Chapter 2

Even so, I made my way back home one last time.

I wanted to clear out my belongings while I could still move.

That way, when my wolf dispersed in three days, my parents wouldn't complain about my leftover trash taking up space.

My room was the smallest in the entire Blackthorn manor. Originally, it was a storage room used to keep hunting gear and odds and ends. The butler had cleared out half of it just to squeeze in a small single bed.

So when I actually started packing, I realized I barely had anything worth taking.

My possessions were pitifully scarce: a few faded clothes and worn-out shoes, a handful of battered books, and a couple of expired cosmetics that were nearly empty.

No one could have imagined that the biological daughter of a Beta would live in a place like this, while his adopted daughter had a walk-in closet alone that was four times the size of my entire room, overflowing with gifts, exquisite jewelry, and high-end cosmetics.

Even the scraps Clover didn't want, which were occasionally tossed into my room, were far more luxurious than everything I owned.

I squatted on the floor, neatly folding the few pieces of clothing I had.

Suddenly, my phone rang.

It was a call from the Moon Burial Ground Management.

"Miss, we received your inquiry earlier today. Are you still interested in the plot at Firefly Forest?"

"If you want to reserve it, we'll need the deposit by tonight. Otherwise, we'll have to release it to someone else."

He was referring to the final resting place I had picked out for myself not long ago, a quiet patch of land tucked inside a peaceful forest. White roses bloomed everywhere there, and at night, fireflies lit up the woods like scattered stars.

The very first time I saw the picture, I had reserved it without hesitation.

I had even thought, with a trace of quiet happiness, that since no one loved me while I was alive, at least I could sleep peacefully after death in a place I truly liked.

Back then, I was so caught up in picturing my death that I completely forgot my parents would never give me a single cent to bury myself.

After all, they didn't even believe I was dying.

I checked my remaining balance.

It wasn't even enough to buy potions to extend my life for a few weeks, let alone pay the steep deposit for a Moon Burial plot.

Now, I couldn't even fulfill this tiny, quiet wish.

After a long silence, I replied softly, "There's no need. Sorry for the trouble. You can give the burial plot to someone else in need."

Just as the call ended, my big brother, Dylan, stepped through the door.

He was the youngest Gamma Warrior in the pack and my father's proudest son.

He had just returned from a hunt, carrying the lingering scent of fresh blood.

The moment he walked in, he tossed his cloak to a servant, his brows knit tight in a deep scowl.

"Amelia, are you talking about a burial plot?"