A Heart for A Heart

[Layland Kleinhaus' POV]

"Let us make a trade, shall we?"

As I look at the old man holding Millonia by her nape like a dead kitten, my mouth can't help but twitch. My hold on Mark's neck got tighter, causing him to cough since he can't draw air into his lungs.

I exhale lightly to calm myself and loosen the hold on his neck. The old man, Alivert Storm—Mark's mentor—has Millonia in his hands. Whatever I do to Mark, he will do it to Millonia. I am certain about it because I would do that if I were him.

"It depends on what kind of trade you want to offer," I reply calmly.

"That boy for this girl—that's all," Alivert responds.

He is lying—I can see it plainly in his eyes. He is planning to do something else during the trade, which is what I am also going to do. This is my first time meeting someone who thinks the same way as I do. I am rather conflicted about how to feel about it since I am as excited as I am irked by it.