Chapter 4

The guard, who was responsible for maintaining order nearby, couldn't take it anymore. He chimed in righteously, "What's the big deal? I can call my sister over right now to soak with you once. No, twice!"

Right after saying that, he was actually about to shift into his wolf form to howl for her.

I smiled and waved my hand. "That won't be necessary. I actually prefer being alone."

When I emerged from the Moonlight Spring, Lily, John, and Jason were nowhere to be found once again. Instead of searching all over for them like I used to, I calmly pulled out my scrying map and made my way home.

Dad happened to be off duty that day, and he was surprised to see me back by myself. "Why are you back so early? Have you eaten? Where's John?"

Without answering his questions, I sat down beside him and rested my head against his shoulder. "Dad, I'd like to visit another pack under the alliance to clear my head for a while. Do you think that's okay?"

"Of course it is! You're young, so it's good to go out and see more of the world while you can. Besides, with John by your side, I won't have to worry."

I shook my head. "John won't be joining me. We're both grown-ups now, and we each have our own plans for the future. I can't force him down a road he doesn't want to take, now can I?"

Dad's initial confidence waned, and he began to hesitate. "But you've never traveled far on your own before. Why do you want to leave for another pack all of a sudden?"

I hurriedly explained, "I won't be going alone. There are other members of our pack who will be going as well. Besides, I've already found companions to travel with!"

Dad reluctantly agreed.

…

John only arrived home near dusk. "Monica, we just went to gather a few herbs. Why did you come home on your own?"

I was in the middle of filling out my application form to exchange to another pack under the alliance, so I couldn't be bothered to turn around to look at him. "It was too hot, and I didn't feel like waiting."

By the time I finished the entire form, I realized the group chat I had on mute had racked up over 100 unread messages. John, Jason, and Lily were chatting enthusiastically about what food to bring and which weapons to choose, as well as their travel route and the local specialties and attractions.

I froze for a long while before sending a message. "Where are you guys going?"

John cussed before rushing from the living room to my bedroom. "We submitted an application to the Elders this afternoon to go on a trip. Since you weren't there, we forgot to apply for you. It's fine. You can just sneak along with us!"

Lily's message came through right at that moment. "Have you forgotten? The Elders said that no one's allowed to be added to a temporary travel request without permission! If we're caught, we'll receive severe punishment.

"This is all your fault. The two of you were squabbling in my ear all afternoon. You made me forget the single most important thing!"

Noticing the three of them on the verge of another blowout argument, I immediately sent a message into the group chat.

"There's no need to guess what kind of punishment we'll receive. It's so hot outside. I don't really feel like going out."

John, who was sitting beside me, let out a quiet sigh of relief. "It really is abnormally hot this summer. Don't worry. I'll take photos for you while we're there. If I stumble across any interesting souvenirs, I'll definitely bring them back for you!"

…

The day they set off on their trip happened to be the day I set off for my exchange at the Pack Alliance.

Before heading out, John was still fussing over me, reminding me time and time again, "Don't eat too much raw meat. When Dad's out, you need to cook them before you eat. Also, when you're home alone, remember to keep the door locked."

Jason happened to come downstairs at that moment. He scoffed. "You can stay here and be her babysitter. I'm going to meet with Lily first."

John gritted his teeth and followed him out.

I waited until their car vanished from the driveway before slowly wheeling my suitcase out of the bedroom and heading downstairs. This time, I could finally stop being the unnecessary spare tire in their little world of three.