Page 159 of Outcast’s Vow

Despite my dripping sarcasm, Father continues to press his point.

“I wanted to check in on you, Sylvie. To make sure you’re okay.”

His voice is gentle. Uncharacteristically so. Even sincere. Even after all these years, Father can still shock me. The way he says my name, it reminds me of long summer vacations from my childhood. The one time he was warm and tender.

I want to go back to those days. I want that relationship with him.

No matter how furious I am at him, he’s still my father. And yet I won’t let him slip that easily.

“Hm. I’m doing better since the day you nearly had my husband executed, and me married off to a cheater.”

He has to re-earn my trust before he can dare talk about his regret.

Father just nods.

“I’m glad to hear that,” he says. “Truly.”

“Baptiste is a good man, despite what you once thought.”

The words linger in the air between us until Father answers.

“I know. He is.”

“You really were going to kill him,” I hiss. “For some arbitrary ancient rules written by men long dead.”

“There were reasons...”

“The Supreme Elder still trying to justify the inexcusable? I don’t care for your bullshit reasons, Father. I’ve spent my whole life having to care for those reasons. You were going to kill the man I love, Father. Admit that.”

His jaw tenses. Those cold, manipulating eyes flicker for a moment. For once, he’s lost.

“Yes. I was,” he whispers. “You understand the Castaways better than anyone, daughter.”

The anger flows through me now.

Now I know what Baptiste felt when he burst into that cavern and punched my ex.

“And you were going to have me live my life with Ethan’s last name. In his home. In his bed. Under his control.”

“Yes.”

“You treated me like every other man. As property.”

Every other man, except for Baptiste.

“Yes.”

“So maybe you might see why I might not be so forgiving at the present time.”

Father nods again.

“I do,” he replies. “Very much so.”

“Okay, then.”

“But I’m here, Sylvie. I’m here to make amends. I’m here to atone.”

He did spare Baptiste’s life. I’d give him that. But... still...