Page 5 of Caged By the Lich

I want her.

The thought hits me like a physical blow, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. My fingers twitch, aching to touch her, to claim her. The air around me crackles with renewed energy, but this time it's not from anger - it's pure, raw desire.

My mouth goes dry as I drink in the sight of her. The way her midnight blue gown hugs her curves, the elegant line of her neck, the slight flush on her cheeks. Every detail sears itself into my memory.

I take an involuntary step towards her, drawn by an invisible force. The crowd parts, but I barely notice. All I can see is her.

My heart pounds in my chest, a rhythm I haven't felt…ever. It's as if I've been sleeping, and her presence has suddenly awakened something primal within me.

I want to run my fingers through her hair, yank it free from its partial updo, to taste the skin at the hollow of her throat. I want to hear her gasp my name, to feel her body tremble against mine.

The intensity of my reaction startles me. I've never felt this... this overwhelming need before. It's intoxicating and terrifying all at once.

The magic within me surges, responding to my desire. The air around me shimmers, and I hear gasps from the nearby demons.

But I don't care. I can't tear my eyes away from her. Who is she? How dare she affect me like this?

Then it hits me who they are. Ilreth's daughters. The human pets he's so fond of. I've heard of them.

A cruel smile plays on my lips as an idea forms. Oh, this is perfect.

"Perhaps we can come to a different arrangement," I purr, my voice silky smooth but laced with venom.

Ilreth's eyes widen. He knows that tone. Knows it means nothing good for him.

I stride towards the human girls, my boots echoing on the marble floor. The crowd parts before me, demons scrambling to get out of my way. Smart. They know better than to be caught in my path.

"You," I say, pointing at the taller one. "What's your name?"

She glares at me, defiance radiating off her in waves. "Astrid," she spits out.

I chuckle, amused by her bravado. "Astrid," I repeat, tasting the name on my tongue. "How fitting. Divine strength, isn't it? Let's see how strong you really are."

I reach out, faster than any human could react, and grab her arm. She tries to pull away, but it's utterly futile.

"Let her go!" Ilreth shouts, panic clear in his voice.

I turn back to him, Astrid still firmly in my grasp. "I think I've found my payment, Ilreth. Your precious human daughter."

The room goes deathly silent. Even the air seems to still, as if the very elements fear to draw my ire.

"You can't–" Ilreth starts, but I cut him off with a snarl.

"I can do whatever I want," I growl, my eyes flashing dangerously. The temperature in the room plummets, frost creeping across the windows. "Or have you forgotten who I am?"

Ilreth's face pales. Good. It would do him well to remember.

I turn back to Astrid, who's still struggling in my grip. Her defiance is... intriguing. Most would have broken by now, reduced to sobbing wrecks. But not her. There's fire in those eyes.

"What do you say, little human?" I ask, my voice a dangerous purr. "Ready for a real adventure?"

3

ASTRID

Ifeel the blood drain from my face as Olvaar's words echo through the suddenly silent hall. My heart pounds against my ribcage, a mix of shock and fury coursing through my veins. No. This can't be happening.

I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms. The pain grounds me, snapping me out of my momentary stupor. This demon is sorely mistaken if he thinks I'm going to let an arrogant bastard treat me like a piece of property.

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