An Angel for the Sheikh

“You will bear it—your father took two of my sons. It will be fair if you give me two children.” The man leaned over me, burning my skin with his black eyes full of hatred, and spoke in broken Russian: “You begged me to show mercy, Dina. I’ll show mercy and let you go—even if girls are born. I’ll return you to the land of unbelievers and I won’t take revenge on your family.”

Tears blurred my eyes. My arms and legs were still held. I couldn’t break free. Give birth to two children, a monster? Stay for a few years in this country lost among sands, with no hope of escape and salvation?

— No, — I spat directly into his face. — This isn’t a request, Dina, and it isn’t a condition. This is the price of your father’s vile betrayal.”