Chapter 3

It turned out that Chloe had immediately posted my thesis on the Academy of Wolf Scholars' forum to show off, and my mentor happened to see it.

My mentor had always valued my research on Moonstone Healing Potions. He'd even personally helped me refine my thesis, so the moment Chloe posted it, he immediately sensed something was wrong.

He challenged her in the comments section, asking detailed questions about the research methodology. Chloe couldn't answer a single question. The other scholars on the forum immediately became suspicious—what kind of researcher can't explain their own work?

Soon, accusations of plagiarism flooded the comment section.

"Chloe is devastated! She's fainted from crying multiple times! Elena, you're her older sister—how could you sabotage her like this? Apologize to her right now!"

Alpha Kael ignored my weakened state, yanking me out of bed and shoving me in front of Chloe.

My thoughts drifted. When exactly did his relationship with Chloe become so close?

Five years ago, when my family threw me out of the house, a storm was raging outside. I wandered through the rain in a daze, completely soaked.

That's when Alpha Kael appeared. The moment I saw him, my wounded wolf stirred with joy. The mate bond sang between us, telling me he was my fated mate.

He brought me to his villa, gave me dry clothes he'd just purchased, and made me hot coffee. He listened quietly as I poured out my heart about my family's unfair treatment.

He pitied what I'd endured and promised to cherish me forever. He also expressed clear dislike for Chloe, whom he'd never even met.

He despised anyone who had hurt me.

So when did that disgust transform into affection?

Was it when Chloe started hovering around him, calling him "Alpha Kael" in that sweet voice?

Or when she began crashing every date we had, clinging to his arm?

Or perhaps when they exchanged contact information and started messaging each other for hours every day through the pack mind-link?

My fated mate had become the devoted protector of the person I despised most.

Even though I'd accepted my approaching death with calm resignation, a sharp pain still pierced my heart.

But I was dying anyway. I might as well give them what they wanted.

I spoke flatly,

"You're right. It's my fault that the forum wolves are attacking you. I apologize. I'll post a confession online, telling everyone that I was the real plagiarist."

Everyone froze at my words, clearly shocked by my sudden compliance.

Mom's expression became complicated as she looked at me.

"You've finally learned to protect your sister. Seeing you two get along so well puts your father and me at ease."

Dad nodded with satisfaction.

"Elena, you've finally matured. If you continue being this understanding, your mother and I will love you too!"

A flash of guilt crossed Alpha Kael's eyes. He tried to comfort me,

"You're my mate. I'll protect you. Even if you can't continue at the Academy of Wolf Scholars, you'll still have a good life."

My face was deathly pale as I forced a weak smile, thinking:

There is no "later." Their love and protection are too heavy a burden. I can't bear them anymore.

Chloe activated her recording crystal, her tears looking perfectly pitiful for the camera.

"This thesis was written at home. I never imagined my sister would steal it and claim it as her own."

She turned the crystal toward me. Dad, Mom, and Alpha Kael all watched me tensely, afraid I might say the wrong thing.

I pulled my lips into a bitter smile and spoke to the recording crystal,

"She's telling the truth. I plagiarized Chloe's work and lied to my mentor, claiming I wrote it. I'm sorry!"

Everyone visibly relaxed.

Chloe quickly uploaded the video to the Academy forum. Within minutes, the comment section exploded with condemnation—all directed at me.

Chloe then posted a follow-up, pretending to defend me:

"Please stop attacking her. She's still my sister, after all. I've already forgiven her."

When the family wasn't looking, she shot me a triumphant glare, her voice dropping to a vicious whisper only I could hear through our sibling bond:

"What makes you think you can compete with me? Mom, Dad, even Alpha Kael—they all belong to me. Family love, romantic love—you don't deserve any of it!"