The Alpha's Cruel Game

The bonfire at the birthday party burned dazzlingly bright.

I leaned against a stone pillar in the corner while listening to the pack members whisper among themselves.

"Alpha Erwin really does dote on Alyssa. It's only a birthday party, but he's spending a fortune."

"Of course. I heard Alyssa once saved his life."

"Compared to Lara, this must feel like true love."

Their gossip reached my ears clearly.

Expressionless, I took a sip of water and forced myself to endure the pain brought on by the curse.

When the party reached the gift-giving part, Alyssa stood in the center. She was surrounded like the moon among stars.

The gifts Erwin presented were each more extravagant than the last. There were limited-edition fur garments, custom-made jewelry, and territory deeds.

"Thank you all for the gifts." Alyssa smiled sweetly. Her gaze suddenly landed on me in the corner. "But it seems someone still hasn't given me a present."

Every eye turned toward me. I tightened my grip on the glass in my hand until my knuckles turned white.

"Forget it, I won't make things hard for you." Alyssa waved her hand as if being generous, but her gaze fixed on my neck. "That emerald necklace you're wearing is quite pretty. Why don't you give it to me as a birthday gift?"

I subconsciously reached for the necklace.

Years ago, Erwin had given it to me. He said it was a family heirloom that was meant only for the future Luna.

That day, he had knelt on one knee and promised to love me for the rest of his life.

Now that I thought about it, it was nothing but a carefully planned lie.

"Alright." Calmly, I unclasped the necklace and handed it to Alyssa.

Erwin's expression instantly darkened.

"So whatever Alyssa wants, you'll give it to her?" His voice was as cold as ice.

I looked at the necklace in my hand and suddenly laughed.

Right. I was about to die anyway. What was there I couldn't give?

"Yes." I lifted my head and looked straight into Erwin's eyes. "Whatever Alyssa wants, she can have it."

A strange flash of anger flickered in Erwin's eyes.

"Good," he sneered. "Just in time. Alyssa healed my wolf spirit using her life. Why don't you give Alyssa some of your life force to extend hers?"

I froze.

"N-No!" Alyssa suddenly grabbed Erwin's arm in a panic. "I don't want her giving me her life force! I just want to spend the rest of my days happily with you.

"Besides, you still hold a grudge against Lara. She's filthy. I don't want to touch anything that carries a dirty smell."

Only then did Erwin's expression soften. He gently ran his fingers through Alyssa's hair. "You're right. She's too filthy. She's not worthy of giving her life force to you."

When it came time to cut the meat for the celebration, Alyssa closed her eyes to make a wish while the crowd started cheering.

"Kiss! Kiss!"

Amid the cheers, Erwin lowered his head and kissed Alyssa.

The kiss was deep and lingering. Alyssa wrapped her arms around his neck. She was practically hanging off him.

I turned around to leave, but my body was too weak. I staggered.

Leaning against the wall, I slowly walked toward the exit. The crowd's teasing chants still echoed in my ears.

After leaving the party venue, I felt the cold night breeze against my skin. Without realizing it, I walked to the edge of a cliff.

Under the moonlight, the cliff was wrapped in drifting mist. It was beautiful.

As I stood at the edge, I suddenly felt a force pushing me from behind.

Splash!

I didn't fall off a cliff. I plunged into the icy lake below.

One of Alyssa's maids had followed me out without me noticing and shoved me into the deep pool beneath the cliff.

The freezing water instantly swallowed me.

I didn't struggle. I let myself slowly sink.

Water filled my nostrils and mouth. The suffocating sensation spread through me. Strangely, it brought relief.

Erwin and Alyssa were still locked in a passionate kiss until a scream suddenly came from outside the hall.

"Someone drowned! Someone jumped into the lake!"