Chapter 3

To celebrate my compliance, Mom and Dad decided to throw a grand party at the estate. And I was to attend in Leah's place.

Mom took it very seriously and went out of her way to find a red hunting dress that Leah had worn before.

It still had the bloodstains from when Leah had failed at hunting, along with the stench of her sweat.

When I was little, I was also forced to wear Leah's hand-me-downs. All the wolf pups would laugh at me behind my back and bully me.

Back then, I cautiously told Mom, "Mom, I don't want to wear these."

Yet, her face turned red with anger, and she screamed hysterically, "You should be honored that you get to wear Leah's clothes!"

But this time, I didn't say a word. I simply put it on.

When Mom saw me wearing the red dress, her eyes were filled with tears.

I knew she was seeing her dead daughter instead of me. Her love had never been meant for me.

"Stop looking so miserable. You need to smile happily, just like Leah," she lectured.

She went over every little detail, as if she were molding me into a doll she could manipulate.

She was terrified that I would make even the slightest mistake and ruin everyone's mood.

But I had been imitating Leah since I was little. I had done this for over a decade. I could mimic her habits and mannerisms with my eyes closed.

On the day of the party, everyone who saw me was amazed.

"Sara and Leah look so alike…"

"Time flies. Back then, Leah was also wearing this dress when she welcomed us with drinks."

"Yeah, even her personality is exactly like Leah's."

Every party was the same. Everyone used me as an excuse to reminisce about Leah.

At first, I would secretly feel hurt. Their words weren't true. I wasn't like Leah. I didn't like red, and I didn't like running around outside all day.

But as I grew up and spent so many years imitating Leah, I had lost my sense of self.

I wondered what color I liked, what food I liked, and what I used to enjoy doing.

If I had never had a sister, or if I had been my parents' only child, what would my life have really been like?

"Sara!" A voice suddenly rang out from behind me.

I turned around and saw my cousin Carl Stetson, my aunt Clara Elsher's son. He was three years older than me, and of all the people there, he was the only one who had never met Leah.

Three years ago, he was chosen to become a Werewolf Warrior, and we hadn't seen each other since.

"Long time no see, little tagalong," he greeted me, handing me a gift box. "Here's your gift for awakening your wolf."

I froze for a moment before taking the box and opening it. Inside was a witch's protective amulet.

Carl scratched his head sheepishly. "My mom and I heard about what happened to you. You're amazing, Sara! You're the first werewolf to awaken your wolf ahead of time!

"I asked a witch for a protective amulet. I hope it'll protect you and help you become a Werewolf Warrior and fulfill your dream."

After saying that, he took out an exquisite bag. "My mom picked this out for you. You're going to be a Warrior. You can't wear such old clothes anymore. She bought you a silver cape. I hope you like it."

His words were brief, but they were enough to shatter the facade I had maintained for over a decade. My eyes reddened, and tears streamed down my face.

Carl panicked when he saw me crying. "What's wrong, Sara? Don't you like this color?"

I shook my head, held back my tears, and smiled at him. "No, Carl. I like it very much. Thank you."

Feeling sympathy for me, he sighed and patted my shoulder.

"Your parents are too stubborn, and you've suffered so much just to please them. But remember, once you go to Beloria, you'll have a chance to earn military merit. Talent like yours can't be hidden forever.

"You still have plenty of time. I believe you can break free from them and build a bright future of your own."

My smile froze on my face.

Could I really have a bright future?