2

To ensure the investigation was properly documented, Marcus Ironwood applied for full audio and video recording. A camera crew would follow him throughout, and the Pack News Network would create a dedicated section for pack members to monitor the proceedings.

The crime scene was located in a dilapidated two-story wooden house on the pack territory's edge. The surrounding trees had grown wild without care, and even in daylight, the thick canopy made everything eerily dark.

Marcus gripped a flashlight, its beam dancing across the rotting front door.

Weeds choked the area. No one lived nearby. The single beam of light only made the place feel more desolate.

He caught the scent of decay as he approached the entrance.

With a gentle push, the door crashed to the ground with a thunderous bang. Marcus stood frozen, staring at what lay before him.

His shocked voice was captured on camera.

"What the hell is this?"

The walls were covered in moss and vines. Through the patches of withered leaves, you could see blackened bloodstains underneath.

The cameraman stepped forward for a close-up shot.

Online comments flooded in immediately:

"Aria Blackwood was completely insane! How could she live in such a disgusting place!"

"This girl was desperate for attention. Making it look so realistic."

"I heard she used to torture cats and dogs. Probably splattered that blood herself."

"Exactly! Someone who could hurt innocent animals—what wouldn't she do? She got exactly what she deserved."

"Maybe some guy got tired of her drama queen act, always saying she wanted to die, so he just sent her to her grave."

"Hahaha! Well done!"

Funny, isn't it?

Watching these online comments, I found them amusing too. My death had become entertainment for strangers.

They didn't even know who I was. Had never met me. Yet based on vicious rumors alone, they launched their brutal attacks.

Perhaps they didn't care either. Their self-righteous justice was built on my bones.

Marcus frowned slightly as he carefully examined the environment, then began feeling around the loose bricks in the corners.

Whoosh!

A gust of wind blew through, forcing open an already loose window. The curtains danced with filthy, stained sheets.

Thud. A diary fell to the ground.

Marcus opened to the first page and began reading.

June 10th, 2013

On my way home today, I was stopped by someone claiming to be my brother—Garrett Blackwood. He apologized to me, saying that during the pack conflicts ten years ago, he failed to protect me, allowing an enemy pack to kidnap me.

My birth parents never stopped searching for me after I disappeared. When they couldn't find me anywhere, they eventually died of heartbreak.

I was so happy. I had a brother! I wasn't abandoned after all.

Brother told me that after our parents died, he was adopted by their close friends. They have a daughter too, and they're all good people who will treat me well.

But I knew it would be different. He's my blood brother—he'll love me unconditionally. But others won't.

When we got home, the adoptive parents were polite but distant to me, while warmly welcoming my brother.

They asked him all sorts of questions about me, and brother answered every one.

Brother told me our birth parents had passed away years earlier.

They loved me so much. After I went missing, they never gave up searching.

After we were reunited, I became very dependent on him. For the first time in my sixteen years, I felt care from family.

I wanted to move out and live with brother, but the adoptive parents disagreed. They thought brother couldn't take care of me properly on his own, so they decided I should stay with them as part of the family. Brother agreed.

Actually, my adoptive parents never really liked me. It became even more obvious after I turned eighteen and failed to complete my first shift, confirming I was just an Omega.

They cut off my allowance, saying I was an adult now. When Sophia took the money I earned from part-time jobs, they said I was being petty—sisters should naturally give their younger sisters spending money.

But in front of brother, they always acted polite and restrained, making brother think they treated me and their daughter equally.

I really love my brother. His presence made my life so much better. He'd tease me for being a little shadow, but he always took me everywhere with him.

At school, many classmates looked down on me because of my Omega status. They mocked and bullied me. When brother found out, he got so angry he went and fought them.

At home, the adoptive parents scolded me, saying I shouldn't run to brother over small conflicts between classmates. Brother was an Alpha heir with many responsibilities. Wasting his time and getting him hurt was inappropriate. I said nothing.

After dinner, I went to brother's room to help treat his wounds.

"It's really not a big deal. I'm used to it. Don't be so impulsive next time."

"Silly girl, how can you get used to something like that? From now on, with brother here, I'll protect you."

Seeing his smile, I nodded silently, thinking how wonderful it was to have a brother.

At least in this world, I was no longer alone.

Brother is the best person in the world.