Page 53 of Caged By the Lich

So I retreat to my chambers, barking orders for no one to disturb me. I pour myself a drink, downing it in one gulp as I try to drown out the chaos in my head. The glass shatters in my grip, blood mixing with the spilled liquor.

I stare at the crimson drops, a bitter laugh escaping me. How fitting. I, who have spilled oceans of blood without remorse, am now undone by a single human woman.

I can't take it anymore. I'm on the edge, and all thought flies out of my head as I realize I need fucking answers. So I head to find some.

I storm into Astrid's chambers, my rage barely contained. She looks up, startled, those green-gold eyes widening as she takes in my thunderous expression.

"What the fuck were you thinking?" I snarl, slamming the door behind me.

Astrid stands, her brows pinching together. "What are you talking about?"

I almost wish she would fight me back. Why does she look understanding?

"Don't play dumb with me," I growl, closing the distance between us. "Your little garden rendezvous with Athena. Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

A flash of guilt crosses her face before it hardens. "I wasn't aware I needed your permission to see my own sister."

Her words cut deep, fueling the fire of my anger and insecurity. "Permission? Is that what you think this is about? Fuck, Astrid, I thought we were past this!"

"Past what, exactly?" she snaps back. "You keeping me prisoner? Because last time I checked, that's still exactly what I am!"

I run a hand through my hair, frustration mounting. "Is that really how you see it? After…everything?"

"I don't know what to think anymore, V," Astrid says, her voice wavering. "One minute you're telling me you'd give up everything for me, the next you're avoiding me like the plague."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I turn away, struggling to maintain my composure. "And you? Are you planning your great escape with Athena? Ready to run back to daddy dearest?"

Astrid's sharp intake of breath tells me I've struck a nerve. "How dare you," she hisses. "You have no idea what I'm going through."

I whirl back to face her, my eyes blazing. "Then enlighten me! Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you got what you wanted and now you're ready to bail."

"What I wanted?" Astrid's voice rises, matching my intensity. "You think this is what I wanted? To fall for the demon who kidnapped me? To betray everything I've ever known?"

Her admission stuns me into silence. She continues, her words pouring out in a rush. "Do you have any idea how hard this is for me? I'm torn between two worlds. I can't just forget where I came from, who I am!"

"And who are you, Astrid?" I demand, stepping closer. "Because the woman I've come to know, to... care for, she's not just Ilreth's daughter. She's so much more than that."

Astrid's eyes shine with unshed tears. "I don't know who I am anymore," she whispers. "All I know is that I can't lose my family, but I can't lose you either."

I feel the anger draining from my body, replaced by a bone-deep weariness. Astrid's words echo in my mind, her pain and confusion mirroring my own. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me.

"Astrid," I say, my voice softer now. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't realize how difficult this has been for you."

She looks up at me, surprise evident in those captivating eyes. "You're... apologizing?"

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated with my own inability to express myself. "Yeah, I guess I am. Look, I'm not good at this. Feelings... it's not exactly part of the demon lord handbook."

A small smile tugs at her lips. "I've noticed."

I move closer, reaching out to grip her chin and tilt her face up to mine. Her scent wraps around me, cooling the rest of my temper, and her hands slide up to my chest. It seems I'm not the only one that needs the connection.

"I meant what I said before. I would give up everything for you. But I realize now that I've been asking you to give up everything for me without offering the same in return."

She leans closer to me. "What are you saying?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to offer. "I'm saying that I trust you, Astrid. And I want to prove it. From now on, you're free to communicate with your family. No more secrets, no more sneaking around."

Her eyes widen in disbelief. "Really? You'd let me do that?"

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