Chapter 1: Cold winter

Erza POV

Winter is coming, and I've been looking for a warm coat in my wardrobe, but there's nothing there. All I have is a bunch of old, colorful clothes that my cousin left behind. I hesitated momentarily and then put on a simple hoodie and jeans. I hope it helps me through the harsh winter.

"Hurry up, stupid!" A bitter voice resounded above my head.

I didn't need to look to know it was Erina, my cousin. She stood before me, wearing a new warm coat she had just bought a few days ago.

I should introduce myself a bit. I'm the daughter of a famous Beta, but that's a thing of the past. My parents died in a war 15 years ago, and I was sent to my uncle's house, living with their family to this day.

"Stay away! You are standing in my way, loser.” Erina annoyedly kicked me in the back, and I almost fell into the closet.

As she left, I raised my head and stood up, brushing the dust off my body. I'm used to this, so it's not enough to hurt me anymore. I went downstairs and saw Alfine and Erina sitting at the dining table. Alfine and Erina are twins, but they don't look alike.

Erina has dark eyes and yellow hair, while Alfine has blue eyes and black hair.

I sat down at the table, stomach rumbling, gulping at the sight of Erina and Alfine's hearty morning, and then looked again disappointedly at my portion. I only have one apple, and it's half spoiled.

But my hunger is coming, and I can't wait any longer. I opened my mouth to bite the apple when suddenly a slap like heaven landed on my face. I did somersaults and hit the wall pretty hard, my spine slamming into the ground, causing me to groan in pain.

No one came to help or worry about me, and around me, Erina's amused laughter and Alfine's dispassionate mocking eyes, they thought I deserved it.

“You are so rude; you should at least greet me before starting your meal, ungrateful bastard. I don't understand how it was possible to raise someone like you all these years." Blake's harsh voice resounded; he was my uncle.

It took me a few minutes to adjust the status. Then I put my hands on the floor, forced myself to stand, and whispered with a frown. "I'm sorry; I don't see you."

Blake got even angrier after hearing that; he slammed his hand on the table, causing the table to crack a zigzag line. “Who taught you how to argue with me?”

"Sorry, I'll pay attention next time." I actively admit fault. I know that Blake is a highly hot-tempered person; if I argue back, my results will be even direr than now.

Erina raised her eyes at me, poking her fork into the bacon. “So frustrating! Breakfast was also not good. Why do I have to see this hateful face every morning?"

I bit my lip, wanting to go to the bathroom, but Blake yelled sternly. "Sit down! I haven't finished eating yet, but you dare to go?"

Reluctantly, I had to go back to the dining table and eat my apple. I should have been able to enjoy the sweetness of this apple, but now I can only feel the smell of blood filling my mouth and rushing up my nose after every opening of my mouth.

Blake was so used to this that he looked at me scornfully and then said. “We are going to eat tonight at a restaurant; you take care of yourself.”

I nodded, determined I had to fast tonight. I have no money, and Blake won't leave me any leftovers in the house.

"Talk! You are not mute.” Blake shouted impatiently.

"Yes." I tried to suppress the pain, but as soon as I opened my mouth, the corner of my mouth ripped open, a dull pain running through my body.

After I had eaten my morning, I still had to sit and wait for Blake to finish eating before I was allowed to leave. As soon as he got up, I rushed to the bathroom. I spat out a mouthful of blood and my broken tooth. Next, I rinsed my mouth to get rid of the blood, but the taste lingered on my tongue's tip.

I threw the tooth in the trash; it was no big deal; in a few days, my teeth would grow back; that's the advantage of werewolves; healing is speedy.

Putting my bag on my shoulder, I waited for the car to start before I dared to go out. Every morning Blake would drive Erina and Alfine to school. Although the vehicle has an empty seat, it has never been reserved for me. They would be embarrassed to go to school with someone like me.

Everyone was already in class when I got to school; the schoolyard was empty. I like that; I always choose this time to appear because I wouldn't say I want people's glares and whispers.

It's funny to admit that I am a failure. My father is a Beta; my mother is a mighty warrior. Together, they created many achievements that later generations feared to discuss. But their only daughter, me, doesn't even have a wolf of my own.

The other werewolves, my peers, had their wolf at nine. And I'm 17 years old now. That's why Blake, Erina, and Alfine hate me so much. Blake is a Delta, and he's as brave as anyone; he's one of the strongest of the pack. Erina and Alfine also inherited the warrior blood from him; they can transform early and are extremely powerful.

I sighed and crept into the classroom. I can only take theory sessions, but I have to sit back in class when they are training. Like now, everyone has gathered in the school's typical house. I looked in the direction everyone was training; I wished I could be like them. But that was just a dream.

The pain all over my body makes me tired; I put my hands under my head and lie on the table. Drowsiness quickly swallowed me, and I laughed softly; I only felt relieved and happy when I slept.