Chapter 2

Suddenly, a heavy downpour started, drenching me from head to toe in seconds. I forced myself to stand up, trembling from the cold. I turned around, hoping to go inside and take shelter from the rain, but found the door locked from the inside.

After peeking through the window, I saw my parents curled up on the couch, watching TV. Their relaxed smiles made me hesitate. I didn't want to disturb their peace, so I walked back to my rented room in the rain.

I had given all my money to my parents, so I couldn't afford a good place, not even the cheapest room.

As the landlord felt sorry for me, he cleaned out a storage room and rented it to me instead.

There was only a small tap in the storage room, and in the middle of winter, I had to wash with cold water. I dried myself off with a towel and curled up in a makeshift bed made of several towels on the floor.

Ever since my wolf died, my body had grown weak. The next morning, I woke up burning with fever.

The landlord was shocked when he saw me. "Adeline, you need to go to the hospital right now. You look really unwell!"

I knew my condition was bad, but I didn't have enough money to visit the hospital. I didn't even have ten dollars left.

However, if I completed today's food delivery, I could earn 300 dollars. Then, I could finally see a healer.

I struggled to make my way to Forest Cafe. I felt like I might collapse at any moment, but I dug my nails into my leg to stay awake.

I finally managed to pick up the food from the cafe, and the order showed that the delivery address was the dorm at Werewolf Academy.

From a distance, I saw Clara standing in front of the dorm building.

I froze up, and before I could even feel the joy of finally finding her, I saw my parents standing beside her.

In a panic, I quickly hid in a nearby alley.

Clara ran happily into Mom's arms, smiling as she said, "Dad, Mom, I told you I'm doing fine! Why are you still so worried?"

Mom gently stroked her hair, her eyes filled with warmth.

"Of course, we're worried. You're so far from home. Are you sleeping well in the dorm? I brought your bedding from home. If there's anything else you need, we'll buy it now," she said.

Dad added, "She's right. Don't hold back. Tell us what you want. You don't need to save money for us. Adeline sends us money every month, so we're doing fine."

Clara snuggled closer to my mother and smiled. "You two are the best! I love you so much!"

She glanced at her phone and frowned. "But we'll have to wait a while. The food I ordered still isn't here. It's already late!"

Just as she dialed the delivery number, my phone rang. They all turned toward the sound, and our eyes met. I stood frozen in shock.

Clara suddenly hid behind my mother, her voice shaking. "Adeline, why are you hiding in the alley? Are you following me? Please don't hurt me again. I'm scared!"

Mom pulled her closer and said firmly, "Don't worry, Clara. I'm here. No one will hurt you again."

Clara looked at me, her expression uneasy.

"Adeline, Clara is just scared. Now that you know she's alive, we won't hide it anymore. We told you she died because we were afraid you would hurt her again. But since you've been looking for her all these years, we'll let you come home. But only if you promise not to hurt her again," my mother said.

I stared at her in disbelief as my body shook uncontrollably. The food container slipped from my hands and crashed to the ground, spilling its contents.