2

He started walking slowly toward me like he had all the time in the world. My breathing grew shallow as he got closer, my body pressed back against the men holding me. I tried to get away but failed.

He stopped right in front of me. Too close.

I could feel his presence, his heat, the sheer weight of him. It pressed down on me, suffocating and making it hard to think. His eyes moved over me slowly, like he was measuring me.

My fingers curled into fists as I trembled and my gaze dropped because I couldn’t hold his. It felt like he would see every fear and weakness if I kept looking. I hated how small I felt. I hated how scared I was.

Then he stepped back. And just like that, the pressure eased, and air rushed into my lungs.

“What are you talking about?!” My voice came out shaky, breaking as panic finally took over. “What debt? What… what is he saying?!”

I struggled harder now, shaking my head wildly. “Let me go! I didn’t do anything! You can’t just take me…!”

“Wait!”

My father’s voice cracked through the chaos and I froze. He was still on his knees, but now he was looking up for the first time.

“Please, Alaric …” he begged, his voice shaking, broken. “Just… just give me more time. I’ll get your money. I swear I will. Just don’t take her.”

My heart twisted painfully in my chest.

“She’s all I have,” he choked out. “Please… Don’t take her. I’ll pay you back. I will.” Something inside me shattered.

“Dad…” I whispered, my voice hollow.

The man in front of me, Alaric, tilted his head slightly. Then, in a blink, he moved. Too fast.

A sickening crack filled the room as his fist connected with my father’s face.

“Stop!” I screamed, my entire body jerking forward. “Leave him alone, you monster!” Silence followed instantly.

Alaric slowly turned his head to look at me, and my heart dropped. What did I just do?

I swallowed hard, fear crashing over me in waves. Every instinct screamed that I should’ve stayed quiet, that I shouldn’t have said anything.

But I couldn’t just watch, even if Magnus wasn’t the best father, he was still mine.

My chest rose and fell rapidly as I stared at him, terrified of what he might do next. But he didn’t move toward me. He just… looked. Then, without a word, he turned away.

“Take her.” My stomach dropped.

“No… no, wait!” Panic surged in me as the men tightened their grip and started dragging me again. “Where are you taking me?! Let me go!”

I kicked, screamed, fought with everything I had.

“I’m not going anywhere with you! Do you hear me? Let me go!” No one answered. They hauled me outside like I weighed nothing, my cries echoing through the night.

“Dad!” I screamed one last time, twisting to look back. “Do something! Please!” But the door slammed shut behind us, and he didn’t come

A car door was pulled open, and they pushed me inside. I scrambled back against the seat, breathing hard, my hands shaking violently.

“No… no, please…” My voice cracked as I looked at them, desperation pouring out of me. “Don’t hurt him. Please don’t hurt my dad. What is he doing in there? What’s happening?” They didn’t respond. Didn’t even look at me.

Tears streamed down my face as I shook my head. “Please… just tell me. What are you doing to him? Please…”The door shut, and I was left there. Waiting. Listening to my own heartbeat thunder in my ears.

ALARIC

Pathetic. That was the only word that came to mind as I looked down at the man trembling before me.

Magnus. A man who thought he could waste my time. A man who thought I would keep giving chances.

I crouched slightly, grabbing his chin and forcing his head up. Blood dripped from his nose, his face already swelling.

“You begged for time,” I said quietly. “I gave it to you.” His body shook harder.

“Once.” Magnus inhaled sharply.

“Then twice.” A broken sob followed

“Three times.” His eyes squeezed shut, tears spilling freely now. “And yet,” I continued, my voice dropping, “here we are.”

“I… I was going to pay you,” he stammered, his words slurring slightly. “I swear, I just needed...”

“You needed to learn,” I cut in coldly, releasing him with a shove that sent him back to the floor, “that my patience is not endless.”

He collapsed, coughing, barely able to hold himself up. I stood to my full height, looking down at him with nothing but disinterest.

“You should be grateful,” I added. “Most men don’t get this many chances.”

“I’ll get it,” he cried desperately. “I’ll find the money. Just don’t take her, please”

A humorless smile tugged at my lips. It was too late. “You already made your offer,” I said. “And I accepted.”

His face crumpled. “No… no, please…”

I stepped closer, my shadow falling over him.

“This,” I said, my voice low and dangerous, “is your warning.” He froze. “If you ever try to deceive me again…” I leaned down slightly, my gaze locking onto his, “I won’t be taking something as replaceable as your daughter.”

A strangled sound left his throat.

“Next time,” I finished, straightening, “I take your life.” Silence swallowed the room.

I turned toward the door, already done with him.

“Clean yourself up,” I added without looking back. “You’re still alive. Don’t waste it.”

And with that, I walked out.