Chapter 3

Linda was discharged a few days later. She had fully recovered under the family's attentive care. On the other hand, they didn't spare me a single glance, although I was right next door, poisoned by silver.

Mom had packed Linda's bags early that morning. Dad parked the SUV right outside the tent so she wouldn't catch a chill on her way out.

Even the usually composed Nathan crouched down to help her put on her shoes, unwilling to let her bend over.

On the way home, Mom was still fuming. "Connie's heartless! She hasn't shown up once to visit Linda. She even blocked our mind-link! What kind of sister acts like that? Just wait till we get home—I'll skin her alive!"

Dad shot her a cold glance. "I told you long ago that she's nothing but trouble. I'll make sure she learns her lesson."

My chest tightened at the word "lesson". Memories came flooding back like a tidal wave.

Mom had always favored Linda. Everything good went to her, while I was left with nothing.

All of that was because I had accidentally knocked over a candle holder that winter night. The commotion startled Mom and sent her into early labor. Linda was born into the dead of winter, barely clinging to life.

Her frail little body lay unconscious for three full days before her heartbeat finally stabilized. When she woke up, the healer said she'd likely never have her wolf.

Everyone said Linda was born without a wolf because of me.

Dad was furious back then. He dragged me away from the doorway and slapped me so hard my ears rang. Blood oozed from my ruptured eardrum.

"You jinx! Your sister nearly died the moment she was born, all because of you!"

Mom's eyes were filled with disappointment and disgust. She looked at me as if I were just a mistake that never should've been born.

Later, when I entered the Wolf Academy, I once got into a fight with Linda over a coat made of snow badger fur.

Dad lashed me three times using a whip laced with silver powder. I couldn't get out of bed for three days after that.

That coat had been one of Dad's gifts after a trip, something he'd picked up for me casually. On the other hand, Linda's room was overflowing with rare furs. But still, she had to fight me for that one coat.

In the struggle, she suddenly dropped to the ground and let out a piercing scream. Tears streamed down her face instantly.

Mom rushed in and pulled her into her arms. She snapped, "Connie! Do you know how much Linda has suffered since the day she was born? What are you trying to do to her now?"

"I didn't…" My voice trembled. I tried to explain, but Linda gently tugged at Mom's sleeve and squeezed out a few more tears.

"Don't blame Connie, Mom. It's my fault. I have caused you so much trouble. I shouldn't have taken the coat from her…"

Before she finished, Dad grabbed me and slammed me to the ground. He roared, "A cold-blooded thing like you doesn't deserve to live in this loving family!"

I cried and begged him to stop. But the more I cried, the more he was convinced that I felt no remorse. His claws landed harder and harder.

Mom and Nathan stood at a distance, their faces indifferent. It was as if I weren't part of the family, just a filthy rogue they didn't recognize.

I couldn't even tell how long the beating lasted. Everything had turned blurry and dark.

From that day on, everyone believed Linda whenever she cried. It didn't matter what she said. They would just blame me when she said, "It was Connie."

I didn't dare fight for their affection or defend myself. I didn't even dare take a single step toward Mom.

Even now, they were still showering Linda with love, as if nothing had happened. They just left me in some forgotten corner.