"Move out of the way, useless rat."
That was the first thing I heard when I walked into the living room. Cory didn't even look at me. He pushed past me so hard, I almost dropped the glass in my hands.
I stayed quiet.
"Don't just stand there like a lost cow. Clean up the damn dishes," my mother snapped from the couch.
"I just woke up," I said softly.
"Then wake up earlier and be useful for once," she said without even looking at me.
My father was in his usual seat, scrolling through his phone. He didn't say anything. He never did. He always let them treat me like trash, acting like I wasn't even there.
"You heard her, dishwasher. Get to it," Cory said, dropping his dirty clothes by my feet. "And don't forget my laundry. It stinks."
I stood still and clenched my fists. "I'm not your maid."
"What did you say?" Cory turned fast.
"I said I'm not—"
Before I could finish, my mother stood up and slapped me hard across the face. I stumbled back, my heart beating fast.
"Don't you dare talk back to your brother," she growled.
"I'm twenty-two, Mother," I said, my voice shaking. "I'm not a child anymore—"
"Then act like an adult and do your job," my father said coldly, still not looking at me. "And stop whining like some pathetic mutt."
I stood there, unable to breathe. My cheek burned from the slap, while my throat hurt from all the words I had kept inside me for years.
I didn't say anything else. I just walked away.
Inside my room, I slammed the door and leaned against it. My chest hurt, but no tears came out. I was used to this.
Too used to it. They never treated me like I belonged. Not in this family, and not in this pack. I was just a burden. Not a daughter.
No birthday parties, no hugs and no one to hold me when I cried. They just keep shouting, punishing me, while I remain silent. After a while, I calmed down like I always did.
Because the anger never lasted.
So I hurriedly washed Cory's clothes, cleaned the bathroom, wiped the kitchen, and mopped the floors.
When I was done, I came back to the living room, but the smell of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil hit me hard making my stomach growl in hunger, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since yesterday.
I stood by the frame of the door, watching my stepmother and brother munching on their food, while I got nothing.
There were boxes of lo mein, sweet, sour chicken, and spring rolls, half-eaten, and everywhere was now oily, and looking messy. I'm so sure they'd be expecting me to clean that up after such a mess.
I didn't ask for any. I knew I wouldn't get any even if I did, so it's of no use. Just as I turned to return to my room, "Aria," my father called.
I stopped and turned slowly.
He pulled out a wrinkled dollar note from his wallet. "Get my smokes. And that cheap bourbon with the red label."
That was all. No thank you. No food. Just another errand.
"Okay," I said quietly but weakly, taking the money.
They looked almost relieved when I opened the door. Like my being there ruined their dinner.
Outside, the breeze was cool. I walked to the supermarket, dragging my weak body along. It was the only place I could go where I felt a little safe.
Elder Rosa owned it, and she was the only person who didn't treat me like I was trash.
The West Regional Pack was big and respected. But not me.
I was the weak one. The twenty-two-year-old omega who never shifted. No wolf. No power. No future.
No one knew why.
I wasn't hurt. I wasn't cursed, but I just never shifted.
Which made me nothing. Not even someone worth mating. Not even someone worth noticing.
When I entered the store, the cashier looked at me like I had brought in dirt.
"You're back again?" she said.
"Just the usual," I replied, putting the dollar on the counter.
She sighed loudly and checked the money like it might be fake. I didn't say anything. I was used to this too already.
As I picked up the small bag and turned to leave, I saw Rosa come in through the glass doors.
Her face lit up when she saw me.
"Well, look who finally came outside," she said with a smile.
I gave her a small smile. "Didn't really have a choice."
She laughed and gave me a gentle hug. "Still stubborn. How have you been?"
"The same."
She looked at me for a moment, like she could see all the pain I tried to hide. Maybe she could.
"Come with me. Let's talk," she said, guiding me into her small office.
I didn't argue. Her kindness was the only real one I knew.
"It will all be over soon, Aria," she said softly, watching me closely.
"People always say that," I said. My voice cracked. "But what if it never ends? What if this is all I ever have?"
"It won't last. I see something more for you."
"I don't." I looked down, fidgeting on my fingers. "Even my mother says I don't belong in the West Regional Pack. I believe her."
"She's wrong."
"No, I think she's right. I'm not a wolf, Rosa. I'm nothing."
Rosa's face changed. "Don't say that. You are more than what they say you are."
"No, I'm really not." I pulled away as tears rolled down my cheeks. I sniffled, trying to wipe my nose.
She tried to hold my hand, but I pulled away. "Let's not talk about this now."
She nodded and gave me a tissue. I took it and wiped my face.
"Alright. But I'm always here if you need me."
I didn't reply. I picked up the bag and walked toward the door.
Outside, I looked up at the sky. It was bright and peaceful. Not like me.
I was just a ghost in my own home. A forgotten daughter. A cursed girl as they say.
And maybe one day, the moon goddess will remember me.
And shift me out of this pain.