Page 61 of Caged By the Lich

"I'll walk you out," Athen offers.

She follows me outside to where my carriage is waiting. I take one last look at my childhood home, my heart heavy but my resolve firm. Athena stands beside me, her hand clasped tightly in mine.

"Are you sure about this?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, squeezing her hand. "I am. This isn't goodbye forever, Thena. I'll visit, and you're always welcome in Olvaar's home."

She smiles, but I can see the worry in her eyes. "Just... be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promise, pulling her into a tight hug.

As I climb into the carriage, I catch a glimpse of Father watching from an upstairs window. His expression is unreadable, but I raise my hand in farewell anyway. The carriage lurches forward, and I settle back, my mind racing with thoughts of Olvaar.

The journey back feels shorter, my anticipation growing with each passing mile. What if he's changed his mind? What if he doesn't want me the way I want him?

What if I just made a huge mistake?

Either way, I love him. And I'm ready to take that leap.

28

OLVAAR

Istride through the fortress halls, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. My mind races with thoughts of Astrid. I told her to take her time, but I've been away from her for far longer than I can even tolerate. I need her.

I reach her chambers and pause, steeling myself. With a deep breath, I push open the door. "Astrid?"

Silence greets me. The room is empty, and I pause. Where else would she be? I just came from my study, I didn't see her in the halls.

My heart pounds as I scan the space, searching for any sign of her. Nothing.

"No," I growl, my fists clenching. "No, no, no."

I tear downstairs, storming through the gardens, but I don't see her. I go back up to my study, the libraries, all over the damned house until there is nothing left to check.

The realization hits me like a physical blow. I stagger back, my chest tight. She left. She's gone for good.

I slump against the wall, sliding to the floor. My head falls into my hands as the pain washes over me. How could I have been so foolish? To think she'd stay, that she'd choose me?

She never cared for you, a voice whispers in my mind. You were nothing but a monster to her.

"No," I mutter, but the doubts creep in.

She played you for a fool. Used you to gain her freedom.

I growl, trying to silence the thoughts. But they persist, growing louder.

You're weak. Pathetic. You let a human girl make you soft.

I roar, lashing out. My fist connects with the stone floor, cracking it. The pain barely registers through the storm of emotions.

She never loved you. How could she? You're nothing but a demon.

I squeeze my eyes shut, but I can't escape the truth of those words. Of course she left. How could I have expected anything else?

The anger and pain swirl within me, a tempest I can't control. I feel myself slipping, my carefully maintained control crumbling.

You're alone. Always alone.

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