Page 22 of Caged By the Lich

OLVAAR

Isit at the head of the long obsidian table, my advisors droning on about troop movements and supply lines. Their words wash over me, failing to capture my usual razor-sharp focus. My mind wanders, unbidden, to a pair of defiant green-gold eyes.

"V, what are your thoughts on the southern border?"

I blink, realizing I've missed half the conversation. "Repeat the question," I growl, irritation flaring at my own distraction.

Vex stares at me for a beat too long. "We were discussing the allocation of resources to fortify our southern holdings."

I nod, buying time as I scan the map spread before us. My gaze falls on a small outpost, and suddenly I hear Astrid's voice in my head, clear as day:

That's a weak point. You're spreading your forces too thin there.

I frown, examining the area more closely. She's right. Damn her.

"Double the garrison at Blackthorn Pass," I order, ignoring the surprised looks from my advisors. "It's vulnerable."

As they scramble to adjust their plans, I find myself wondering what else Astrid might notice. Her strategic mind continues to impress me, much as I loathe to admit it.

The meeting drones on, but my thoughts keep drifting. I imagine Astrid standing at my side, her clever remarks cutting through the sycophantic agreement of my advisors. The corner of my mouth twitches, almost a smile, before I catch myself.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I slam my fist on the table, silencing the room. "Enough. We'll reconvene tomorrow. I expect better prepared proposals."

As they file out, I remain seated, scowling at the maps. This fascination with the human girl is becoming a liability. I need to end it.

And yet... the thought of sending her away leaves an uncomfortable tightness in my chest.

I scan the crowded ballroom, my eyes narrowing as I take in the gaudy displays of wealth and power. These pathetic excuses for demon lords preen and posture, unaware of how quickly I could crush them all. The air is thick with the stench of fear and sickly-sweet perfumes.

My gaze lands on Astrid, standing alone near a marble column. I brought her to prove a point, before I heard Ilreth wouldn't even be attending. I wanted people to see me with his pet, to show I can do whatever I want.

Instead, I'm lost in staring at her, wanting another taste of her sweet skin. She's a vision in emerald silk, her raven hair cascading down her back. I feel a flicker of... something in my chest. Annoyance, surely.

Lord Kravos, that arrogant ass, stumbles towards her. Even from across the room, I can tell he is wasted. Not an uncommon occurrence for him anyway. But his eyes are hungry as they roam over Astrid's form.

Before I realize what I'm doing, I'm moving. My feet carry me swiftly across the polished floor, cutting a path through the startled crowd.

Kravos has Astrid cornered, one meaty hand on the wall beside her head. "Come now, little human," he slurs. "Don't you want to experience a real demon?"

I reach them just as Astrid opens her mouth to retort. My hand closes around Kravos's throat, lifting him off his feet. The room falls silent.

"Touch her again," I snarl, "and I'll rip out your spine and feed it to you."

Kravos's eyes bulge. He claws weakly at my grip, his feet dangling uselessly. I squeeze tighter, feeling the satisfying crunch of cartilage beneath my fingers.

"V," Astrid's voice is soft behind me. "You're making a scene."

I blink, suddenly aware of the dozens of eyes fixed on us. What the fuck am I doing? Since when do I care about what might happen to some human girl?

I release Kravos. He crumples to the ground, gasping and retching.

"Get out of my sight," I growl. He scrambles away, leaving a trail of blood and spittle on the pristine floor.

I turn to Astrid, expecting gratitude. Instead, I'm met with a raised eyebrow and a look of amused confusion.

"I had it under control," she says coolly.

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