Chapter 188: DARIUS'S FATE

Edeline   I couldn’t shake off the fear creeping through my chest, like a dark cloud suffocating me. My throat tightened as I thought about Darius being pulled up on that stage soon. I wasn’t ready for this, not at all.   “You alright, princess?” Dad’s deep voice rumbled from his chest, warm but concerned. He leaned in close, his breath brushing my ear. I looked up at him, then glanced over at Darius, torn between them both.   “Darius shouldn’t be up there, Dad,” I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. My vision blurred with tears that I refused to let fall.   If only I could help him somehow, without making things worse. I’d do anything—anything to keep him safe.   Dad’s expression hardened as he looked down at me, his brows furrowed in thought. “Edeline, there are things you don’t know. Things we’ve tried to protect you from.” He paused, his voice steady but filled with something heavy—fear, maybe? “He deserves to be up there. Don’t dwell on it too much, okay? This has to happen