They Called Me a Liar Until I Died

After hearing me clearly, the old wolf asked in surprise and pity, "Why would you come to apply for this? Where are your parents?"

"They... have something to take care of," I said.

"Even so, they must be called here," he said.

Not long after, my parents rushed in with Clover.

The first thing my father did when he saw me was slap me across the face. The force of the blow sent me staggering backward.

"I can't believe you actually dragged your act all the way to Elder Silverfang just to ruin Clover's Awakening Rite?!"

"No... I didn't..." The metallic taste of blood burst in my mouth, and tears blurred my vision.

My mother snatched the diagnosis from my hands.

"Wolf Decay?" With just a quick glance, she sneered and ripped it into shreds. "You forged something like this out of sheer jealousy of your sister? Have you no shame?!"

The torn paper fell around my feet like snowflakes. I looked at her, my voice trembling. "Mom, why won't you ever believe me..."

"Do you even need to ask?!" Her voice was laced with disdain. "You've told endless lies since you were little just to get attention! How could we ever believe a word out of your mouth?!"

My mother raised her hand to strike me again, but Clover burst into tears and threw herself into my mother's arms.

"Mom, please don't blame her! It's all my fault! I made Amelia feel neglected. If she dislikes it so much, I don't have to hold the Awakening Rite..."

She turned her head toward me, her innocent eyes filled with glistening tears. "Amelia, please stop being so stubborn. Mom and Dad are just worried about you. Just admit you were wrong, okay? I promise I won't compete with you for their love ever again!"

My parents instantly pulled her into a tight, protective embrace, gently stroking her head as if she were the most precious treasure in the world.

What a beautiful picture, shining with the radiance of a happy family, that pierced my heart like a dagger.

Father glared down at me with cold eyes.

"Did you hear that? Clover is willing to give up her own Awakening Rite for you! How much longer are you going to keep throwing this tantrum?!"

I no longer had the strength to defend myself. Deep inside me, my wolf was dying, letting out weak, agonizing whimpers. I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and walked back to the Elder.

"The date is three days away, and I hope to get the death certificate issued in advance."

Father let out a bitter laugh.

"Brilliant! Now you're even pulling Silverfang into your little play?"

"If you love throwing a fit so much, go ahead and act to your heart's content."

"Just don't tell anyone you're my daughter. I can't afford to lose face like this!"

My mother scoffed as well. "Let's go, Clover. Let's head back to the ceremony. Mom has prepared so many gifts for you."

The three of them walked out hand in hand, never once looking back.

"Why put yourself through this?" Elder Silverfang sighed. "You're only hurting each other."

I shook my head. "They won't be hurt."

Watching their backs as a family of three, I suddenly felt a strange sense of relief.

Three days from now, I would be nothing more than a corpse.

I would never get in the way of their happiness again.