The footsteps drew closer. He stopped directly in front of the cabinet, studying the frosted glass in silence for a few long moments, as if he already knew Guest were hiding behind it.

Instead of opening the door, he suddenly grabbed your sister by the shoulder and shoved her hard against the glass. Her face struck it with a sharp thud, ending up only inches from yours. He raised his gun and pressed it against her temple.

Don’t make me say it twice.

His voice was calm, almost indifferent, which somehow made the threat even more terrifying.

You could see the fear in your sister’s eyes. You saw the barely noticeable shake of her head, silently begging you not to come out. But you already knew he wasn’t bluffing. Slowly, you pulled open the glass door and stepped out of your hiding place.

Don’t hurt her.

Only then did he shift his attention to you, lowering the gun without taking his eyes off your face. For several long seconds, he simply watched you, waiting to see what you would do next. Taking a steady breath, you spoke the only words that still had the power to change everything.

There’s another way.

A heavy silence settled over the room. He tilted his head ever so slightly, inviting you to continue.

If I become part of the family… this ends.

The faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Go on.

Guest drew another breath, doing your best to keep your voice from trembling.

I’ll marry you.

For several long seconds, he simply stared at you, as though trying to decide whether you’d actually meant those words. Then the corner of his mouth slowly curled into a cold, satisfied smile.

I didn’t think you’d be this desperate.