Chapter 1

Caleb marched over and shoved me into the prep area.

"Your wolf might be trash, but your arms and legs still work. If you can't even carry a tray, how will you survive doing Omega duties out on the border?"

I looked up. A banner hung right above him.

[May the Moon Goddess bless Chloe. The pride of our family. A bright future awaits.]

Caleb hung it up himself this morning. Every word was packed with his love for her.

I wanted to ask him something.

If I got into the Lycan Academy, would he hang a banner for me?

But before I could speak, my mother chimed in again.

"Harper, if anyone asks, lie. Tell them you work in the pack library. Do not mention the border camp. I can't afford the shame."

She had said this at least ten times. She was terrified my failure would ruin her image.

But she forgot the past. When Chloe first moved in, she saw me heal a dying pack member. Chloe immediately hugged my mom and bawled. "Harper is so amazing. Compared to her, I don't deserve to be in this family."

That night, Chloe pretended her wolf went feral.

She clawed her own arms. She made herself bleed.

My mother was the first to attack me.

"Chloe just lost her parents in the border war! Why did you use your healing powers to trigger her? Are you that vain?"

She smashed my beginner healing kit right in front of Chloe. My precious moon-dew and herbs were stomped into the mud.

I was only twelve. I crouched down. I picked up the pieces one by one.

I wanted to cry. But I understood her guilt.

Chloe's parents died fighting for our family.

So, to keep the peace, I became the dumb, useless screw-up.

I dug my nails into my palms. "Okay," I whispered.

My father nodded. He looked pleased.

"Your wolf is broken. But we'll still support you. I'll beg the pack elders. I'll get you an easy job clearing medical waste at the pack clinic."

My chest gave a painful throb.

Chloe's wolf was painfully average.

My parents worried she wouldn't get into any school.

So, they planned her path to an elite academy long ago.

They wanted her to network with the rich.

Back then, they said, "The border camp is too shameful. Even at her worst, Chloe needs an elite title."

"No need. I already got accepted into—"

"Let's take a group photo with Chloe before the guests arrive."

Julian's voice cut me off.

"Harper, you take the picture." He handed me the camera. His tone was pure Alpha command. No room for argument.

My parents flanked Chloe. Caleb and Julian stood right behind her.

A perfect family portrait. And once again, no room for me.

I swallowed hard and snapped the photo.

I handed the camera back to Julian. "Can we take one together?" I asked softly.

The Lycan Academy was over a thousand miles away. I wanted a picture of him to keep.

Julian paused. Then he scoffed.

"Aren't you going to the border camp? We'll see each other at pack meetings all the time. Don't be so dramatic."

But Chloe was moving to his city, too.

The last bit of hope I had for him completely died.

I glanced at my backpack. My acceptance letter was in there. I had wanted to tell him first.

Now, I was glad I kept my mouth shut.