Chapter 1

"Elena, just give in one more time. You know how fragile and proud your sister is. If people laugh at her for awakening a wolf just as weak as she is, she'll fall apart!"

I looked at my mother's pleading eyes, and something cold and bitter settled in my chest. "What about me?

"Ayla's afraid of being laughed at. You think I'm not?"

A wolf's strength determined a werewolf's place in the pack. She knew exactly what it meant for one of us to wear that crown in front of everyone.

But for Ayla's sake, she'd still chosen to let me face the humiliation. Maybe I'd never mattered to her as much as Ayla did.

Ayla stood to one side, her tears coming on cue.

She covered her mouth and sobbed. "Forget it, Mom. If Elena doesn't want to, just give her the crown back. It's fine. It's my own fault for being so useless... Don't worry about me. I'd be better off dead anyway..."

My mother hugged her at once, heartbroken. "Don't talk like that!"

My father came over when he heard the commotion and turned on me without hesitation. "Elena! Ayla is your own sister. Why won't you help her? How can you be so cold!"

I listened to my father's accusations and watched my parents shield Ayla behind them. The pain in my chest was crushing, and I couldn't stop shaking.

It had always been like this. When my mother was pregnant with Ayla, she was attacked by an enemy and accidentally ingested a small dose of wolfsbane. Ayla was born weak, and my parents had felt guilty ever since.

They spoiled her endlessly, and I paid the price for their guilt.

Ayla got first pick of clothes and jewelry. Every meal was made to suit her tastes. The best room in the house was always hers.

Because of her poor health, I wasn't even allowed to excel.

At school, I ranked first in every subject. I thought my parents would praise me like they used to, but Ayla took one look at my certificate and burst into tears, saying she was useless and could never measure up to me.

After that, they wouldn't let me celebrate any of my achievements.

All these years, I'd given in again and again. When they set the date for the ceremony, I'd told myself that this time, at least, I wouldn't have to give anything up.

But now they'd taken my moonstone and left me to be mocked in Ayla's place.

When I didn't say anything, my mother came forward and took my hand.

"Elena, Ayla isn't like you. You've always been strong, but Ayla's so fragile. Just think of it as helping her. I'm begging you..."

My mother's eyes were wet with tears, and my father's face was stern. My heart went cold.

Before Ayla was born, my mother used to put her arm around me and lull me to sleep, and my father would stroke my cheek and tell me how wonderful I was.

I'd thought that if I behaved and never caused trouble, they'd love me the way they used to. Even a little of what they gave Ayla would have been enough.

But now, staring at that dimly glowing crown, I suddenly felt exhausted.

I was done fighting for a love I could never win.

I gently pulled my hand back, picked up the crown, and slowly nodded.

My parents visibly relaxed, clearly pleased. My mother patted my shoulder and said warmly, "Wonderful, Elena. I knew you'd understand. You always have."

Ayla dried her tears and gave me a sweet smile. "Thank you, Elena. You're the best!"

Her words felt like a cruel joke.

Soon my parents took Ayla away to prepare for tomorrow's celebration.

The three of them huddled together, close and happy, as if it made no difference whether I was there or not.

In that case, I didn't want this home anymore either...