Page 9 of Caged By the Lich

Kaz, my second-in-command, leans forward. "The human girl? Ilreth's daughter?"

I nod, a cruel smile playing on my lips. I had no doubt that they would have heard before I even left Ilreth's estate. "Astrid. His oldest. And I think she's going to be a very valuable asset."

And fucking fun for me.

"How so, my lord?" This from Malakai, my spymaster. His eyes gleam with interest.

I lean back, steepling my fingers. "Ilreth's been a thorn in our side for too long. Taking his daughter isn't just about settling a debt. It's about shifting the balance of power."

The room falls silent as my words sink in. I can practically see the gears turning in their heads.

"With Astrid in our possession, Ilreth's position is weakened," I continue. "He'll be distracted, off-balance. Perfectfor us to make our move on the southern territories he's been eyeing now that his mines are worthless."

Kaz nods slowly. "And the other lords? How will they react?"

I bare my teeth in a feral grin. "They'll see it as a sign of weakness. Ilreth couldn't protect his own daughter. How can he protect his lands, his allies?"

"We could use this to drive a wedge between Ilreth and his supporters," Malakai suggests.

"Exactly," I agree. "Spread the word. Make sure every demon lord from here to the Ashen Wastes knows that Ilreth's precious human daughter is under my... protection."

The implications hang heavy in the air. My advisors exchange glances, a mix of admiration and fear in their eyes. This is why I'm the one in charge. I see the bigger picture.

"What about the girl herself?" This from Vex, my chief enforcer. "She seemed... spirited."

I chuckle darkly. "Oh, she is. But she'll learn her place. And in the meantime, her defiance will only add fuel to the rumors. Let them think I'm breaking her to my will. It'll make Ilreth even more desperate."

The meeting continues, each of my advisors contributing ideas on how to leverage this new situation. I listen, weighing each suggestion carefully. By the time we're done, a plan is forming - a plan that will shake the very foundations of demon society.

Once the meeting is over, I stride back to Astrid's room, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The guards snap to attention as I approach, and I dismiss them with a curt nod. No need for an audience.

I pause at the door, listening. Silence. Has the little rebel finally exhausted herself? A smirk plays on my lips as I push the door open.

The sight that greets me is... unexpected. Astrid stands in the center of the room, chin raised defiantly. The shattered remains of a vase litter the floor at her feet. Her eyes, those striking green-gold orbs, lock onto mine instantly.

"Finished with your tantrum?" I drawl, stepping into the room and closing the door behind me.

She doesn't flinch. Doesn't back down. "Fuck you."

I chuckle, low and menacing. "Careful, little rebel. You might get what you wish for."

I advance on her, using my height to loom over her smaller frame. Most would cower, but not Astrid, though I wasn't expecting her to. Her fire seems to call to my magic, making it stir in her presence — along with something else.

Fuck, she's beautiful. And the brat in her that I can't wait to tame only adds to it.

She stands her ground, glaring up at me with a fire that makes my blood sing. "You don't scare me," she spits.

I reach out, gripping her chin firmly. "I should. I've torn apart demons twice your size for less disrespect than you've shown." I smile wide, making sure she sees the threat in my face. "Vengeance, baby. It's my speciality."

In truth, it's not why people call me V. B while the nickname stuck, albeit with another meaning… the one who gave it to me did not.

Her jaw clenches under my fingers, but her gaze doesn't waver. "I'm not some sniveling demon lord. I won't bow to you."

I lean in close, my breath hot against her ear. "You will. One way or another, you'll learn your place here."

I feel her shiver, but when she speaks, her voice is steady. "My place is with my family. Not as your prisoner."

I pull back, studying her face. The determination in her eyes is... impressive. Irritating, yes, but impressive nonetheless. I thought that this facade would die down, turn into pleading.But she stands before me, a mere human in a den of demons, refusing to bend.

---