Page 59 of Caged By the Lich

Iwake to a soft knock on my door, the sound pulling me from a restless sleep filled with thoughts of Olvaar. He had to leave after our…training session in the sparring room. And he didn't invite me again, which made it feel like he was hiding something from me.

I spend the rest of the day thinking about him. Most of it was in his study, where I looked over the newly secured southern territories, ones that would need a visit from their lord soon. But I haven't pressed that issue, either.

He never came to the study. He never came to my room, either, and for the first time in a week, I slept alone. Blinking away the fog of early morning, I sit up, my heart racing as I call out, "Come in."

The door opens, and there he stands. Olvaar's imposing figure fills the doorway, his presence instantly electrifying the room. It's a relief to see him, to not have to go any longer without him.

When did I become this dependent on him?

"Astrid," he says, and I notice his eyes are streaked with orange and red — two colors I rarely see. That can't be good. "We need to talk."

Definitely not good.

I nod, gesturing for him to enter. He closes the door behind him and approaches my bed, his eyes never leaving mine. There's something different about him this morning, a vulnerability I've never seen before.

"I'm giving you a choice," V says, his words catching me off guard. "You can leave."

I blink, sure I've misheard him. "What?"

"You heard me," he continues, his jaw tight. "If you want to go, I won't stop you. You're free to return to your family."

The offer hangs in the air between us, heavy with implications. My mind races, trying to process this unexpected turn of events.

I told him I didn't want to be anywhere else. He's let Athena come here…

But now, he's showing me I'm not a prisoner. I'm free to leave with no repercussions. And I can't just assume that I know what he's thinking this time…

"Why?" I manage to ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Olvaar's eyes soften for a moment, and I see the red take over almost all his gray eyes. What does red mean? I've never really seen it — except for a few times when I was hurt, when he was…worried.

And I finally get it when he answers, "Because I need to know if you're here by choice, Astrid. Not as a captive, not as a pawn, but because you want to be."

His words hit me like a physical blow, forcing me to confront feelings I've been trying to ignore. I think about my family, about Athena, about the life I left behind. But I also think aboutthe woman I've become here, the strength I've found, and the unexpected connection I've forged with Olvaar.

"I..." I start, then pause, gathering my thoughts. "I need time to think."

Olvaar nods, his expression unreadable. "Take all the time you need. But know this, Astrid. Whatever you decide, it'll be your choice."

I stare at the door long after Olvaar leaves, his words echoing in my mind. Freedom. A choice. The opportunity to return home. It's everything I thought I wanted, but now...

I shake my head, forcing myself to focus. This is my chance to see my family, to confront my father about the debt that led to all of this. I need answers, and I need to see them with my own eyes.

Without allowing myself to overthink it, I quickly dress and gather a few essentials. My heart races as I slip out of my room, half-expecting to be stopped at any moment. But the halls are quiet, and I make it to the stables without incident.

I arrange for a carriage, telling the demon driver it's a quick errand approved by Lord Olvaar. The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I push the guilt aside. I'll be back before he even notices I'm gone, I tell myself.

As the carriage pulls away from Olvaar's home — my home — I force myself not to look back. I should have told him, I know, but I couldn't bear the thought of him looking sad or hurt. I'll be back before he even knows, and then we can move forward.

I can tell him I love him.

There will be nothing holding me back anymore. Once I talk to my family.

The journey feels both endless and far too short. Before I'm truly ready, the familiar spires of my father's estate come into view. My stomach churns with a mix of anticipation and dread.

The carriage rolls to a stop, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. I step out, my eyes scanning the courtyard for any sign of my family.

"Astrid?" A familiar voice calls out, filled with disbelief and hope.

---