An Unexpected Proposal

September 24, 2020

Thud—!

Peter was flung backward, unable to even let out a scream as a firm grip clamped down on his throat.

"U-ugh… hkk!"

The pain came belatedly, but before he could even cry out, his eyes locked onto the terrifying golden gaze above him. His mind went completely blank, save for one thought.

He was going to die.

"S-save m—"

"Not another word. If I have to hear that disgusting voice of yours one more time, I’ll kill you on the spot."

Peter’s mouth snapped shut. The thought of resisting didn’t even cross his mind. His legs had already gone weak, and a dark stain spread across his trousers. The murderous aura radiating from the man before him was suffocating. Just his gaze alone felt like it could tear Peter apart limb by limb.

"Are you alright?"

Cabelenus swallowed his rage, turning his attention to Alicia. His eyes still burned with the fury of a beast about to pounce, but his hands, as they reached out to her, were careful, as if handling the most delicate glass.

"You’re hurt."

His gaze fell on her wrist, swollen and red from Peter’s grip. Letting out a short breath, he turned to Mikael. The boy stood frozen, his face pale with fear.

"Stay with your mother."

With that, Cabelenus grabbed Peter by the collar, hoisting him up.

"Gack—! Ughh!"

Peter choked as he dangled in the air like a rag doll, gasping and clawing at the iron grip around his throat. But no matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t break free. Mikael stared blankly, only coming back to his senses when his view was suddenly blocked.

"Don’t look, Mikael."

"Why?"

"This isn’t something you need to see."

Alicia’s grip on Mikael’s hand tightened. The boy wanted to pull away, but he couldn’t. Even without looking, he could feel how swollen her wrist was.

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"Mom, does it hurt?"