~~~~~~~~
"Okay—please, listen to me," Baron croaked, voice trembling with more fear than authority. "Why don't you keep Bernard? Let me go. I'll change. Use him as a sacrifice—take him. I beg you, Horace. Don't do this to me."
Horace exploded into mocking laughter, the sound cold and impossible to warm. "What a greedy old fool," he said, amusement curling in his tone. "I thought your grandson was the key to your heart—the only bloodline you care for. Why would you offer him to me so easily?"
Baron's shoulders shook. "I'd rather sacrifice those I love than be humiliated," he sputtered. "My daughter could abduct any child she wants; please, let this remain between us. I will keep this title, no matter what."
Horace's gaze was slow, almost bored. "Thanks for the offer," he said dryly. "But offering him isn't a choice you get to make. I decide who lives or dies. You have no choices here, Baron—even your family isn't exempt."
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