Chapter 2

"Nothing," I said softly. "I'm just not feeling well."

Raphael's expression relaxed slightly, but he still looked a little annoyed. "Helena went out of her way to get you this breakfast. Aren't you feeling unwell because you've been eating irregularly?

"Don't be so picky. Just eat it. Don't waste food."

Listening to his feigned concern, I found the whole thing ridiculous.

Where had he been when I'd felt sick from skipping breakfast in the past?

"I know you're still upset about yesterday." Raphael frowned slightly. "But you really went too far this time. Apologize to Helena later, and we'll put this behind us."

I looked quietly at his face. "Was that everything you wanted to say to me?"

Raphael raised an eyebrow as if he'd just recalled something. "After graduating, we're going to have our mate bond ceremony. You'll become my mate. You know that, don't you?"

He stepped closer and hesitated briefly before continuing. "That's why I want you to give up your application for the headmaster's scholarship this time and let Helena have it.

"Besides, I can afford to support you. You don't need all these honors."

He ruffled my hair and smiled, but I felt a chill run down my spine.

"I won't agree," I said.

Raphael's smile vanished. He frowned deeply and reached for my arm. "Martha, explain yourself. What do you mean, you won't agree?"

Before he could say anything else, someone walked over and stepped between us to shield me from him.

It was Silas. "What's all the arguing about?"

He looked like he'd just woken up and cast me a suspicious glance. "Are you throwing another tantrum?"

I opened my mouth before wearily closing it again. 'Forget it. This isn't the first time.'

No matter how I explained myself, every problem and every conflict somehow ended up being my fault.

I took a step back to put some distance between us. "I'm not."

Silas sighed and looked thoroughly exasperated. "Martha, why do you hold such a deep grudge against Helena? She cares about you. Although she cried for ages because of what happened yesterday, she still asked us to bring you breakfast.

"You're her older sister. Can't you stop keeping score over every little thing? You've already taken first place away from her in the competition. Just let her have the scholarship. Stop being so stubborn."

I looked at my brother's familiar face and felt as if I were looking at a stranger.

"We competed fairly." My voice was soft. "Helena lost to me. That wasn't my fault."

Silas's expression darkened. "Martha! What has gotten into you? When did you become like this? Helena has always been in poor health.

"Just being able to participate in the competition was already a struggle for her. You're her older sister. Can't you just let her have this one thing?"

I stared into Silas' eyes.

We shared the same bloodline and a bond that had connected us from the moment we were born.

Yet now, all I could see in the eyes of my own brother was concern for our stepsister and disgust toward me.

"Silas." My voice trembled as I called out his name.

He froze before softening his tone. "Fine. I admit I was a little harsh. Anyway, once you graduate, you'll become Raphael's mate.

"His family is wealthy enough to ensure you'll never have to worry about food or clothing. Why do you need to work so hard?

"Just let Helena have the scholarship this time, and we'll put the whole thing behind us."

I shook my head gently. "No. I just want to ask you something."

I looked at him and spoke each word deliberately. "I was sick all the time when I was little. The healer said I might not live past sixteen.

"Back then, you always encouraged me. You told me I was smart and that I'd win lots and lots of awards and become someone extraordinary.

"You told me to keep winning, just as I'd overcome every illness that tried to defeat me.

"Do you still remember any of that?"

Silas's expression stiffened.

Raphael stood frozen beside him.

I smiled bitterly.

They didn't remember.

They didn't remember that my health had always been fragile, or that they'd once encouraged me to keep fighting and winning.

All they remembered was that I was the older sister and should always give way to Helena.

Now, Helena was the only person who mattered in their world.

I was nothing more than someone they could live without.

"Fine," I spoke softly while fighting back tears. "I'll let Helena have the scholarship."

I turned around and walked away without looking back.

My steps grew faster. It wasn't until I reached the end of the path that I finally leaned against a tree and sank to the ground.

'It's okay,' I told myself.

I'd be leaving in just a few days anyway.

It wasn't only the scholarship. I'd be leaving Silas and Raphael too. Helena could have them both to herself.

I didn't want a brother or a boyfriend like them anymore.

I opened my chat with Betty Decker, my mentor at the Royal Werewolf Academy. She replied with obvious delight.

[That's wonderful, Martha! You're an excellent student, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what you can do.]

[But once you've made your decision, you can't change your mind.]

[You'll have to leave your pack, and that means you may miss out on a lot of time with your family.]

I replied without hesitation.

[I'm sure, Ms. Decker.]

I stood up. I felt lighter than I had in a long time.

In just one more week, I'd be able to leave this pack behind.

I'd be heading toward a better future, one where there was actually a place for me.

My phone suddenly vibrated. Raphael had sent me a message.

[Martha, what happened today was my fault.]

[I promised to make up for your birthday, so I made a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant for five days from now.]

Before I could reply, he sent a few more messages.

[I reserved a private dining room. Let's sit down and have a proper conversation then.]

[See you at seven o'clock in five days. Don't be late.]

I stared at the messages for a few seconds before calmly replying.

[Okay.]

I'd wanted to try that restaurant for a long time, but he'd always been too busy to take me.

Since this would be our last meal together, I might as well let him make up for one last disappointment.