The Iron Vow

Dominic stood near the base of the staircase, his hands tucked neatly into the pockets of his tailored trousers, watching Ethan like a scientist observing an insect trapped in amber.

“Open the door!” Ethan screamed, his voice muffled by the thick glass. “Avery! I know you’re in there! Please, just talk to me for five minutes!”

I stepped up beside Dominic.

The contrast between the two men was absolute.

Ethan—frantic, exposed, driven by raw desperation.

Dominic—calm, anchored, untouchable.

“Let him in,” I said quietly.

Dominic glanced down at me.

“Are you sure?”

“I want him to see,” I said.

Dominic nodded once.

Briggs keyed the intercom, and the heavy electronic lock clicked open.

Ethan stumbled into the foyer, panting heavily, his eyes wild as he caught sight of me standing beside the most feared man in Greyhaven.

“Avery—thank God,” Ethan gasped, taking a stumbling step forward before two armed guards stepped into his path, crossing their forearms like iron bars. “Your mother said you weren't answering your phone. She said you... people are saying you married—”

“Dominic Vale,” I supplied evenly. “My husband.”

Ethan stared at my left hand, where the heavy old-mine diamond caught the chandelier light.

Color drained entirely from his face.

“You’re insane,” Ethan whispered, his voice cracking. “You don't know what kind of monster he is. He destroys everything he touches. You did this to spite me.”