Page 1 of Surrendered to Mate

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CASSIUS

Istride out of the Council's chamber, my wings twitching with anticipation as my mind already shifts gears to the task at hand. The weight of the mission settles on my shoulders like a familiar cloak - gathering intel on Liiandor, that forsaken dark elf stronghold. My mind runs over the end of our conversation.

"When do you want this done?" I ask, my voice low.

"As soon as possible," Brinda replies. "We can't give them time to strengthen their defenses further." When I don't answer she adds, "We all know that you are the best warrior. You're sneaky, smart, and can maintain a strong sun glamour."

An Elder next to her mutters, "Not to mention you won't get attached."

The Matriarch glares at him, but I cut in. "What does that mean?"

Brinda huffs before turning to me. "You are…apathetic. You know that."

I can't help but smirk at Brinda's assessment. "Sneaky, smart, and apathetic? You really know how to flatter a guy, Matriarch."

Brinda doesn't rise to my bait. Her green eyes bore into mine, unwavering. "This isn't a joke, Cassius. We need someone who can get in, complete the mission, and get out without letting emotions cloud their judgment."

I shrug, my wings rustling slightly with the movement. "And you think I'm your vrakken?"

"We know you are," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Your sun glamour is unparalleled. You can blend in seamlessly with the dark elves. And your... detachment... will be an asset."

I consider her words, turning them over in my mind. It's true, I've never been one for getting caught up in the drama of it all. The war, the politics, the endless cycle of violence - it all seems so pointless. But maybe that's exactly why I'm suited for this.

"Alright," I say finally, my voice flat. "I'll do it. Not like I have anything better to do anyway."

Brinda went on to tell me that before I attacked, they needed information first. They wanted to really hurt Liiandor, and for that, I needed to do a little recon first. Which was fine by me. I didn't really care what I was getting sent out for anyway.

My footsteps echo through the cavernous halls as I make my way towards my quarters. I need to prepare, to gather my thoughts and?—

"Cassius."

That voice. I suppress a groan as Darana materializes from the shadows of a dimly lit corridor. Her ice-blue eyes flash with a mix of anger and possessiveness that has no place there. Not that I am going to fight her one way or another. If that's what she wants to waste her time — though only Akeldama knows why — then so be it.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" she purrs, her tone sickeningly sweet. Her platinum blonde hair seems to glowfaintly, framing her face in an ethereal halo that belies her true nature.

I turn to her, face neutral. I can't remember the last time anyone pulled an emotion out of me, and she will be sorely disappointed when she realizes she doesn't…still. "To my quarters. I have work to do."

She steps closer, her fingers trailing along my arm. But the touch does nothing for me. "Work? What kind of work?" She tilts her head. "Does it have to do with why you were called before the Council?"

I shrug off her touch, taking a deliberate step back to put some distance between us. "That would be classified, Darana. You know I can't discuss it." My voice is firm, brooking no argument. I've dealt with her possessiveness for far too long, and I'm in no mood for her games tonight.

Her eyes narrow, all pretense of sweetness vanishing. "Can't? Or won't? What are they sending you to do now, Cassius?"

"That's none of your concern," I drawl.

She grabs my arm, her nails digging into my skin. "It is my concern. Everything about you is my concern."

I yank my arm away, fixing her with a cold stare. It's really the most enthusiasm I could muster. "We're not together anymore, Darana. You don't get to make those claims."

"Oh, but I do," she hisses, her face contorting with rage. "You think you can just walk away from me? After everything we've been through?"

"There is no 'we,' Darana. There hasn't been for a long time."

She laughs, a bitter, hollow sound that echoes off the stone walls. "You're a fool if you think this is over. Where are they sending you, Cassius? Above ground? To those filthy dark elves?"

I clench my jaw, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. But my silence seems to confirm her suspicions.

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