Chapter 1

Two years ago…

It was a normal morning in Osaka, a clear blue sky with just a cloud or two and a cool morning breeze. Twilight was lying in bed, not bothering to get up. Today was her 16th birthday, not that she cared though.

It wasn't always like this. She used to look forward to her birthday; it was her favourite day of the year. She'll never forget how her mom would always fill her room with balloons before she woke up, make a birthday present scavenger hunt and plant hidden birthday cards with funny or cute messages.

Just those memories and the fact that she'll never share such moments with her mom again created a sort of… emptiness. Thus, it’s been six years since she’s celebrated her birthday.

Her dad, on the other hand, has been a hot mess ever since. He used to brood over a portrait of his late mate. Whenever he feels as though he's failed as a father, he goes to it to apologise and ask for forgiveness.

“Since I've got nothing better to do, Imma just do some border patrol.”  She thought to herself.

She dragged herself out of bed and headed downstairs, not caring enough to shower or change out of her pyjamas.

“Here comes the birthday girl!” She heard as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

She saw that the kitchen was filled with birthday decorations and on the table, there was a plate filled with 16 different flavoured cupcakes and next to it a triple chocolate cake with chocolate-covered strawberries on top.

“C'mon, Papa Wolf...”

“I know what you’re going to say, but I thought that since it's your Sweet 16, you might have had a change of heart.”

“Nice try, but I'm not gonna change my mind,” She said while taking one of the cupcakes. “But I will eat the cake and cupcakes though.”

“Of course, you will.” He sighed and ruffled her hair. “By the way, where are you going looking like that?”

“I'm just going to do some border patrol. I'll shower and change when I get back, so it doesn't matter.”

He got on his knee so she could peck his cheek before heading out.