COVENANTS OF CHAOS

Chapter Nine: The Proposal

Silas leaned forward in his chair, the dim light casting sharp shadows on his face. He scrutinized Lucas with the calmness of a hunter, his fingers softly tapping on the sleek surface of his desk. The area was hauntingly quiet, aside from the gentle ticking of a clock affixed to the wall. Lucas sat stiffly in the chair opposite him, his mind racing, his hands tightened against his thighs.

"Are you listening to me, Mr. Kane?" Silas spoke, his tone silky yet infused with command. "I’m presenting you an escape route."

Lucas blinked, jolting himself back to reality. "Sure, I listened to you." However… wed your daughter? "Are you for real?"

Silas tilted his head, smiling faintly. “I don’t waste time with jokes.”

Lucas let out a disbelieving laugh, leaning back in his chair. “This is insane. You’re telling me you want *me*—a broke delivery guy drowning in debt—to marry your daughter? What kind of game are you playing here?”

Silas’ smile faded, and his voice dropped a note. “This is no game, Kane. It’s a business arrangement. I assume you’ve heard of those.”

“Yeah, but this?” Lucas gestured vaguely around the room. “This isn’t business. This is… I don’t even know *what* this is.”

Silas overlooked the outburst, his stare chilly and intent. “You are indebted to me for twenty thousand dollars.” You lack the resources to repay it. And still, you find yourself doubting my kindness. "Are you aware of how many individuals would do anything for a chance like this?"

“Eliminate?” Lucas chuckled derisively, folding his arms. "That's amusing, hearing that from you."

Silas’ eyes squinted. “Be cautious, Kane." This is not a discussion. You’re present because I *permitted* you to be here. I could have dispatched my men to retrieve the amount you owe along with interest. "However, I'm offering you an opportunity to start fresh."

Lucas shook his head, his thoughts still swirling. “Why am I the one?” Why not another person? You have influence, wealth, clout—indeed, you might easily arrange for her to marry a wealthy man and call it a day. "Then why involve me in this?"

Silas reclined in his chair, his face difficult to read. "Since you're insignificant."

Lucas blinked in surprise. "Sorry?"

“You’re a nobody,” Silas reiterated, his tone straightforward. "You lack influence, connections, and leverage." You’re in dire straits, financially struggling, and utterly reliant on my kindness. "That renders you flawless."

"For *which reason*?" Lucas exploded, his anger reaching its peak. “What's the hidden downside here?” "What is it that you’re not revealing to me?"

Silas gave a faint smile. "The trick is straightforward." You wed my daughter, ensure her safety, and in exchange, your debt will be canceled. No strings attached, no hidden details. "You'll have shelter, cash in hand, and all your issues will vanish."

Lucas gazed at him, his thoughts whirling. It seemed too excellent to be real. Based on his experiences, when something appeared to be too good to be true, it generally was.

“And your daughter?” Lucas asked cautiously. “Does she even know about this? Or is she just supposed to go along with whatever you decide?”

Silas’ expression darkened, and for the first time, there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes—something cold and dangerous. “My daughter, Isabella, understands the importance of loyalty and family. She’ll do what’s necessary.”

“"That’s not a response," Lucas replied, his tone calm even as the knot in his chest grew tighter. “What is it that *she* desires?”

Silas' grin reappeared, yet it didn't light up his eyes. "That doesn't involve you." Your sole responsibility is to accept the conditions and complete your part of the agreement.

Lucas nodded his head, leaning in. "No, you see, it *is* my issue." You want me to marry a person I don't know at all—to completely change my life—and you aren't even explaining why. "If I'm going to proceed with this, I require answers."

Silas looked at him for an extended period, the tension in the room palpable and sharp enough to slice through. Ultimately, he exhaled, reclining in his seat.

"You seek answers?" he murmured softly. “Okay. I will provide you with responses. "However, grasp this: what I am going to share with you must not exit this room."

Lucas nodded gradually, his heart racing. "Okay." “I’m paying attention.”

Silas got up, moved to the window, and gazed at the city below. "My family is different from yours, Kane." We don’t follow the same guidelines. We don't engage in the same games. All our actions, everything we create, revolves around power. "Power demands… sacrifices."

Lucas scowled. "What type of sacrifices?"

Silas faced him again, his face giving nothing away. "There are individuals in this world who would do whatever it takes to witness my family’s decline." Foes who would go to any lengths to ruin all that I’ve created. Isabella is my most delicate resource. She requires a person who can keep her safe—someone who won't pose a risk to my business.

“And you think that’s me?” Lucas asked, incredulous. “I don’t even know how to fight.”

Silas smiled faintly. “You don’t need to fight. You just need to be loyal. The rest… can be arranged.”

Lucas massaged his temples, attempting to understand it all. "Allow me to clarify this." You expect me to wed your daughter so I can… what? Act as her protector? "Her armor?"

"Precisely," Silas responded, resuming his seat. "You will remain by her side, safeguard her, and ensure that no one gets near her without my approval." Consequently, your debt is eliminated, and you can stop worrying about money issues.

"And what if I refuse?" Lucas inquired, speaking softly.

Silas' grin disappeared. "Then you'll discover the extent of my patience." "And trust me, Kane, the response won't be to your liking."

Lucas gulped deeply, feeling his stomach knot. He sensed confinement, similar to a hunted creature with no escape. Yet underneath the fear, a spark of resistance ignited.

"This is ridiculous," he mumbled, shaking his head. “You're requesting that I sacrifice my life for an agreement I didn't even request.”

“Your existence?” Silas remarked, lifting an eyebrow. "What kind of life, Kane?" Delivering food for basic pay? Rushing to maintain your financial stability while you are overwhelmed by debt? Admit it—you don’t *possess* a life. "I’m presenting you with an opportunity to create something greater."

“At what cost?” Lucas shot back. “My freedom? My dignity?”

Silas leaned forward, his eyes cold and sharp. “Your freedom is already gone, Kane. You handed it over the moment you borrowed money from me. This is your only way out. Take it, or leave it—but make your decision now.”

Lucas hesitated, his mind racing. He hated Silas. Hated the way he spoke, the way he treated people like pawns on a chessboard. But the truth was, Silas was right. Lucas didn’t have a life to protect. And if he said no, the Morettis would destroy him—and his mother.

“Fine,” Lucas said finally, his voice tight. “I’ll do it.”

Silas smiled, victory glinting in his eyes. “Good. I knew you’d see reason.”

“But I have one condition,” Lucas added, surprising even himself.

Silas’ smile faltered. “You’re not in a position to make demands, Kane.”

“Too bad,” Lucas said, meeting his gaze. “I want to meet her. Before anything happens, I want to meet Isabella.”

Silas studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Very well. You’ll meet her tomorrow. But remember, Kane—this isn’t about what you want. This is about what you owe.”

Lucas remained silent. He merely stood there, his legs heavy as lead, and exited the office. Once the door shut behind him, he exhaled a tremulous breath, his thoughts whirling.

*What on earth have I gotten myself into?*