Page 50 of Caged By the Lich

But as the denial forms on my lips, I see Astrid's face in my mind. Her fierce determination, her brilliant mind, the way she challenges me at every turn. The softness in her eyes when we're alone.

Fuck.

I love her.

The realization leaves me breathless, terrified, and utterly exhilarated.

I stand there, frozen, as Kaz's words sink in. Love. It's a foreign concept, one I've never allowed myself to entertain. But now that it's out there, I can't deny the truth of it.

Kaz straightens up, his expression serious. "We've got a few weeks, V. But you need to make a decision."

I narrow my eyes. "What kind of decision?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You need to decide if you're bringing your new mate with us when we go to the southern territories. Or if you're going to return your prisoner to her father."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I hadn't even considered the upcoming mission, too caught up in my feelings for Astrid.

Kaz continues, either not knowing or caring the blows he's dealing me. "Either way, she won't be safe here without us. And if we do find what we're after, I need you focused. This situation with you and Astrid... it needs to end one way or the other."

I clench my fists, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. The thought of leaving Astrid behind makes my chest ache, but bringing her into danger... that's not an option either.

"Fuck," I mutter, pacing back and forth. "I can't just... I can't make this decision right now."

Kaz watches me, his expression unreadable. "You don't have much time, V. And the longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes for everyone involved."

I know he's right, but that doesn't make it any easier. I've never felt so torn, so conflicted. The demon lord in me wants to forge ahead with our plans, consequences be damned. But thepart of me that loves Astrid... that part wants to protect her at all costs.

What am I going to do?

23

ASTRID

Igot the note out to Athena days ago, before I knew this was going to happen. My stomach was twisted in knots when I left Olvaar's room, worried he would want me to stay.

And now, guilt is burning through me. Is he going to feel betrayed? Does he know that I'm not trying to get away anymore? I told him I didn't think I wanted to leave, but I'm not sure if he'll feel that way after this.

I pace nervously along the winding path, my fingers tracing the delicate petals of blood-red roses. The garden's eerie beauty does nothing to calm my frayed nerves. Any moment now, Athena could appear. And I'm a tangled mess of feelings.

But as I wait, the guilt gnaws at my insides, new layers adding to it. What would Ahena think if she knew? If she could see inside my traitorous heart? I've given in to the very demon who tore me from our family. Worse, I've started to care for him.

My cheeks burn with shame as I remember Olvaar's touch, his kiss. How could I let myself fall for him? After everything he's done?

But then I also think about how right it felt. He gave me…everything. And his eyes boring into mine as he swore he woulddo just that, that he'd give up his title and anything else for me… How could I regret it?

I don't. I told him I wouldn't, and I don't. I feel a little guilty now that I have to face my sister, but there's no doubt I'd make the same choice time and time again.

I wonder if Olvaar knows that I'm here. That Athen will be coming here. Of course he does. He always knows. Or he'll at least find out.

Part of me wonders if he'll burst in at any moment, furious at my deception. But another part... another part hopes he understands. That he'll give me this moment with my sister.

I sink onto a nearby bench, head in my hands. What am I doing? I'm caught between two worlds now - my old life with my family, and this new existence with Olvaar. I don't know how to reconcile them. I don't know if I can.

A flash of movement catches my eye, and my heart leaps into my throat. Stepping between the bushes where a small hole in the wall is is my little sister, looking both familiar and strange all at once. Her golden curls are wilder than I remember, her face thinner. But those eyes - they're the same warm, golden-green that have always been my anchor.

"Thena," I breathe, barely audible.

She turns, spots me, and for a heartbeat we're both frozen. Then we're running, colliding in a tangle of limbs and tears.

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