Chapter 3 CAPTURED

CHAPTER 3

"Ah, Lyra Walton," he spat, his voice dripping with malice. "Daughter of the man who betrayed us. Your father's downfall was almost... poetic."

Understanding the gravity of the situation I immediately got on my knees, as I tried to plead my case. "Please, you don't understand. My father's actions weren't my fault. I'm innocent."

The chief sneered at me. "Innocent? You're the daughter of the man who almost ruined my business by feeding the police information on my empire. You're far from innocent."

My eyes flashed with anger but I immediately contained it. "My father may have made mistakes, but that doesn't mean I'm guilty by association. You can't punish me for something I didn't do. I wasn't the one that offended you, nor did I take anything away from you or your people."

The chief laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "Punish you? Oh, Lyra. You're going to be rewarded, not punished. You're going to be my wife."

My face twisted in disgust. "You can't be serious. I'd never marry you. You're a disgusting pig, why would I ever make that mistake?." By the time I had realized what I said the chief was already infuriated.

The reality of it all was an obvious contrast to my words, as the chief was indeed very attractive. I tried to apologize and explain the reason as to why I said such but the damage had already been done.

The chief's expression turned ugly, his face reddening with rage. "How dare you," he spat, his hand flashing out to slap me across the face.

My cheek stung, my eyes watering from the force of the blow. But I refused to back down. "I won't marry you," I repeated, my voice calm and steady, contrasting the visible display of anger on my face.

The chief's expression changed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, Lyra. You're even more beautiful when you're angry. I've got to admit, you'll make a perfect wife. But if you refuse my offer...well, there's always the brothel. You can be used by my clansmen, as a mere object of satisfaction to be passed around."

My eyes widened in horror. "You can't do that," I whispered, my voice trembling.

The chief shrugged. "I can do whatever I want. And if you refuse to be my wife, that's exactly what will happen. So, what's it going to be, Lyra? Will you marry me and become my possession, or would you like to become a whore at the brothel and serve my clansmen?"

As I stood there before the chief, my mind raced with the impossible decision before me.

I remained silent for a moment, scanning my surroundings for an escape route. My eyes locked onto a possible exit, and without hesitation, I charged towards it, running as fast as My legs could take me.

"You think you can escape?" The Chief shouted, laughing. "You think you're faster than my men?"

The men gave chase, their footsteps pounding the ground behind me. I dodged and weaved, avoiding their outstretched arms. For a moment, I thought I could make it, that I might actually be able to escape the clutches of the chief and his men.

But just as I thought I could make it out of there, a lasso snapped around my neck, pulling me to the ground. As I was dragged back to the chief's feet, my body scraping against the rough ground.

"Stupid girl," he spat, his face twisted in anger. "Did you actually think you stood a chance? You thought you could escape?"

I struggled and kicked, trying to break free. "Let me go!" I shouted, my voice hoarse from strain. "I don't want to stay here!"

The Chief sneered. "Oh, if you'd like to leave then just go, be my guest. I'd like to see how far that frail body of yours will be able to take you......And besides, it's fun watching you struggle"

My eyes widened in horror as the chief's next words escaped his mouth."You'll no longer be given a choice," he sneered. "I'll decide for you. And I've already decided that you'll be taken to the brothel house, to serve and satisfy my men."

My eyes filled with tears as I realized my fate. I was to be used as a mere prostitute, forced to serve the clansmen against my will.

"No, please," I pleaded, my voice shaking. "Don't do this. Please, have mercy. I've done nothing to deserve this, it's not my fault my father offended you, I had nothing to do with it."

The Chief just laughed. "Mercy?" he repeated. "You want mercy? You should have thought of that before you tried to escape, And yes, I admit to the fact that you have nothing to do with any of this, but your poor old man is dead now, so it's your responsibility to pay his debts and accept his punishments. Maybe in your next life tell your father not to double cross the wrong people."

He turned to one of his men. "Take her to the brothel house," he ordered. "And make sure she's ready to serve me tonight. I'll be the first one to break her in."