The Erased S-Rank Daughter Chapter 04

The Erased S-Rank Daughter Chapter 04

The day before departure, Mom called me into the living room.

“Audra, Moonridge Community College isn’t far from Pinehollow territory. You won’t need much. Three hundred dollars a month.”

My claws dug deep into my palms. I said nothing.

Then she turned to Maisie.

“Sweetheart, you’re fragile. I talked with your father–you’ll start with three thousand a month.”

“If you need more, just ask.”

Rafe looked up from his laptop.

“Maisie, I’ll send you two thousand a month. Spend it however you want.”

Maisie’s eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad… Thank you, Rafe.”

I just stood there watching them, as if I weren’t part of this family, as if we didn’t share the exact same blood.

Rafe glanced at me. “What do you think?”

“Sounds great.”

What else could I say?

Wolfcrest Academy had already promised me a full scholarship and free housing anyway. I didn’t need a single cent from them.

Rafe seemed satisfied with my answer. He ruffled my hair like patting a dog.

“That’s my girl. Audra, good.”

I swallowed my nausea and didn’t pull away.

The next morning, several elders and around twenty pack members gathered out front to see us off.

Maisie had ten suitcases.

I had a single backpack containing my Pack ID card and the wooden box holding my charred trophies.

“Oh, sweetheart, we’re so proud of you!”

The Second Elder stepped forward, leading his daughter Vela. “Thank you, Maisie, for giving us a chance to visit Silverfang Academy.”

“Luna, Vela is heading to Crownridge for school too. Maybe the girls can look out for each other.”

“Of course, mostly asking Maisie to keep an eye on Vela.”

Maisie gave a sweet nod.

“Of course! I’d love to show her around Silverfang Academy anytime. And I’m happy to share my hunting skills with Vela too.”

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed with a text from Maisie.

[You heard that? Get your notes ready right now, or I’m telling Rafe!]

Expressionless, I deleted the message.

I used to care. I used to crave their love.

Not anymore.

So why the hell should I let her threaten me?

They all piled into the cars, laughing and chatting.

Rafe paused and looked back at me.

“We’re taking Maisie to Silverfang Academy. Get yourself to Community College and don’t screw up, got it?”

I looked him dead in the eye. “Actually, I didn’t get into Silverfang Academy.”

He froze. His face flushed bright red. Claws dug into my arm as he dragged me aside.

“What the hell are you playing at?!” He narrowed his eyes, glaring down at me. “I filled out that application myself. Nice try. Do that again and you won’t see a single cent of your first allowance.”

Without waiting for a response, he left with the rest of them.

I smiled.

I warned him. It wasn’t my problem anymore.

He just didn’t listen.

I hailed a cab, swung my backpack over my shoulder, and headed for the airport.

The plane took off. I watched the Pinehollow Pack territory shrink beneath me.

Goodbye.

Hopefully, forever.

…

On orientation day, Maisie showed up at the Silverfang Academy gates in a puffy princess dress. The entire pack paraded behind her like a victory march.

“Woah, look at that silver wolf statue… It’s taller than the Pack Hall! Are these the gates of Silverfang Academy? So grand!”

“Of course. Silverfang Academy and Wolfcrest Academy are the two top schools on the continent.”

“God, even the patrol guards at the gate are high-ranking wolves. If I could study here, I’d die happy.”

“Right? Quick, take a picture of me!”

Maisie puffed her chest out with pride, acting as if she were already a student here.

Rafe stepped forward and threw an arm around her shoulders.

“This is it. You’re going to school here now. But you need to take care of yourself first, alright?”

Maisie blinked and nodded obediently.

A student volunteer strolled over. “Hey! What’s your major?”

Maisie answered quickly, “Botany.”

“Got it, over that way,” he pointed. “Follow me.”

“Thank you!”

Maisie strutted through campus, taking in every single detail.

Wealthy werewolf students. Expensive clothes and bags. Silver-gray academy towers piercing the sky.

Yeah. Stealing my life was definitely the best decision she ever made.

Mom suddenly glanced around. “Wait, who’s helping Audra move?”

Rafe shrugged. “That college isn’t far. She’s fine. Maisie matters more.”

Mom thought for a second. “True.”

Rafe pulled out his phone and shot me a text.

[How’s the move going? Don’t be mad at me. You owe Maisie–you know that.]

He stared at the screen.

And kept staring.

I always replied instantly.

This was the first time I didn’t.

“Rafe! Hurry up!”

Maisie’s voice snapped him back to reality. He closed his phone, completely forgetting about it.

They walked up to the Botany registration booth.

“Hi! I’m here to register!” Maisie’s heart thundered, her wolf barely suppressing a howl of excitement.

The she-wolf attendant behind the booth smiled. “Sure thing. Name and major?”

Maisie answered promptly, “Audra Keene. Botany.”

The attendant turned to her computer screen.

Then her smile faded.