Page 60 of Caged By the Lich

I turn to see Athena rushing towards me, her eyes wide with shock. As she throws her arms around me, I realize the full weight of what I've done. I'm home, but it no longer feels like where I belong.

Athena leads me into Father's study, her hand gripping mine tightly. As we enter, I see Father rise from behind his desk, his face a mixture of shock and relief.

"Astrid," he breathes, moving around the desk to embrace me. I return the hug, but I can't help noticing how frail he feels in my arms. Has he always been this thin?

As we pull apart, I see the questions in their eyes. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

"I... I'm not here to stay," I begin, my voice wavering slightly. "I came to explain, to help you understand."

Father's brow furrows. "Understand what? Astrid, you're home now. You're safe."

I shake my head, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "That's just it, Father. I was safe there too. With Olvaar."

"Olvaar?" My father says, staring at me like he's never even heard the name. "No one calls him that."

"I do," I whisper, thinking of Oriax.

And there must be a look on my face or something in my voice that tips him off because he jerks back, his face hardening. The silence that follows is deafening. Athena's hand tightens around mine, and I see Father's jaw clench.

"Tell him," Athena whispers.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet their eyes. "I've fallen in love with him. With Olvaar. And I... I think he loves me too."

Father turns away, his shoulders tense. Athena's eyes widen in disbelief.

"You love him?" she asks, staring at me. "Are you… Are you sure?"

I've told Athena how much he means to me, but I get her confusion. She was never one for the demon world, always resistant. The idea of falling in love with one, especially with the way I came to be with Olvaar, is probably abhorrent to her.

I take a shaky breath, trying to find the right words. "He's not who we thought he was. He's complex, capable of growth. The man I've come to know is different from the demon lord you fear."

I tell them about our late-night strategy sessions, the way he values my input. I describe his protectiveness, his unexpected gentleness. With each story, I see a flicker of understanding in Athena's eyes, though Father remains stoic.

"He gave me a choice," I say softly. "To leave or stay. That's why I'm here. To tell you that if I go back, it's my decision."

Father finally turns to face me, his expression pained. "And what of his debt? The reason he took you in the first place?"

I shake my head. "He's not going to come after you anymore." I'll ask him not to, and I know it will be enough. "But if you need help?—"

"I will not discuss this with you." He sighs like he's said it a thousand times before.

I try again. "I can help. Olvaar lets me?—"

"Astrid," he snaps. "Enough."

It stings, but I also feel an underlying layer of acceptance. "Fine. If you won't discuss it, then honestly, it's not my problem to solve anymore."

He looks away, guilt flashing across his face. I reach out, touching his arm gently.

"If you need help, I'll always be here," I say, glancing at Athena. "For both of you. But my life... My home is with Olvaar now."

Athena pulls me into a tight hug. "I don't understand completely," she whispers. "But I want you to be happy."

As I hold my sister, I see Father's shoulders slump in resignation. They may not fully approve, but I can see the beginnings of acceptance in their eyes.

"I should go," I say, rising and my father only nods. He doesn't make a move toward me and I realize this is going to do more damage than I thought.

But Olvaar is worth everything to me.

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