Page 1 of Caged By the Lich

1

ASTRID

Iglide through the gilded halls of Father's mansion, my midnight blue gown whispering against the polished marble floors. The air thrums with the low murmur of conversation and the clink of crystal glasses.

Demon nobles crowd the space, their horns and sharp features a stark reminder of my otherness. The scent of exotic spices and fire hangs heavy in the air, a heady mixture that never fails to make my head spin.

"Lady Astrid." A volvath demon bows, his crimson eyes gleaming like fresh blood. "How... delightful to see you this evening."

I paste on a smile, ignoring the slight pause before 'delightful.' The contempt in his voice is barely concealed, but I've grown accustomed to such thinly veiled insults. "Lord Vexus. I trust you're enjoying the festivities?"

"Oh, indeed." He takes a sip of his drink, some viscous black liquid that makes my stomach turn. The way it clings to his sharp teeth reminds me of tar. "Your father's taste is, as always, impeccable. Though I must say, his choice in... companions remains questionable."

I nod, scanning the room for an escape. A matron demon catches my eye, her lips curling into a sneer that reveals needle-like teeth. I straighten my spine, refusing to wilt under her gaze. My fingers itch to reach for the dagger hidden beneath my skirts, the knife I always keep strapped to my right thigh, but I resist the urge.

"If you'll excuse me," I murmur to Lord Vexus, not waiting for a response before gliding away. His chuckle follows me, grating on my nerves like sandpaper.

I weave through the crowd, exchanging nods and brief pleasantries. The demons part before me, some out of respect for my father's position, others out of distaste for my human blood. Their whispers follow me like a shadow, a constant reminder of my place in this world.

"Can you believe Ilreth lets her attend these functions?"

"Well, what can you expect from a human? They're barely more than animals."

"At least she's not as hopeless as her sister. That one's a lost cause."

I clench my jaw, keeping my expression neutral. Years of practice have honed my ability to appear unaffected by their barbs, but each word still stings like acid on my skin. I snag a flute from a passing server, grateful for something to occupy my hands. The bubbles dance on my tongue, a momentary distraction from the sea of hostility surrounding me.

As I navigate the crowded room, a commotion in a secluded corner catches my eye. A hulking demon lord, his horns twisted like gnarled branches, looms over a trembling human servant girl. The stench of alcohol wafts from him, mixing with the acrid scent of fear emanating from the girl.

"C'mere, pretty thing," he slurs, grabbing her wrist. "Don't you wanna have some fun?"

The girl's eyes dart around frantically, searching for help. My blood boils, and before I can think twice, I'm striding towards them.

"Lord Kravix," I call out, my voice sharp as a blade. "I suggest you unhand her immediately."

The demon's head snaps up, his yellow eyes narrowing as they focus on me. "Well, if it isn't Ilreth's little pet. Run along, girl. This doesn't concern you."

I plant myself between him and the servant, my chin raised defiantly. "I'm afraid it does. As a guest in my father's home, you're expected to behave with a certain level of decorum. Harassing the staff falls decidedly short of that expectation."

Kravix's face contorts with rage, his sharp teeth bared in a snarl. "You dare speak to me like that, human? I could crush you with one hand."

"You could try," I retort, my hand inching towards the hidden dagger. "But I doubt my father would appreciate you manhandling his daughter. Now, step away from the girl."

The demon hesitates, his alcohol-addled mind struggling to process the situation. I can see the moment he realizes he's cornered. With a growl, he releases the servant's wrist.

I turn to the girl, keeping Kravix in my peripheral vision. "Are you alright?"

She nods, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and gratitude. "Y-yes, my lady. Thank you."

"Go to the kitchens and stay there for the rest of the night," I instruct her softly. She doesn't need to be told twice, scurrying away like a mouse fleeing a cat.

By now, our confrontation has drawn attention. Demons crowd around us, their expressions ranging from amusement to disgust. I can hear their whispers, feel their judgment pressing in on me like a physical weight.

"Defending a human servant? How quaint."

"She forgets her place. Ilreth should keep her on a tighter leash."

I ignore them, focusing on Kravix. He's swaying slightly, his eyes narrowed as he stares at me, clearly drunk and humiliated. "This isn't over, girl," he hisses.

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