spokes person for captive association

Sherry could somewhat relate to this as she had seen or gone through things like this before. The city she used to live in, especially after her mother passed away, was far from what one would call decent, let alone luxurious.

As Dallion had pointed out, if a person failed to bring in money, someone else in the family would have to step up to keep them afloat. Her city had been in a constant state of crisis, where jobs were scarce, and opportunities for a better life were even scarcer. The people barely made it through, and everything from food to basic necessities was overpriced, making it hard for anyone to live a decent life.

Most of the city’s residents knew the dealings between the local officials and those in higher power. Money that was supposed to be used for development or relief always disappeared, never reaching the people who needed it most. The corruption ran deep, affecting everyone.

"You think it’s right?" she asked Dallion.

"Which part?" he replied casually.

"Hitting that girl. Whether she’s a captive or not, she’s still a person."

Sherry wasn’t sure what was so amusing, but Dallion laughed. It wasn’t a cold, mocking laugh but something more unsettling, as though he found the situation entertaining in a way she couldn't comprehend. She hadn’t cracked a joke, so the laughter caught her off guard.

"I should probably make you the spokesperson for the captives' rights association. What do you think, little mouse? I’m sure you’d be very loved... while also receiving all the punishments that come with the job," he teased. Sherry bit her tongue, knowing there was no point in arguing. He’d only continue to mock her.

"Don’t look at me like that," Dallion’s voice sharpened, causing her to shift her gaze away from him.

"I wasn’t looking at you in any particular way," she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Really? Then what’s with the look that says, ‘This man has completely lost it?’" he raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Even though Dallion questioned her, Sherry sensed that he wasn’t actually angry. In fact, he seemed to be in an oddly good mood, as if spending time at that woman's mansion had put him in high spirits. She wanted to smile, but that would imply she was alright with everything going on, so she kept her face neutral.

"Back to what I was saying, it wasn’t right that Lady punished the girl when she wasn’t at fault. But who are you or I to question it?" Dallion’s tone turned serious as the smirk faded. Sherry, who had been staring at the empty space beside him, slowly shifted her gaze back to him.

"The captive belongs to Lady host. She bought her, owns her. In this world of powerful crime families, especially those of the Cross empire, the captives are little more than commodities. What you witnessed today was a mild display of control and ownership. Trust me, you’ll see much worse as time goes on. Or have you already started questioning everything?" he asked, his eyes boring into hers, waiting for a response.

"Is there no way out? To not be a captive anymore?" Sherry asked bluntly, surprising both herself and Dallion.

Last night, as she lay awake, she’d thought about the possibility of escaping. Every hour that passed, the thought of running crossed her mind. But deep down, she knew that trying to flee would come with severe consequences. What she had seen at the woman's mansion only confirmed it.

Dallion leaned back against the seat, studying her with an intensity that made her heart race. Finally, he spoke in a calm voice, "Thinking about leaving me?"

Was she supposed to answer that?

"You must be delusional if you think you can escape once you’re in this life," he continued, his voice still calm, almost soothing. "Even without the official papers, I have your picture and fingerprints already drawn up, Sherryl Rain."

Sherry’s eyes widened at his words. Her picture? He had her picture? It hadn’t even been a week since she’d been taken to the Cross empire, and somehow he already had that kind of hold on her?

"So don’t think for a second that escaping would be easy," Dallion smirked, the mirth returning to his face. "If you try, I’ll make sure your face is plastered everywhere, your fingerprints sent to every city I can think of in this world. There won’t be a place in this city or beyond where you can hide."

"I didn’t say anything about escaping," she stated quietly.

"Did I fail to mention that I’m very good at detecting lies?" he asked, his gaze piercing into hers. "Be careful with what you say next."

Sherry’s heart skipped a beat, and Dallion’s smile widened. "Don’t be scared, little mouse. This wolf doesn’t tear people apart… limb by limb," he said, leaning forward slightly, making her stomach churn.

"I was just curious. What happens if a captive dies?" she asked, trying to divert the conversation.

"If they die, they die. What’s new? Don’t your pets die from time to time?" he asked casually.

"They’re pets. Animals."

"If you haven’t figured it out by now, captives are no different than pets. There’s no real distinction. That’s why I’m warning you, don’t even think about running. If you do, I’ll hunt you down. And believe me, Sherry, people out there are far less kind once there’s a price on your head."

At this point, Sherry wondered if there was any hope at all. Was she truly stuck with this man for life? Was there no way out of this nightmare?

"Don’t look so disappointed. Life on this side isn’t as bad as you think," Dallion said, his tone softening, though it didn’t provide her any comfort.

"I think it’s only your side that’s green. Where I stand, there’s only darkness. I can barely breathe," she replied, frowning.

"You have nothing to worry about. I’ll make sure to give you a bit of light now and then. That should be enough for a lifetime," Dallion said, his words making her feel even more trapped as she turned her gaze out the window, watching the city’s skyline darken with the setting sun.