Caged By the Lich

20. Olvaar

20

OLVAAR

I storm out of my study, my mind reeling from the kiss with Astrid. The taste of her lingers on my lips, igniting a fire I can't extinguish. Fuck. This wasn't supposed to happen.

I bark orders at the guards, demanding no one disturb me. My feet carry me through the winding corridors of my home, each step echoing my internal turmoil. I need space. I need to think.

Locking myself in my private chambers, I pace as my magic lashes out, slamming into stone walls built to withstand it.

My fingers run through my hair, tugging at the roots as if the pain might ground me. It doesn't.

"Dammit," I growl.

The look on her face…

Why the fuck does it bother me so much? Why did I want her to want me back? I curse myself for caring, for wanting, for being desperate enough to hope that a human could desire me the way I want her. I would rip my chest open and hand her my heart just to make her smile…

And she looked stunned. Shocked.

Afraid.

And she said nothing when I left.

My body is shaking, this need pounding through me to go back to her. It's gripping me so hard that I can barely breathe, the desire that I felt the first time I saw her. And fuck…the kiss made it worse.

I can't shake the memory of Astrid's soft lips, the way her body melted against mine. It felt... right. It felt like I had found a piece of myself I didn't know I was missing and now I've ripped it back out, like I need her to breathe and now I'm suffocating.

I've officially lost my godsdamn mind, and I don't even care. I'd give up everything for that woman. She's ruined me…

And she doesn't even want me back.

A knock at the door interrupts my spiraling thoughts. "What?" I snarl.

"V," Malakai's voice filters through. "I've got some news…if you want it."

There's no doubt my spymaster knew the second I left my study pissed. He can sense everything like he's a damn shadow himself.

But I need the distraction. So I call out,"I'll be there shortly."

I throw myself into work, poring over reports and strategizing with a fervor that surprises even me. Hours pass in a blur of meetings and decisions. But every quiet moment, every lull in conversation, brings her face to mind.

As night falls, Kaz approaches me cautiously. "Is everything alright, V? You seem... distracted."

I fix him with a glare that would make lesser demons cower. "I'm fine. Focus on your duties."

He hesitates, clearly wanting to press further, but thinks better of it. It's probably for the best. Usually, I'd work this out in the sparring ring, but I know that will do nothing for me, either, so Kaz has nothing to offer me but silence.

It's only late that night when I'm alone again that I slump into my chair, exhaustion settling into my bones. But sleep eludes me. All I can think about is Astrid, and the dangerous path we're treading.

I've built my empire on fear and ruthlessness. I can't afford weakness. Can't afford... feelings. But as I sit in the darkness, I'm forced to confront the fact that I can't shake this.

And I'm going to destroy myself for her in the end.

I can't sit alone with my thoughts any longer. And since sleep isn't coming, I need to unleash this on something. I'm on my feet before I even fully think.

I storm into the training arena, my magic crackling around me like barely contained lightning. The few demons unfortunate enough to be there scatter, sensing the storm brewing beneath my skin.

Good. I need to be alone.

I grab a practice sword, its weight familiar in my hand. The first training dummy doesn't stand a chance. I unleash a flurry of strikes, each blow punctuated by a snarl of frustration.

"Fuck!"

The dummy's head flies off, clattering across the stone floor. It's not enough. I need more.

I summon my magic, feeling it surge through me. The air crackles with energy as I hurl bolt after bolt of destructive force at the remaining dummies. They explode in showers of straw and splinters, but I don't stop.

My mind races with images of Astrid. Her defiant glare when I first brought her here. The flash of intelligence in her eyes during strategy sessions. The softness of her lips against mine...

"Dammit!"

I roar, unleashing a wave of pure demonic energy that reduces half the arena to rubble. Panting, I survey the destruction. It should make me feel better, this display of raw power. Instead, I just feel... empty.

Astrid is the only thing that makes me feel anything any more.

Sweat drips down my face as I catch my breath. The physical exertion has cleared some of the fog from my mind, leaving me with a stark realization.

I can't keep denying what I feel for Astrid. It's tearing me apart, making me weak. And in my world, weakness will get me killed.

I have two choices: get rid of her or... accept this. Accept that she's become important to me. That I can't just push her away or ignore her when things don't go the way I want. She deserves more…we both do.

And the thought of sending her away makes my chest ache in a way I didn't think possible. Which leaves me with only one option.

I straighten up, decision made. I'll tell her. Everything. And if she rejects me... well, at least I'll know where we stand.

With renewed purpose, I stride out of the ruined arena. It's time to face Astrid, and whatever consequences come with it.

I find Astrid in a quiet corridor, her silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of enchanted torches. My heart pounds as I approach, every step feeling like I'm marching into battle.

"Astrid," I call out, my voice rougher than I intend.

She turns, surprise flickering across her face before she schools her features into careful neutrality. "Yes?" she responds, chin tilting up defiantly.

I close the distance between us, backing her against the wall. Not threatening, but ensuring she can't easily escape this conversation. "We need to talk about what happened."

Astrid's eyes dart away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "With the way you left, I'd thought you'd never want to talk about it again."

"Me?" I growl. "You looked stunned when I kissed you. Afraid, even. Why?"

She meets my gaze then, green-gold eyes flashing with frustration. "It wasn't about you. Not everything revolves around you and your ego."

Her words sting, but I push past it. "Then what was it about? Talk to me, Astrid."

She hesitates, conflict clear on her face. "What does it matter?"

I can tell she's trying to push me away. It seems she's struggling with her emotions as much as I am.

I take a calming breath, reaching up to cup her face. "Everything with you matters to me."

"Have you even thought about the consequences?" She pushes. I know she's looking for an out, but she hasn't said she didn't want me. She hasn't told me to quit touching her. And that gives me a bit of hope. "The political ramifications? You're a demon lord, I'm a human. This... whatever this is... it can't happen."

I laugh bitterly. "You think I give a fuck about politics right now? About my title?" I lean in closer, my voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "I'd give it all up for you, Astrid. Everything. Can't you see that?"

Astrid's eyes widen, her mouth falling open in shock. For a moment, she's speechless.

"I... Olvaar, you can't mean that," she finally manages.

"I do," I insist, cupping her face in my hands. "You've changed everything, Astrid. I don't want power or fear if it means losing you."

Astrid's breath hitches, and I see tears gathering in her eyes. "I was afraid," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Afraid of how right it felt when you kissed me. How much I wanted it."

My heart soars at her words. Without hesitation, I sweep her into my arms, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. This time, there's no hesitation, no fear. Astrid melts against me, her fingers tangling in my hair as she kisses me back with equal fervor.

I deepen the kiss, my hand sliding into Astrid's hair as I press her against the wall. The taste of her is intoxicating, and I can't get enough. My body burns for her, every nerve ending on fire.

Suddenly, I jerk back, reality crashing over me. I search Astrid's face, my heart pounding. "I can't take it if you regret this," I growl, my voice rough with desire and fear. "You have to tell me now."

Astrid shakes her head, her eyes blazing with an intensity that takes my breath away. "I want you, Olvaar," she says fiercely. "I'm afraid of how much I want you. There's a million things we need to figure out, but right now, I don't care." Her fingers slide up my scalp, clutching the hair at the back of my head as she pulls me toward her. "I just want you."

Those words are all I need. I reclaim her mouth, pouring every ounce of pent-up desire into the kiss. It's electric, sparks dancing across my skin wherever we touch. It's intense, stealing my breath and making me want more, like I will never be able to exist again without her right here in my arms like this.

It's perfect

This is the need I've been feeling since the first time I saw her, like she was always meant to be mine. My hands roam her body, memorizing every curve as I lose myself in her. The world fades away until there's nothing but Astrid - her taste, her scent, the soft sounds she makes as I explore her mouth.

I've never felt anything like this before. It's overwhelming, all-consuming, and I never want it to end.