---- 7_The lesser of two evils. If | try to escape and fail, there will be dire consequences. Just thinking about all the things my father could do to me after learning about my unsuccessful attempt sends cold shivers down my spine. If | escape and succeed - my father will stop at nothing until he finds me and kills me with his bare hands. Not that I'd expect less from him. Last but not the least, again, there's no telling what Alpha Dorian would do if his mysterious bride fled before he set eyes on the goods he's purchasing. "The lesser of two evils is the best choice in my situation," | announce, instantly grabbing the maid's attention. "I have to think about it. Acting on instinct may cost more than I'm willing to pay. | won't risk your safety or your life; you won't interfere. As much as | hate it, deep down, | understand that the deal is for the good of the ---- pack. My father put people in debt, he's to blame for poverty, and | don't want to watch them suffer. Maybe doing as he says would be better. If not for me, at least for the people." Finally saying those words out loud makes me feel like a weight just fell off my shoulders. | didn't intend to tell anyone what he did, but now that it isn't only my secret, somehow, | find it easier to carry. Besides, we always agreed that everything we discuss in privacy stays in the room once she or | exit it. | trust her, more than | trust myself - maybe that's why sharing this secret feels like the right thing to do. She opens her mouth, I'm sure to protest, but the words don't leave her as there is another knock on my door. It's strange - during the past week, no one but the maid has knocked on my door and entered my bedroom with respect. The people sent by my father entered my room as if it belonged to them, no formalities or polite behaviour. Someone clears their throat and speaks up ---- without opening the door. "Change of plans. Alpha Dorian will arrive in an hour, but the bride can't leave her chambers. Unless our Alpha says otherwise, they cannot meet until the groom-to- be has signed the necessary paperwork. Alpha has asked for your assistance, Lola, so let the bride rest." Ice-cold sweat covers my skin at the guard's announcement. My hand tightens around the small piece of apple with such force, its juice drips on my cover. | might be hyperventilating, but I'm not sure as my bedroom suddenly turns into a cheap replica of a rollercoaster ride. This can't be it. Three days | could manage; that's enough to prepare myself, but one hour? It's too soon. | get that my father isn't the man who could deal with the consequences of his actions and it's easier to push the dirty work on others. | get it because that's what he's doing right now. But would it really be too much to ask for to let me follow along with his plan on my terms? Let Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!