Page 6 of Caged By the Lich

"Excuse me?" My voice cuts through the tense silence, sharp as a blade. I step forward, chin raised high, meeting Olvaar's gaze head-on. "An adventure? I don't recall agreeing to be part of any deal."

Olvaar's eyes narrow, a dangerous glint flickering in their depths. Does the color respond to his emotion too? Dammit- Why am I getting caught up in him? He might be gorgeous — like really fucking good looking, especially in that fitted black outfit — but I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.

So none.

And I refuse to back down. I've spent my entire life proving myself in this world of demons. I'm not about to let this asshole undo everything with a few words.

"What right do you have to claim me?" I demand, my voice ringing out clear and strong. The crowd around us shifts uneasily, but I ignore them. My focus is solely on Olvaar. "I'm not a possession to be bartered or traded. I am a person, and I make my own choices."

A low murmur ripples through the crowd. I can feel their eyes on me - some shocked, others admiring, most fearful. But I don't care. I've never backed down from a fight before, and I'm not about to start now.

Olvaar's lips curl into a cruel smile. "Feisty little human, aren't you?" He takes a step closer, towering over me. "Your father's debt is mine to collect. And I choose you as payment."

"I am not currency," I spit back, standing my ground despite the way my heart races. "Find another way to settle your pathetic squabble. I won't be a pawn in your games."

The tension in the room is palpable. I can see Athena from the corner of my eye, her face a mask of worry. But I can't back down now. I won't let Olvaar think he can just waltz in here and claim me like some sort of prize.

"You speak bravely for a human in a demon's world," Olvaar sneers, his voice dripping with contempt. "Perhaps you need a reminder of your place."

This is not going well. I scan the room frantically, my mind racing. The walls seem to close in, the air thick with tension. I need to get out of here. Now.

Without a second thought, I turn on my heel, yanking fast enough that I manage to slip out of Olvaar's grasp, and shove my way through the crowd. Startled gasps and indignant cries follow in my wake, but I don't care. My heart pounds in my earsas I push past demon nobles, their faces blurring into a sea of shocked expressions.

I spot a small, unassuming door hidden behind a tapestry - the servants' exit. My salvation. I've used it countless times to escape tedious social gatherings. Now, it might just save me from a fate worse than boredom.

My fingers brush the cool metal of the doorknob. Just a few more steps and I'll be free. I can hide, regroup, figure out a way to-

A massive hand clamps down on my shoulder, yanking me backward. I stumble, my back slamming against a wall of muscle. A stench fills my nostrils as I look up into the grotesque face of one of Olvaar's henchmen.

"Going somewhere, little human?" he growls, yellowed fangs bared in a mockery of a smile.

I try to duck under his arm, but another demon blocks my path. They're closing in, cutting off any chance of escape. My chest tightens, panic clawing at my throat.

"Back off," I snarl, trying to keep the fear from my voice. But my bravado rings hollow even to my own ears.

They laugh, a guttural sound that sends chills down my spine. I press my back against the wall, feeling the cold stone through the thin fabric of my gown. My eyes dart around, searching for any opening, any chance to slip away.

There's none.

Olvaar's henchmen form a semicircle around me, their massive bodies blocking out the light from the chandeliers. I'm trapped, cornered like prey.

My heart races, blood rushing in my ears. I can feel the panic rising, threatening to overwhelm me. But I force it down. I won't give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

"Touch me, and you'll regret it," I hiss, glaring at each of them in turn. My voice doesn't waver, even as fear churns in my gut.

They chuckle, clearly amused by my defiance. But I see a flicker of uncertainty in their eyes. Good. Let them wonder what tricks this human might have up her sleeve.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I might be cornered, but I'm far from defeated. Whatever happens next, I'll face it head-on. Just like I always have.

"Father!" Athena snaps across the room. "Put a stop to this."

I watch in disbelief as Father's shoulders slump, his usual confident demeanor crumbling before my eyes. He takes a shaky step towards Olvaar, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Please, there must be another way." Father's words tremble in the air. "I can offer you something else. Anything else."

Olvaar's eyes narrow, a predatory gleam flickering in their depths. "Oh? And what could you possibly offer that would equal the value of your precious daughter?"

Father's gaze darts around the room, desperation etched into every line of his face. I've never seen him like this - so vulnerable, so exposed. My stomach churns as I realize just how dire our situation must be.

---