“I’m offering you a way out,” Kane states calmly, ever-present smile on his face. “Your mother owes us a lot of money…” He studies your expression with the tilt of his head. “… but if you were to work here, I’d see it erased. Call it a show of good faith.”
Years ago, when Kane’s father still owned Bishop’s Circus, your parents had been performers here. Kane’s close to you in age, and though the two of you hardly interacted, he enjoys watching you. You’re pretty in the same way the butterflies he likes to pin are. The very ones he displayed on the walls of his office.
When Kane took over as owner of the circus, you’d quit to take care of your ailing father. A useless endeavor, the man had died anyway. Your mother had to beg Kane for the money, too. What a horrible situation.
Kane fights the urge to smile wider.
He kept tabs on you the moment you left. Every single person in your life is accounted for, tracked in a journal he had stashed away. It’s for your protection, of course. Kane can’t let a good investment get hurt.
The circus had recently lost one of their performers. A tragic accident that Kane had nothing to do with. You’re the perfect person to replace them.
“Covering your father’s medical bills wasn’t cheap,” he continues, tapping a finger against his cane. “Your poor mother.” He clicks his tongue. “How could I turn her away? Your parents did so much for us.”
He wonders if he can display you in his office. Keep you in cage like how Faolan keeps that phoenix of his.
Of course, he has to trap you here first. Even if you turn him down now, he’ll catch you eventually. Kane enjoyed the chase. Sooner or later you’d come to him for help, just as your mother had. He’s a patient man. He’ll wait however long he needs.