Caged By the Lich

27. Astrid

27

ASTRID

I wake 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 about the 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.

I turn to see Athena rushing towards me, her eyes wide with shock. As she throws her arms around me, I realize the full weight of what I've done. I'm home, but it no longer feels like where I belong.

Athena leads me into Father's study, her hand gripping mine tightly. As we enter, I see Father rise from behind his desk, his face a mixture of shock and relief.

"Astrid," he breathes, moving around the desk to embrace me. I return the hug, but I can't help noticing how frail he feels in my arms. Has he always been this thin?

As we pull apart, I see the questions in their eyes. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead.

"I... I'm not here to stay," I begin, my voice wavering slightly. "I came to explain, to help you understand."

Father's brow furrows. "Understand what? Astrid, you're home now. You're safe."

I shake my head, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "That's just it, Father. I was safe there too. With Olvaar."

"Olvaar?" My father says, staring at me like he's never even heard the name. "No one calls him that."

"I do," I whisper, thinking of Oriax.

And there must be a look on my face or something in my voice that tips him off because he jerks back, his face hardening. The silence that follows is deafening. Athena's hand tightens around mine, and I see Father's jaw clench.

"Tell him," Athena whispers.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to meet their eyes. "I've fallen in love with him. With Olvaar. And I... I think he loves me too."

Father turns away, his shoulders tense. Athena's eyes widen in disbelief.

"You love him?" she asks, staring at me. "Are you… Are you sure?"

I've told Athena how much he means to me, but I get her confusion. She was never one for the demon world, always resistant. The idea of falling in love with one, especially with the way I came to be with Olvaar, is probably abhorrent to her.

I take a shaky breath, trying to find the right words. "He's not who we thought he was. He's complex, capable of growth. The man I've come to know is different from the demon lord you fear."

I tell them about our late-night strategy sessions, the way he values my input. I describe his protectiveness, his unexpected gentleness. With each story, I see a flicker of understanding in Athena's eyes, though Father remains stoic.

"He gave me a choice," I say softly. "To leave or stay. That's why I'm here. To tell you that if I go back, it's my decision."

Father finally turns to face me, his expression pained. "And what of his debt? The reason he took you in the first place?"

I shake my head. "He's not going to come after you anymore." I'll ask him not to, and I know it will be enough. "But if you need help?—"

"I will not discuss this with you." He sighs like he's said it a thousand times before.

I try again. "I can help. Olvaar lets me?—"

"Astrid," he snaps. "Enough."

It stings, but I also feel an underlying layer of acceptance. "Fine. If you won't discuss it, then honestly, it's not my problem to solve anymore."

He looks away, guilt flashing across his face. I reach out, touching his arm gently.

"If you need help, I'll always be here," I say, glancing at Athena. "For both of you. But my life... My home is with Olvaar now."

Athena pulls me into a tight hug. "I don't understand completely," she whispers. "But I want you to be happy."

As I hold my sister, I see Father's shoulders slump in resignation. They may not fully approve, but I can see the beginnings of acceptance in their eyes.

"I should go," I say, rising and my father only nods. He doesn't make a move toward me and I realize this is going to do more damage than I thought.

But Olvaar is worth everything to me.

"I'll walk you out," Athen offers.

She follows me outside to where my carriage is waiting. I take one last look at my childhood home, my heart heavy but my resolve firm. Athena stands beside me, her hand clasped tightly in mine.

"Are you sure about this?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, squeezing her hand. "I am. This isn't goodbye forever, Thena. I'll visit, and you're always welcome in Olvaar's home."

She smiles, but I can see the worry in her eyes. "Just... be careful, okay?"

"I will," I promise, pulling her into a tight hug.

As I climb into the carriage, I catch a glimpse of Father watching from an upstairs window. His expression is unreadable, but I raise my hand in farewell anyway. The carriage lurches forward, and I settle back, my mind racing with thoughts of Olvaar.

The journey back feels shorter, my anticipation growing with each passing mile. What if he's changed his mind? What if he doesn't want me the way I want him?

What if I just made a huge mistake?

Either way, I love him. And I'm ready to take that leap.