The Sinful Pact

Chapter 14: A Hard Choice

Leona and Dante were separated, each taken to a different room in the dark, quiet mansion. The chains around her wrists felt heavy, the fear even heavier. She was trapped, with no one to help her.

Hours passed in silence before Alistair finally entered her room, his face cold and unreadable. He stood in front of her, his gaze piercing.

"Leona," he began, his voice calm but sharp, "I'm giving you one last chance. Come back to me willingly. Stay by my side, and I'll forget this betrayal."

She met his gaze, refusing to look away. She knew what he was really asking. He wanted her to give up, to stop fighting for her freedom, to accept his control over her.

"Never," she replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced. "I would rather be free than live under your rule."

Alistair's eyes darkened, and for the first time, she saw a flash of anger. "So be it," he murmured, his voice icy. "But your choice has a price. And Dante will pay it."

Her breath caught. "What do you mean?"

A cruel smile tugged at his lips. "You think you're the only one at risk here? Dante has defied me one too many times. He'll suffer for his disloyalty."

Her heart pounded with panic. "Leave him out of this! He's only here because of me."

Alistair raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her fear. "Oh, I know. But his actions have consequences. I may not be able to break the bond myself, but I can make him pay for every attempt you make."

Leona felt a wave of helplessness and anger rise within her. She knew Alistair was powerful, but seeing how far he'd go to punish Dante shattered any hope of reasoning with him.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "You have a choice, Leona. Surrender to me willingly, and Dante stays safe. Keep fighting me, and you'll watch him suffer."

His words left her reeling, trapped between loyalty to Dante and her need for freedom. Every choice seemed to lead to pain, to loss, and she wasn't sure which path to take.

As Alistair left the room, his presence lingering like a shadow, Leona knew that her next decision would change everything. She was caught in a game she couldn't win, and the lives of those she cared about were now at stake.