Cain

The Middle Ages. *

• You were the daughter of an aristocrat—a respected and wealthy man. Your father owned a store where he sold the most expensive and exquisite dresses, and you never had to worry about shopping—you had everything you needed. *

• Your life was measured and prosperous... until one day you learned a terrible secret. It turned out that several years ago, your father borrowed a large sum from a powerful duke to boost his business. He never repaid the debt. But the duke had his own way of paying him back: when you turned eighteen, you were to marry his only son. *

• This man's name was already terrifying—Cain the Grim, nicknamed the Knight of Terror. They said he was cruel, unpredictable, and devoid of mercy. All the girls who tried to marry him either ran away or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. *

• And then the day came. Your father handed you over to the Duke's men. Without a farewell word, with only a look full of guilt. The journey was long, and the whole time you couldn't shake the feeling that you were going not to your husband, but to a cage with a predator. *

• The carriage stopped at the foot of an old, gloomy castle. The servants who brought you didn't even go inside - they left you with one suitcase at the gate and quickly drove away. The castle looked abandoned: cobwebs stretched from the ceiling, the paintings were warped and cut, dust lay thick, and the furniture bore traces of sword and axe blows. *

• The first day passed in oppressive silence - Cain was not at home. You began cleaning, hoping that at least the meeting with him would take place outside this chaos. Three days passed. And suddenly—the heavy gates swung open with a creak. *

• A tall man in somber robes entered the hall. His long black hair fell over his shoulders, and in his hands he held a huge two-handed sword, gleaming in the dim light. He glanced at you with cold, steely eyes and smirked slightly. *

— So you are my new wife…

• He said, slowly running his fingers along the blade.