Page 13 of Caged By the Lich

A quick glance out the window confirms my suspicions. There are now two guards below it, and I can just make out three pairs of boots now in front of my door. Their postures are rigid, alert. No more easy targets for manipulation.

I pace the room, anger building with each step. I'm furious at V for using his power against me, for treating me like a possession to be controlled. But what infuriates me most is my own reaction to him.

My body betrayed me. For a moment, when his lips touched my skin, I wanted more. The memory of it makes my skin flush, and I hate myself for it. I shouldn't feel anything for him except contempt.

But I can't deny the electricity that crackled between us, the way my pulse raced at his touch. It's like my body and mind are at war, and I don't know which side will win.

6

OLVAAR

Ilean back in my chair, a cruel smile playing on my lips as I scan the reports spread before me. The chaos I've sown by taking Ilreth's precious human daughter is bearing fruit faster than I'd anticipated.

"Tell me again," I command. Malakai picks the paper up from the table, his scaled skin gleaming in the flickering torchlight as his eyes jump over it.

"Lord Ilreth's alliance is fracturing, my lord. The Vex'nar clan has already withdrawn their support, citing concerns about his... judgment." Beside Malakai, Kaz raises his brows. The Vex'nar have been notoriously supportive of Ilreth. It does come as a bit of a surprise. "The Morathi sisters are wavering, and whispers in the court suggest they'll follow suit by week's end."

I nod, satisfaction coursing through me. Ilreth's carefully constructed web of alliances, the very thing that's kept him just out of my reach for so long, is unraveling. And all it took was one human girl.

"What of the southern territories?" I ask, my eyes falling on the intricately detailed map sprawled across my war table.

Kaz points a taloned finger to a stretch of land bordering the Ashen Wastes. "With the Vex'nar clan's withdrawal, this area is now vulnerable. If we move quickly, we could secure a foothold before Ilreth can shore up his defenses."

I rise, circling the table slowly. The pieces are falling into place, a symphony of chaos conducted by my hand. "And the girl?" I can't help but ask, my thoughts drifting to my defiant captive.

"She remains... resistant, my lord," Kaz replies, a note of hesitation in his voice. "But her presence here continues to destabilize Ilreth's position. Many question his ability to protect his own family, let alone his allies."

I nod, a plan forming in my mind. "Prepare the Shadowclaw battalion," I order, my finger tracing a path across the map. "We'll strike at the heart of the Vex'nar clan's holdings. With their forces in disarray, we can crush them and claim their territory in one fell swoop."

Kaz bows low, his wings folding tightly against his back. "It will be done, Lord Olvaar."

As my underlings scurry to carry out my commands, I allow myself a moment of quiet triumph. Ilreth's downfall is at hand, and with it, my ascension to more power in the demon realm. And all thanks to one stubborn human girl.

One who is going to help me. Whether she likes it or not.

Alone, I stride purposefully towards Astrid's chambers, my footsteps echoing through the stone corridors. The guards snap to attention as I approach, fear flickering in their eyes. Good. Fear keeps them loyal.

"Leave us," I command, not bothering to look at them as they scurry away.

I enter without knocking, finding Astrid perched on the windowsill, her green-gold eyes fixed on the landscape beyond. It's mostly woods, a river cutting through the soft hills of myestate, the nearly black foliage standing out against the crimson sky. She doesn't turn to acknowledge me, her posture rigid with defiance.

"Enjoying the view?" I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

She finally deigns to look at me, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Oh yes, staring out at the back of the estate packed with dense trees and no sight is truly breathtaking. Your interior decorator must be a genius for planting this windowsill here for the gorgeous views that have been cultivated."

I clench my jaw, already feeling my patience wearing thin. "Enough games. I have questions, and you're going to answer them."

Astrid raises an eyebrow, her tone bored. "Am I now? How exciting for you."

I take a step closer, looming over her. Most would cower, but she meets my gaze unflinchingly. "Your father's alliances are crumbling. Tell me, which of his supporters does he rely on most?"

She pretends to consider, tapping her chin. "Hmm, let me think... Oh, I know! How about go fuck yourself?"

My hand shoots out, gripping her throat tightly. But I don't squeeze. Yet. "You insolent little?—"

"Careful," Astrid interrupts, her voice low and dangerous. "Wouldn't want to bruise your new favorite toy, would you?"

I ease my grip and cock my head, surprised by the venom in her words. "You're no toy. You're leverage."

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