They Called Me Useless—Until the Full Moon Came

Chapter 2

I helped my mother home, only to be told at the door that the house had been taken back.

"The princess has ordered you both exiled to the Northern Wilds."

I stared at the messenger. "The Wilds?"

It was the most dangerous place in werewolf territory. Wild beasts roamed everywhere, and traps laid by the Hunters littered the forest. Werewolves exiled there almost never came back alive.

More importantly, exile to the Wilds was a punishment reserved for criminals.

Elena was clearly trying to humiliate us.

At that moment, Elena stood high on the battlements and used magical energy to carry her voice across the territory.

"You two never belonged here. You should be grateful we let you live this long. The Wilds are where you belong! Under my rule, this clan respects strength and nothing else. Anyone useless will be banished!"

The werewolves erupted in cheers.

"Great. Two fewer burdens means two more rations for the rest of us."

"Exactly. Our chances of surviving the winter just went up."

*****

Their laughter sent a chill straight through me.

'All these years I've spent giving everything to the werewolf clan were nothing but a joke!'

I helped my mother into the Wilds. Fog hung thick between the trees, cold wind cut through us, and every step was a struggle.

My mother slowly opened her eyes. Leaning against my shoulder, she sighed. "Elena is young and spoiled. She doesn't understand what is at stake. Once the Wolf King wakes and learns what happened, he will set things right for us."

I shook my head. "Mom, it has been 100 years. We have already done more than enough."

Long ago, the Wolf King had saved us when we were injured. In return, we agreed to brew enchanted potions for the werewolf clan, stabilize the werewolf bloodline, and gradually erase the feral instincts rooted deep inside them.

For more than 100 years, I had poured my magical energy into brewing those potions day after day, keeping the entire clan at peace.

They had taken that peace for granted, then turned around and called me useless dead weight.

'If that's how they feel, why should I keep caring about them?'

I led my mother away. We moved slowly, one careful step at a time.

The moon shimmered in a puddle at my feet.

I looked up at the moon hidden behind the dark clouds.

'The full moon is almost here. This time, no one will be able to save them.'