Chapter 1

I curled up on my bed, my fingers and knees swollen with frostbite.

I didn't even have the strength to hold a cup. All I could do was wrap myself in the blanket and try to get warm.

Late at night, my mother pushed the door open.

I lifted my head, ready to ask her for the medicine kit.

She walked straight over and pulled the only cashmere blanket away from my bed.

"It's cold tonight. You can handle it. Susie's still young. She can't catch a cold."

I opened my mouth to protest, but she was already walking away and shut the door tight behind her.

I huddled in the corner and shivered through the night alone. For days afterward, no one came to check on me or bring me anything to eat.

By the time the weather cleared, my wounds had festered.

I went to the healing center alone for herbs.

The healer frowned as she bandaged my wounds. "Why did you wait so long? If you'd waited any longer, you could've ruined your hand."

I said nothing and paid the fee.

Susie had sent me a photo.

"Look! Isn't the dress Mom bought me for my coming-of-age ceremony gorgeous?

"Dad says he's throwing me a huge celebration."

In the photo, she wore the pink dress with expensive jewels around her neck, looking every bit the pampered princess.

I couldn't help thinking of my 18th birthday, when my wolf awakened.

No ceremony, no gifts. Just the meat stew Susie hadn't finished.

Even after my wolf awakened, they had already decided what my life would look like: I would stay with the pack, patrol the borders, and protect Susie until she came of age.

Whatever I earned on the side would go to Susie as pocket money.

The thought still left a dull ache in my chest.

Back home, I packed my things and answered the invitation from the Northern Pack.

"I accept. I'll join your pack."

Maeve Holloway, the Luna of the Northern Pack, had heard about my excellent record at the academy and had been trying to recruit me.

She wanted me to serve as an advisor to her heir and help prepare him to take over the pack.

Until now, I'd always turned her down.

But this time, I was finally making the choice for myself.

I had just set my suitcase down when my parents returned with Susie. She came in loaded with gifts and immediately spread them across the living room.

The moment she saw me, she headed straight for me.

"Why didn't you answer my texts?

"Are you upset because Mom bought me my favorite dress?"

She took my hand, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"Once I've worn it a few times, I'll give it to you. Or you can look through everything here and pick out something you like."

She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the table.

My mother's face darkened. "I bought it for you, so it's yours to wear. If you no longer like it, we'll exchange it. Why would you give it to someone else?"

I almost laughed.

Someone else. So that was what I was to them.

My hand was wrapped in gauze, and her grip made it throb with pain.

I pulled free and shook my head. "No, thanks."

I'd spent my whole life wearing Susie's hand-me-downs, even though I was two years older and slightly taller than her.

Nothing ever fit properly.

My pants were always too short, but no one noticed. My shoes pinched my feet so badly that I could barely run in them.

During the spring hunt, I fell behind because of them.

Damon only complained, "Can you stop slowing everyone down? We always have to wait for you."

Then he walked away without even looking back, leaving me behind.

But none of that mattered anymore. Soon, I'd be gone.

My father's gaze fell on my bandaged hand.

"What happened to your hand?"