The sun had yet to rise when I awoke feeling an excruciating pain. It wasn't just my head—every inch of me ached. Movement felt impossible, but despite the agony, I forced myself to pull the blanket over me, as I also shiver from a fever that made the cold seep into my bones.

Moon Goddess, what is happening to me?

Still too early to wake anyone, I decided to drift back to sleep, praying that the pain would vanish by the time I opened my eyes again. But when I did, things had only worsened. My hands trembled uncontrollably, and fear gripped my heart.

At seventeen, I was terrified. Terrified of whatever was happening to me. Gathering what little strength I had, I climbed out of bed. With the blanket still wrapped around me, I slowly descended the grand staircase of our mansion, desperate for help.

"Brother! Brother!" I called out, but even though I could hear his voice coming from the kitchen, he didn’t respond.

Assuming he hadn't heard me, I moved closer. There, I saw my brother, Tobias, chatting happily with our cousin, Ruby. As I stepped closer, I overheard them discussing plans for Ruby’s upcoming eighteenth birthday, and with just a few snippets of their conversation, it was clear the party was going to be grand. They talked about banquets, a grand ball, and even inviting the pack's Alpha!

At that moment, I realized my own birthday was fast approaching too. I wondered if my brother would put the same effort into planning something for me. But then again, I remembered, I hate celebrating it.

“Brother…” I called out again, my voice softer this time.

Both Tobias and Ruby turned to look at me simultaneously, their expressions tinged with disappointment at being interrupted. Ruby, however, quickly shifted to her usual fake-concerned tone. "Oh my, Scarlet! Why are you wrapped in a blanket? Are you feeling sick?"

As Ruby moved toward me, Tobias stopped her. "Don’t go near her, Ruby. She might infect you with whatever disease she’s got. I don’t want you getting sick before your birthday." His eyes were locked on mine as he spoke.

The pain I was already feeling doubled at his words. My own brother, so protective of Ruby, didn’t even care to ask what was wrong with me. I couldn't help but feel jealous—jealous of Ruby for getting the best of Tobias, the version of him I used to have.

When we were kids, Tobias was my knight in shining armor, always ready to protect me no matter what. He wouldn’t even let a mosquito land on my skin. He wasn’t just my brother—he was my best friend, my role model, and my playmate. With our family whole, I was happy. We were happy.

But everything changed…

On my tenth birthday, along with my family, Ruby, and her mother, I insisted on going to Starlight Realms—a famous amusement park within our pack’s territory. I was determined to go, despite the warning our pack had received about a potential rogue attack.

What was meant to be a joyful day quickly turned into a nightmare. A group of rogues ambushed us, leaving my mother, father, and aunt with fatal injuries. They all died shortly after.

Ruby, Tobias, and I managed to escape the attack unharmed, but the horrific tragedy still haunts me to this day.

It’s the reason I began to hate my own birthday and why my brother changed—becoming cold and distant. He blames me for our parents’ deaths, repeatedly saying that if I hadn’t insisted on going to the amusement park, they would still be alive.

Since that day, Tobias had taken Ruby in our mansion, treating her like his own sister. Nearly eight years had passed, and nothing about our arrangement had changed.

If only I could turn back time to the days when I had the caring brother I once knew, I would.

If only I could turn back time, I would never have insisted on going to Starlight Realms.

If only I could… but tragically, I couldn’t.

Shaking off the thought into my mind, I forced a smile. “I’m sorry for interrupting your conversation. Please, continue. Don’t mind me.” With that, I went straight to the medicine cabinet and grabbed a few painkillers. They seemed like the only thing that could help me now.

After swallowing the pills, I sat on a nearby sofa to rest. I took a deep breath, in and out, but a sudden wave of nausea hit me. When I couldn’t hold it back any longer, I rushed to the bathroom, horrified by what I saw.

Pure crimson blood spilled from my mouth.

Seeing my own blood coming out of my mouth was terrifying enough, but watching it continue for a full minute was even worse. The isolation of dealing with this alone only added to the fear.

I rinse my mouth with water from the faucet, trying to keep the bathroom clean and stay as quiet as possible. I don’t want my brother or Ruby to know what’s happening. I’m desperate to avoid leaving any traces of blood behind.

Moments ago, I considered asking my brother for help, but his indifference made me reconsider. I don’t want to be a burden to him. I don't want to disrupt his preparation for Ruby’s upcoming birthday. Besides, I doubt this is anything serious—perhaps just food poisoning that will pass on its own. The thought of going to the infirmary alone also scares me.

I wish I had someone to lean on.

Mom, Dad, I need you right now.

“Scarlet, what’s taking so long? You’ve been in the bathroom for a whole hour!” Tobias yelled, his voice growing increasingly frustrated as he knocked on the door.

Startled, I quickly tried to come up with an excuse. “I’m coming out in a minute, brother. I’ve had a really bad case of diarrhea.”

“Make sure to clean up your mess! Also, please stop trying to get my sympathy! I know what you’re doing, Scarlet—showing up pale and wrapped in a blanket like you’re about to die. You're trying to distract me from Ruby’s birthday preparations!” His annoyance was evident in his voice.

“I’m sorry, brother…” I said weakly, not having enough strength to defend myself.

“I will never sympathize with you, Scarlet. Since the day you killed our parents, I stopped caring for you. I hate you! I wish you had been the one who died that day!” Tobias roared, slamming the bathroom door hard enough to make me flinch.

I was too choked up to respond, tears streaming down my face as his words echoed painfully in my mind.

‘You killed our parents.’

‘I wish you had been the one who died that day!’

Tobias had repeated these words to me countless times, and each time, they cut just as deeply as the first. Sometimes, I can't help but wish the same thing—wishing that I had been the one who died. Maybe if I had, Tobias might still care for me, leaving flowers at my grave.

A few weeks had passed. Although I felt better thanks to the painkillers I took almost every day, I still experienced occasional bouts of vomiting blood. It wasn’t as severe as before, but it was still alarming. I kept it a secret, enduring it alone.

With Ruby’s birthday coming up in three days, I noticed the extra effort Tobias had put into making the day special for her. The mansion had been transformed into a fairytale land.

Together with the Omegas, I was tasked with helping with the cleaning. I am doing this to avoid further arguments with my brother, Tobias.

While I was polishing the long banquet table, I glanced at a room with the door ajar and saw a glimpse of Ruby’s birthday gown. Curious, I went inside. The gown was dazzling—its silver-blue color would perfectly complement Ruby’s fair skin. Alongside it were a silver tiara and blue high heels, all meticulously prepared.

As a girl who once longed for the same things, I gently touched the fabric of the gown. Unfortunately, just then, Ruby walked into the room.

“What the hell? Who said you could touch my gown?!” She shouted, her anger evident.

“I meant no harm to it, Ruby,” I said, but she chose to make a scene and slapped my face.

“Liar! You’re just a jealous freak! You’re going to ruin the gown, aren’t you? Admit it!” Her voice was infuriatingly loud.

“Inspect the gown yourself and see if there’s any damage. We’ve been living together for almost a decade, Ruby, and if anyone’s likely to cause harm, it’s you,” I replied calmly.

She examined the gown and found no damage, but she didn’t stop there. Grabbing scissors from a drawer, she made a small cut in the fabric herself. “Scarlet, why did you have to ruin my gown? Brother, look at what she’s done!” Her voice was loud and teetering on the edge of tears, but her expression was menacing.

In a dramatic move, she threw the scissors onto the floor near me, making it appear as though I had been the one who damaged the gown.

This was the scene Tobias walked in on.

I was caught red-handed for something I never did. All the evidence pointed to me, and now Ruby was crying hysterically in front of my brother, Tobias. This wasn’t the first time either. Ruby had pulled this stunt so many times before, and every time, my brother believed her and punished me.

Since we were little, I had noticed Ruby’s jealous demeanor, especially over the toys and dresses I was fortunate to have. As the daughter of Arthur, the late Silver Howl Pack’s Beta, our family was undeniably wealthy. Tobias and I always had our needs and wants fulfilled.

Ruby, on the other hand, grew up with much less. Her late father was a pack warrior, while her late mother was demoted to an Omega for reasons I never knew. It left Ruby without the luxuries we enjoyed.

Despite all the things I’ve shared with her over the years, treating her like my own sister, Ruby seems to harbor an inexplicable hatred for me. As a child, I was blind to it, but now, it’s as clear as day.

“Did you really have to ruin her gown? Are you that desperate for attention?” Tobias shouted in my face, his voice sharp and unforgiving. Then, with a quick shift, he turned to Ruby, his tone softening instantly. “Don’t worry, Ruby. I’ll get the best seamstress to fix it. I won’t let this jealous girl ruin your special day.” With those words, he glanced back at me, grabbed the scissors, and cut into the old dress I was wearing.

Now, I stood there, feeling utterly exposed—like a rag, helpless and ugly. I wanted to defend myself, but as I've said, this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. I knew all too well that trying to speak up would be pointless.

Days passed, and soon, Ruby’s eighteenth birthday arrived. It was indeed a night that will be remembered. The banquet hall was adorned with shimmering chandeliers and lavish decorations, setting a majestic ambiance for the evening. High-ranking members of the pack, including Alpha Diosdado, Karl—the Alpha’s son, the council, and elite warriors, graced the event with their presence. Everyone was dressed in elegant gowns, sharp suits, and stylish hats.

The air was thick with admiration and reverence. Ruby herself was breathtaking, dressed in an exquisite gown that enhanced her beauty. Her confidence lit up the room, and every eye was on her as she moved gracefully through the crowd.

Looking at my brother Tobias, I could see the happiness radiating from him, knowing he had made Ruby’s dream birthday a reality.

The celebration was grand, and I was forbidden from attending it. Ruby had imposed this punishment on me for ruining her gown, fearing that I might sabotage her birthday once more. My brother supported her decision, confining me to my room, even locking the door from the outside. He then told everyone that I was severely sick to attend.

Now, from my window, I watched the lavish party unfold below, observing how they enjoyed the night without me.

It hurt, but I kept telling myself it was alright. Deep down, I believed that when the time was right, things would turn in my favor.

As the celebration continued, exactly at midnight, Ruby transformed into a magnificent brown wolf. The crowd gasped as it was revealed that her fated mate was none other than Karl, the son of Alpha Diosdado. From my vantage point, I could see the pride beaming from Ruby.

I felt her mind-link snap into my thoughts moments later. “The Alpha’s son is my fated mate, Scarlet. He’ll be the next Alpha. Do you know what that means?”

“What?” I replied, already sensing the malice in her voice.

“I’ll be the Luna of this pack soon. And with that power, I’ll finally be able to exile you. Damn, Scarlet, your disappearance is something I’ve always dreamed of.” She ended the link with a cold, sinister laugh, her words dripping with venom.