ra

le excuse after the "herbal tea." Dante was alrea

gunned down, a constant reminder of the throne he'd inherited. Deep withi

The members were his closest men. T

led me '

me sleeping. There were comments rating my body. There was a grotesque calendar

looking fer

reak her y

pregnant. Time to c

soul-reduced to crude jokes among vi

by a ping from my phone. It w

versary of my brother, Dante, and his lovely wife, Ela

nd me from our wedding day. He lo

nniversary party. This was the stage for the

screenshot from 'The Kennel' to a cloud account under

stood there, holding a velvet box. My heart hammered

ut," I said, trying t

," he said. He sat on

nniversary," he sa

as a diamond necklace. It was a collar of

I lied, the word

my neck. His fingers were cold again

't a qu

," I tried, my last attempt

you will be the perfect, doting wife. Do you understand me?" His hand moved from the

ord 'yes' trapp

ied. "I'll send the

to endure this. For my child. I would play the part of the p