The night of my first shift at eighteen, my two older brothers brought home a twelve-year-old orphaned Omega.

My alpha brother seized the rare healing herb I'd spent all my savings on—herbs meant to ease my first transformation—and gave them to her instead. "You're strong enough," he growled. "You don't need such precious herbs."

My beta brother snarled with fury, pointing toward the door. "Get out! Don't come back!"

I said nothing more, just grabbed my packed bag and left.

They assumed I was merely throwing a tantrum, that I'd return in a few days.

My brothers, finally free of my presence, took the orphan girl on an international vacation to the Caribbean islands I'd always dreamed of visiting.

Many days later, when they returned to the pack, they were shocked to discover I'd accepted an offer from the neighboring pack's Head Healer. The position required fifteen years of isolated herbal research.

I could never return home.

That night, they fell apart.

1

The night of my first shift at eighteen, my two older brothers brought home a twelve-year-old orphaned Omega.

My Alpha brother seized the rare healing herb I'd spent all my savings on and gave them to her instead. My Beta brother snarled with fury, "Get out! Don't come back!"

They even took the orphan girl on an international vacation to the Caribbean islands I'd always dreamed of visiting.

Many days later, when they returned to the pack, they were shocked to discover I'd accepted a position required fifteen years of isolated herbal research.

I could never return home.

That night, they went crazy.

…

The day I accepted the Head Healer's offer happened to be the Full Moon Festival—the most sacred day for werewolf families to reunite and celebrate together.

My mentor walked me to the door of the healing chambers, her voice gentle as she offered her final advice:

"In five days, you'll begin your fifteen years of isolation, Ember. Remember to say proper goodbyes to your family."

The Northern Territory was always cold. I stood on the street corner for what felt like hours, finally gathering enough courage to attempt mind-linking with my brothers.

Unsurprisingly, they had blocked my mental connection long ago.

With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and called my Alpha brother, Ryker. Twenty years as siblings should count for something.

No matter how ugly things had become between us, we deserved one final meal together.

He disconnected my calls repeatedly before finally shutting his phone off completely.

Swallowing my pride, I dialed my Beta brother, Axel.

This time, after an eternity of ringing, he deigned to answer, like he was granting me some grand favor.

Afraid he'd hang up, I rushed my words:

"It's Full Moon Festival today. Could we... could we celebrate together at home?"

Silence stretched across the line. I carefully added:

"I bought gifts for everyone... I even found a Moon Goddess dress for Willow—her favorite style."

Willow was the Omega orphan my brothers had adopted.

Axel's voice came back cold and impatient: "Thanks to you, Willow hasn't even been released from the hospital yet. We're all here taking care of her. How dare you even mention celebrating Full Moon Festival?"

I pretended not to hear the disgust in his voice: "Then I could bring the gifts to the hospital? We could celebrate there while looking after her. Would that work?"

I'd never begged like this before.

Since Willow arrived, Ryker, Axel, and I had argued constantly for years.

Even during our worst fights, I'd never lowered my head like this.

But this time was different...

A separation like this—who knew when or if we'd ever see each other again?

Axel remained silent.

After an uncomfortable pause, Willow's sweet, childish voice broke the tension:

"I want the Moon Goddess dress."

I immediately replied: "I'll bring it right over."

Afraid they might refuse again, I quickly ended the call.

After ending the call, I detoured to the mall to pick up the gifts I'd pre-ordered. Over the years, I'd worked hard and saved $150,000—every penny now spent on these presents.

For Ryker, my Alpha brother, I bought a precious healing crystal. As the pack's warrior, he was prone to injuries. For Axel, my Beta brother, I found an ancient spell book he'd been coveting for his magic studies.

And then... the Moon Goddess dress for Willow. I'd always wanted one like it for myself, but could never justify the expense.

Today, I'd gift it to Willow. This was my last festival with my brothers, and I wanted them to be happy.

With all the presents collected, I hurried to the hospital.

The hospital room had only one small table, barely large enough for three people to sit around.

Axel glanced up at me when I entered.

Before he could say anything, I grabbed a small chair and positioned myself near the floor-to-ceiling window.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed him pause momentarily, seemingly surprised by my action.

But his bewilderment lasted only seconds.

He quickly returned to his task, helping Willow try on her new dress and adjusting the silver fabric around her shoulders.

The hospital chairs were hard. Ryker took a pillow and tucked it behind Willow's back for support.

Willow, young and excited, twirled in the dress, her face lighting up with delight.

"It's so beautiful!" she exclaimed, spinning too quickly.

I couldn't help but glance their way.

That's when Willow tripped over the long hem of the dress, stumbling forward with a small cry.

In an instant, Ryker rushed to catch her before she fell.

Axel jumped up, his hands steadying her shoulders.

"Be careful," they said together, their voices laced with concern.

A familiar scene unfolded before me.

Except once, long ago, I had been in Willow's place.

Lost in memory, I forgot to look away.

Until Axel, after making sure Willow was stable, sensed my gaze and looked up.

His eyes, warm with worry for her just seconds before, turned ice-cold when they met mine.

Truthfully, it hurt more than I wanted to admit.

I hurriedly dropped my gaze, standing up to offer help.

"Let me fix the hem—it's too long," I said, stepping forward.

But in my haste, I caught my foot against the chair leg and fell hard to the ground, scraping my palm against the rough hospital floor.

"What are you doing?" Ryker growled. "Did you deliberately buy her a dress this long? You know how clumsy she is."

My words caught in my throat. "No, I—"

"The dress is perfect," Willow interrupted. "I just need to be more careful."

I pushed myself up, wincing at the sting from my scraped skin.

Axel looked down at me coldly. "Are you trying to seem pitiful now? Are you really so jealous that you can't even see us helping Willow without making a scene?"

The accusation hit harder than the fall.

I said nothing, rising silently from the floor on my own.

Blood beaded along my palm, but I hid it behind my back.

2

The hospital room soon returned to their happy atmosphere without me.

Willow twirled in front of the mirror, admiring her Moon Goddess dress with pure delight. Her voice was excited as she spoke:

"Last week, everyone in my class was talking about how beautiful the Caribbean seas are.

"When I grow up, I want to see them too. I'll definitely wear this dress on the beach!"

Axel stroked her head affectionately: "Why wait until you're grown? It's no big deal—we can go see it this year."

Ryker chuckled softly: "Perfect timing. Both of us have time off at the end of the year. We'll take you."

Their conversation flowed easily as they discussed travel plans. Within half an hour, they'd even booked the flights.

Willow cheered and jumped excitedly, leaping into Axel and Ryker's arms.

After a while, she seemed to suddenly remember I was still there. She tilted her head and asked me:

"Sister, do you want to come too?"

I remembered that I needed to tell Ryker and Axel about my departure. This seemed like the perfect opening.

"I can't. In a few days, I'm going to the Shadow Pack..."

Axel impatiently cut me off: "Those things aren't our concern. You don't need to tell us."

The words "I won't be coming back for fifteen years" died in my throat. I swallowed them back down.

Axel seemed to remember something and looked at me coldly:

"Willow wants to leave the hospital tomorrow.

"After her injury, caused by you, staying elsewhere isn't convenient.

"I'm planning to have the housekeeper prepare a guest room..."

Before he could finish, I spoke softly: "Let her have my room."

Axel stopped mid-sentence.

He seemed to think he'd misheard.

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes filled with disbelief: "What?"

After a moment of stunned silence, Ryker also frowned.

Probably thinking I was being spiteful, his tone grew irritated:

"You don't need to be like this.

"I know you're petty, but once Willow's wounds heal, she can move back to her own place."

I looked at them seriously: "Let her move in.

"She's young and needs care. It's inconvenient for you both to keep running back and forth.

"Besides, I haven't spent much time at home these past few years. The master bedroom would suit her better..."

There was a loud "BANG!"

Axel had thrown his food container onto the coffee table. The sudden noise cut my words short.

His expression darkened, probably still thinking I was putting on an act.

Axel helped Willow back into the hospital bed, grabbed a storybook, and sat down beside her to read.

Just like countless times over these past years, I had once again become the awkward, unwanted presence.

I stood up and gathered my bag from the chair.

When I spoke, my throat hurt: "I'm leaving."

No one responded.

I suddenly remembered many years ago, when our parents were killed in a fire.

Axel had held me, his eyes blood-red with grief.

With that same gentle voice, he'd comforted me trembling:

"You still have your big brothers.

"As long as your brothers are here, you'll always be our little princess."

Liar.

For some reason, my nose suddenly stung with unshed tears.

I rushed back to school that night and went straight to the lab to finish an experiment I'd been working on.

I only had seven days left.

In those seven days, I needed to wrap up everything—both studies and personal matters—in North City.

I worked almost the entire night.

The next morning, after a brief nap, I returned home.

The master bedroom needed to be cleared for Willow.

The Omega servant helped me pack my things into the guest room, grumbling indignantly:

"When has the pack heir ever moved out to let an outsider have the master bedroom?"

I continued packing my books and clothes into suitcases and replied:

"It's fine. I won't be staying here much longer anyway."

Behind me, an icy voice suddenly broke the silence:

"Where exactly do you plan on going?"

3

I turned around.

Only to find Axel standing right behind me, his arrival completely silent.

His expression was ice-cold, his gaze fixed on my fully packed suitcase.

Ryker leaned against the bedroom doorframe, looking at me with an equally frigid stare.

Willow had followed them in and was quietly staring at my luggage.

The barely concealed anticipation in her eyes was impossible to miss.

For a moment, I considered telling them the truth.

But then I remembered Axel's impatient words: "Those things aren't our concern. You don't need to tell us."

Suddenly, I didn't dare speak openly anymore.

This way, when I finally left, I could at least lie to myself.

I could pretend they simply didn't know I was leaving, rather than admit they didn't care.

My hand slipped into my coat pocket, knuckles aching from how tightly I clenched my fist.

I spoke with feigned casualness: "I'm just moving my things to change rooms. Like I said, the master bedroom is for Willow."

Axel's expression softened slightly.

But he quickly hardened again and said grimly: "Willow won't be staying here.

"You pushed her down the stairs just days ago. Do you think we'd feel comfortable letting her live under the same roof as you?"

I automatically responded: "Then I'll move to campus housing."

Axel's briefly softened expression turned completely dark.

I truly hadn't meant to provoke him.

With my departure imminent, I just didn't want to make things difficult for them anymore.

Willow put on an innocent face: "This is your room, sister. I can't take it."

I replied flatly: "Don't worry. Once I move out, I won't come back."

Willow immediately couldn't help but lift the corners of her mouth.

Realizing her slip, she quickly lowered her head.

Axel shouted angrily: "Who are you threatening?"

Ryker laughed coldly: "If you want to leave, then leave. Did you think anyone would beg you to stay?"

I said nothing more and continued packing my belongings.

Having lived in this home for over twenty years, I had accumulated too many possessions.

I couldn't take everything, so I selected only the essentials and the items my parents had left me before they died.

I filled two large suitcases and wheeled them toward the door.

Behind me, Axel's furious voice rang out: "If you've got the nerve, don't ever come back!"

I struggled with the heavy luggage down the stairs and out through the entrance hall.

From behind, Axel's angry, sarcastic voice followed:

"After all these years of drama, we'll finally have some peace and quiet.

"Don't come crawling back when you can't last three days on your own!"

I had intended to grab an umbrella.

But his words choked me up, and I stepped directly into the pouring rain instead.

The downpour was heavy, soaking me completely within moments.

As I crossed the front yard, the rain blurred my vision.

Axel's raised voice continued behind me:

"From now on, whoever dares to open the door for her can leave with her!"

My eyes stung so badly I could barely open them.

I couldn't tell whether it was rain or tears blurring my vision.

Red began to seep through the sleeve of my soaked coat.

The wound on my arm, barely scabbed over from moving the luggage downstairs, had reopened and started bleeding again.

Long ago, in the fire that claimed our parents, I was severely burned protecting Axel. My wolf was so damaged she lost most of her self-healing abilities.

I felt no pain now, just numbness throughout my body as I dragged my suitcases away from the mansion.

I wondered if the dormitories at school would still be open at this hour.

Truth was, I had no idea where I was going.

Willow ran out after me, her voice dramatic and tearful: "Sister, I'm sorry, please don't go. If you don't like me, I can be the one to leave."

Then came Axel's urgent voice restraining her:

"Willow, you're not the one who should leave. You can't get soaked in the rain!"

I tried to smile but couldn't quite manage it.

My wolf was already weakened from the old burns, and I'd been exhausting myself these past days. Now drenched in the downpour, my vision began to darken.

Just as my body started to collapse, a strong hand suddenly caught me.

At the same moment, the rain pounding on my head stopped.

With effort, I looked up. After a moment, I recognized Derek, the Alpha of the Shadow Pack.

He'd been working tirelessly to solve the problem of silver poisoning among werewolves.

He admired my herbal research abilities and had invited me multiple times to join his pack as Head Healer.

But the silver poisoning project was too important—the research materials couldn't be leaked. It required isolation from the outside world for at least 15 years, which is why I'd refused many times before.

This time was different. I had accepted because there was nothing—no one—left outside worth staying for.

His car waited in the pouring rain.

Without asking, he took my luggage and placed it in the trunk.

Axel's cold laugh came from behind me: "Leaving so quickly? I see you've found yourself powerful protection."

He must have followed me out specifically to witness my misery.

Derek looked at my wretched state and angrily defended me:

"Why do you still acknowledge them as your brothers?

"In a few days, you'll be leaving anyway—"

I frantically interrupted him: "Alpha!"

Derek fell silent immediately.

He opened the car door and firmly pushed me inside.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Axel's face darken instantly:

"Derek, what are you implying?"

Derek sneered with disgust: "What am I implying? In a few days, you'll find out."

My heart leaped into my throat.

Axel stood frozen in place, as if he couldn't process what was happening.

After a long moment, as the car was about to leave, he rushed forward to open my door.

Derek had already gotten in and quickly locked the vehicle.

Through the window and sheets of rain, I could barely make out Axel's lips forming the words:

"Ember, get out of the car!"

His expression was angry, but also mixed with something else—something unusual that I couldn't identify.

I couldn't understand it, only knowing that by now, my departure was likely meaningless to him.

Meaningless to both him and Ryker.

I closed my eyes, refusing to look at him anymore.

As the car drove away, the rearview mirror showed Axel still standing there, unmoving in the rain.

Derek continued to rant angrily: "You're injured and they throw you out in this downpour. I truly don't understand why you came back just to be treated this way."

I turned to look out the window at the torrential rain.

After a long silence, I spoke softly: "They used to be very good to me."

Derek didn't believe me.

I'd only met him in college; he'd never seen how Axel and Ryker had once cared for me.

My eyes misted over, and I earnestly repeated:

"Really. They used to be very, very good to me."

4

Ever since I could remember, my parents were rarely home.

They dedicated almost their entire lives to herbal research.

They would often leave for a year or more at a time.

Besides the hired Omega servants, the only ones who took care of me were my twin brothers, eight years older than me.

When I was six and just starting elementary school, I was bullied by classmates because I was smaller and weaker than them.

My parents were thousands of miles away, so I came home and cried under my blankets.

Fourteen-year-old Axel came into my bedroom late at night to check if I had kicked off my covers.

When he pulled back the blanket, he saw my tear-stained face.

He held me and wiped away my tears just like Mom used to do.

While patting my back, he comforted me:

"It's okay. Big brother will protect Ember."

The next day, he went to my school and beat up all the bullies. The teachers caught him and punished him by making him serve as a combat training partner for the elite Alpha wolves.

When I couldn't find him after school, I ran to his campus. In the training arena, those Alpha wolves were beating him until his face was covered in blood.

My eyes turned red with worry.

He ran down from the platform, his face covered in wounds, and grinned to reassure me: "This is nothing.

"Brother loves combat training. When I finish, I'll be stronger and better able to protect my little princess."

We walked home together after his training.

When we arrived, the Omega servant was on leave.

Ryker had already prepared hot, delicious food. When we opened the door, the wonderful aroma filled the house.

The teenage boy grabbed bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, poking his head out to say: "Wash your hands. Dinner's ready."

Ryker had always been quiet but gentle and attentive.

Whenever I played too roughly and got seriously hurt, trying to sneak back home without telling anyone,

He would silently roll up my sleeve and treat my wounds.

When he finished, he'd look up as if wanting to say something.

Seeing me nervously biting my lip, he'd just sigh softly.

He'd pat my head and say: "Be more careful next time."

I was mischievous and active as a child, never learning to be careful.

So he would bandage my wounds again and again.

And each time, seeing my panicked expression, he would sigh and tell me: "Be more careful next time."

For many years while our parents were absent, they were both brothers and fathers to me as I grew up.

Until I turned twelve and saw the Caribbean on television.

Axel promised to take me to see the ocean, and Ryker booked tickets for the three of us.

Then the very next day, our parents suddenly died.

Before the tragedy, my parents were developing herbs to enhance werewolves' self-healing abilities, on the verge of success and planning to sell them at low prices to werewolves worldwide.

When word leaked out, they became targets of hatred from other pharmaceutical companies.

The arsonist set fire to the research lab in the early morning.

When Axel, Ryker, and I got the news and rushed over, we found only two charred bodies.

As they burned to death, a brave warrior had rushed into the inferno trying to save them, but was also burned alive.

That warrior left behind an orphan—his child wasn't even a year old when he died, and the child's mother had already passed away.

Axel and Ryker spent six exhausting years searching until they finally found that child in an orphanage.

Life has its strange coincidences.

Six months after twelve-year-old Willow was brought to the Pack house, I went for dinner with classmates and ran into the orphanage director, who tearfully confessed after too much alcohol.

I learned that the real Willow had died of heart disease in the orphanage when she was only three.

The "Willow" who came to us was another orphan with heart disease who couldn't afford treatment.

The director felt sorry for her and let her take the place of the deceased Willow so my brothers would pay for her medical care.

I rushed home only to find Willow breaking my things again.

It was my last remaining family photo with all of us together.

The frame fell to the floor, glass shattering into pieces.

Just like countless times before, Willow crouched to pick up the pieces, then held up her cut hand, looking pitiful so Axel would comfort her.

Furious, I yanked her away, losing control and shouting: "Get out!"

For the first time, Axel's face darkened toward me.

Even the usually quiet and gentle Ryker looked disappointed:

"Ember, your arrogance and willfulness need to stop."

I told them everything I'd heard.

Then I saw Willow's panicked expression.

I thought at least her illness had been cured.

An impostor shouldn't continue occupying my home and my brothers, shouldn't keep breaking my things.

But what answered me was Axel's angry voice:

"Ember, why can't you accept Willow?

"Her father burned to death trying to save our parents—she's his only flesh and blood, his only concern.

"Doesn't your conscience hurt when you make up these lies?!"

After that, things were never peaceful between us again.

A month ago, Willow used her old tricks and broke my necklace that contained my mother's ashes.

I chased her to the stairs, lost control, and slapped her face.

She deliberately fell down the stairs. When I tried to grab her, I fell with her.

My arm was injured, and I struggled to get up.

Before I could say a word, Axel slapped me across the face for the first time.

The usually gentle and quiet Ryker exploded in anger:

"Ember, if you can't live with us, then get out!"

They took Willow to the hospital, leaving me behind despite my injuries.

The Caribbean trip they had promised to take me on—ten years later, they were taking Willow instead.

5

It's okay, it's okay.

Soon I wouldn't see them again, wouldn't disturb their perfect little family with Willow anymore.

I returned to school, moved into the dormitory, and continued perfecting my herbal research notes.

The next day, while heading to the library with Derek, I ran into Axel and Ryker.

I pretended not to see them, found a seat, opened my notebook, and continued writing word by word.

Willow dragged them to sit not far from me.

I could hear the girl's giggling voice from time to time.

Axel and Ryker patted her head: "Be good now. In a few days, we'll be off to the Caribbean."

Hearing their words made it hard for me to breathe, so I got up and went for a drink of water.

When I returned, my notebook was in Willow's hands.

Axel and Ryker had gone to get books from the shelves.

Willow was alone, tearing pages from my notebook.

Alarm bells rang in my head as I rushed forward and snatched the notebook from her hands.

She immediately threw herself dramatically to the floor, hitting her forehead on a chair, and screamed out in pain.

Students in the library turned to look at us.

With trembling hands, I opened my notebook.

Five years of herbal research notes—all torn to shreds. Most pieces were wet, the writing blurred beyond recognition.

On the only page that remained intact, she had drawn a crude smiley face with a marker.

That face grinned at me with bared teeth, menacing and mocking.

My mind buzzed with white noise.

Then Axel rushed over, immediately demanding without investigating:

"Ember, why did you push Willow?!"

Ryker helped Willow to her feet, his face darkened with anger.

More and more people gathered around us.

Derek, who had been browsing bookshelves, hurried over.

He looked at my notebook screen, then at my expression, and quickly understood.

"Your notes were torn up?!"

Axel's angry expression froze as he approached and looked at my notebook.

After a long moment, he frowned: "This can't be possible. Willow wouldn't..."

"Let's go," I said calmly to Derek, not waiting for Axel to finish.

How strange.

I should have been furious. I should have lost control like countless times before, screaming at Willow or even striking her.

Then I should have fought bitterly with Axel and Ryker as they defended and indulged her.

But in this moment, I only wanted to leave.

I had argued with them for four years.

Four years of countless arguments, always with the same result.

Now, I didn't want to fight anymore.

In a few days, I'd be gone anyway.

I picked up my ruined notebook and walked out of the library.

Behind me, Axel followed.

I heard his voice, cold as usual, but with a hint of discomfort:

"Give me the notebook. I'll try to restore it for you."

I replied flatly: "Don't bother."

I was leaving soon anyway. The notebook had been meant for Ryker, who had once shown interest in herbal medicine.

I walked toward the end of the hallway.

Something seemed to have suddenly come over Axel.

This man who hadn't wanted to speak a single word to me in years suddenly caught up and grabbed my arm.

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

His voice carried a trace of anxiety.

But I didn't turn around.

I just reached out and gently removed his hand.

We stood in silence for a while until he spoke again: "Willow is just young.

"If she really did tear it up, it couldn't have been intentional."

So that was it—he was afraid I would resent Willow and push her down the stairs again in anger?

And here I thought that, just this once, he might be willing to take my side.

I felt the corner of my mouth twitch, amused by my own foolishness.

I walked into the elevator and pressed the button to close the doors.

That heart that had always refused to give up now finally grew calm, turning into still waters that no longer rippled.

Somehow, I didn't feel sad anymore.

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

Ryker rushed forward, perhaps trying to stop the closing doors, but it was too late.

In my final glimpse, I thought I saw panic and confusion rising in his eyes.

Before leaving, I checked my luggage one last time.

At noon, Derek invited me to lunch to discuss the silver poisoning research project.

As we left the restaurant, Ryker suddenly called me.

I answered, but he remained silent for a long moment.

Thinking he might have called by accident, I was about to hang up when he finally spoke: "When are you coming home?"

I was taken aback.

I couldn't help but wonder if he had meant to call Willow instead.

Still, I replied: "I'm busy at school lately, so I won't be coming back."

Ryker persisted: "What about tonight?"

I didn't understand his sudden interest.

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

Another long silence followed.

After a while, he awkwardly continued: "Today is Axel's and my birthday."

I was momentarily speechless.

For many years, I had been the one planning their birthdays.

Buying cakes, booking venues, selecting gifts months in advance.

But this year...

Derek grabbed my phone and said, "Ember prepared birthday gifts for you both. You'll see them when you get home."

I looked at Derek in surprise as he winked at me.

He explained that he had sent Axel and Ryker a package containing proof of my acceptance into the fifteen-year isolation project, along with recordings of the orphanage director confirming Willow's identity fraud.

I laughed softly and shook my head. Whether they believed it or not, I no longer cared.

I picked up my packed suitcase and booked the next available flight.

I left school and went to the airport with Derek.

As the plane climbed to thirty thousand feet, everything in North City gradually disappeared from view.