Page 45 of Caged By the Lich

A knock at the door interrupts my spiraling thoughts. "What?" I snarl.

"V," Malakai's voice filters through. "I've got some news…if you want it."

There's no doubt my spymaster knew the second I left my study pissed. He can sense everything like he's a damn shadow himself.

But I need the distraction. So I call out,"I'll be there shortly."

I throw myself into work, poring over reports and strategizing with a fervor that surprises even me. Hours pass in a blur of meetings and decisions. But every quiet moment, every lull in conversation, brings her face to mind.

As night falls, Kaz approaches me cautiously. "Is everything alright, V? You seem... distracted."

I fix him with a glare that would make lesser demons cower. "I'm fine. Focus on your duties."

He hesitates, clearly wanting to press further, but thinks better of it. It's probably for the best. Usually, I'd work this out in the sparring ring, but I know that will do nothing for me, either, so Kaz has nothing to offer me but silence.

It's only late that night when I'm alone again that I slump into my chair, exhaustion settling into my bones. But sleep eludes me. All I can think about is Astrid, and the dangerous path we're treading.

I've built my empire on fear and ruthlessness. I can't afford weakness. Can't afford... feelings. But as I sit in the darkness, I'm forced to confront the fact that I can't shake this.

And I'm going to destroy myself for her in the end.

I can't sit alone with my thoughts any longer. And since sleep isn't coming, I need to unleash this on something. I'm on my feet before I even fully think.

I storm into the training arena, my magic crackling around me like barely contained lightning. The few demons unfortunate enough to be there scatter, sensing the storm brewing beneath my skin.

Good. I need to be alone.

I grab a practice sword, its weight familiar in my hand. The first training dummy doesn't stand a chance. I unleash a flurry of strikes, each blow punctuated by a snarl of frustration.

"Fuck!"

The dummy's head flies off, clattering across the stone floor. It's not enough. I need more.

I summon my magic, feeling it surge through me. The air crackles with energy as I hurl bolt after bolt of destructive force at the remaining dummies. They explode in showers of straw and splinters, but I don't stop.

My mind races with images of Astrid. Her defiant glare when I first brought her here. The flash of intelligence in her eyes during strategy sessions. The softness of her lips against mine...

"Dammit!"

I roar, unleashing a wave of pure demonic energy that reduces half the arena to rubble. Panting, I survey thedestruction. It should make me feel better, this display of raw power. Instead, I just feel... empty.

Astrid is the only thing that makes me feel anything any more.

Sweat drips down my face as I catch my breath. The physical exertion has cleared some of the fog from my mind, leaving me with a stark realization.

I can't keep denying what I feel for Astrid. It's tearing me apart, making me weak. And in my world, weakness will get me killed.

I have two choices: get rid of her or... accept this. Accept that she's become important to me. That I can't just push her away or ignore her when things don't go the way I want. She deserves more…we both do.

And the thought of sending her away makes my chest ache in a way I didn't think possible. Which leaves me with only one option.

I straighten up, decision made. I'll tell her. Everything. And if she rejects me... well, at least I'll know where we stand.

With renewed purpose, I stride out of the ruined arena. It's time to face Astrid, and whatever consequences come with it.

I find Astrid in a quiet corridor, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted torches. My heart pounds as I approach, every step feeling like I'm marching into battle.

"Astrid," I call out, my voice rougher than I intend.

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