Chapter 156
“Yes, it’s true,” I answer quickly, trying to keep my voice steady. “My father cares about me. He’ll do anything. He’ll pay whoever needs to keep
me away from them.”
They exchange looks; their smiles widen, predatory. One rubs his chin thoughtfully.
“All right,” the taller one says, like someone closing a deal. “When Davidts back and confirms, we’ll protect you. Even from the Executioner. No one will touch you.”
Relief hits me so hard I almost sob. A smile slips out before I can stop it.
“Thank you.” The words come sincere, a little shaky.
“Don’t thank us yet,” the guard replies, chuckling low. “If it’s true, we’ll be rich. As a reward… we’ll keep the Executioner in solitary one more
day.”
He winks and walks away, footsteps echoing down the corridor. I stand watching them disappear. For a moment, the world seems bearable: another day without him nearby feels like a warm blanket.
I breathe easier, but the happiness is strange, mixed with shame. I know this stains my father’s name and turns our surname into merchandise. Still, the need for safety outweighs any principle.
If this promise holds, I might sleep without watching the bars every second.
I walk back with lighter steps, a timid relief filling my chest. I reach the Executioner’s cell and find the space empty, silent. Seeing the place without that monster around feels so good that, for the first time in days, can breathe without it weighing me down.
I think about the guards‘ conversation and the promise of protection. If it’s true, maybe I’ll ask to be moved to another cell or a less exposed
corner.
The idea is shameful but comforting: one more bar, fewer looks, fewer risks.
I enter and close the gate carefully, as if the metallic click is a small act of security.
I don’t trust the other inmates.
I don’t trust anyone.
I go to the bed and lie down, feeling my body give in to exhaustion. My eyelids fall like lead after nights broken by fear.
I curl beneath the thin sheet that barely warms. Sleep nearly drags me under when a metallic sound interrupts everything. Light knocks echo against the bars.
I snap awake, sit up, and move toward the bars. On the other side, I recognize David.
A confident smile spreads across his face.
*All right, kid. Your father really does care. He confirmed he’ll pay us well to keep you away from the inmates and any trouble.”
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1/2
Chapter 156
An involuntary apple spreads
Duvid jeughs end shebay has led like
“or course, And not just me. Other guide we seedy on koud of pelvis ang tail de few fwhat ch safe. The order cone frase pare te promised as a de of my
My heart races–this time with relief. My writs grows.
“Now I can finally rest”
He gives a short laugh.
day to save of a in me arou
“Yes. We’ll try to keep the Executioner in solitery, too. But understand
Cart Yeep him thaya forent, Many guarde still money to him ”
I nod, accepting the bitter truth. Still, the idea of more days without that Monster brings relat
“Go rest now,” David says. “I’ll convince more guards?
He walks down the corridor and disappears into the dark. 1 run back to the bed and pull the sheat up to my chest. For the first time since I arrived in this hell, I feel my body actually relax.
The weight on my shoulders dissolves.
I close my eyes and fall asleep.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
