8

Ethan helped Scarlett to her feet, his face showing annoyance.

More and more people gathered around.

Derek rushed over when he heard the commotion.

He looked at me, then at the nearby incinerator, and quickly understood what had happened from my expression.

"She destroyed your parents' mementos!" he exclaimed.

Hunter's angry expression froze instantly. He walked over and looked at me.

After a long moment, he frowned: "That's impossible. Scarlett wouldn't..."

"Let's go," I interrupted him, calmly looking toward Derek.

How strange.

I should have been furious. I should have lost control like countless times before, yelling at Scarlett or even getting physical.

Then, amid the brothers' bias and indulgence toward Scarlett, I should have lost control and had a huge argument with them.

But at this moment, I just wanted to leave.

I had been arguing with them for four years.

In those four years, countless times, the result was always the same.

Now, I didn't want to argue anymore.

After all, in just a few days, I would be gone.

I walked out of the military camp cradling the ashes of my parents' belongings.

Behind me, Mason followed.

I heard his voice, detached as usual, yet somehow carrying a hint of discomfort:

"Scarlett went too far this time, but don't blame her. She's just jealous that you get to be with us while she was lost outside the pack."

I ignored him, which made him anxious.

"Olivia, what... what's going on with you lately?"

His voice seemed to reveal a trace of unease.

But I didn't turn around.

I just reached out and gently pushed his hand away.

As I entered the elevator, Ethan and Hunter caught up and blocked my way.

"Scarlett is just young. She went too far this time, and she knows she was wrong. Don't hold a grudge against her. We'll make it up to you."

I tugged at the corner of my mouth, finding myself ridiculous.

I reached out and pressed the elevator's close button.

The heart that had always refused to give up was finally growing calm, eventually becoming like stagnant water without ripples.

It seemed I no longer felt sad.

As the elevator doors closed, I softly said: "It's fine. Don't worry about it."

Hunter desperately reached out, probably trying to stop the closing doors, but it was too late.

In my final glimpse, I thought I saw panic and helplessness in their eyes.

A fleeting image before the elevator completely closed.

It was probably just my imagination.

The next day, after finishing up at the military camp, I did a final check of my luggage.

At noon, I treated a few lab mates to lunch as a farewell.

As I left the restaurant, Ethan suddenly called.

I answered, but he was silent for a long time.

I thought he might have called by accident.

Just as I was about to hang up, he finally spoke: "When are you coming home?"

I was stunned.

I couldn't help wondering if he had meant to call Scarlett.

But I still replied: "The military camp is busy lately, so I won't be coming back."

Ethan wouldn't let it go: "What about tonight?"

I didn't understand what he was suddenly getting at.

But I still made up an excuse: "I have plans with classmates tonight."

There was another long silence.

After a while, he awkwardly said: "Today is Christmas."

I was momentarily speechless. Since we all lost our parents, we had spent every Christmas together. Mason was always busy handling pack affairs, Ethan was occupied with training warriors for the pack, and Hunter had a carefree personality—none of them ever cared much for ceremony. I was the only one who prepared gifts in advance every year and made time to be with them.

But this year...

I had truly forgotten.

I didn't know what to say. After thinking for a long time, I only managed: "Sorry."

A very formal and polite word.

There was another lengthy silence.

When Ethan spoke again, his voice was a bit hoarse: "Come home for dinner. We've all made time to come back. All of us together."

I didn't really want to go.

He continued: "Scarlett was taken by the healer for a physical examination. She won't be home tonight."

The cold wind on the street stung my face.

Finally, I replied: "Okay."

This time, it really would be the last meal together.

When I arrived home, Ethan was cooking in the kitchen. Hunter was preparing Christmas gifts.

In the early evening, Mason stood at the iron gate of the front yard waiting for me.

As I approached, he awkwardly greeted me.

I truly had nothing to say to him anymore.

As I entered, Ethan, holding dishes and utensils, poked his head out of the kitchen and said: "Wash your hands. Dinner's ready."

My eyes suddenly reddened.

At the dinner table, Mason brought up the skiing trip to the Northern territories.

"You should come with us. I remember you've always wanted to see the snow."