eplaced my father's customary arrogant confidence as his gaze darted towards the doorway. I saw a small tightening of his jaw, although it was subtle. The

oom like a rising storm, and not a single strand of his dark hair was out of place. Levi Alexander. Although I had heard the name, I didn't know him. Everybody had

, he wa

unnervingly cheerful as he straighte

his expression unreadable. "I don't t

ed against testing him. My father laughed nervously, wringing his

her stammered. "You'll find I'

Alexander as he stepped further into the room, his movements deliberate and calculated

th skepticism. "You've been dodging my calls for

in cash, per se. But I have something just as valuable."

s like a razor. He didn't flinch or blink, and I could feel the pressure of his inspection pressing down on me li

tly. "She's my daughter, Dysis. A beautiful girl. Young,

ying to sell me. He was attempting to make me seem like a prize in order to swe

while he evaluated and calculated. At my sides, my hands were b

nless voice, "She's trembling."

laugh, though I noticed the tremor in his hands.

saw something flicker in his expression. Disgust? Amusement? I couldn'

girl absolves you of your debt?" he

his smile falteri

gle phrase sliced through the air like a whip. Alexander moved t

debt you've neglected for far too long. You've had ample time to repay it, yet here you ar

cream and run. "Dysis, do you know what kind of man your father is?" His eyes instantly met mine as he enquired. My spine tingled when I heard my name on his lips

xander's tone was sharp, cutti

My father's face flushed with sha

p towards me while ma

screamed at me to turn away, I forced myself to gaze into his eyes."Dysis, would you

tightening. What kind of question was that? Did it matt

and I swallowed hard, t

intest smirk, though his eyes remai

what will happen. I will take her, but this does not discharg

twisted in pani

porary reprieve. Your daughter comes with me now. Fail to pay me, and

ard, nodding quickly.

me. He turned on his heel, his presence

argument. I hesitated, my feet stuck to the floo

he man who had just claimed me a

, his tone col

reshold into the unknown. My father was the last thing I saw before the door closed behind me; he was sweating an

raight into som