Chapter Nine: Chains (II)
902 Words
Xoraxys
The shadow demon had lived long enough.
I had been generous enough.
I hated him.
How dare a mere shadow steal the affection of my queen. My mate.
"I wish I was never your mate!"
The words stabbed deep, carving into me like a blade.
I had to admit… they hurt.
She had never said such words to me.
Not two years ago when I took her from her home.
But today…
She let those venomous words spill from her lips—because of him. Her first love.
Because I had tortured him?
Because I wanted him to understand that she was mine?!
Crack!
My eyes flickered down to the shattered wine glass in my hand.
I clicked my tongue. The wounds sealed instantly, and I wiped the remaining blood away with a handkerchief.
Then—the door slammed open.
I didn’t need to look.
I could feel her rage.
She was glaring daggers at me.
"Why are you here, Jade?" I asked, voice calm, disinterested, as I continued picking glass from my palm.
She stepped closer.
Anger radiated from the skin.
"What do you want for Lyrien’s release?"
So.
That’s why she came.
I lifted my gaze to hers.
Defiance burned in those emerald eyes.
Oh… how I would love to extinguish that fire.
But I had to admit, I liked seeing her like this. It suited her.
Silence.
It annoyed me that she had come here for him. Not for herself. Not for me. But for that bastard Lyrien.
I clenched my jaw. Maybe I should kill him.
"What do you want for Lyrien’s release?"
Her voice was steady, but I could feel the desperation beneath it.
She was trying to bargain.
With me.
I leaned back in my chair, lacing my fingers together.
“I want a great many things, my love,” I mused.
Jade’s hands curled into fists at her sides.
“Stop playing with me,” she snapped. “Tell me what you want!”
I tilted my head, watching her closely.
She truly thought she had power here.
That she could walk into my study, glare at me, throw around her anger, and I would simply… give in.
I smirked. This was cute.
"Very well," I murmured, rising from my chair.
I walked around the desk, slow and deliberate, until I stood inches from her.
She didn’t move.
Didn’t step back.
Brave little queen.
I reached out, trailing a single finger down her arm.
She shuddered. I leaned in.
“I will release him,” I murmured, my lips brushing close to her ear, “if you swear your loyalty to me. Completely.”
Her body went rigid.
I pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze.
“I want your devotion, Jade,” I continued, my voice smooth, steady. “I want you to stop fighting me. To stop running. To forget about him.”
She inhaled sharply.
I smiled.
“And if I refuse?” she whispered.
I tilted my head.
“Then you will watch him die.”
Her eyes widened.
Ah. There it was.
The moment she realized I was serious. I could hear her heart pounding in her chest. f**k, this was fun to watch. She looked so cute when pissed.
I lifted her chin with two fingers, forcing her to look at me.
“I am being generous, my love,” I murmured. “A king should never have to beg for his queen’s affection.”
Her lips parted, but she said nothing.
I leaned in closer, letting my breath brush against her skin.
“So, Jade…”
My fingers ghosted along her throat, feeling the rapid pulse beneath her skin.
“What will it be?”
___
Jade
It wouldn't be wrong to hit him right? I could kick him in the din-dins and leave.
Honestly it was tempting. Or I could stab him, right in the heart.
Fuck. I used to be so in love with him... Wait– Did I still love him? I groaned internally! Oh this was so confusing.
I yanked my hand away. “I will do whatever you want... Just don't kill Lyrien”
That damn look of his was back. The one he got whenever he won. I hated it. I hated how much power he had over my life.
He took a strand of my hair and kissed it, “Okay... go, I'll think about it” he dismissed me with a wave, like he had better things to do than deal with me!
I stormed out of the room. Gods! I just wanted to scream!
FUCK HIM!
“Go, I'll think about it” think about it?! He was going to decide whether Lyrien's life mattered?!
I knew exactly what he was doing. He was toying with me. How dare him?!
I gave him what he wanted! I gave him my submission! My loyalty! I wasn't going to fight him anymore! But no! He still wanted to play games with me!
I reached my chambers, locking the door behind me. My back against the large mahogany doors.
I needed a plan. I needed to get Lyrien out of that dungeon before Xoraxys changed his mind– before he decided to make an example out of Lyrien.
I knew I couldn't rely on anyone.
I was the only one who could save myself– the only one who could save Lyrien.
- Writer
