Page 54 of Caged By the Lich

I nod, my heart pounding. "Yes. I can't ask you to choose between your family and me. It's not fair. And I... I don't want to lose you either."

Tears well up in Astrid's eyes, and before I know it, she's thrown her arms around me. I freeze for a moment, unused to such open displays of affection, before slowly wrapping my arms around her.

"Thank you," she whispers against my chest. "You have no idea what this means to me."

I hold her tighter, marveling at how right it feels to have her in my arms. "I think I'm starting to understand." Gods, I am fucked. "Just please don't leave my estate, okay? It's not safe right now."

She pulls back, looking up at me. Her gaze assesses me, her hands still locked behind my neck, and the tension starts to build. "I don't want to be anywhere else."

The words soothe the jagged emotions that have been slicing me up inside. I lower my head to hers, and Astrid meets me halfway, kissing me back with equal fervor.

This time, when I walk her backward to her bed, I use her body to apologize, not punish. I fuck her with my tongue until she screams and then I let her ride me until she's gushing all over me, begging me to fill her.

And as she falls asleep in my arms, all I hear are those words.

I don't want to be anywhere else.

I really want to believe them. But Kaz was right. There's only one way for me to know.

25

ASTRID

Istand in the lush gardens of Olvaar's home, my heart racing with anticipation. The vibrant foliage and exotic flowers seem more vivid today, as if nature itself is celebrating this moment. I spot Athena approaching, her golden curls bouncing with each step. For once, there's no need to hide or whisper.

"Thena!" I call out, waving.

She breaks into a run, and we collide in a tangle of limbs and laughter. I bury my face in her hair, and this time there's no tangles from coming through the bushes. She walked right in through the front door.

"I can't believe this," Athena says, pulling back to look at me. Her eyes are wide with wonder. "They really did just let me walk right in. He trusts you that much?"

I grin, spreading my arms wide. "Welcome to my new reality."

We settle on a nearby bench, our shoulders touching. Athena's gaze roams over me, taking in every detail.

"You look... different," she says, tilting her head. "Good different. You're glowing."

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. "Am I?"

"Definitely. There's this confidence about you now. Like you've found your place." Athena's eyes narrow playfully. "It wouldn't have anything to do with a certain demon lord, would it?"

I laugh, shoving her lightly. "Maybe." Then I look at her, fighting back some of my excitement. "You don't mind?"

"I don't think it matters what I think of him." Athena's voice softens. "You're happy here, aren't you?"

I pause, considering her words. "I am. It's complicated, but... yes. I'm happy."

Athena takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "Then I'm happy for you, sis. You deserve this."

We spend the next hour catching up, our conversation flowing freely without the fear of being overheard. As we talk, I realize how much I've changed. I tell Athena that I don't want to come, that I want to be here with Olvaar, and she seems to understand.

As the sun begins to dip lower in the crimson sky, Athena and I share a tight embrace. The scent of her familiar perfume brings a wave of nostalgia, but it no longer feels like home. This place, with its dark beauty and dangerous allure, has become my new reality.

"We can make this a weekly thing," I tell her, pulling back to meet her eyes. "Same time, same place?"

Athena nods, a mix of relief and lingering concern in her expression. "I'd like that. Just... be careful, Astrid. You know how Father feels about?—"

"I know," I cut her off gently. "But this is my choice. I'm not a prisoner anymore."

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