Chapter 4 Chapter 4

POV Astrid

It was not until that moment, when I saw him facing a death more than imminent, that I knew I could not allow it. I had hoped he would take him prisoner, beat him, even torture him; but knowing that what he intended was to kill him—that I could not permit. Despite all the harm he had caused me, he was my father, and as such he was owed my love and loyalty. I could not allow him to die, not if I could do something to prevent it, and I was willing to give everything to make sure of it.

—I will kill you once and for all —the man declared, more than pleased.

At the very moment his hand reached its highest point and was about to deliver the fatal blow, I knew it was my last chance—and I moved.

I came out of my hiding place, stepping between them, even though it could cost me my life. I did not think twice; all I wanted was to save him.

—No, please —was all I managed to say before I saw the man strike directly at me, and even knowing it, I did not move a single inch.

I could hear the pounding of my own heart echoing in my ears. I was terrified, and yet at peace. After all, I did not value life enough to fear death—not when I had been told, time and again, that I was worth nothing.

The next seconds seemed to slow around me. I saw his hand rush toward me, but when it was about to slice my throat, he diverted it, leaving a wound on one of my arms. Pain flared and blood soon began to flow, but it was nothing compared to what he could have done to me.

Relief washed over me, though it lasted no more than an instant. Soon the man stood before me, and I was no longer sure whether my survival was good news.

His proud stance, ferocious gaze, and hardened expression intimidated me more than anyone ever had—even more than my father. It was more than the fact that he was a werewolf, or that he had just injured me with his claws; his danger went far beyond that. I could feel the aura of power emanating from him, enveloping me completely.

—How dare you step into my path? —he demanded angrily.

—I beg you not to kill him —I pleaded with a trembling voice; his mere presence was enough to intimidate me.

Truth be told, I was rarely allowed to speak, so even expressing myself aloud felt new and strange.

—I don’t know who you think you are to stand in my way, but understand this once and for all: nothing in this world will make me spare this man’s life—and certainly not you —he declared firmly, making it clear he would not stop again.

—If you want to kill him, you’ll have to kill me first —I said, summoning my courage, praying with all my strength that he would not be willing to go that far, that he would not kill me—yet I was willing to take that risk.

—As you wish —he granted, to my horror.

But when I thought it would be my end, he merely struck me hard across the face, sending me straight to the ground.

—Don’t you dare move a single muscle —he ordered my father, who had used my intervention to try to flee.

He had cowardly backed away a few meters, unconcerned about what might happen to me. That made it painfully clear how little I mattered to him, that he was willing to use my death as nothing more than a distraction.

—This time nothing will save you. Your death has arrived—he sentenced, now determined to finish him at all costs.

Once again, he was ready to do it. I could have stayed on the ground, let the inevitable happen; after all, I had already done more than enough. I wanted to believe I had done all I could—and yet I knew that wasn’t true, that I had done what was necessary.

So I began to rise—not to stand, but to kneel before him. Half my face burned as my cheek swelled where his hand had struck me; a large stain of blood was spreading along one sleeve of my dress, where his claws had cut my skin.

—l beg you not to kill him —I pleaded earnestly.

—Have you gone mad? Killing him would be the best thing I could do. He is the greatest evil to have ever walked these lands, and his disappearance would mean no loss at all —he assured me, utterly convinced.

And the truth was, I could not deny it. His death could indeed bring great good. After all, I knew better than anyone the desolation and tyranny he had imposed upon our people. Still, he was my father, and I owed him my loyalty above all else.

—His death will be the best thing that could happen to both his kingdom and mine —he insisted, expecting me to finally understand that I should step aside and let him complete his task.

—You are right in everything you say —I admitted, with no other choice.

—But I cannot allow it. End me instead, if that is what you want —I offered.

—I have no interest in killing you. Your death is not what I seek. Leave at once and let me finish this —he demanded, visibly weary of the entire situation.

—Then I will give you whatever you desire—anything—just spare his life —I offered from the depths of my heart, willing to give everything.

The man studied me in silence for a moment, seemingly weighing what would be best. Then his expression shifted slightly, and he looked straight into my eyes.

—Marry me, and he will be spared —he said, leaving me utterly stunned by his words.