Caged By the Lich

11. Astrid

11

ASTRID

I might be confused and angry — more at myself than anything else — but when V offers me the opportunity to go to a large demon lord council meeting, I have to jump at the chance.

It's not something I even thought I'd be interested in. My father didn't necessarily exclude me In a way that made me feel like I was missing out. But I like the challenges that V and I throw back and forth, and I want to know how the other lords act.

A part of me wants to see them all shrink back from V's power. I guess I'm a little bit of a masochist, wanting to revel in the power this demon has that refused to touch me.

I'm so fucked.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I follow V into the cavernous council chamber. My heart pounds against my ribs, a frantic rhythm that betrays my outward calm.

The room is a massive study with obsidian walls etched with pulsing demonic runes, a massive table hewn from what looks like polished bone, and ornate chairs that are already mostly occupied.

V's hand on the small of my back guides me to a seat slightly behind his own. The touch sends an unwelcome shiver through me, and I clench my jaw, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. I'm here as his "assistant," but we both know I'm really a glorified prisoner on display. An object meant to gloat his power.

As more demon lords file in, I keep my eyes lowered, observing through my lashes. The air crackles with tension and barely contained power. Lord Kravos, a hulking brute with curved horns, shoots V a look of pure venom before taking his seat. Interesting. There's clearly no love lost between those two after the other night.

To my left, I notice Lady Naevia, her silver hair cascading over scaled shoulders, leaning in to whisper something to the willowy Lord Vexus. Their heads are close, too close for mere pleasantries. They must be allies, and publicly with the way they are behaving.

The meeting begins, and I force myself to breathe evenly as I take mental notes. Lord Baaleth, his voice like gravel, argues passionately for pushing for more land, the xaphan be damned. It's a short lived debate, since it would start a war, but it still makes my stomach churn, even if I keep my face impassive. V's fingers drum a steady rhythm on the table, and I recognize it as a sign of his growing irritation.

"And what of the southern territories?" Lady Naevia's melodic voice cuts through the tension. "Surely we cannot ignore the rumors of-"

V's voice lashes out, silencing her. "The south is not up for discussion."

I risk a glance up, catching the flash of fear in Naevia's eyes before she masks it. But it's Lord Vexus' reaction that truly intrigues me - a barely perceptible smirk, there and gone in an instant. Does he know something about the southern territories that V wants kept quiet?

As the meeting progresses, I find myself unconsciously leaning forward, drawn into the intricate dance of demon politics. It's a game of shadows and half-truths, where a misplaced word could mean death. And despite myself, despite everything, I feel a thrill of excitement coursing through my veins.

I sit quietly, absorbing every word and gesture as the demon lords debate. The tension in the room is palpable, a living thing that seems to writhe between them. I've never seen anything quite like it - the raw power, the barely contained violence simmering beneath polite veneers.

Suddenly, Lord Kravos slams his fist on the table, making me jump. "We cannot continue to ignore the human problem," he snarls. "They breed like vermin and soon they will want to overstep their purpose. I say we cull their numbers before they become a true threat."

A chorus of agreeing murmurs ripples through the room. My blood runs cold, but I force myself to remain still, to not betray my horror.

V leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "And what do you propose, Kravos? Mass slaughter? That would only incite rebellion and draw the attention of other continents. Humans are one of the few across most."

Before I can stop myself, words tumble from my lips. "If I may, my lords..."

All eyes snap to me. I feel V stiffen beside me, but I press on, my heart thundering in my chest.

"Humans aren't the threat you believe them to be. They're adaptable, yes, but also easily manipulated. Instead of culling, why not use them? Offer protection in exchange for labor. Create a system of indenture that benefits both sides so they will feel they can earn freedom instead of fighting for it."

The room falls silent. I can feel V's gaze boring into me, but I keep my eyes on the other lords. Some look intrigued, others disgusted.

Lady Naevia tilts her head, silver hair cascading over one shoulder. "And how would you propose we implement such a system, little human?"

I swallow hard, but my voice remains steady. "Create the illusion of choice. Offer better living conditions, food, protection from other demons. Make servitude seem like the safest option. Humans will flock to you willingly."

Lord Vexus leans forward, his eyes glittering. "Fascinating. You speak from experience, I assume?"

I nod, ignoring the twinge of shame in my gut. "I've seen how humans react to both brutality and false kindness. The latter is far more effective in ensuring long-term compliance."

Whispers erupt around the table. I catch snippets of conversation.

"Clever for a human."

"Perhaps V's pet has some use after all."

I risk a glance at V. His face is impassive, but there's a gleam in his eyes I can't quite decipher.

Lord Kravos sneers, but even he looks thoughtful. "And what of those like yourself? The ones who have forgotten what they were bred for? Where do they fit in this grand plan?"

I meet his gaze unflinchingly. "We're the perfect intermediaries. We understand both worlds, can move between them. Use us as overseers, as go-betweens. We'll keep the humans in line far more effectively than the demons could because they will believe in our empathy."

The debate reignites, but now it's centered around my suggestions. I've given them something to chew on, a new angle they hadn't considered. As they argue, I feel a mix of pride and revulsion. I've just handed them a blueprint for more effective subjugation of my people.

But I've also proven my worth. As the meeting continues, I notice more and more of the lords glancing my way, reassessing me. I'm no longer just V's pet human. I'm a potential asset.

V remains silent through it all, but I can feel the weight of his attention. I've changed the game, and I'm not sure if he's pleased or furious.

I can't help but feel a surge of pride as the meeting adjourns. The demon lords file out, their eyes lingering on me with newfound interest. I've given them something to chew on, and I can hear bits of whispers about me — and they're not all negative for once.

As I follow V down the hall, I find myself studying him with fresh eyes. The way he moves, the subtle shifts in his posture - it all speaks volumes now that I understand the precarious position he's in. He's not just a brutal warlord; he's a master strategist playing a deadly game.

"That was... unexpected," V says as soon as we're alone, waiting for his carriage to be pulled up. I'm sure a demon as powerful as him doesn't need one, but it's often more about appearances than anything else.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. "I saw an opportunity and took it."

His eyes narrow slightly. "And what exactly do you hope to gain from this, little rebel?"

Before I can answer, there's a crunch of footsteps behind me. V's jaw tightens imperceptibly as Lord Kravix strides up to us. The demon lord's eyes gleam with malice as they flick between V and me, and internally groaned. He wasn't exactly known for his care for humans — especially after he tried to assault one at Father's last party.

"Quite the performance back there," Kravix drawls. "I never thought I'd see the day when V relied on a human's counsel. Tell me, are you losing your edge, old friend?"

I tense, recognizing the trap in Kravix's words. If V dismisses my contribution, he'll look weak for bringing me. If he acknowledges it, he risks appearing dependent on a human.

V's fingers twitch, a telltale sign of his growing irritation. But before he can speak, I step forward, plastering on my most vapid smile.

"Oh, Lord Kravix, you flatter me," I gush, letting a hint of breathlessness creep into my voice. "But I'm afraid you've misunderstood. Lord Olvaar doesn't rely on me at all. He simply allows me to observe and learn from his brilliance. It's a kindness, really, letting a lowly human like myself witness true power at work."

Kravix's smug expression falters. I press on, my tone dripping with false modesty. "In fact, everything I said in there was just parroting ideas I've overheard from Lord V. I could never come up with such strategies on my own."

V smoothly joins the conversation, his lips curving into a predatory smile. "Indeed. Astrid is quite... trainable. A useful pet, nothing more."

Kravix's eyes dart between us, searching for any crack in our united front. Finding none, he forces a laugh. "Well, well. You always did have a knack for turning weaknesses into strengths, V. Perhaps I underestimated your... creativity."

As the lord retreats, clearly unsettled, I feel V's gaze burning into me. I glance toward him and he gives me a nod, those eyes swirling with a look I've never seen before.

Gratitude.