Page 35 of Caged By the Lich

"In your study," Malakai replies. "The spare one."

"I will deal with you two later," I snap as I take off down the hallway, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

As I burst into the study, I find Athena standing defiantly in the center of the room, her golden-green eyes blazing with indignation. They are nothing but a punch into the fucking gut when I was just staring into the same ones, hooded and looking at me in a way that I will never get out of my head.

Fuck, I'd never want to. Astrid needy and ready, on the edge of begging and flushed, it's all I ever fucking wanted it.

"What are you doing here?" I snarl, stalking into the room.

Athena lifts her chin. "I'm here for my sister."

"Are you now?" I lean against my desk, crossing my arms. "And how exactly did you plan to accomplish that?"

"Well, clearly I found a way in," she says, her voice steady despite the fear I can see lining her face.

I can't help but be impressed by her audacity. From the way they acted, I assumed that Astrid had always protected her sister, that Athena would have no backbone of her own. but I see echoes of Astrid in her stubborn set of her jaw, the fire in her eyes.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that," I say, allowing a hint of admiration to color my tone. "But you're out of your depth here."

Athena's eyes narrow. "I'm not leaving without Astrid."

I laugh, the sound harsh and mocking. "And what makes you think you're leaving at all?"

Her eyes flash. "My father?—"

"Your father is helpless against me," I sneer. "Try again."

Her jaw clenches. "Just let me and my sister go. That's all I came here for."

"You really think you can just waltz in here and take her?" I scoff, leaning back against my desk. "Astrid isn't some damsel in distress waiting to be rescued."

Athena's eyes flash. "She doesn't belong here. She belongs with her family."

Her words hit a nerve, and I clench my jaw. "And what makes you think she wants to leave?"

The question hangs in the air, and I see doubt flicker across Athena's face. It's gone in an instant, replaced by determination. "I know my sister."

But do you? I want to ask. Do you know how her eyes light up when she's solved a particularly tricky puzzle? How she bites her lip when she's concentrating? The way her voice gets low and husky when she's trying not to laugh at one of my jokes?

Fuck. When did I start noticing all these little things about her?

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. "Your sister has become an invaluable asset to my operations. She's not going anywhere."

Athena steps closer, her chin raised defiantly. "She's not just an asset. She's a person, with her own dreams and desires. You can't keep her here against her will."

Her words strike uncomfortably close to home. I've been telling myself that Astrid's presence here is purely strategic, but I know it's more than that. The way I reacted the first time I saw her…or every time I see her, the way I find myself seeking out her company... it's not just about politics anymore.

I think back to our almost-kiss, the pure fucking magic that crackled between us. Astrid matches me in ways I never thought possible. Her quick wit, her fierce determination, her ability to see through my shit... she challenges me in ways no one else ever has.

And fuck, I love it.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. I've come to value Astrid not just for her political acumen or her usefulness in my schemes, but for who she is. Her strength, her intelligence, her unwavering spirit - they've become as essential to me as breathing.

I turn back to Athena, my voice low and dangerous. "Your sister stays. That will be the end of that. As for you…"

I weigh my options, staring at Athena's defiant face. Every instinct screams at me to punish her severely for this transgression. She infiltrated my fortress, challenged my authority. By all rights, I should make an example of her.

But Astrid's face flashes in my mind. Those green-gold eyes, filled with fire and determination. How would they look if I hurt her sister? The thought of causing Astrid pain twists something inside me.

---