Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
The sound of tires on gravel alerts us to someone’s approach. I’m sure it’s too soon for my father to arrive, but before I can say anything, Thane has already made his way out of the room.
Tarian’s mother stays with me. She’s standing by the window and staring outside, lost in her own thoughts. Pushing to my feet, I make my way over to her but remain silent. I don’t want to irritate her, because I’m hoping she’ll be able to calm Thane down and persuade him to let me leave.
It soon becomes clear that the car I heard pulling up contained the rest of Thane’s men, and a few minutes later Tarian’s uncle returns to the living room to wait with us. I’m not sure where my father’s traveling from, but with each passing moment, my hope dwindles like a candle flickering in the wind.
Eventually, the lights of another car illuminate the driveway, and my chest tightens with anxiety.
“Ah,” Thane says, “It seems good old daddy is coming to save his little princess.”
Thane’s words echo in my head, reminding me I’m at his mercy. My heart pounds in my chest with a mixture of fear and frustration.
“If Daddy can’t do what I need, maybe you’ll have to stay here, Grecia. I’ll enjoy owning a new pet.” His words are a chilling reminder of the danger that lurks within him.
“Thane, that’s enough,” Yasmine admonishes in a tone that has him glancing over his shoulder at her. “Gregory will ensure you’re made a Crown, and then we can be on our way.”
“Who said I want to leave Tynewood. It’s the only place I’ve ever felt at home. Tarian may hate it, but I certainly don’t,” Thane responds as the door opens, and two men in suits escort my father into the living room. The men then leave the room, and Thane locks the door behind them. “We can’t have you trying to escape, now can we?” he says with a smug smile.
I take a step toward him, but Yasmine grips my arm, holding me back. When I look at her, she shakes her head slowly, warning me not to move. I stay where I am and look at my dad, who gifts me a sad smile.
“What do you want, Thane?” Dad demands. “My daughter can leave now. Whatever it is you need, it’s between the two of us. It has nothing to do with Grecia”
“Dad, I’m not leaving you,” I protest, shuddering at the idea.
“Don’t worry. You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart,” Thane tells me with a smirk. “I’ll have use for you later.” It’s another veiled threat from his lips, and it makes my stomach churn with anxious energy.
The bile rises in my throat at the idea of being at Thane’s mercy. I’m aware Tarian’s uncle has always enjoyed lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike when least expected. And now, with me trapped in his clutches, there’s no telling what he might do.
Growing up, I’d occasionally see Thane around Tynewood. We never had any interaction, but there was always something about his piercing glare that sent shivers down my spine. He’s giving me that exact same look now, but even as fear gnaws at my insides, a fierce anger burns within me. A fiery defiance flares and refuses to be extinguished.
I will not become Thane’s plaything— a pawn in his twisted game of power and control. I will fight tooth and nail to escape his clutches. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure my dad’s freedom as well as my own.
Ignoring Yasmine, I stride over to my father who engulfs me in his strong arms. After he left my mother and she remarried, I didn’t get to see him as much as I would have liked, but he’s always been there for me when I needed him the most.
Thane steps up to me and grabs my arm, and as he pulls me away from my dad, his lips curl into a cruel smirk.
“Running to your daddy isn’t going to save you, Grecia,” he taunts, his voice dripping with scorn. “I’m not letting either of you leave here until I get what I want.”
He glares at my father, who answers the silent challenge with a scowl. Thane’s presence casts a dark shadow over the room, and when his eyes flick to mine, the intensity in them sends a shiver down my spine.
“What is it you want, Thane? Stop playing games.” My father’s voice booms through the room, bouncing off the walls.
Thane pins my father with a stare. “I want what is rightfully mine. I want a crown.”
This causes my father to guffaw. I wouldn’t dare laugh at Thane, but Dad seems unperturbed that this dangerous bastard has us both at his mercy.
My father shakes his head as he says, “That will never happen, Thane. You know it’s only the eldest child who can take that position.”