A Bargain with the Devils

Daphne's pulse pounded in her ears.

She stared at Celeste Voss, trying to decipher whether she was serious. But the smirk on Celeste's lips and the amusement in Alaric's cold gray eyes told her everything she needed to know.

They weren't joking. They wanted Tiberius.

The massive dog, standing beside Damian, let out a low, warning growl. His golden eyes flickered between the Voss siblings, sensing the hostility thick in the air.

Damian's expression darkened. "That's not happening."

Celeste pouted dramatically. "Oh, come now. It's such a fair trade. She took a life. We take something precious in return."

Daphne's hands clenched into fists. "You think this is some kind of twisted game?"

Alaric shrugged. "Everything is, in the end." His gaze flicked lazily toward Vincent Blackwood, who had been watching in silence. "And it seems we're not the only ones Daphne owes. Popular woman, aren't you?"

Vincent chuckled, shaking his head. "I prefer to collect debts in cash, not canines. But I have to admit, this is… entertaining."

Damian stepped in front of Tiberius protectively. His voice was deadly calm. "No one is taking him."

Celeste tilted her head, her emerald eyes gleaming. "You seem awfully attached to the mutt, Lancaster."

Damian didn't flinch. "Because I know what he means to Moris."

The mention of Moris Montgomery, the billionaire who owned Tiberius, made the air even heavier.

Alaric folded his arms. "Ah, yes. The untouchable Moris. His love for that dog is legendary, isn't it?" He smirked at Daphne. "But the real question is—how much do you love it?"

Daphne exhaled slowly. "Enough to know you won't get what you want."

Celeste let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine. If we can't take the dog outright, let's make a deal."

Daphne stiffened. "What kind of deal?"

Alaric's smirk widened. "One that requires your full cooperation."

A Dangerous Proposal

The group moved inside to a secluded lounge, away from prying eyes. The tension followed them, thick and suffocating.

Alaric leaned against the velvet sofa, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "Let's make things simple, Daphne. You owe us. That much isn't up for debate. But since you're so unwilling to part with the dog…"

Celeste took over, sliding into the seat beside her brother. "You'll work for us instead."

Daphne's stomach turned. "Work for you?"

Alaric smiled. "Think of it as… repaying your debt through service."

Vivian scoffed. "Service doing what, exactly?"

Celeste waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, nothing too terrible. Just a few tasks here and there. Information gathering. Delivering messages. Maybe a little persuasion."

Elijah Sterling, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "You mean blackmail."

Celeste's lips twitched. "Such an ugly word."

Daphne met Alaric's gaze head-on. "You want me to be your spy."

Alaric chuckled. "I want you to be useful. Something you failed to be last time."

Daphne swallowed back the sharp retort on her tongue. She knew how dangerous the Voss siblings were. If she refused, they wouldn't just walk away. They'd find another way to force her hand.

Vincent, ever the spectator, sighed. "Well, this has been amusing. But I don't see how any of this benefits me."

Alaric shot him a glance. "Be patient, Blackwood. You'll get what you're owed soon enough."

Vincent smirked. "I certainly hope so. Otherwise, I might start collecting in ways you won't like."

Celeste turned back to Daphne. "So, what's it going to be? The dog… or the deal?"

Daphne's jaw tightened. She glanced at Tiberius, who had settled by the fireplace, his massive frame relaxed—but his eyes were watching. Moris trusted her with him. Losing him was not an option.

Her choices were dwindling.

Finally, she exhaled. "Fine. I'll do it."

Alaric grinned. "Good girl."

Celeste's smile was all sharp edges. "We'll be in touch soon."

The Voss siblings stood, their job done. But before leaving, Alaric glanced at Damian and smirked.

"Watch your back, Lancaster. We wouldn't want history repeating itself, would we?"

Then they were gone.

Aftermath

The moment the door shut behind them, Daphne slumped into a chair, pressing her fingertips against her temple.

Vivian's voice was sharp. "Are you insane? You just agreed to work for the Voss family?"

"I didn't have a choice," Daphne muttered.

Damian crossed his arms. "There's always a choice."

She looked up at him, exhausted. "Not this time."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Elijah sighed. "Well, on the bright side… at least they didn't take the dog."

Tiberius let out a soft huff as if in agreement.

But Daphne knew one thing for certain—she had just made a deal with devils, and there would be no easy way out.