The Alpha's Cruel Game

When I opened my eyes, I realized I was lying in Erwin's guest room.

The wound on my forehead had already been bandaged, and my soaked clothes had been replaced with a clean fur robe.

I lifted a hand and touched my chest. I could barely feel the heartbeat of my wolf spirit.

Suddenly, the door swung open. A guard stood in the doorway and said coldly, "You're awake? Alpha Erwin said he and Alyssa are going to visit her parents today. You're to stay here and behave."

I didn't answer. I simply stared quietly out the window.

Today was the final day before my wolf spirit shattered completely. It was also the last day of my life.

With that thought in mind, I smiled.

Slowly, I sat up. My wolf spirit gave off a faint buzzing sound. It was like the final countdown.

"I want to go out," I said softly.

The guard frowned. "No. Alpha Erwin said–"

"I'm just going to buy a few things." I cut him off calmly. "You can come with me."

The guard hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

After all, Erwin had only told them to prevent me from killing myself. He never said I couldn't leave the house.

The sunlight felt great on my skin today. First, I went to a human portrait studio.

"A memorial portrait?" The artist looked at the young, beautiful shewolf in surprise. "Miss, are you sure?"

"Yes." I nodded and even smiled. "I'll need it today."

After the portrait was finished, I went to the cemetery and chose the simplest coffin and a burial plot.

The plot was right beside my parents' graves.

I lifted my hand and brushed my fingers across the two cold gravestones in front of me.

"Dad, Mom. I'll be there soon to keep you company."

Finally, I walked to the third empty grave. A coffin had already been placed inside it.

With a smile, I calmly lay down inside.

Sunlight fell across my pale face as I closed my eyes. I felt my wolf spirit growing weaker and weaker as the life-exchange curse took hold.

"Alpha," one of the guards said with a trembling voice as he called in. "Lara is lying in a coffin."

Erwin's cold voice came through the phone. "Put her on the line."

The guard held the phone to my ear.

"Lara, what game are you playing this time?" Erwin's voice carried suppressed anger. "Do you think lying in a coffin means you can kill yourself? What are you planning? Smashing your head against it, or suffocating yourself in there?

"I'll tell you this one last time. There are guards watching you. You'll never get to die."

I could feel my wolf spirit fading further and further as the curse fully took effect. Even breathing was becoming difficult.

I chuckled softly. "Erwin, you might be disappointed this time.

"I'm going to die, and you won't be able to stop it."

Erwin sneered. "Go ahead and try."

I slowly closed my eyes and smiled. "Then I'll try. Just watch."

Erwin's voice was still coming through the phone. He seemed to be mocking me about something, but I could no longer hear it.

My wolf spirit's heart stopped beating. My consciousness faded away.

The guards' pupils contracted in shock as they rushed forward in panic to check on me, only to realize that I was no longer breathing.

The sunlight still shone warmly across my peaceful face, as if I were only asleep.

This time, no one would be able to wake me again.