Page 6 of His Collateral Wife

The scent of blood has brought them here, and my heart only hurts when they start barking. It's not what they want, but it's what they've been taught to do.

'Se escapó!' He's escaped!

Day 109

War has revisited our shores, but this time it's my father who tastes defeat.

I'm not sure what he's done, but he's somehow caught the eye of Dauphin Tueur. Compared to that man, my father nothing but a big old fish in a small pond.

And it's why, for the first time in his life, it's my father who's forced to swallow his pride.

Negotiate.

And offer me, his daughter, as bridal collateral.

But of course that's just for show.

Not once did I believe he had any intention to keep the peace, and true enough, as soon as I finished signing the documents that made me a bride by proxy, my father pulled me into his arms and started whispering into my ear.

Kill him when you have the chance.

It's clear that he only has vengeance in mind.

Or he'll find out you're not my real daughter,

And he's determined to have it, regardless of the costs.

And it will be your own husband who'll kill you.

My father steps back. "Take care of yourself."

His voice is gruff but tender, and it sounds so convincing it almost has me questioning my sanity.

Is it possible I've just imagined everything he said?

Oh please, let it be so.

Because I'm not above hoping that my father can still be redeemed.

So please, God, please.

But when I look into his eyes all I see is emptiness.

He's so consumed by evil that he doesn't even realize his soul is already burning in Hell.

My father smiles at me. "It's alright, daughter."

Kill him before he kills you.

"I know you can do this."

It's so easy to tell he believes he still has me under my thumb.

And even though I knew in my heart that it was best to just let it go---

To just walk away and let him think I'm his puppet---

The devil is always prowling around like a lion, and at that moment, my father's not the only one he's been able to devour.

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