Chapter 3

On the day I was supposed to leave, my parents reserved a ballroom and invited some friends from the pack.

I honestly thought they'd finally arranged a proper coming-of-age ceremony for me. But the moment I arrived, I realized the whole thing was actually for Claire.

Claire stood in the middle of the room in an elegant gown, her makeup perfectly done. Plenty of her friends were there as well.

Mom took one look at what I was wearing and frowned.

"Why did you come dressed like that?"

Claire looked down sheepishly. "It's my fault, Mom. You even picked out a dress for her, but I forgot to tell her."

Then, she turned to me, smiling. "You seemed so wrapped up in your designs that I didn't want to bother you. You're not mad at me, are you?"

I glanced around the room. Not a single one of my friends was there. I felt like I didn't even belong at my own party.

Mom waved dismissively. "It's fine that you didn't change into the gown. At least you showed up."

"This may be your belated coming-of-age ceremony, but you're twins. It's not like we could leave Claire out," she added, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I let out a bitter laugh, but my chest still tightened painfully. They'd already taken Claire to Northmere for her birthday. And now, they couldn't even let me have this one thing to myself.

The table was laden with Claire's favorite dishes, all chosen by Mom. Even the cake was Claire's pick.

When our eyes met, Mom said matter-of-factly, "You're sisters, and twins at that. Of course you have similar tastes."

"Your mom's right. It's just a party. There's no need to take it so seriously," Dad said with a reassuring smile.

A trace of mockery flickered in my eyes. Their advice not to take it seriously was directed at me alone. They simply didn't want me taking any attention away from Claire.

The whole time, I felt like an afterthought. I could've slipped away without anyone noticing.

…

Halfway through the meal, Dad brought out the present he'd prepared. But instead of giving it to me as promised, he handed it straight to Claire.

"Take a look. Do you like it?"

Claire opened the box to reveal a necklace carved from moonstone.

I recognized it immediately. I'd designed it myself, but my original sketches had mysteriously disappeared, and I'd never been able to find them.

Mom smiled and pulled Claire into her arms. "May the Moon Goddess always watch over you."

Out of the corner of her eye, Claire saw me.

"I'm sorry, Annie. Maybe Mom and Dad can pick out something else for you after the party," she said, sounding apologetic.

As she spoke, she tugged at Mom's sleeve.

Mom turned to me and tried to sound gentle. "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you."

"What if you forget again?" I shot back.

Mom looked momentarily stunned.

It was the same story every time. They'd promise to make it up to me later.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips, and I let it go.

Then, I turned to leave. I hadn't gone far when a tall, lean figure stopped in the doorway.

It was Kevin Thorne, my fated mate.