"Evelyn..." Kael's voice was surprisingly hesitant. "Are you really giving Gritte everything? Your company... even your personal lands?"

This was my former mate, the man who had always insisted Gritte deserved more. And now he was hesitating?

My father broke the silence, his voice full of approval. "Evelyn, you've finally become the kind of sister you were always meant to be!"

"I'm so relieved to see you're not so selfish anymore."

Asher offered me a smile he hadn't given me in years. "Yes, Evelyn. Family is supposed to take care of each other. I'm glad you finally understand that."

Their joy should have sliced me to the bone, but by now, I only felt a hollow numbness.

Would they still be so pleased when the truth finally came out?

Then, a trickle of black blood, flecked with silver, oozed from my nose, instantly staining my white shirt a deep crimson.

"Evelyn?!" My mother's voice was sharp with panic.

I wiped away the blood, my own voice surprisingly calm.

"Mom," I asked quietly, "if my wolf were to fade completely... would you even miss me?"

She recoiled as if I'd struck her. "Don't say such dreadful things! Your wolf is the strongest in this family."

Dad nodded, his attention already drifting back to Gritte. "Your mother's right. We should be worried about Gritte. Her wolf is the weakest."

Finn rushed to Gritte's side. "Exactly. Mom always recovers quickly, but Gritte needs our care."

Something inside me shattered.

I turned to Finn, my voice as soft as a whisper. "You've always wanted Gritte to take care of you, haven't you?"

A heavy silence fell.

"Congratulations. From now on, she's your surrogate mother. I'll never get in your way again."

Finn’s face lit up with pure joy. "Really? That's amazing, Mom! I can't believe you finally agree!"

I smiled gently. "Yes, Finn. From now on, you can call Gritte 'mother'. She'll always be with you."

His face lit up. "You're the best, Mom! I love you!" He eagerly planted a kiss on Gritte's cheek, his laughter echoing in the room like a victory cry.

My parents exchanged a look of smug satisfaction. Asher approvingly ruffled Finn's hair, while Kael fussed over Gritte as if she were a precious treasure.

I stood apart from them, an invisible ghost.

What a perfect family portrait—warm, whole, and united. And I was just the inconvenient shadow they were desperate to cut out.

So I left.