The Beast Kingdom, Sister’s Choice

1.

My sister and I were choosing our tribal marriage partners. She lunged forward, grabbing the noble High Draconian for herself. That left me with no choice but to marry the savage Werewolf.

Shortly after the wedding in my past life, the Draconian died in a freak accident. My sister was left with nothing, surviving on the scraps of others and suffering endless humiliation.

Meanwhile, the Werewolf turned out to be a brilliant businessman. Using his natural instincts for trade, he built a massive empire and became the wealthiest man in the territory.

Consumed by a murderous jealousy, my sister waited until the Great Ancestral Gala. There, she ambushed me, stabbing me to death with a dozen jagged blades.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of the selection. My sister didn't hesitate this time. She reached out and grabbed the Werewolf's hand before I could even blink.

I realized instantly that she had been reborn too.

What my sister didn't know was that the Werewolf was naturally brutal. He didn't use logic to solve problemsDhe used his fists.

Inside the family manor, I stared at my sister with a blank expression.

She was trembling with excitement, her eyes shining with greed.

"Mother, the moment I saw Mordecai, I knew I was in love. Please, let me marry him"

Our mother's face turned pale with concern.

"The Blackwood Werewolf clan is famous for being unruly and violent. Besides, he hasn't a cent to his name. You'll be miserable if you marry him"

Even though we were both her daughters, she had always played favorites with Seraphina.

She couldn't bear to see her precious golden girl suffer even a little bit.

Seraphina grew frantic when she heard the refusal, pacing like a trapped animal.

"I'm marrying him no matter whatIf you don't agree, I'll end it all right here and now"

Mother almost fainted from the threat and quickly relented.

Looking at Seraphina's smug smile, I knew my suspicion was right. She remembered the future.

In our previous life, she had snatched Silas Draken, the heir to the prestigious Crimson Draconians.

I was forced to marry Mordecai and follow him to the barren, wild lands of the north.

Back then, I ran the household and used my own inheritance to fund his startup ventures.

Mordecai didn't disappoint me, seizing every opportunity until his coffers were overflowing with gold.

Meanwhile, the Draconian clans were plagued by constant border wars. Silas went to the front lines and never came back.

Seraphina was left a widow, and Silas's greedy relatives stripped her of every asset she had.

She lived a life of absolute misery.

She became obsessed with the idea that I had stolen the life that was meant for her.

During the festival, she lured me out and ended my life in a bloodbath.

"If I can't be happy, you don't deserve to enjoy this wealth either"

I could still see the madness in her bloodshot eyes. I instinctively clenched my fists.

If she wanted to sprint headfirst into her own hell this time, I was going to give her my full support.

"Since Seraphina has her heart set on Mordecai, I'm willing to step aside," I said calmly.

The excitement in Seraphina's eyes was almost overflowing. She could already see the luxury cars and designer jewelry in her future.

"You should thank your sister for being so selfless and giving you this chance. Without her, you'd be nothing"

Mother gave me a cold, dismissive look.

She wanted me to say thank you to the person who just robbed me.

The sheer nerve of this woman was astounding.

"There's no need for thanks. It's only right for a sister to look out for her younger sibling."

Seraphina couldn't wait another second. After a few more words, she bolted toward the Werewolf territory to arrange the wedding.

Mother watched her leave with a doting smile, but the moment she looked at me, her expression soured.

"You know the family finances. I can only afford one decent wedding fund."

"Your sister is marrying into a struggling wolf pack. If I don't give her everything, she won't survive the winter."

I knew exactly what she was trying to do.

I couldn't help but let out a cold, sharp laugh.

In the last life, when Seraphina married the rich Draconian, Mother had a different excuse.

"The Draconians are aristocrats. If she doesn't bring a massive dowry, they'll look down on her and treat her like a servant."

Basically, I was never going to see a dime of that money.

But I didn't care anymore.

"Whatever you think is best, Mother."

Seeing me so compliant made her feel a rare flicker of guilt.

She slipped a silver bracelet off her wrist and handed it to me.

"This was a gift from your grandmother on my wedding day. Take it. Consider it a token of my love."

When Seraphina found out I was officially set to marry Silas Draken, she laughed until she doubled over.

"Oh, Melody, you're so lucky. Everyone knows Silas is a nobleman with the face of a god. You'll be the envy of every woman until you're pampered to death"

"Just be careful. I hear the Draconian territories are quite dangerous. Don't let your husband die before you even get to enjoy his money."

Seraphina felt a rush of euphoria imagining me as a grieving widow.

She was too busy dreaming about the fortune she thought Mordecai would hand her.

But she had no idea. Mordecai was smart, yes, but he was a beast who worshipped violence.

In my past life, if I so much as breathed wrong, he would use his fists. There wasn't a patch of skin on my body that wasn't bruised.

He only stopped the abuse once I gave him all my secret business strategies.

I wondered if Seraphina, who knew nothing of trade, would survive his temper without those secrets.

2.

I gently brushed a stray leaf off her shoulder.

"We all have our own fates. If this is mine, I believe I can survive on my own."

"I just worry about people who can't handle a little pressure and take their anger out on others. That's the definition of a loser, isn't it"

Seraphina's pupils shrank. She grabbed my wrist with a death grip.

"Melody SterlingYou're reborn too, aren't you"

She could see it in my eyes. A young girl shouldn't have a gaze so cold and detached.

"So what if you areI'm the one marrying Mordecai nowYou can just wait to wear black at your husband's funeral"

She stormed off in a huff.

I watched her back, lost in thought.

Seraphina had a point about Silas Draken. If he died, what would I do

Those Draconian uncles and cousins of his were like vultures. They would tear a lone woman to pieces to get his estate.

I sat by the window that night, brooding over my options. Suddenly, a soft whisper came from outside.

I pushed the window open and gasped.

Silas was there, leaning against the sill and drenched in sweat. The moonlight hit his face, highlighting his jawline and striking features.

His looks were so breathtaking that I actually forgot to breathe for a second.

"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not a stalker... I just heard you were going to be my wife, and I wanted to see you for myself..."

He was out of breath, but his eyes were sparkling like diamonds.

"Can I ask you something"

He seemed nervous, hesitating as he looked at me.

"What is it" I asked.

"Are you an angelHow can anyone be this beautiful"

His face turned a deep shade of crimson the moment the words left his lips.

I couldn't help but laugh. Just then, heavy footsteps echoed behind me.

"I knew it, MelodyNot even married yet and you're already bringing men to your bedroomExplain this"

Seraphina shoved the door open and threw the window wide. She froze when she saw Silas.

"What are you doing here"

Silas didn't hide his disgust.

"I'm visiting my fiance to talk about our future. Is there a problemAnd you... you should learn some manners, you classless brat."

Her face turned beet red. She turned her venom back toward me.

"Don't act so smugSo what if you like each other nowHe's on borrowed time, and you know it"

Silas scoffed, his eyes flashing with disdain.

"Our marriage is none of your business. All I know is that I will treat Melody like a queen."

Seraphina looked like she was about to explode.

"I'll be waiting for the day you become a widow, Melody"

She was obsessed with that word.

In our last life, being a widow had been her ultimate trauma. It was burned into her soul.

Now, she was just happy as long as Mordecai was alive. Her standards were incredibly low.

"Maybe you should spend more time learning how to cook and clean, sister. Mordecai doesn't have a staff of servants. You'll be doing it all yourself."

I hit her right where it hurt. She hated manual labor more than anything. She turned and stomped away.

Soon, I heard her downstairs, crying to Mother for more money.

Silas went back to his puppy-dog demeanor, tilting his head as he watched me.

"Melody, trust me. As long as I'm drawing breath, I won't let a single tear fall from your eyes."

Hearing him talk about staying alive made my heart ache.

I instinctively reached out and covered his lips with my hand.

The heat of his skin sent a jolt through me. My heart started racing against my ribs.

It was strange. I had been a wife before, but this man made me feel like a nervous teenager.

I coughed to hide my blushing face.

"Silas, I don't care about being rich. I just want you to stay alive."

"Do you understandNothing matters more than you coming home to me."

He looked at me for a long time before flashing a determined smile.

"I promise."

3.

Mother insisted on holding both our weddings on the same day to save money.

To give Seraphina the prestige she craved, Mother spent every cent of her savings on a lavish ceremony for the Wolf.

The catering was top-tier, and the decorations were incredibly expensive.

The budget she left for my wedding wasn't just smallDit was pathetic. It was an insult.

Silas took one look at the venue Mother had prepared for us and pulled me away. The next day, he booked a hall that was ten times more grand than Seraphina's.

During the reception, I ran into Seraphina. She was clinging to Mordecai's arm, acting like a pampered princess.

"Sister, I never realized how brilliant Mordecai was. He's been analyzing the tribal market all night. He's already found three new business leads."

She looked at me with a gloating smirk. "It won't be long before I'm the richest woman in the state."

I just smiled back.

"I'm sure you will be."

Seraphina thought making money was easy. Mordecai was sharp, but his business sense was raw. It took me two years of hard labor to make him a success.

In the last life, she only saw me draped in silks after the first year. She thought she could do better.

She was already telling everyone that they'd be millionaires within six months.

Even Mordecai was starting to look arrogant, his chest puffed out like a king.

Seraphina couldn't stop smiling.

"You should just enjoy your short time with that dead man walking. Everything you have could be gone by tomorrow."

She tried to walk past me, but I wasn't going to let that slide.

I hiked up my white gown and planted a firm kick right in her side.

"Keep your mouth shut, or I'll shut it for you"

Seraphina hit the floor and started screaming like a banshee.

"You bitchHow dare you hit me"

She tried to scramble up to fight back, and Mordecai started rolling up his sleeves.

But the Draconians are the elite. They weren't going to let a low-life Wolf bully their new lady.

With just a few cold words from Silas's guards, Mordecai was forced to bow his head and apologize to me.

Seraphina looked like she wanted to claw my eyes out.

"Wait until he's deadI'll take everything you have and make you pay a thousand times over"

On our wedding night, I was sitting on the bed, going over the family ledgers.

Silas wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and pouted.

"Honey, it's late. Aren't you tired"

He was basically begging for my attention.

I pushed the books aside and wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning in for a kiss.

He jumped back, startled.

"WaitWhat are you doing"

I laughed, totally confused.

"I'm going to bed with my husband. What do you think I'm doing"

Silas's face turned redder than a beet.

"I knew thatI was just... testing your reflexes"

He was such a dork. I loved it.

I hooked my legs around his waist and pinned him to the mattress.

He swallowed hard, then suddenly flipped us over, pinning me down instead.

"I think I should be the one taking charge here."

That night, I learned that a shy guy in the streets is a beast in the sheets.

I went from being confident and in control to begging for mercy within the hour.

He wouldn't let me up until I was a puddle of exhausted bliss.

Finally, he pulled me into his chest, looking very satisfied with himself.

"You worked hard, wife."

I gave him a playful kick, which he caught and kissed. The man was shameless.

The next morning, I looked in the mirror and gasped.

There was a faint, glowing Crimson Insignia between my eyebrows.

Silas was in a great mood.

"Admiring the markIt's a Draconian trait. It only appears after a husband and wife... well, you know."

A bolt of realization hit me. I stared at my reflection.

Seraphina never had that mark in our past life. Did Silas never touch her back then

I was so happy I tackled him and kissed him again. He was thrilled.

4.

To my surprise, Mordecai's business actually took off. He was making decent money quite quickly.

Seraphina threw a massive party to celebrate. When we arrived, Mordecai was holding her waist and toasted the crowd.

"Having such a wise wife is a blessing from the heavens. Ever since we married, my luck has been unstoppable"

Everyone who used to look down on him was now kissing his boots. Money changes everything.

Seraphina was basking in the glory. She beckoned me over with a crooked finger.

"Sister, why are you standing all the way over there"

"I heard Silas is being deployed to the front lines. Oh, I'm so worried for youWhat will you do if something happens to him"

It was true. Silas had to leave. He promised he'd be back in a month, but I knew the history. The odds were against him.

Before he left, he asked for the silver bracelet Mother gave me.

He said looking at it would give him courage on the battlefield.

No matter how scared I was, I wouldn't show it. I just looked at Seraphina's expensive dress.

"That fabric costs a fortune. Even with your new money, I doubt Mordecai can afford to dress you in hundreds of gold coins a yard."

Seraphina twirled, showing off.

"You have a good eye. I bought it on credit. It's just a matter of time before Mordecai pays it off. It's no big deal."

I touched the hem of her dress and leaned in close.

"Is that soMordecai grew up poor. He hates wasteful spending. Does he actually know you're racking up debt for clothes"

Seraphina's hand tightened around her wine glass.

"What are you trying to say"

I had hit the nail on the head.

If a simple dress made her this nervous, their marriage wasn't as perfect as she claimed.

"Nothing. I just hope you don't have too far to fall when the bubble bursts."

I finished my drink and walked away without looking back.

A few days later, Mordecai's business hit another milestone.

But his doorstep was suddenly crowded with angry debt collectors.

"Time's upPay what you owe"

"Don't hide in there like a cowardWe know you have the money"

Seraphina had opened so many lines of credit that the bills had finally caught up. They couldn't cover it all.

Mother called me to come over. When I arrived, Seraphina was on the floor, her hair a mess, wailing.

"If I hadn't given you those ideas, you wouldn't have made a dimeI spent what I earnedHow dare you hit me"

Mordecai's fists were trembling with rage.

"I work from dawn till dusk in the dirt while you sit at home doing nothing but playing dress-up. And now you've buried me in debt. You deserved that hit"

Mother was frantically wiping away tears.

"I don't care what she didMy daughter lowered herself to marry into your family. You have no right to touch herShe was raised in luxury, of course she needs nice thingsYou're just incompetent"

Seraphina sobbed into her handkerchief.

"The money can be remadeCan't you just work a little harder while you're young"

Their shamelessness was making my skin crawl.

Mordecai, who had a hair-trigger temper, grabbed a wooden rod and slammed it across Seraphina's back.

"You stupid bitchI'll teach you about frugalityI'll teach you about debt"

Seraphina's screams filled the house.

Mother tried to intervene, but Mordecai kicked her aside like a stray dog.

In the chaos, Seraphina spotted me watching coldly from the corner.

"HusbandThere's a wayMelody's man hasn't come back from the warDhe's probably dead by nowShe's sitting on a mountain of cash. Let's just take hers to pay the debt"

Mordecai froze, then turned his predatory gaze toward me.

"Sister-in-law, your sister is right. A woman like you has no use for all that money. Give it to me. If anyone tries to bully you later, I'll protect you."

Mother joined in, screaming, "YesShe has the moneyTake it from her"

I couldn't believe they were being this blatant. I started to back away, frowning.

But Mordecai blocked my path.

"Don't make this difficult. Your man is gone. Nobody is coming to save you. Hand it over"

They were nothing but common thugs.

I grabbed a fruit knife from the table, my heart hammering against my chest. I was ready to go down fighting.

Suddenly, someone grabbed my wrist in mid-air. A familiar, deep voice echoed through the room.

"Who told you her husband was dead"