Chapter 2

With that, I headed for the training grounds. However, as I turned, I bumped into someone who was running toward me at full speed.

Sylvia staggered backward and hit her leg against a pillar. She let out a groan.

Before I could react, she started apologizing fervently. "I'm sorry, Elena. I didn't do it on purpose. Please don't chase me out of the pack."

I narrowed my eyes. Sylvia had always behaved that way, even during my previous life.

The same expression that invited pity. The same choked-up voice, pleading for mercy. By acting that way, she would always trigger Leo's anger without fail.

Even though I'd never reprimanded her over these trivial matters, she could always make it seem like I was picking on her.

I used to think it was because she felt insecure after losing her parents. That was why I did my best to provide her with only the best.

Now that I thought of it, Sylvia probably had never even thought of me as family.

Leo gently helped her up. Leaning close to her, he consoled her. "Don't worry. You didn't hurt Elena, so why let her walk all over you? Even if she chases you from the pack, I will protect you. The battle merits I've earned over the years are sufficient to get us a foothold in other packs."

Then, he glared coldly at me. His tone was filled with contempt as he remarked, "Elena, do you think you can act recklessly just because we're on your turf? Behaving this way will only make me hate you more."

Right after he said that, I swiftly swung a slap at Sylvia. Instantly, two bloody gashes appeared on her face.

The Moon Goddess pendant hanging from her neck broke off at the impact.

"Leo, see that? That's what you call 'reckless.'"

My sudden move shocked him so much that he took a step back. His eyes widened in surprise. After all, if it were before, I would've already been begging for mercy in a panic.

His body shook with anger. "Elena, how dare you hurt her?"

Scornful, I shook the blood off my hand. "You're on my territory. If you're displeased, you're welcome to leave."

Leo supported Sylvia to her feet. With an arm wrapped around her shoulders, he turned around. "Alright! Elena, don't you dare forget what happened today. Don't expect me to mark you after this!"

Without casting a glance in their direction, I walked toward the training grounds.

…

That night, I returned to my residence after training. Through the gaps in the curtains, I saw Sylvia holding a Moon Goddess statue.

The moon shone on the sinister smile on her lips, the same look she wore from my memory of her in my previous life.

Her parents had lost their lives in an internal feud within their pack. Taking pity on her, Dad adopted her and brought her back to the Dark Hunters pack. Then, he enrolled both of us in Silvermoon Academy.

Treating her like one of his own, he raised her as though she were his daughter. She was provided with the same combat resources I was given.

Nevertheless, Sylvia had never shown an ounce of gratitude toward me.

I abruptly swung the doors open and marched in.

Upon noticing me, Sylvia frantically pulled the covers over the bed.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she said, "Elena, Leo, and I were in the wrong earlier. I've come to apologize to you. I noticed your bed was a little messy, so I thought I could help you tidy it up."

My cold gaze swept over her trembling body. With a fake smile, I nodded. "Thanks."

I watched as she fled in relief. Then, I lifted the headboard.

Beneath it was the Moon Goddess statue, gleaming with an eerie glow. Twisted ancient text was carved onto the back of the statue.

It was my name.

My nails dug into my palm as I burned with fury.

Sylvia, you were always so wicked, be it in the previous life or the current one!