Zayden turned his head at Melon's words, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Well, well, quite the brave soldier, aren't you? Not a whimper in such a predicament. Perhaps if you survive this, I'll face some trouble."

Melon locked eyes with Zayden. "We'll both survive," he declared, trying to stand his ground. "Dad will save us."

“Your father?" Zayden scoffed. “Unfortunately, boy, your precious Daddy can only choose to let one of you live.”

His smile widened, sending shivers down Melon's spine. “Actually, you're quite a remarkable child. If you weren't Holden's son, I might even consider letting you be my godson."

Melon clenched his fists. Mustering his courage, he yelled, “Uncle Zayden, why are you doing this? We're family! Why would you hurt your own family?"

Zayden sighed theatrically, the smile never leaving his face. "Ah, such a tragic turn of events. Why indeed? We could have been a family, but your father... Your heartless father forced my hand. Such a pity. But hey, at least you can be a family again, in the afterlife."

“My Daddy isn't heartless!" Melon snapped back, his anger rising as he defended his father. "He is a good father. He's kind to me, Mommy, and Adele. He cares deeply for us. He's not a heartless person!"

The smile vanished from Zayden's face. He approached Melon, his gaze softening into an unsettling fondness. “Truly? But the unfortunate reality is, your father can't save both of you now. I've offered him a choice. He can only pick one of you to live. Who do you think he'll choose..."

He trailed off, his eyes flickering to Adele. "You... Or Adele?"

Melon remained silent, jaw clenched, tears stinging his eyes. Zayden reveled in his misery. He said, “Maybe you should call out to your father and beg him to save you. Maybe that'll sway his decision. Your stupid sister can't speak for herself, can she?"

“Adele isn't stupid!" Melon shouted, his voice thick with anger. He tried to lunge forward but realized he was restrained. “Dad won't choose! We're both precious to him. We're not objects to be picked from a shelf!"

Zayden's grin became wider. "Well, isn't that something? You're still so stubborn even after seeing the crocodiles!"

Melon fought hard to hold the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.

Taking a couple of steps back, Zayden said, “Guess it's time to see if your father has the guts to make a choice." He nodded to his lackeys, signaling them to let down the ropes.

"Zayden, stop!" Holden's voice thundered with anger, but the ropes didn't stop, plummeting rapidly.

The sudden drop sent a shock of fear through the two children. Melon couldn't contain it anymore, tears streaming down his face. Adele whimpered, her face flushed with fear.

Melon tensed his body, squeezing his eyes shut as tears rolled down his cheeks. He bit down on his lip, trying to stifle any cries that threatened to escape.

"Zayden! How dare you-" Holden's rage boiled over, but before he could finish, the ropes shot back up, lifting the kids high into the air.

The children couldn't help but cry more, the swaying motion of the ropes making them dizzy. Adele looked like she was about to be sick.

Holden's eyes burned with fury as he locked gazes with Zayden.