Page 52 of Caged By the Lich

Relief washes over me, mingled with a fresh wave of love for my sister. "Thank you, Thena. I don't deserve you."

She smiles, but I can see the sadness in her eyes. "You're my sister. I'll always be here for you, no matter what." All too soon, Athena glances at the sky, her expression turning anxious. "But I have to go," she says reluctantly. "Father will notice if I'm missing for too long."

My heart sinks. I don't want her to leave, but I know she's right. "Of course," I say, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. "You should go."

We stand, embracing one last time. As I hold my sister close, I'm hit with a fresh wave of guilt. I've put her in an impossible position, torn between loyalty to our father and protecting mysecret. I wish our whole situation could be easier, that there was some way to reconcile my old life with my new one.

But as she leaves, I have no yearning to go with her.

And I think that tells me everything I need to know.

24

OLVAAR

"You're sure?" I ask, though I have never doubted my spymaster before.

Malakai is too busy cleaning his nails with a knife to look up at me. "Positive."

Astrid had a secret meeting in the gardens with her sister. After I spared Athena and gave her a warning, she came back. Is she planning on helping Astrid escape?

A growl tears through me. As if there's anywhere on this planet — or others — that she could go that I wouldn't follow. I will do anything to keep Astrid right where she belongs.

With me.

My chest heaves as I struggle to contain the rage boiling within me. How could she? After everything we've shared, after I bared my fucking soul to her. I told her I'd give up everything for her.

It slams into me. I bared my soul to her. I confessed everything but that I love her. And all she said was that she wanted me. I didn't question it at the time, but was it just a physical ache?

Did she get me out of her system and is ready to move on?

The thought sends me into a spiral. I grab the nearest object – a priceless vase – and smash it against the wall. The crash is satisfying, but it does little to quell the storm inside me.

Is this what weakness feels like? This gnawing doubt, this fear that claws at my insides? I've never felt so out of control, so... human.

I want to confront her, to demand answers. To shake her until she understands what she's doing to me. But I can't. The thought of seeing betrayal in those green-gold eyes – it's more than I can bear.

So I watch. I have my spies report her every move, every expression. I analyze each detail, searching for signs of deceit, of plans to escape. The doubt and anger are driving me to the brink of madness.

During meetings, I catch myself staring at her, trying to decipher the thoughts behind those enigmatic eyes. Does she regret our night together? Was it just a way to lower my guard?

The jealousy burns hot in my veins. The thought of her plotting with Athena, of choosing her family over me – it's almost more than I can stand. I've never been a man who shares, and I'm not about to start now.

But still, I don't confront her. I can't bring myself to shatter this fragile thing between us, even as I feel it slipping through my fingers like sand.

I pace the length of my study, my agitation growing with each step. The walls feel like they're closing in, suffocating me with doubts and fears I've never experienced before.

"V?" Malakai's voice rips me from my thoughts. "If it helps, she wasn't here long. Maybe you should just as?—"

"Out!" I roar, my eyes flashing dangerously.

Malakai huffs but stands to leave. He knows better than to push me when I'm like this.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to regain some semblance of control. But thoughts of Astrid invade my mind, driving me to distraction. One moment, I want to lock her away where no one else can see her. The next, I can barely stand to be in the same room, afraid my weakness will show.

During a council meeting, I find myself snapping at anyone who dares mention her name. "Astrid is none of your concern," I snarl, silencing the room. But moments later, I'm demanding updates on her activities, my voice thick with barely concealed need.

I catch Astrid watching me, confusion and hurt evident in those captivating eyes. Part of me wants to go to her, to explain, to beg for understanding. But the demon in me, the part that's ruled and hardened, recoils at the thought of such vulnerability.

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