Page 25 of Caged By the Lich

The room falls silent. I can feel V's gaze boring into me, but I keep my eyes on the other lords. Some look intrigued, others disgusted.

Lady Naevia tilts her head, silver hair cascading over one shoulder. "And how would you propose we implement such a system, little human?"

I swallow hard, but my voice remains steady. "Create the illusion of choice. Offer better living conditions, food, protection from other demons. Make servitude seem like the safest option. Humans will flock to you willingly."

Lord Vexus leans forward, his eyes glittering. "Fascinating. You speak from experience, I assume?"

I nod, ignoring the twinge of shame in my gut. "I've seen how humans react to both brutality and false kindness. The latter is far more effective in ensuring long-term compliance."

Whispers erupt around the table. I catch snippets of conversation.

"Clever for a human."

"Perhaps V's pet has some use after all."

I risk a glance at V. His face is impassive, but there's a gleam in his eyes I can't quite decipher.

Lord Kravos sneers, but even he looks thoughtful. "And what of those like yourself? The ones who have forgotten what they were bred for? Where do they fit in this grand plan?"

I meet his gaze unflinchingly. "We're the perfect intermediaries. We understand both worlds, can move between them. Use us as overseers, as go-betweens. We'll keep the humans in line far more effectively than the demons could because they will believe in our empathy."

The debate reignites, but now it's centered around my suggestions. I've given them something to chew on, a new angle they hadn't considered. As they argue, I feel a mix of pride andrevulsion. I've just handed them a blueprint for more effective subjugation of my people.

But I've also proven my worth. As the meeting continues, I notice more and more of the lords glancing my way, reassessing me. I'm no longer just V's pet human. I'm a potential asset.

V remains silent through it all, but I can feel the weight of his attention. I've changed the game, and I'm not sure if he's pleased or furious.

I can't help but feel a surge of pride as the meeting adjourns. The demon lords file out, their eyes lingering on me with newfound interest. I've given them something to chew on, and I can hear bits of whispers about me — and they're not all negative for once.

As I follow V down the hall, I find myself studying him with fresh eyes. The way he moves, the subtle shifts in his posture - it all speaks volumes now that I understand the precarious position he's in. He's not just a brutal warlord; he's a master strategist playing a deadly game.

"That was... unexpected," V says as soon as we're alone, waiting for his carriage to be pulled up. I'm sure a demon as powerful as him doesn't need one, but it's often more about appearances than anything else.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. "I saw an opportunity and took it."

His eyes narrow slightly. "And what exactly do you hope to gain from this, little rebel?"

Before I can answer, there's a crunch of footsteps behind me. V's jaw tightens imperceptibly as Lord Kravix strides up to us. The demon lord's eyes gleam with malice as they flick between V and me, and internally groaned. He wasn't exactly known for his care for humans — especially after he tried to assault one at Father's last party.

"Quite the performance back there," Kravix drawls. "I never thought I'd see the day when V relied on a human's counsel. Tell me, are you losing your edge, old friend?"

I tense, recognizing the trap in Kravix's words. If V dismisses my contribution, he'll look weak for bringing me. If he acknowledges it, he risks appearing dependent on a human.

V's fingers twitch, a telltale sign of his growing irritation. But before he can speak, I step forward, plastering on my most vapid smile.

"Oh, Lord Kravix, you flatter me," I gush, letting a hint of breathlessness creep into my voice. "But I'm afraid you've misunderstood. Lord Olvaar doesn't rely on me at all. He simply allows me to observe and learn from his brilliance. It's a kindness, really, letting a lowly human like myself witness true power at work."

Kravix's smug expression falters. I press on, my tone dripping with false modesty. "In fact, everything I said in there was just parroting ideas I've overheard from Lord V. I could never come up with such strategies on my own."

V smoothly joins the conversation, his lips curving into a predatory smile. "Indeed. Astrid is quite... trainable. A useful pet, nothing more."

Kravix's eyes dart between us, searching for any crack in our united front. Finding none, he forces a laugh. "Well, well. You always did have a knack for turning weaknesses into strengths, V. Perhaps I underestimated your... creativity."

As the lord retreats, clearly unsettled, I feel V's gaze burning into me. I glance toward him and he gives me a nod, those eyes swirling with a look I've never seen before.

Gratitude.

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