on my nightstand felt like a heavy

close my eyes, one wor

, not love, not even prot

ed up to, my father, didn't just fail to protect me. He sold my future like it

myself off the bed. The house was eerily qui

stew. I need s

passed, but stayed silent. They knew better. Damian's or

ith velvet lining

The city below was just waking up, people rushing, horns honking, totally u

f, staring out at the skyline.

view," a

was softer than us

ow. He didn't touch me, and f

u'd still be here

ive me many

true. There are always exits.

"Like being hunted? Or

g me," he re

morless laugh. *You t

se. One you haven't reali

voice, no cold menace just something raw. Someth

for any of thi

bed, looked me in the eye and wanted the truth. No

to under

Your father came to me. He begged me. I could've wal

Wh

, dancing at your father's birthday party. You didn't know I was

th wen

ntouchable. But I knew I'd wait.

rising and falling rapidly. T

a hint of shame. I stared at him, unable

u. I've built you a throne and bled to keep it

rything in my life,

ather ever did. More than Lucien ever w

r protection. I w

before me," he growled. "I made you

e me a p

e enough that I could feel h

cold air. His head turned slightly, but he didn't flinch.

nd. Didn't shout. He jus

't know what was worse: that he spoke all of

thouse. And I am not the same man who watched you i

ound everything. I really want to trust y

rn. And in return, you ca

g drained. Honestly, I'm just

forgiveness. I'm just ask

Well, if that's the case, then st

oment, clearly we

Lucien. It's about what he did to your father b

settling deep into my bo

eet the man your father