

A Family in Pieces
I plan a family trip at my mother Lucia Sweeney's request. While avoiding the danger zones, my sister Linda Harper and I are ambushed by rogues. To protect her, I throw myself in the path of their claws and get driven into a silver mine. As I fall, my back is slashed open to the bone, and shards of silver embed deep into my right leg. The searing silver poison spreads quickly, burning through me and my wolf. My wolf is whimpering—she's close to death. However, as the pack's chief healer, Mom gathers all the healers around Linda to give her a full check-up over a few minor scrapes. I sob and beg her to save me first. 'Mom, the poison has almost reached my heart. I can't hold on anymore.' She turns around impatiently and yells, 'Are you seriously still fighting with Linda now? Do you have any idea how close she came to getting clawed in the face by a silver claw? Our pack doesn't have a wolf as heartless as you!' And in that moment, I hear my wolf's final whimper, saying goodbye. I finally fall asleep in the cold wind, never waking up again.Chapter 1 Chapter 1
My soul drifted out of my body five minutes before I died. I floated into the pack's healing center. My mom, Lucia Sweeney's, face was twisted with worry as she prayed. "Linda, don't scare me… Please open your eyes. You're breaking my heart…" Meanwhile, my dad, Marvin Harper, was seething. His fury burned through the tent. "If Connie had protected her, Linda wouldn't be lying here! I swear I'll tear her apart later!" I stood quietly nearby, a dull ache swelling in my chest. Was blaming me the only thing Dad ever knew how to do? There was barely any skin left on me. What more punishment could he possibly want? A few healers discussed quietly at Linda Harper's bedside. Once they confirmed she only had a few scrapes and no broken bones, one of the elder healers spoke up carefully. "Chief Healer Lucia, Connie is suffering from silver poisoning, and her condition seems critical. Should we…" Mom's gentle expression instantly twisted into disgust. "Is she putting on that pathetic act again to win sympathy? How dare she play the victim after what she did to Linda?" she snapped, cutting him off. A tide of grievance surged through me, tightening my chest even in my soul form. I was her daughter, too. Was I really that unworthy of her concern? Just then, Mom reached out to me through the mind-link. She rushed to speak before the mind-link could even fully establish. What came through wasn't comfort or concern, just her familiar, cold reprimand. "Connie, you've been missing ever since Linda got admitted to the healing center. As her sister, you didn't even come to take care of her. Do you feel no guilt at all?" At that moment, my heart completely went cold. She didn't even notice how weak our link was. I was dying, and all she cared about was her beloved youngest daughter. I knew she had always wished I had never existed. When they carried me back to the pack, I had been whispering my pleas in the snow, "Mom, I'm not gonna make it… Please save me…" However, all she did was toss out a cruel, heartless remark. "Are you seriously still fighting with Linda now? Do you have any idea how close she came to getting clawed in the face by a silver claw?" Then, she turned her back on me and led all the healers straight to Linda. How could she ever have time to love me? Eyes red-rimmed, the trainee healer tending to me finally broke down and called for Mom. "Chief Healer Lucia, Connie is really not going to make it. Her wolf is fading…" Mom scoffed. "What kind of spell did she put on you to play along with her act? I didn't even know she was capable of manipulating others like this." Linda had never actually passed out. Just then, she opened her eyes slowly and spoke in a weak voice. "Dad, how's Connie?" Mom's gaze softened with pity the moment she saw Linda lying there, fragile and considerate. However, her voice was as sharp and cold as a blade when she talked to me through the mind-link. "Connie, can't you be more like Linda? Even now, she's still worried about you! If you don't come and apologize in the next three minutes, don't bother calling me 'Mom' again!" With that, she cut the link without warning. Her chest was heaving with anger. Dad's face twisted with resentment. "Why even bother calling her here? Hasn't she done enough to hurt Linda already?" On the bed, Linda lowered her head with a falsely guilty look. She secretly hid the faint, triumphant curve of her lips. "Dad, Mom, please don't be mad… Connie only resents me because I took her spot to study in Centrill City. She has every right to blame me…" I sneered. Even with me on the brink of death, Linda still couldn't resist stabbing me one last time to sow discord. However, I knew that my parents would never see past her fake smile. To them, Linda would always be the perfect, obedient daughter. She was the one worthy of everything. They would never know the truth. That ambush, the route we took, and how we ended up near the silver mine were all part of Linda's plan.
Chapter 2 Chapter 2
To my family, all they lost was just a burden. As for me, I lost my life and wolf in the face of their indifference. Just as expected, Mom's face instantly turned cold when my name was mentioned again. "What was the point of sending a selfish werewolf like her to study healing back then? She probably came back from Centrill City with a twisted mind!" On the bed, Linda wore an obedient expression. She said softly, "Don't be angry, Mom. It's bad for your health. Connie always has her own thoughts. I'm sure she had her reasons." Mom gently stroked her head. "Linda, you're just too kind. That's why Connie keeps bullying you and stealing your opportunity." Linda always knew how to act thoughtful and sensible—that was how she won all their love. I knew it all too well. My wolf was already dead now. But even if I kneeled before them and rasped out how Linda had lured me into a silver mine and pushed me toward the rogues, they would only sneer and slap me across the face. They would just say, "What nonsense are you spouting now? You're just jealous of Linda's talent and luck." I had heard those words far too many times in the past 20 years. Just then, my brother, Nathan Harper, stormed in. He was a warrior of the pack and had just returned from the warzone near the border. The moment he entered, he ran straight to Linda's side and anxiously checked her condition. He let out a long sigh of relief after confirming that her wounds were just superficial. "I've said before that Connie is nothing but a curse on this family! Ever since Linda was born, she's been suffering at Connie's hands!" Linda nestled into his arms and spoke in a coquettish tone. "It's okay, Nathan. Even if Connie did push me toward the silver mine pit, I'm sure she didn't mean it…" At her words, the entire healing center erupted in gasps. Dad's roar was like thunder. "What? Did she push you into a silver mine pit? How could she be so vicious to her own sister?" Mom's nails dug deep into her palms. She gritted out, "I can't believe I gave birth to such a vicious daughter. I won't let this slide. If she ever touches you again, I'll see to it that she's exiled from this pack!" Hatred surged in Nathan's eyes. It looked like he might draw his silver blade and slice me apart the next second. "She's already hurt you once. Yet, now she's trying for a second time? Maybe it's time she learned what exile feels like." When Linda heard that, her eyes flickered. She realized she'd gone too far. Biting her lip, she quickly added softly, "Dad, Mom, Nathan, don't be mad at her. I must've been mistaken. Connie would never hurt me. She's my sister…" Her tone trembled at the end. It made her sound like the innocent, loving sister who just wanted to protect me. Nathan gently patted her shoulder. "You're just too kind. We're so lucky to have you. You're the Moon Goddess' greatest gift to our family. Alright, we'll do as you say. Let's just focus on your recovery." The golden sunset poured through the healing center's windows, wrapping the four of them in warm light. Watching that perfect family scene, I felt like nothing more than an outsider. I was never a part of this family. I didn't belong in that warmth. I tried to speak, but no one could hear me. I wanted to run, but my soul was still bound to Mom. I could only watch in silence as they repeatedly shamed me.
Chapter 3 Chapter 3
Linda was discharged a few days later. She had fully recovered under the family's attentive care. On the other hand, they didn't spare me a single glance, although I was right next door, poisoned by silver. Mom had packed Linda's bags early that morning. Dad parked the SUV right outside the tent so she wouldn't catch a chill on her way out. Even the usually composed Nathan crouched down to help her put on her shoes, unwilling to let her bend over. On the way home, Mom was still fuming. "Connie's heartless! She hasn't shown up once to visit Linda. She even blocked our mind-link! What kind of sister acts like that? Just wait till we get home—I'll skin her alive!" Dad shot her a cold glance. "I told you long ago that she's nothing but trouble. I'll make sure she learns her lesson." My chest tightened at the word "lesson". Memories came flooding back like a tidal wave. Mom had always favored Linda. Everything good went to her, while I was left with nothing. All of that was because I had accidentally knocked over a candle holder that winter night. The commotion startled Mom and sent her into early labor. Linda was born into the dead of winter, barely clinging to life. Her frail little body lay unconscious for three full days before her heartbeat finally stabilized. When she woke up, the healer said she'd likely never have her wolf. Everyone said Linda was born without a wolf because of me. Dad was furious back then. He dragged me away from the doorway and slapped me so hard my ears rang. Blood oozed from my ruptured eardrum. "You jinx! Your sister nearly died the moment she was born, all because of you!" Mom's eyes were filled with disappointment and disgust. She looked at me as if I were just a mistake that never should've been born. Later, when I entered the Wolf Academy, I once got into a fight with Linda over a coat made of snow badger fur. Dad lashed me three times using a whip laced with silver powder. I couldn't get out of bed for three days after that. That coat had been one of Dad's gifts after a trip, something he'd picked up for me casually. On the other hand, Linda's room was overflowing with rare furs. But still, she had to fight me for that one coat. In the struggle, she suddenly dropped to the ground and let out a piercing scream. Tears streamed down her face instantly. Mom rushed in and pulled her into her arms. She snapped, "Connie! Do you know how much Linda has suffered since the day she was born? What are you trying to do to her now?""I didn't…" My voice trembled. I tried to explain, but Linda gently tugged at Mom's sleeve and squeezed out a few more tears. "Don't blame Connie, Mom. It's my fault. I have caused you so much trouble. I shouldn't have taken the coat from her…" Before she finished, Dad grabbed me and slammed me to the ground. He roared, "A cold-blooded thing like you doesn't deserve to live in this loving family!" I cried and begged him to stop. But the more I cried, the more he was convinced that I felt no remorse. His claws landed harder and harder. Mom and Nathan stood at a distance, their faces indifferent. It was as if I weren't part of the family, just a filthy rogue they didn't recognize. I couldn't even tell how long the beating lasted. Everything had turned blurry and dark. From that day on, everyone believed Linda whenever she cried. It didn't matter what she said. They would just blame me when she said, "It was Connie." I didn't dare fight for their affection or defend myself. I didn't even dare take a single step toward Mom. Even now, they were still showering Linda with love, as if nothing had happened. They just left me in some forgotten corner.
Chapter 4 Chapter 4
Linda sank onto the couch the moment she stepped inside the house. When she complained that she was hungry, Nathan immediately rushed into the kitchen. He said he'd personally cook her a nutritious meal himself to help her recover. Nathan always took pride in his "warrior dignity" and never set foot in the kitchen. Yet now, he was holding his phone and scrolling through recipes. He was worried that Linda hadn't fully healed or had caught a chill somewhere. Dad took out a limited-edition dress embroidered with rubies. He said it was a "recovery gift" for Linda. Meanwhile, Mom had redecorated Linda's entire room with moonlight grass and fresh flowers, hoping the cozy scene would lift her spirits. As for Linda, she was simply lounging comfortably on the couch, holding up the dress against herself. Yet, even that tiny motion made everyone tense, afraid she might get hurt. My soul came back with her, too. This house was full of all my memories, but it felt cold and biting now. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I recognized the scent. It was my mate, Evan Davidson. Clad in his warrior uniform, he walked through the door carrying a small bag of supplements. He walked straight to Linda and said with concern, "Lucia, I heard that Linda was discharged today. I brought her something to nourish her body." Linda immediately put away the dress and put on a coy look. "Evan, you didn't have to. I'm already feeling much better…" Evan nodded gently. His tender expression was so different from the cold, distant look he always gave me. My heart ached in a way I couldn't put into words. Suddenly, he asked, "Where is Connie?" If he hadn't mentioned me, I think this family would've erased my name from their memory by now. Mom's expression turned grim. "Don't bring up that heartless daughter of mine. After I scolded her that day, she stormed off in a huff. Fine! If she loves the life of a rogue so much, then let her stay out there forever and die!" Evan nodded in agreement. "Right. We wouldn't want to disrupt Linda's recovery." Nathan came out of the kitchen, carrying a bowl of spirit fruit salad. He chuckled and said half-jokingly, "So, have you decided when you're dissolving the mate bond with Connie? If some strong, handsome werewolf snatches up Linda, you'll regret it for the rest of your life." Evan's cheeks flushed as he whispered, "I came to check on Linda today, but I was also planning to talk about that." Bitterness spread in my chest. I gave a bitter smile and turned away, unwilling to witness any more of this. I should have been used to not being needed or cherished, shouldn't I? That night, Mom's mood suddenly turned gloomy. She walked into her bedroom alone, checking her phone over and over again. I walked closer to look. She'd been trying to reach me through calls and messages. When I didn't answer, she began calling my name repeatedly through the mind-link. "Connie, stop this…" However, I couldn't respond, no matter how many times she tried connecting with me. In a sudden fit of rage, she hurled the phone at the ground and shouted, "How dare you ignore me? Do you really think I'd worry about you?" I wanted so much to tell Mom that I was dead. That was why I couldn't pick up the phone or answer our mind-link connection. Mom didn't sense any of this. Still unwilling to give up, she dialed a number again. On the other end was the trainee healer who once looked after me. Mom gritted her teeth and demanded, "Is Connie hiding with you? Tell her that faking her death and disappearing won't work! As long as she apologizes to Linda, I might be willing to accept her back into this family." There was a pause on the other end. "Chief Healer Lucia, Connie was declared dead five days ago. The silver poison had reached her heart that day. And, since you summoned all the healers to Linda's tent, no one was left to save her."
