Page 19 of Caged By the Lich

Vex'nar clan's influence in southern region underestimated? Potential for local alliances to undermine their power base.

It's bold, insightful, and frustratingly accurate. It's also a very real solution to a fake problem I posed her, and I wonder if she saw past some of the false information. I've been so focused on brute force that I've neglected the subtler aspects of conquest.

I find myself pacing, mind racing with new possibilities. Astrid's notes have forced me to reevaluate my entire approach. It's both exhilarating and infuriating. How has this human girl, with her limited exposure to our world, managed to cut through to the heart of matters that have been plaguing me for months?

A part of me wants to dismiss her ideas out of hand. She's a prisoner, a pawn – she shouldn't have this kind of influence. But I can't deny the value of her insights. Implementing even a few of her suggestions could tip the scales decisively in my favor.

I sink into my chair, fingers steepled as I contemplate my next move. Astrid has proven herself to be more than just a pretty face or a political hostage. She's a strategic asset, one I'd be a fool to ignore.

But I don't know what to do with that information. Especially with the attraction that I feel, that I can't ignore. Or the way that her thoughts are filling my mind day after day, muffling everything else until all I think or see or hear is her.

What the fuck am I supposed to do.

I find myself pacing the halls of my fortress more frequently these days, my footsteps inevitably leading me to Astrid'schambers. It's become a routine, one I tell myself is purely for security purposes. But deep down, I know the truth - I'm drawn to her sharp tongue and even sharper mind.

Today, I push open her door without knocking, as usual. She's curled up in a chair by the window, a book forgotten in her lap as she gazes out at the crimson sky. For a moment, I'm struck by how the light catches her raven hair, giving it an almost ethereal glow.

"Plotting your escape again?" I drawl, leaning against the doorframe.

Astrid turns, her green-gold eyes sparking with that familiar defiance. "Why bother? Your security is as impenetrable as your skull."

I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips. "Careful, little rebel. Some might mistake that for a compliment."

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the ghost of a smile. "Don't flatter yourself, V. I was merely stating a fact."

A frown graces my lips at her use of my nickname. I'm not sure why, but I haven't enjoyed hearing it. Not on her lips.

I move further into the room, circling her chair like a predator. But Astrid doesn't flinch. She never does. "And what other facts have you deduced during your... extended stay?"

"That your taste in literature is abysmal," she quips, gesturing to the bookshelf. "Seriously,Conquests of the Third Age? It reads like propaganda written by a lovesick imp."

I bark out a laugh before I can stop myself. "I'll have you know that's considered a classic."

"By whom? Delusional warlords with ego problems?"

Her retort is so quick, so biting, that I find myself genuinely impressed. Most demons would cower at the mere thought of insulting me. But not Astrid. Never Astrid.

"You wound me, little rebel," I say, placing a hand over my heart in mock hurt. "And here I thought we were developing such a rapport."

Astrid's eyes narrow, but there's a glimmer of amusement in their depths. "The only thing developing here is my contempt for demon interior design. Seriously, would it kill you to add some color?"

I glance around the room, seeing it through her eyes. The dark stone walls, the heavy black furnishings - it is rather... oppressive. "What would you suggest? Pink frills and lace?"

She snorts. "Please. Give me some credit. But maybe a tapestry that isn't depicting wholesale slaughter? Just a thought."

I find myself chuckling again, surprised by how easily she draws it out of me. When was the last time I laughed like this? Genuinely, without malice or cruelty behind it?

"I'll take it under advisement," I say, surprising us both.

But I'm starting to realize one very dangerous thing…

I'd do just about anything for this little human. I'm not even sure when it happened, but just the word please — even used sarcastically — is enough for my blood to start pumping, to do whatever it takes for her to say that word in a different manner.

Preferably underneath me next time.

9

ASTRID

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