Chapter 5

Erwin suddenly pushed Alyssa out of his arms. His eyes searched wildly through the crowd for a familiar figure.

She wasn't there. He couldn't see her anywhere.

His heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand. His breathing stalled for a moment.

"Where's Lara?" He grabbed a maid by the collar. His voice was terrifyingly hoarse.

The maid trembled and pointed toward the lake. "I-I think I saw her heading that way."

Erwin ran toward the lake like a mad wolf. He didn't even take off his fur coat before jumping straight into the icy water.

The light underwater was dim. He forced his eyes open and searched desperately. Finally, he saw a familiar figure at the bottom of the lake.

I saw him.

Through the water, our eyes met briefly.

There was no fear in my eyes. There wasn't hatred either. There was only a calmness that felt almost like relief.

Erwin's heart suddenly sank.

He understood I didn't want to live anymore.

Just as he was about to reach me, Alyssa's heart-wrenching cry suddenly came from above.

"Erwin! Save me! I can't swim!"

Erwin froze.

He looked back at Alyssa, who had somehow fallen into the water, and at me again. My eyes were already closed.

After hesitating for a second, he turned around and swam toward Alyssa.

My consciousness slowly faded.

I didn't feel pain. I only felt cold.

'This is fine too,' I thought.

There were only four days left anyway. Dying sooner or later made no difference.

But fate seemed determined to oppose me.

When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I saw was Erwin's dark expression.

He raised a hand and grabbed me by my throat. His voice was cold. "Lara! You tried to end your life during the party! Were you trying to ruin Alyssa's birthday party on purpose to get my attention, or did you really want to die?"

I forced a smile. "I wish for death every moment. Don't you already know that?"

Erwin's grip tightened, and his jaws were clenched tightly. "Don't even think about it! With so many guards and healers watching you in this pack, even if you reach the gates of hell, I'll drag you back!"

There was a nearly obsessive madness in his voice. "Without my permission, you'll never die! Remember this, Lara. You will stay by my side forever and suffer!"

The lack of air blurred my vision. Only when I was about to suffocate did Erwin finally release his grip.

"You ruined Alyssa's birthday party, so you'll compensate her with a marking ceremony tomorrow. You should prepare it personally. If you disappoint me again, you know the consequences!" he uttered.

I coughed so violently it felt like my lungs would burst, yet I still answered, "Alright."

Erwin seemed even angrier and slammed the door as he left.

The next day, their marking ceremony took place.

Alyssa wore the Luna's gown I had always dreamed of. She was smiling brightly.

"Alyssa," Erwin said as he knelt on one knee at the center of the altar. He retrieved a dazzling ring from a wooden box. "Will you become my mate? I will love you and treat you well for the rest of our time together."

His voice was unbelievably gentle, and his gaze was fixed on Alyssa.

The pack members immediately started cheering.

"Say yes! Say yes!"

I stood at the very back of the crowd while clapping mechanically along with everyone else.

"Say yes."

Alyssa's face was filled with happiness. She was about to answer, but for some unknown reason, Erwin suddenly withdrew the ring.

From the corner of his eye, he subconsciously glanced in my direction. When he saw my expressionless face, his expression darkened further.

Under everyone's confused gazes, he looked away and turned back to Alyssa with a gentle smile.

"Alyssa, since you hesitated and haven't made up your mind yet, we'll talk about it next time.

"Next time, I'll personally prepare an even grander marking ceremony."