Chapter 3

The next morning, I arrived very early at the competition venue.

My mentor, Nina Anderson, was thrilled to see me.

"Nancy, if you'd agreed to compete sooner, there wouldn't have been any need for this competition at all!

"The position of chief healer should've been yours from the start! Now that you've changed your mind, are you willing to come with me to the northern territory?"

Every year, the werewolf kingdom held a selection for chief healer. Earning the title was the highest honor a healer could receive, but it also meant accepting a work assignment in the northern territory, the most prosperous region in the werewolf kingdom.

Nina had invited me to go there back when I first graduated, but Dad had said that as the eldest daughter, I had to stay in Black Wolf Pack and shoulder the family's responsibilities.

Steven had also told me that once we came of age, he would become my mate.

That's why I'd turned down Nina's invitation.

Now, however, I answered without hesitation, "Ms. Anderson, I'll go with you to the northern territory. I'm giving up my identity in Black Wolf Pack and joining the northern territory for good."

Nina was startled. "Nancy, are you sure? Once you give up your identity in Black Wolf Pack, you won't be able to come back."

I nodded firmly. "I'm sure. I won't be coming back here again."

Nina looked at me deeply before speaking earnestly. "Nancy, you're an exceptional young shewolf. Don't let others hold you back. No matter what happens, I will always be your greatest support."

I covered my mouth as tears streamed down my face.

It turned out I wasn't inadequate. My family simply didn't know how to appreciate what was good about me.

After making the arrangements for me to leave the pack, Nina booked my flight for the following day.

When I returned home, the living room was bustling.

The table was covered with jewelry boxes of all sizes, and Wendy was excitedly trying on different pieces.

"Mom, don't you think this moonstone bracelet goes perfectly with the ceremonial dress I had custom-made?"

Mom adjusted a moonstone brooch for her.

"Take this one too. You'll look beautiful at your coming-of-age ceremony."

Wendy was the first to notice me, but all she did was smile smugly before turning back to Mom. "Mom, are all these things for me?"

Mom smiled and ruffled her hair.

"Of course. It's your coming-of-age ceremony. I'm definitely going to give you the best of everything."

I stopped in my tracks.

I was also her daughter, but she never thought to give me the best of anything.

Right then, Dad came downstairs with a document in his hand.

He smiled warmly and beckoned to Wendy. "Wendy, come take a look. These are your coming-of-age resources."

Dad was beaming with joy when he spoke.

"Food, herbs, furs for the winter, and some other things you'll need after you come of age. This is the first batch of resources from the family. Everything has already been prepared."

Mom added, "There's also the blueprint drawn up by the chief architect. The construction crew is standing by and will build your dream home as quickly as possible."

Wendy happily threw herself into Mom's arms.

"Mom, Dad, you guys are the best."

I walked into the living room, and Dad finally seemed to notice me.

He glanced at me and casually asked, "Nancy, what did you prepare for Wendy?"

I froze again. "Me? I'm supposed to prepare coming-of-age resources for Wendy?"

Mom said matter-of-factly, "She's your sister. Her coming-of-age ceremony is such an important occasion. As her older sister, you should at least give her a gift, shouldn't you?"

Looking at all the exquisite jewelry boxes on the table, I suddenly found it absurd.

They had already given Wendy the family's best land and resources, and now they were asking me what I'd prepared for her.

I was silent for a few seconds before finally asking, "Then what about my coming-of-age resources?"

The living room fell silent.

Dad was quiet for a moment before he said, "The family's resources are limited. Wendy's wolf spirit is too weak, so life after her first shift will be harder for her than it will be for you.

"That's why she needs more support."

I asked softly, "Then what about my share?"

Mom sighed. "Nancy, you've always been stronger than Wendy. You can heal, you can take care of yourself, and you'll be able to find a stable job in the future.

"Giving these things to you would just be a waste."

Although we were both coming of age, just because I was healthy and capable of supporting myself, I was getting nothing.

When I remained silent for too long, Dad started getting impatient.

"All right, Nancy. Don't be so petty. I've decided to give Wendy the private land on the eastern side of Black Forest."