The Devil Is Not a Beast, It’s Me

CHAPTER 4

By morning, lots of people filled the mansion, servants scurrying like ants as they prepared for the wedding.

My sister sat at the vanity while a maid pulled at her hair, pinning it up with heavy gold clips. I sat on the edge of the bed watching her. She looked like a doll dressed in white silk but her face was sad.

Seraphina, I muttered.

She looked at me through the mirror and her eyes softened. Come here, Lyra.

I walked over and buried my face in her lap. She smelled of jasmine, the only thing left of our home. She ran her fingers through my hair, her hands shaking. You are so brave, Seraphina i mumbled.

ah lyra you even braver, You know you my light even when things get dark sister love you such so much.

I looked up at her. I don't want to be brave. I want to go home. I want daddy to make us stew and you to tell me stories.

She wiped a tear from my cheek. I know, she muttered. I know. But we have to do this for father. Everything will be okay once he is out. We will run away to the next city and start over. I promise, Lyra. Even if it takes us forever, we will be together. Do you believe me?

I nodded, though my chest felt tight. I believe you.

The heavy door creaked open. Guards filled the room. It is time, one of them muttered.

Seraphina, ah ha, a sudden pressure built behind my eyes, stinging as I clutch her dress tightly please don't go please.

Seraphina stood up pulling my hands away, baby sister. i have to go don't cry you are breaking my heart, she muttered, not looking back, as they dropped down her veil, leading her out.

I followed behind, hiding in the crowd as they reached the grand hall. I stood behind a pillar as the ceremony started.

The hall was full of people, the city elite smiling and drinking as if they were not watching a girl being sacrificed.

Vane stood at the altar looking like a king, he looked at my sister as if she were a prize he had finally captured. I watched his mouth move. I watched my sister’s lips tremble as she said the words. I do.

My heart shattered. The sound of her voice saying those words felt like blow to my chest. She was trapped. She was finally his and I couldn't save her.

After the ceremony, guards led us to a room outsidethe mansion. opening the door, there was father. He was sitting on a bed, his clothes clean but his face still covered in bruises.

Father, I shouted, running to him.

He grabbed me, pulling me into his chest. Lyra, my baby.

Seraphina rushed to his side. Father, you are free. you finally back.

Father looked at her, his eyes filling with tears. It is my fault. I am so sorry. You sacrificed everything for me.

daddy was incompetent to fight for you am sorry...

Father it's okay I choose this myself don't cry anymore please...

hmm am I interrupting, Vane walked into the room grinning, wrapping his arm around Seraphina’s waist, pulling her flush against him. Hello, father-in-law, how are you feeling.

Father jumped up, his face boiling with rage. You monster I am not your father-in-law Let go of my daughter.

Vane chuckled, It is okay. You are not willing to accept it for now. But you will. Everything you own now belongs to me, including your daughters.

Father snatched a pillow from the bed and hurled it at Vane’s head. Vane did not even blink, his smile widening. dear father-in-law, there is no need for such hostility. Your daughter is quite happy, aren't you, my love" He tightened his grip on Seraphina

"I intend to provide her with a life of luxury beyond your wildest imagination. Gold, jewels, status, all the things you could never give her with your little shop. You should be thanking me for taking such a burden off your hands. We are family now, Silas. Let us try to play the part, shall we."

He then turned to Seraphina. Let us go. It is our wedding night. There are guests waiting to toast our union.

I hate you, I mumbled pointing at vane.

Vane ignored me, dragging Seraphina out of the room, her hand slipping from father’s fingers. The door slammed shut leaving just me and father.

He slumped back onto the bed, burying his face in his hands.

I am such a failure, he sobbed. I cannot even save my own daughter. I am nothing.

I sat next to him and took his hand. It is not your fault, father. It is Vane. He is the one who did this to us. He took her and he ruined everything we worked for.

He looked up and muttered don't worry lyra, When we get out of here, I will have my revenge. I will destroy him for what he has done to your sister. I will not stop until he is gone.

As he spoke, he looked toward the window and his eyes landed on the distance where our shop used to be. Tears started streaming down my face.

Father looked at me and frowned, his hand trembling as he reached for my chin. Lyra, why are you crying, Did he hurt you, Tell me the truth.

I tried to stop, but the sobs broke through. I could not keep it inside anymore. Vane burned down our home, I mumbled, He destroyed everything we had left.

What... tell me you are joking.

Father, I am not lying is true. We lost everything. we are sorry we couldn't save all your precious perfumes.

No, no..., my Father mumbled, his entire body stiffened. he scrambled to stand up, trying to take a step forward, His knees gave out, collapsing to the floor his eyes rolled back shut, he wasn't moving and had stop breathing.

Father,Father, please wake up, I mumbled, shaking his shoulders. You are scaring me, please wake up.