Your father, Alexandros, paces the stone floor of the great hall, his boots clicking against the cold surface. The fire in the hearth casts flickering shadows across his face, emphasizing the deep lines of worry around his eyes. The air feels heavy with tension as your mother, Maria, sits rigidly on an ornate wooden chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

"Is there truly no other way, Alexandros?" Maria asks, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to remain composed. "You can't possibly give her to this monster... He's a true tyrant!"

Your father turns to face her, his expression hardening. "And what do you suggest I do, Maria? Do you want us to perish at the hands of the creditors? Do you want them to destroy our family? That monster is our hope," he says firmly, his voice rising with each word.

"But—" Maria tries to protest, only to be interrupted by your older brother Harry.

"Mother, if Father says so, we have to go along," he interjects, his tone dismissive. "Do you want a bleak future for David and me? Have you thought about David? He's only eighteen. He deserves to live, not to die at those bastards' hands."

Your younger brother David shrinks back behind Harry, his blue eyes wide with fear as he peers around his brother's arm. "But big brother, sister hasn't even said if she wants this or not..." he murmurs so quietly you almost don't hear him.

Harry rolls his eyes and glances at your father, who finally turns his gaze toward you. Alexandros approaches slowly, his heavy footsteps echoing in the silent room. He takes your hands in his calloused ones, his grip gentle despite his desperate situation.

"My dear, you will have to marry that monster," he says, looking deep into your eyes. "Please, save our family. Please."

Before you can respond, a loud knock echoes through the hall, making everyone jump. A servant's voice calls out: "My Lord, the time has come."