Page 137 of Kneel Before Me

“I would.”

“Then you are a fool. Our people will not respect this partnership. You do not understand what you are sacrificing.”

“And you,” Kronos said firmly, “do not understand what I am gaining.”

Caspenon shook his head in disbelief. He took another step forward.

“Do not come any closer,” Kronos yelled.

Daphne had never heard him raise his voice before. It made her want to cry.

Caspen on stopped. “You are a danger to us all. You cannot normalize such a union—you cannot allow yourself this indulgence.”

“Daphne is not an indulgence,” Kronos snapped. “She is my future. And you bit me. I claim it is you who are the danger.”

But Caspenon only shook his head.

“I did what I had to do,” he said dully.

Perhaps Daphne was imagining it, but he seemed like he barely believed his own words.

“You made a mistake,” Kronos said. “And you will pay for it.”

Caspenon crossed his arms. “Is that a threat?”

“It is a fact. If not by my hand, then by your own. This will haunt you, Caspenon.”

Daphne tensed, preparing for retaliation. Instead devastation passed over Caspenon’s face. He looked so utterly defeated that she almost felt bad for him. Then it disappeared.

“You have taken this too far, Kronos.”

“I decide how far I take it.”

“You must be stopped.”

Without waiting for a response, Caspenon turned on his heel and disappeared. Daphne did not move, even when Kronos’s fingers tightened on her waist and he tried to pull her around. She remained in place, unable to budge even an inch. He turned to look at her.

“Daphne? What are you doing?”

“You told me to stand behind you,” she whispered.

Confusion, then realization swept over his face. “I am so sorry,” he said. “I did not mean to. I—”

Daphne shook her head. “Just tell me to move. Right now, Kronos.”

“Move, Daphne,” he said immediately. “Wherever you like.”

A weight lifted off her chest. She was once more free. Without hesitating Daphne stepped forward, burying herself in Kronos’s arms. He held her tightly, and she knew they both felt relief.

“I am so sorry,” he murmured again.

“I know.”

A moment passed. Then another.

“I will walk you home.”

Daphne frowned. She had hoped to spend the night.