Page 121 of Hunters and Prey

Cecilia sighed. “I’m sorry, Dear.”

“What does this all mean?”

“It means we no longer have any options. You have to go to him by morning or the clans will sense we aren’t upholding the truce. Can you imagine what would happen if the wizard families went to war? We would all suffer.”

“I can’t believe it all falls on me. Its not fair.”

“Life is rarely fair.”

“Why are still upholding this ancient tradition,” she said. “I am not a slave, or a prize. How can father promise me to another, without even asking me?”

“Because, he knew the importance of keeping the peace. And, bringing our two families together will do just that. Now, will you be a good girl and do this for me?”

Cailyn wiped tears away. She gazed past her mother, and out the window.

What choice did she have?

“Fine,” she said.

“Good girl.”

Cailyn closed her eyes, her entire world crashing down around her. Somehow, she would find a way out of this. Still, she knew one thing; Asher will never forgive me for this.

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