Page 141 of Outcast’s Vow

That would be nice.

I’ve lain low since I was offered that terrible Castaways’ gift. I escaped the country immediately after leaving Cromwell at the Anguish Hotel and disappeared to a hideaway in Europe. I tried to stay away. For Sylvie. To let her live in peace, to give her the distance from me needed to satiate the Elders and to make it clear she isn’t the person to punish.

But then Clement called. I could tell from his voice the minute I picked up the phone that it wasn’t good. He told me Sylvie was locked up in her family's mansion, that she was pulled out of her college, and that she was to be married to him.

I couldn’t take that. It was the ignition I needed. I had to do something.

For Sylvie. For my wife.

She says I abandoned her. That word stings. I... I tried so hard not to be my father. I thought I was protecting Sylvie, but all I did was leave her defenseless.

And so I came back home. I headed here. I came to trade my life for hers. I can still redeem myself.

I am not my father.

As I entered the underground chamber, I saw Ethan towering over her, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

No matter what happens next, I’m glad I was able to get to him. That boy deserves a good punch to the face.

And he’s still crying.

That display should convince the Elders not to accept a man like this into their ranks. They’ve seen who he is. Maybe Sylvie won’t have to marry him, even if I have to pay full price. Maybe there won’t be a forced marriage.

I turn to my wife.

She’s as beautiful as the day we got married. Radiant. Glowing, even in this moment, in this darkest of moments.

Everything I do now is for her.

And now I look back up at Elwood. Everything is in his hands now. Judge. Jury. Executioner.

He told me that, if it came down to a choice between his daughter and me, that he would always choose her. I don’t think I fully understood what that meant, until now.

Leopold asked me whether I would die for her.

There was only one answer I could give.

I would move heaven and hell for her.

I love her. I can admit that now, without shame or fear or denial.

So whatever happens next doesn’t matter. I kept my oath, and Sylvie saw that. I told her I love her, and I see the love in her eyes. And that’s all I need.

As I’m held back by these Castaways goons, I drop my shoulders and take in a long breath.

I’m at peace.

55

SYLVIE

The entire room is hushed, waiting for Father. Waiting for his judgment.

The silence is killing me.

I watch him. I watch those eyes I know so well. I watch that face that has held the heaviness of the Castaways for so long, that veneer that hides a lifetime of decisions that have toppled empires.

Even I, as his daughter, don’t know his next move.