“A Deal with the Devil”

The chains around my wrists bite into my skin, the cold metal digging deeper with every small movement. The damp air in the stone cell feels thicker tonight, heavier.

But it’s not the chains keeping me trapped.

It’s Damian’s silence.

He stood there, just hours ago, listening as Ivy forced him to choose between me and his legacy.

He didn’t fight. He didn’t speak. He just left. And now, I wait. Footsteps echo down the hall. Heavy. Slow. Controlled. I know that sound. I know who it belongs to.

The door swings open, and there he is.

Elias Calloway.

Damian’s father. The mastermind of this entire twisted game.

He steps into the room like he owns the air I breathe. His silver hair is combed back, his suit immaculate—like he didn’t just order his men to throw me in chains.

Behind him, Ivy walks in.

Her green eyes shine with satisfaction as she crosses her arms, her lips curling into a smirk.

I don’t react. I won’t give them the pleasure of seeing my fear.

Elias exhales slowly, taking a moment to examine me. Like I’m something beneath him.

Finally, he speaks. “You made quite a mess of things, Selene.”

I meet his gaze, unflinching. “You should have killed me when you had the chance.”

His lips twitch slightly. “Oh, believe me, I considered it.”

Ivy chuckles softly beside him, like this is all some joke.

My rage burns hotter. “If you’re here to kill me, do it,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “I have nothing left to say to you.”

Elias tilts his head. “No? Because I think you’re about to make me an offer.”

I inhale sharply. He knows. He knows I’m desperate. I glance at Ivy, who’s watching me like a cat waiting to strike. I swallow my pride. I force myself to speak.

“Let Damian go.”

Elias raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

I clench my fists, the chains rattling. “You’re holding me hostage to control Damian. You’re using me to make sure he obeys you. So, let him go.”

Elias doesn’t blink. “And why would I do that?”

My heart pounds.

I glance at Ivy again—at the woman who has hated me since the moment we met.

At the woman destined to take my place.

“Because I’ll disappear,” I say finally.

The words sting. But they’re the only thing I have left. Elias leans forward slightly. “Disappear?”

I swallow. “If you let Damian go—if you free him from all of this—I’ll leave. I’ll walk away. I’ll disappear from his life forever.”

Elias watches me, his blue eyes calculating.

Ivy scoffs. “You expect us to believe you’ll just vanish?”

I meet her gaze. “Yes.”

A long silence stretches between us. Elias leans back, considering. And then—he smiles.

“Alright.”

I feel my breath catch.

“Alright?” I repeat, barely believing it.

Elias nods. “If you agree to leave Damian and never return, I will grant him his freedom.”

It’s a lie. I know it. But right now, I don’t have a choice. I nod once. “I agree.”

Elias steps back. “Then it’s settled.”

I exhale, relief washing over me—

Until Ivy speaks.

“No.”

The single word shatters everything.

I snap my head toward her, my stomach dropping.

Elias turns slightly. “Ivy.”

Her green eyes burn with pure hatred. “She doesn’t get to walk away that easily.”

Ivy steps closer, her face inches from mine. “You ruined everything. You should have died years ago.”

My jaw clenches, but I don’t speak.

She leans in, whispering. “If it were up to me, I’d slit your throat right now.”

Elias sighs, rubbing his temple like he’s annoyed. “Ivy, enough.”

“No!” Ivy snaps. “She doesn’t get to just run! She—”

“Enough!” Elias’s voice cuts through the air like a blade.

Ivy stops.

She clenches her fists so tightly her knuckles turn white. Elias exhales, adjusting his cufflinks. “She agreed to leave. That is enough.”

Ivy turns to me, her expression dark and unreadable. Then, after a long silence, she smiles. “Fine,” she says. “But you better run far, Selene.”