Chapter 3

Linda shrieked in terror, dropping the ink pad. It shattered on the floor, splashing red ink like a pool of fresh blood.

David stumbled back, crashing into the wardrobe.

"You... how are you awake?!" Linda pointed at me, her voice trembling.

I slowly sat up, my cold gaze sweeping over their panicked faces before landing on the paper with the partial thumbprint.

"A Destiny Swap Contract?" I read the words aloud, a mocking smile playing on my lips. "You sneaked into my room in the middle of the night just to make me sign this?"

Linda recovered quickly. She snatched the paper, trying to hide it behind her back.

"Emma, let me explain. You know Isabella's situation. She needs a stronger destiny to match Alpha Henry. I had no choice. Can't you just do this for your sister?"

She fell to her knees by my bed, tears streaming down her face.

"I raised you myself. How could I want to force you? But Isabella... she can't lose everything!"

*Calm her down first. Once she softens, we'll bind her and take her to the witch tomorrow.*

Watching her Oscar-worthy performance, I felt sick to my stomach.

"Do this for her? By giving up my own destiny?" I asked coldly.

David's face darkened, and he took a harsh tone.

"What do you mean 'your destiny'? A destiny swap won't kill you! We've raised you for twenty-two years, fed you, and clothed you. Now that the family needs you, what's wrong with making a small sacrifice?"

"A small sacrifice?" I scoffed. "Your idea of a sacrifice is drugging me and trying to force my thumbprint while I'm unconscious?"

I threw off the covers, walked to my desk, and picked up the glass vial containing the soup.

"This vial contains the soup you fed me tonight. If I take this to the Werewolf Council for testing, guess what will happen? Drugging, coercion, and conspiring with dark witches to swap destinies... how many packs do you think will banish you for these crimes?"

Linda and David's faces drained of color.

"You... you dare threaten us?!" David snarled, his finger shaking as he pointed at me.

"Try me."

I met his gaze without a hint of fear, refusing to back down.

The air in the room froze.

Seeing that force wouldn't work, Linda tried to play the emotional card again.

"Emma, don't be so heartless! We are your parents! If you report us, where will you go? No pack will ever accept an outcast like you!"

*This little bitch dares to threaten me! Once this is over, I'll make her pay!*

Staring at her fake, pleading face, the last shred of familial affection in my heart shattered.

"Parents? The moment you decided to use me as a destiny vessel for Isabella, we ceased to be family."

I pointed at the door. "Now, get out."

David exploded in rage. He lunged forward, raising his hand to strike me.

"You ungrateful brat! I'll beat some respect into you tonight!"

I didn't flinch. I just stared at him coldly.

"Go ahead. Hit me. But I promise you, if you touch me tonight, this recording and this vial of evidence will be on the Elders' desks by tomorrow morning."

I pointed toward the bed.

I knew he wouldn't dare kill me.

He still needed me alive to swap destinies with his golden daughter.

David's hand froze in mid-air, unable to come down.

Linda grabbed David's arm, glaring at me with venomous eyes.

"Fine. You think you're so smart. You think these cheap tricks can threaten us? Let me tell you, Isabella's marriage is set. Alpha Henry has already agreed to the alliance. If you ruin this, I will make your life a living hell!"

"We'll see about that."

I walked over and flung the door open.

"Get out."

Linda and David slunk out of the room like scolded dogs.

The moment the door slammed shut, all my strength vanished. I slid down against the door, collapsing onto the floor.

I hugged my knees tightly, burying my face in my arms.

I didn't cry. I just felt cold.

Bone-chillingly cold.

***