Chapter 2

Ariela

I collapsed into the chair and forced myself to pull myself together. I wasn't a crybaby per se and tended to struggle with my temper, but this was an exceptional situation.

Beno had a different opinion because he replied: "No, you should do everything so that your daughter can stay. Selling should not be an option."

"Beno! The king made this demand months ago. I refused and tried to find another solution. But now there is none left. He has practically won the war."

I stopped looking at a specific point and gave in to my world of thoughts. The two men were arguing, which I barely noticed.

My life was over. The monster would give me hell on earth. Who knows what the dirty bloodsucker had in mind for me? He already had a plan if he wanted me.

I was quickly brought back to reality as my brother growled menacingly. It sounded like a brutal death threat. He was now standing directly in front of the desk and the two men were engaged in a visual duel.

There was only one question circling in my head. It wasn't important, but I still wanted an answer to it. I got their attention with a clearing of my throat. They both looked at me, but I was focused on Dad. I quietly asked, "Did you consider Cosima for at least a second or did you realize you were selling me out?"

Although my sister was a gentle soul, she could never be left to such a monster. Still, I wanted to know if he had thought about it. It would be cruel if I was the only option for him.

It was proven that he was not indifferent because tears began to form in his eyes. However I managed it, I kept my composure.

"The king specifically wants you. He never asked for any of my daughters in general but for you." I nodded and let that information sink in.

Beno wiped his face and didn't seem to be able to find a counterargument himself.

What else should you say? My fate was sealed; no one could help anymore.

Who knows how long I sat in that chair and didn't look at any particular point. I stepped away, not even really thinking. My head was blank, there was no clear thought. The previous fear was gone because I felt nothing at that moment. Maybe it was because my fate was difficult to understand.

I just felt absolutely nothing.

A loud bang brought me back to reality and my head snapped towards the direction the noise had come from. Someone had slammed the door, which must have been Beno, because, after a quick look, I realized that only my father was there. The two had certainly had another discussion.

I turned to him and my dad had a hand in front of his face. He may be hiding his facial expressions with it, but I had an idea of ​​what he looked like. Despair was within reach.

My suspicions were confirmed when he said quietly: "I was supposed to protect you, especially from this man. Nevertheless, I failed. I can no longer call myself father, I don't deserve that title for a second." His words hurt my heart. Even more so, since I was now aware that he couldn't do anything about it. My dad continued, "You should run away and hide somewhere. I'll help you escape. I can't send you to that monster."

I slowly got up from my seat because this was nonsense. Escape would make things worse and in the end, the king would find me anyway. Once the war was lost, he could turn the territory upside down. Then I could face his bad mood for running away and no thanks.

With all this poverty, a few werewolves would most likely hand me over voluntarily. In difficult times people did the craziest things.

I walked over to him and answered, "No, I'm leaving. Anything else would require too many victims. Besides, you'll get money if I go to him without causing any problems. The pack needs the money."

When I got to him, I hugged him sideways and tightly. He jumped slightly, so he hadn't even heard me, so his thoughts had taken hold of him. "Dad, you didn't fail as a father. You did what you could, I know that. Before I was just angry because I didn't know the extent of it all. Now I know better."

He turned to me and hugged me back. After a kiss on my head he replied: "Yes, I failed."

"No, stop blaming yourself. The king is the only one responsible. You did nothing wrong."

I felt him shake his head slightly because he didn't agree. Beno had certainly thrown some harsh words at him. But my brother should soon show insight. As soon as he could think again, he would agree to the plan.

"Dad, I'm leaving completely voluntarily. I've sold myself out." Otherwise, he always blamed himself for selling me out. So I would stick with this version.

I pulled away from him because the tears wanted to come. The proximity of a loved one tended to trigger this. This was followed by a throat clearing that grounded me.

"We should tell Mum this together, then I can explain to her that I want to do this. If you're alone with her, she'll rip your head off." He rubbed the bridge of his nose with one hand. You could see the exhaustion combined with the sadness in him.

"No, Ariela, I'll do this alone."

We were spared any further discussion because the door opened quickly. My mum stormed into the room and her anger was unmistakable. This emotion was entirely directed at my father as she shouted, "Are you crazy?! Our son just told me what you did!" An explosion on her part was to be expected, as she generally carried a temper...

My dad tried to remain serious and raised his hands slightly. "Darling, calm down first." That sentence to an angry person was like throwing a Mentos into a can of Coke. "Don't call me darling! You're not selling our daughter! Only over my dead body!"