I was with Henry. In his arms. Surrounded by his love.
But now I was back to reality. To this hellish prison I currently found myself trapped in with no idea if I’d ever be free.
Footsteps echoed against the hardwood floor, unhurried and deliberate, each one becoming more and more ominous, causing my pulse to increase. I scrambled backward until my shoulders collided with the wall, and I drew my knees into my chest to protect myself.
From what, I wasn’t quite sure.
When Father came into view, his eyes found mine, a furrow creasing his brows.
“Why are you on the floor, Seraphine?”
My jaw tensed, and I had to bite back the response on the tip of my tongue that my name was Ariana. As much as I wanted to resist, to fight, I knew from experience I needed to pick and choose my battles. If he wanted a compliant woman who obeyed him, that was what I’d give him.
For now.
I’d lull him into a false sense of security. Make him think I’d been reformed. That I’d seen the light. That I was willing to repent for my sins and find God, or Jesus, or whatever.
Then I’d fucking kill him.
“I… I had trouble sleeping.”
“Yes?” He lifted a brow.
I shook my head, confused.
“I had trouble sleeping…,” he prompted, his tone lifting at the end as if expecting me to finish the statement.
“Father,” I answered quickly, remembering his demands last night. “I had trouble sleeping, Father.”
“Good.”
The approval in his tone made my skin crawl. As if I were a trained dog who had just performed a trick correctly.
“You’re a fast learner.” His lips curved into a smile. “That’s good, Seraphine. Because tonight is a very special night.”
Heat crept over my face, a chill rushing down my spine, especially with the way his eyes lit up.
“May I ask why, Father?”
“Because it’s family dinner night. I’ve brought you something to wear.” He placed what appeared to be a folded white dress on the ottoman. “You’ll need to bathe first and fix your hair into a low bun. The Lord rewards cleanliness, Seraphine. Someone will be here to escort you in an hour.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Of course, Seraphine.” He crouched in front of me, pressing his hand to my cheek, forcing my eyes to meet his.
His thumb brushed across my skin, his touch gentle. Almost affectionate.
Which somehow hurt more than when he’d hit me.
“Do you see how much more gratifying this can be when you obey?” He looked at me expectantly, scrutinizing me.
It was a test. Everything here was. Every word. Every glance. Every breath.
“Yes, Father,” I forced myself to say.
“Good. I’ll see you soon, Seraphine.”
I didn’t respond. Just stared into his eyes with the same vacant look I’d mastered over the years I’d spent with Victor, refusing to give anything away.