it.
00:42:44My faded mate.
00:42:46And the mirror grabbed me.
00:42:47Cut out their heart.
00:42:48Offer it to the throne.
00:42:49Or die.
00:42:50Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:42:53Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:42:55The chainsaw.
00:42:56I'm a top tier adult content creator.
00:42:58I've seen every wild request imaginable.
00:43:00And I know how to fulfill my subscribers' darkest fantasies.
00:43:02203.
00:43:03And I refreshed my earnings page.
00:43:04Then my monitor went black.
00:43:06Red text slowly appeared.
00:43:08A million dollar donor?
00:43:10Okay, either I'm hallucinating,
00:43:11or my rent problems are officially over.
00:43:13Another message appeared.
00:43:14The room suddenly felt colder.
00:43:16Slowly I looked behind me.
00:43:17Only the mirror.
00:43:18Except, there was someone inside it.
00:43:21A man sat upon a massive black throne.
00:43:23Or half a man.
00:43:24Below his waist.
00:43:25Coiled an enormous serpent tail covered in dark scales.
00:43:28Long black hair.
00:43:29Gold slit pupils.
00:43:30Ancient eyes that looked almost inhuman.
00:43:31Then he smiled.
00:43:32There you are.
00:43:34My faded mate.
00:43:35The word echoed strangely in my head, like it belonged to something old.
00:43:38I stepped closer.
00:43:40My fingers almost touched the glass.
00:43:41And the mirror grabbed me.
00:43:43The live stream never ended.
00:43:46387,421 viewers watched the screen shake violently.
00:43:49Then the mirror cracked down the center.
00:43:51Red text splashed across the stream.
00:43:53Rule number zero.
00:43:54If the king calls you mate, do not resist.
00:44:03The monitor flickered with static.
00:44:04Then the live stream interface changed on its own.
00:44:07The Scarlet Kingdom season finale tonight's featured guest.
00:44:10The king's mate, special notice.
00:44:11The king is watching tonight.
00:44:16The screen glitched dot, and suddenly I was thrown hard onto the foldstone floor of a dim corridor.
00:44:24I looked down at myself dot black silk slip dress, leather garter around my thigh, five-inch red bottom heels.
00:44:30My working uniform.
00:44:32Crimson lights flickered overhead like broken streamer lights during a haunted sponsorship event.
00:44:37No way!
00:44:38They actually brought in a streamer?
00:44:40That outfit is not survival approved.
00:44:42Wait.
00:44:43The king?
00:44:45What is this?
00:44:46Some kind of reality show?
00:44:50Welcome, Contestus.
00:44:51Tonight's entertainment will begin shortly.
00:44:53Find the one who unleashed the scarlet rot.
00:44:55Cut out their heart.
00:44:56Offer it to the throne.
00:44:57Or die.
00:44:58Heavy footsteps echoed somewhere ahead.
00:45:00Two figures emerged from the red haze.
00:45:06The first was a massive man covered in scars, dressed like a mercenary.
00:45:11He looked me up and down and laughed.
00:45:12Great.
00:45:13Influencer bait.
00:45:14The woman beside him elbowed his ribs before stepping toward me.
00:45:19Ignore him.
00:45:20I'm Mia.
00:45:22Stay close to me.
00:45:23First time contestants die fast here.
00:45:24Before anyone reaches the palace, they have to pass through the slaughterhouse.
00:45:28And that's where the kingdom's favorite monster lives.
00:45:31The butcher.
00:45:31If he starts chasing you, that usually means the episode is over.
00:45:36The slaughterhouse looked like something ripped out of a nightmare.
00:45:39Transparent plastic sheets covered the floor.
00:45:41Blood smeared the stone walls.
00:45:42And somewhere in the darkness,
00:45:46a chainsaw growled low and steady.
00:45:50I held my breath, praying we wouldn't run into the butcher.
00:45:52Then suddenly Mia shoved me straight into the center.
00:45:56The butcher only takes one victim an hour.
00:45:58Thanks for volunteering, Barbie.
00:46:00Before I could react, she and the mercenary disappeared into the red fog.
00:46:03My heel caught between cracked stones.
00:46:05I bent down to pull it free.
00:46:10Suddenly something cold pressed against my waist.
00:46:12The chainsaw.
00:46:16How many of us are there?
00:46:17Only us, Kane.
00:46:18I've been searching for three years.
00:46:20Two.
00:46:20In the entire world.
00:46:22Just two.
00:46:22I got cornered by three drunk guys in the basement.
00:46:25When I opened my eyes, all three of them were on the ground.
00:46:27Gold lines were flowing across the surface of my skin.
00:46:30I went to the underground fighting ring.
00:46:32Every beating I took only made me stronger.
00:46:34We're nothing alike.
00:46:35My power is different from yours.
00:46:36I can manipulate electromagnetic fields.
00:46:39Anything with electricity or the human nervous system.
00:46:42I can touch it, bend it, break it.
00:46:44I'm a junior in the mechanical engineering department.
00:46:46Bottom of the class in every fitness test.
00:46:48That day.
00:46:49I got cornered by three drunk guys in the basement parking garage of the lab building.
00:46:54When I opened my eyes, all three of them were on the ground.
00:46:56When my right fist was still buried in the concrete wall, I looked down at my hand.
00:47:01Dark gold lines were flowing across the surface of my skin.
00:47:04And I punched through a load-bearing wall just to make sure it wasn't a hallucination.
00:47:07It was definitely a superpower.
00:47:11So, you sure you got jumped by three guys?
00:47:13Yeah, I'm sure.
00:47:15Well, you ought to thank your mama for good genes, kid.
00:47:17Zero fractures, zero internal bleeding.
00:47:18You got some scrapes and bruises.
00:47:19Slap a band-aid on it and you're good.
00:47:20I went back to my dorm, locked the door, wanted to test whether the superpower was still there.
00:47:25The lines didn't light up.
00:47:26Nothing happened.
00:47:27So, it's not just self-harm.
00:47:29Gotta be something else.
00:47:30I went to the underground fighting ring behind the back street of campus.
00:47:34What do you want?
00:47:37Fighting.
00:47:38I want to fight.
00:47:39Yo, we got a skinny one out here saying he wants to fight!
00:47:46This ain't no tea party, kid.
00:47:48Alright, go on in.
00:47:49Sign the waiver first.
00:47:50You die, that's on you.
00:47:56Derek, nickname the Hammer.
00:47:58Just put an amateur boxer in the ICU last fight.
00:48:04Hey, I'm in.
00:48:05That's poor man, it's dead.
00:48:06Get up, you piece of crap.
00:48:08He ain't even breathing.
00:48:09I told you he didn't stand a chance.
00:48:11Awakening Reconstruction activated.
00:48:13Attribute level increased by one.
00:48:19That's who I'm talking about!
00:48:23Who the hell?
00:48:25He's alive!
00:48:26Fucking way!
00:48:34Over the next few days, I went there every night.
00:48:39Winner!
00:48:40I can't experiment.
00:48:42Holy shit!
00:48:43That was insane!
00:48:45No one would fight me anymore.
00:48:47The rules were clear now.
00:48:49Every beating I took only made me stronger.
00:48:52Thanks for letting me in that first night, man.
00:49:04I thought I heard something.
00:49:06Not normal city nose.
00:49:10Please.
00:49:11Please just let me go.
00:49:12Come on, baby.
00:49:13Don't be like that.
00:49:14We're just having fun.
00:49:14Oh, she's begging.
00:49:15That's cute.
00:49:15Do it again.
00:49:16Say it again for the camera.
00:49:22Mind your own business, kid.
00:49:24Walk away, kid.
00:49:26Last chance.
00:49:27Last chance.
00:49:40Don't ever come back to the street.
00:49:57Don't ever come back to the street.
00:49:57She lives in the dorms east of campus.
00:50:00Her birthday party got cancelled tonight.
00:50:03I don't even know your name.
00:50:04Kane.
00:50:04Kane Morrison.
00:50:05Kane.
00:50:07Thank you, Kane.
00:50:08Happy birthday, by the way.
00:50:10Worst birthday ever.
00:50:10But at least the ending wasn't that.
00:50:16I thought that was the end of it.
00:50:25That man was just like me.
00:50:27He had it, too.
00:50:35Relax.
00:50:36I'm not here to fight.
00:50:37What do you want?
00:50:39Who are you?
00:50:40Marcus Gray.
00:50:41But people call me Gray.
00:50:42Gray.
00:50:43Yeah.
00:50:44Like the color.
00:50:44Fits, doesn't it?
00:50:45Gray coat.
00:50:45Red eyes.
00:50:46I didn't choose the aesthetic, but I've learned to lean into it.
00:50:49What do you want, Marcus?
00:50:50To talk.
00:50:50That's all.
00:50:50Sit down.
00:50:51This is going to take a minute.
00:50:52What do you want?
00:50:54Straight to the point.
00:50:55I like that.
00:51:01I want to talk about what we are.
00:51:03We?
00:51:05Don't play dumb, Kane.
00:51:06I saw what you did in that garage.
00:51:07I saw what you did in the ring every night.
00:51:09Three days ago, I watched you snap a mic.
00:51:10A man's wrist like a breadstick.
00:51:11You and me, we're the same.
00:51:13We're nothing alike.
00:51:16Really?
00:51:21You felt it, too, didn't you?
00:51:23What happened to you?
00:51:25I died in a car accident.
00:51:26But Marcus came back.
00:51:28My power is different from yours.
00:51:29I can manipulate electromagnetic fields.
00:51:31Anything with electricity or the human nervous system.
00:51:35I can touch it, bend it, break it.
00:51:41How many of us are there?
00:51:46Just us.
00:51:48What?
00:51:51Only us, Kane.
00:51:52I've been searching for three years.
00:51:54Scanning every frequency, monitoring every anomaly, chasing every impossible report.
00:51:59Two in the entire world.
00:52:01Just two.
00:52:04Three years.
00:52:05You've been doing this for three years.
00:52:07What have you been doing with your ability?
00:52:11Building something.
00:52:13Building something.
00:52:22How many of us are there?
00:52:24Only us, Kane.
00:52:25I've been searching for three years.
00:52:26Two.
00:52:27In the entire world.
00:52:28Just two.
00:52:29I got cornered by three drunk guys in the basement.
00:52:31When I opened my eyes, all three of them were on the ground.
00:52:34Gold lines were flowing across the surface of my skin.
00:52:37I went to the underground fighting ring.
00:52:38Every beating I took only made me stronger.
00:52:40We're nothing alike.
00:52:41My power is different from yours.
00:52:43I can manipulate electromagnetic fields.
00:52:45Anything with electricity or the human nervous system.
00:52:48I can touch it, bend it, break it.
00:52:50I'm a junior in the mechanical engineering department.
00:52:52Bottom of the class in every fitness test.
00:52:55That day.
00:52:56I got cornered by three drunk guys in the basement parking garage of the lab building.
00:53:00When I opened my eyes, all three of them were on the ground.
00:53:03When my right fist was still buried in the concrete wall, I looked down at my hand.
00:53:07Dark gold lines were flowing across the surface of my skin.
00:53:10And I punched through a load-bearing wall just to make sure it wasn't a hallucination.
00:53:14It was definitely a superpower.
00:53:17So, you sure you got jumped by three guys?
00:53:20Yeah, I'm sure.
00:53:21Well, you ought to thank your mama for good genes, kid.
00:53:23Zero fractures, zero internal bleeding.
00:53:25You got some scrapes and bruises.
00:53:26Slap a band-aid on it and you're good.
00:53:27I went back to my dorm.
00:53:28Locked the door.
00:53:29Wanted to test whether the superpower was still there.
00:53:31The lines didn't light up.
00:53:32Nothing happened.
00:53:33So it's not just self-harm.
00:53:35Gotta be something else.
00:53:36I went to the underground fighting ring behind the back street of campus.
00:53:41What do you want?
00:53:44Fighting.
00:53:45I want to fight.
00:53:46Yo, we got a skinny one out here saying he wants to fight.
00:53:52This ain't no tea party, kid.
00:53:54All right, go on in.
00:53:56Sign the waiver first.
00:53:57You die, that's on you.
00:54:02Derek, nickname the Hammer.
00:54:04Just put an amateur boxer in the ICU last fight.
00:54:10Hey, I mean...
00:54:11I was pulling his head.
00:54:13Get up, you piece of crap.
00:54:14He ain't even breathing.
00:54:16I told you he didn't stand a chance.
00:54:18Awakening reconstruction activated.
00:54:20Attribute level increased by one.
00:54:26That's what I'm talking about.
00:54:30Who the hell is being alive?
00:54:32No fucking way.
00:54:41Over the next few days, I went there every night.
00:54:46Winner.
00:54:47I can't experiment.
00:54:51No one would fight me anymore.
00:54:54The rules were clear now.
00:54:55Every beating I took only made me stronger.
00:54:58Thanks for letting me in that first night, man.
00:55:11I thought I heard something.
00:55:12Not normal city nose.
00:55:16Please.
00:55:17Please, just let me go.
00:55:19Come on, baby.
00:55:19Don't be like that.
00:55:20We're just having fun.
00:55:21Oh, she's begging.
00:55:21That's cute.
00:55:22Do it again.
00:55:22Say it again for the camera.
00:55:27Hey.
00:55:29Mind your own business, kid.
00:55:31Walk away, kid.
00:55:32Last chance.
00:55:38No.
00:55:46Don't ever come back to the street.
00:55:54Hey.
00:55:55You okay?
00:56:00Ella Martinez, freshman biology major, lives in the dorms east of campus.
00:56:06Her birthday party got canceled tonight.
00:56:09I don't even know your name.
00:56:10Kane.
00:56:11Kane Morrison.
00:56:12Kane.
00:56:14Thank you, Kane.
00:56:15Happy birthday, by the way.
00:56:16Worst birthday ever.
00:56:17But at least the ending wasn't bad.
00:56:23I thought that was the end of it.
00:56:31That man was just like me.
00:56:33He had it, too.
00:56:42Relax.
00:56:42I'm not here to fight.
00:56:43What do you want?
00:56:46Who are you?
00:56:47Marcus Gray.
00:56:48But people call me Gray.
00:56:49Gray?
00:56:49Yeah.
00:56:50Like the color.
00:56:51Fits, doesn't it?
00:56:51Gray coat.
00:56:52Red eyes.
00:56:53I didn't choose the aesthetic, but I've learned to lean into it.
00:56:55What do you want, Marcus?
00:56:56Just to talk, that's all.
00:56:57Sit down.
00:56:57This is going to take a minute.
00:56:59What do you want?
00:57:01Straight to the point.
00:57:02I like that.
00:57:08I want to talk about what we are.
00:57:10We?
00:57:12Don't play dumb, Kane.
00:57:13I saw what you did in that garage.
00:57:14I saw what you did in the ring every night.
00:57:15Three days ago, I watched you snap a man's wrist like a breadstick.
00:57:18You and me, we're the same.
00:57:19We're nothing alike.
00:57:22Really?
00:57:23Really?
00:57:28You felt it too, didn't you?
00:57:30What happened to you?
00:57:31I died in a car accident.
00:57:33But Marcus came back.
00:57:34My power is different from yours.
00:57:36I can manipulate electromagnetic fields.
00:57:38Anything with electricity or the human nervous system.
00:57:41I can touch it, bend it, break it.
00:57:48How many of us are there?
00:57:53Just us.
00:57:55What?
00:57:57Only us, Kane.
00:57:59I've been searching for three years.
00:58:01Scanning every frequency.
00:58:02Monitoring every anomaly.
00:58:03Chasing every impossible report.
00:58:06Two.
00:58:06In the entire world.
00:58:08Just two.
00:58:10Three years.
00:58:12You've been doing this for three years.
00:58:13What have you been doing with your ability?
00:58:18Building something.
00:58:26I waited for him for three long years.
00:58:28Now he's back.
00:58:29And he finally proposed.
00:58:31But the girl he proposed to wasn't me.
00:58:33A timid girl named Luna knelt next to him, cradling her heavily pregnant belly.
00:58:37You shouldn't have messed with me in the first place.
00:58:39Julian raised his open hands toward me.
00:58:41I crushed the cherry of the cigarette right into his bare palm.
00:58:44I pulled one out at random and said yes.
00:58:47On my wedding day, Julian hijacked the venue with a gun.
00:58:50And I'll blow his brains out.
00:58:52Three years ago, I was about to make it official with Julian, our youngest capo.
00:58:59That's when my father, the Don, sent him on a suicide mission.
00:59:04If I make it out of this alive, I swear I'm going to give you the wedding of the century.
00:59:10I rejected every arranged marriage.
00:59:13I waited for him for three long years.
00:59:16Miss!
00:59:17Until the day he finally returned.
00:59:26Julian dropped to his knees before the Don.
00:59:29Don.
00:59:29I want to claim my reward for completing this mission.
00:59:32I want your blessing to marry Luna Cinchalia.
00:59:40Julian is covered in scars, with a crippled leg and missing fingers.
00:59:44A timid girl named Luna knelt next to him, cradling her heavily pregnant belly.
00:59:52The Don instinctively looked at me.
00:59:56Everyone in the room braced themselves.
00:59:59They expected me to skin them alive, to tear the place apart until nothing was left.
01:00:05But I didn't.
01:00:07Congratulations, Miss Sinclair.
01:00:15Without another word, I went back to my room and locked the door.
01:00:19Over the last three years, marriage alliance offers had piled up everywhere.
01:00:23I pulled one out at random and said yes.
01:00:26On my wedding day, Julian hijacked the venue with a gun.
01:00:30Say I do, and I'll blow his brains out.
01:00:37Don has seven capos who would die for him.
01:00:39Julian is the seventh.
01:00:41He was the most handsome of them all.
01:00:42And the one I've loved since I was a little girl.
01:00:46The Don later told me, if he had known about us,
01:00:49he never would have sent Julian on that mission.
01:00:52That's exactly why the Don chose him.
01:00:55But that was three years ago.
01:00:57I still didn't know if he...
01:00:59Miss!
01:00:59Julian is back!
01:01:06Miss...
01:01:06Wait.
01:01:08I instantly understood.
01:01:11Whatever was waiting for me out there wouldn't be a happy reunion.
01:01:14I know.
01:01:15The rain instantly soaked my dress, but I didn't stop.
01:01:21The front hall was packed with the family's men.
01:01:24Julian was down on one knee, his face grim.
01:01:27The other six capos lined the hall.
01:01:29They stared at Julian, their faces torn between relief and rage.
01:01:34The tension in the room was suffocating.
01:01:36I had no idea why.
01:01:38Don.
01:01:38All eyes fell on me.
01:01:41The lethal hostility, radiating from the Don, finally began to ease.
01:01:47What's going on?
01:01:48Why is he on his knees?
01:01:49Julian barely gave me a glance, like I was a total stranger.
01:01:52Don, she and the baby are innocent.
01:01:54I can't just abandon them.
01:01:55I'm begging you, Don.
01:01:57Begging you, Chloe.
01:01:58Please give us your blessing.
01:02:00He looked up, meeting the Don's stare for a second before lowering his eyes again.
01:02:05In that split second, it all finally clicked.
01:02:08Right then, a timid girl stepped into the hall.
01:02:12She looked about my age, but beneath her pure white dress, there was no hiding that heavily
01:02:17pregnant belly.
01:02:19Sobbing, she dropped to her knees, right in front of the Don.
01:02:22The Don just rolled a coin over his knuckles, dead silent.
01:02:27Julian never expected getting this blessing to be so damn hard.
01:02:31After all, we never went public.
01:02:32No one knew about us, but he forgot one thing.
01:02:36If I hadn't confessed everything to the Don, I would have been packed off in an arranged
01:02:41marriage years ago.
01:02:42I never could have waited three long years just for him.
01:02:45Every single capo in that room was looking at me with pity.
01:02:48I might look sweet.
01:02:50Put down the gun.
01:02:51But a mafia princess is nobody's fool.
01:02:53My eyes locked onto Julian, three years.
01:02:55He looked so much older.
01:02:57A deep scar slashed across his brow.
01:02:59A crippled leg.
01:03:00Missing fingers.
01:03:01It was obvious.
01:03:02These past three years hadn't been easy for him.
01:03:04Julian has bled for the Winchester family.
01:03:06We can't have a man like him on his knees, now can we?
01:03:09I turned my head, looking down at the man who secretly promised himself to me three years
01:03:14ago.
01:03:15Papa, let's say the third of next month.
01:03:17That gives us plenty of time to arrange Julian and Luna's wedding.
01:03:20For a split second, the cold, ruthless Don actually froze.
01:03:24The other capos lowered their heads in dead silence, because the third of next month was
01:03:29the date the Don had set for our wedding.
01:03:32A grand wedding with the whole family present.
01:03:34The Don had set three backup dates for it.
01:03:37This was the final one.
01:03:38He said one of them had to be the day Julian finally came home.
01:03:41Now he's back.
01:03:42And he finally proposed.
01:03:44But the girl he proposed to wasn't me.
01:03:46Outside, a light rain began to fall.
01:03:49The couples crying and holding each other for everyone to see.
01:03:52Seeing the sheer tenderness in his eyes, I finally snapped.
01:03:55Are you all mute?
01:03:58Pay your respects!
01:04:00Sir, now.
01:04:02I could feel the questioning stares burning into my back, but I didn't give a damn.
01:04:06I'm a mafia princess.
01:04:08A man doesn't break me.
01:04:11You didn't deserve that, kid.
01:04:13I pushed open the door to my room.
01:04:15Marriage proposals from the last three years were piled up in every corner.
01:04:18Marcus, out of all these suitors, who do you think brings the most value to the team?
01:04:21Where the Winchester family stands today and Alliance is just icing on the cake.
01:04:24Then who's the best looking?
01:04:26Seeing Marcus hesitate, I pulled out a random file.
01:04:30Davis Stewart, this one's fine.
01:04:33You might want to reconsider that one.
01:04:35Why?
01:04:37Because his reputation is garbage.
01:04:39All he does is drink and play, and he doesn't know shit about politics or business.
01:04:43A notorious degenerate.
01:04:44I looked him up and down, then glanced back at the proposal in my hand.
01:04:48You look better than your picture.
01:04:49You little shit!
01:04:50You dare scale a Winchester wall?
01:04:52You want me to break your legs?
01:04:55Marcus, let's go with him.
01:04:58Clean up your mess with Julian, and I'll be back to marry you in seven days.
01:05:02With that, he vaulted backward over the wall.
01:05:07What a useless little punk.
01:05:10Not entirely useless.
01:05:12At least he's well informed.
01:05:13If a piece of trash like that could find out about me and Julian this fast, then he isn't
01:05:17trash at all.
01:05:18That evening, I went out.
01:05:20I sat in a pavilion, waiting for Julian to show.
01:05:24He sat across from me and dismissed all my men with a single glance.
01:05:28I sipped my whiskey, casually flipping through a business magazine.
01:05:31The baby she's carrying?
01:05:34Is it yours?
01:05:36He didn't answer for a long time.
01:05:38Just quietly shelled a few nuts for me.
01:05:41Miss, uh, Julian, excuse the interruption.
01:05:43Miss, here are the files you asked for.
01:05:45I leaned back, casually lit a cigarette, and began skimming her background check.
01:05:50Julian, however, couldn't sit still anymore.
01:05:52I'm the one who wronged you, but her showing up, it made me want a peaceful life.
01:05:56She can wait for me, but the baby can't.
01:05:58I want to give them legal status.
01:06:00I won't let my kid be born a bastard.
01:06:02If you wanted a peaceful life, you shouldn't have messed with me in the first place.
01:06:06Julian pulled a vintage coin bracelet from his inside pocket.
01:06:09The one thing you loved most three years ago.
01:06:12I've travelled all over the world, but I finally collected every piece.
01:06:16You think a bracelet is going to make me write this off?
01:06:19Julian, I'm a Winchester.
01:06:20Did you just meet me today?
01:06:27I'm sorry, take my life if you want, but please, can you spare her?
01:06:32I smiled and stood up.
01:06:34I took one last drag of my cigarette, looking around for an ashtray.
01:06:38Left with no choice, Julian raised his open hands toward me, his eyes dark with resignation.
01:06:43I crushed the cherry of the cigarette right into his bare palm.
01:06:46He took the burn without daring to make a single sound.
01:06:49Then go die right now.
01:06:53I pulled my custom subcompact pistol from my purse, toying with it in my hand with amusement.
01:06:59Is this how you tricked that little girl?
01:07:01With pretty words?
01:07:03Julian, if pretty words could solve our problems,
01:07:06the Winchester family wouldn't be the ones sitting on the throne today.
01:07:10I grabbed my purse and headed toward the main estate.
01:07:13My bodyguard hurried after me.
01:07:14Miss, you left this.
01:07:15I noticed he was still holding that vintage coin bracelet in his hand.
01:07:18The bracelet might be worth a few bucks, keep it.
01:07:20Thank you, miss.
01:07:21In the main parlor, a few of the family elders smiled and welcomed me in.
01:07:25The second I sat down, Luna grabbed my hand.
01:07:28Little princess, I heard you and Julian are very close, and that he's the only one you listen to.
01:07:33Once we're married next month, you should still come around often, just like before.
01:07:36She smiled warmly, but there was a calculated edge of amusement in her eyes.
01:07:40She pulled out her phone.
01:07:42Chloe, we should exchange numbers, don't you think?
01:07:44Her lock screen was a photo of her and Julian.
01:07:47Oh right, silly me.
01:07:48I'm looking at Julian's old contact list.
01:07:50Little princess, Julian didn't save any names.
01:07:53Which one is you?
01:07:54She beamed at me.
01:07:54The elders sitting across from us had already sensed the tension in the room.
01:07:58She was giving me a show of strength.
01:07:59I took a glance at the screen.
01:08:00It was definitely Julian's old account.
01:08:03Since she wanted to know so badly, I didn't mind telling her.
01:08:05Did she really think the two of them still had any power to hurt me?
01:08:09What do you mean, no names?
01:08:10The one saved as baby, that's me.
01:08:13Luna never expected me to own up to it so shamelessly.
01:08:16The color instantly drained from her face.
01:08:21You two must be really close.
01:08:23Is this you?
01:08:24She held up the phone, pretending to show it to me, but framing it so everyone at the table could
01:08:28see.
01:08:29The screen was packed with paragraphs of text.
01:08:31Me caring for Julian, asking if he was safe, and telling him how much I missed him.
01:08:36My phone broke, so I've been using his.
01:08:41Little princess, Julian probably never even saw these messages.
01:08:45Should I send them to him for you?
01:08:53Go show it to Julian.
01:08:55Yes, miss.
01:08:57He snatched the phone right out of Luna's hand, and handed it to Julian.
01:09:01Julian as he walked up.
01:09:04Julian barely gave the chat history a glance, but when his eyes landed on the bodyguard's wrist, he froze.
01:09:11Where did you get that?
01:09:13Miss wanted me to show you the phone, sir.
01:09:16I'm talking about the bracelet, where did you get it?
01:09:18It was a gift from Miss Winchester.
01:09:20Julian's eyes instantly darkened into something volatile and unreadable.
01:09:24He pulled out the chair, and sat down right next to me.
01:09:30Sitting here might be a bit hard to explain to your fiancé.
01:09:34If I don't sit here, it'd be hard to explain to you.
01:09:37He stayed by my side until the dinner officially began, casually serving me food off and on.
01:09:43Just as dinner was winding down, he suddenly spoke, his voice completely cold.
01:09:48Why give away something you loved?
01:09:50Are we talking about the bracelet?
01:09:52Or a person?
01:09:53This time, it was his turn to shut up.
01:09:58That evening, I went out.
01:10:00I sat in a pavilion, waiting for Julian to show.
01:10:04He sat across from me and dismissed all my men with a single glance.
01:10:08I sipped my whiskey, casually flipping through a business magazine.
01:10:11The baby she's carrying, is it yours?
01:10:16He didn't answer for a long time, just quietly shelled a few nuts for me.
01:10:21Miss, uh, Julian, excuse the interruption.
01:10:23Miss, here are the files you asked for.
01:10:25I leaned back, casually lit a cigarette, and began skimming her background check.
01:10:30Julian, however, couldn't sit still anymore.
01:10:32I'm the one who wronged you, but her showing up, it made me want a peaceful life.
01:10:36She can wait for me, but the baby can't.
01:10:38I want to give them legal status.
01:10:40I won't let my kid be born a bastard.
01:10:42If you wanted a peaceful life, you shouldn't have messed with me in the first place.
01:10:46Julian pulled a vintage coin bracelet from his inside pocket.
01:10:49The one thing you loved most three years ago.
01:10:52I've travelled all over the world, but I've finally collected every piece.
01:10:56You think a bracelet is going to make me write this off?
01:10:59Julian, I'm a Winchester.
01:11:00Did you just meet me today?
01:11:07I'm sorry.
01:11:08Take my life if you want.
01:11:10But please, can you spare her?
01:11:12I smiled and stood up.
01:11:14I took one last drag of my cigarette, looking around for an ashtray.
01:11:18Left with no choice, Julian raised his open hands toward me, his eyes dark with resignation.
01:11:23I crushed the cherry of the cigarette right into his bare palm.
01:11:26He took the burn without daring to make a single sound.
01:11:29Then go die right now.
01:11:33I pulled my custom subcompact pistol from my purse, toying with it in my hand with amusement.
01:11:39Is this how you tricked that little girl?
01:11:41With pretty words?
01:11:43Julian, if pretty words could solve our problems,
01:11:46the Winchester family wouldn't be the ones sitting on the throne today.
01:11:50I grabbed my purse and headed toward the main estate.
01:11:53My bodyguard hurried after me.
01:11:54Miss, you left this.
01:11:55I noticed he was still holding that vintage coin bracelet in his hand.
01:11:58The bracelet might be worth a few bucks. Keep it.
01:12:00Thank you, miss.
01:12:01In the main parlor, a few of the family elders smiled and welcomed me in.
01:12:05The second I sat down, Luna grabbed my hand.
01:12:08Little princess, I heard you and Julian are very close,
01:12:11and that he's the only one you listen to.
01:12:13Once we're married next month, you should still come around often, just like before.
01:12:16She smiled warmly, but there was a calculated edge of amusement in her eyes.
01:12:20She pulled out her phone.
01:12:22Chloe, we should exchange numbers, don't you think?
01:12:24Her lock screen was a photo of her and Julian.
01:12:27Oh right, silly me.
01:12:28I'm looking at Julian's old contact list.
01:12:30Little princess, Julian didn't save any names.
01:12:33Which one is you?
01:12:34She beamed at me.
01:12:34The elders sitting across from us had already sensed the tension in the room.
01:12:38She was giving me a show of strength.
01:12:39I took a glance at the screen.
01:12:40It was definitely Julian's old account.
01:12:43Since she wanted to know so badly, I didn't mind telling her.
01:12:45Did she really think the two of them still had any power to hurt me?
01:12:49What do you mean, no names?
01:12:50The one saved as baby, that's me.
01:12:53Luna never expected me to own up to it so shamelessly.
01:12:56The color instantly drained from her face.
01:13:01You two must be really close.
01:13:03Is this you?
01:13:04She held up the phone, pretending to show it to me,
01:13:07but framing it so everyone at the table could see.
01:13:09The screen was packed with paragraphs of text.
01:13:11Me caring for Julian, asking if he was safe,
01:13:14and telling him how much I missed him.
01:13:16My phone broke, so I've been using his.
01:13:21Little princess, Julian probably never even saw these messages.
01:13:25Should I send them to him for you?
01:13:33Go show it to Julian.
01:13:35Yes, miss.
01:13:37He snatched the phone right out of Luna's hand,
01:13:40and handed it to Julian as he walked up.
01:13:44Julian barely gave the chat history a glance,
01:13:46but when his eyes landed on the bodyguard's wrist, he froze.
01:13:51Where did you get that?
01:13:53Miss wanted me to show you the phone, sir.
01:13:56I'm talking about the bracelet.
01:13:57Where did you get it?
01:13:58It was a gift from Miss Winchester.
01:14:00Julian's eyes instantly darkened into something volatile and unreadable.
01:14:04He pulled out the chair and sat down right next to me.
01:14:10Sitting here might be a bit hard to explain to your fiancé.
01:14:14If I don't sit here, it'd be hard to explain to you.
01:14:17He stayed by my side until the dinner officially began,
01:14:21casually serving me food off and on.
01:14:23Just as dinner was winding down, he suddenly spoke,
01:14:26his voice completely cold.
01:14:28Why give away something you loved?
01:14:30Are we talking about the bracelet?
01:14:32Or a person?
01:14:33This time, it was his turn to shut up.
01:14:37This time, he's going to hang out there.
01:14:38He was at the car.
01:14:38This is the one that went on before.
01:14:38When it came on, it went on before.
01:14:38You
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