Page 5 of Damsel to the Demon

The captain's lip curls into a sneer. His hand shoots out, grabbing my arm with bruising force. He yanks me away from Thomas, my white dress catching on a chair and tearing.

"Mercedes!" he lunges forward, but two soldiers block his path.

"Stop this madness!" Papa’s voice booms across the room. "We'll double our grain output. Triple it, even! Just let my daughter go."

The captain's laughter echoes off the walls, sharp and cruel. "You simple-minded fool. Your pathetic grain isn't worth the dirt it grows in anymore."

My stomach drops. The blood drains from Papa’s face, mirroring the horror I feel. Our town's only value, stripped away in an instant.

"What do you mean?" I whisper.

The captain's grip tightens, his fingers digging into my flesh. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, my dear. I've been waiting for this moment. Plotting, planning, biding my time."

Tears blur my vision as I look at Papa, his face a mask of anguish and helplessness. The captain's grip on my arm tightens, and I wince, remembering all the times I've dodged his unwanted attention.

"You've always been a slippery one, haven't you, Mercedes?" The captain's breath is hot on my ear. "But not this time."

My heart races. He's cornered me before, leering and making suggestive comments, but I've always managed to slip away. A well-timed distraction, a convenient crowd to lose myself in. I'd convinced myself he'd grown bored of the chase.

"Please," I whisper, my voice trembling. "You've let me go before. Why now? Why today?"

He chuckles, the sound grating against my nerves. "Oh, my dear. I was merely savoring the hunt. But seeing you in this..." His eyes rake over my torn wedding dress. "Well, let's just say my patience has run out."

Around us, the wedding guests shift nervously. Aunt Lena clutches her handkerchief, eyes wide with fear. Uncle Jace stands tensed, as if ready to fight. Even little Timmy seems to sense the danger, burying his face in his mother's skirts.

The captain's laughter cuts through the air, sharp and mocking. His eyes gleam with cruel amusement as he turns to me.

"Tell me, little human, are you happy with this ridiculous tradition of yours? This... marriage?"

My heart hammers in my chest. Tears stream down my face as I shake my head, unable to form words. The beautiful day I'd dreamed of lies shattered around me.

"No," I choke out between sobs.

Thomas surges forward, desperation etched on his face. "Please, let her go! Take me instead!"

The captain's boot connects with Thomas's chest, sending him sprawling across the floor. I cry out, struggling against the iron grip on my arm.

"Thomas!"

The captain yanks me close, his breath hot on my cheek. "I asked you a question, Mercedes. Are you happy getting married?"

His fingers dig into my skin, twisting painfully. I can't look away from his piercing gaze. The truth claws its way up my throat, bitter and raw.

"Yes," I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm happy getting married."

The captain's eyes narrow, a cruel smile twisting his lips. He releases my arm, and for a moment, relief washes over me. But it's short-lived.

He turns, striding towards Thomas with purposeful steps. My heart pounds in my chest, a sickening dread creeping up my spine.

"No, leave him alone!" I yell, reaching out.

The captain's hand moves in a blur. A flash of steel catches the light, and before I can scream, before I can move, the blade plunges into his chest.

Time stops. The world narrows to a single point – Thomas's wide, disbelieving eyes meeting mine.

A scream tears from my throat, raw and primal. It mingles with the horrified cries of my family and friends. He crumples to the floor, crimson blooming across his shirt.

"No!" I lunge forward, but strong arms hold me back. My Papa. His grip is iron, but I can feel him trembling.

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