The Dragon's Queen

His eyes

The cold wind from the cliffs whipped through my hair as I stood, my back against the stone wall, watching Aidan pace back and forth in front of me.

His boots crunched on the gravel, the only sound between us since they’d dragged me here. I was shackled, of course, but the chains weren’t what held me still. It was his eyes—the calculating gleam in them. The look of a man who had already made up his mind.

“I must admit,” Aidan finally spoke, his voice smooth and casual, “you surprised me back there.”

I said nothing. I was too busy mentally mapping out the terrain, weighing the chances of running. Slim, with guards on every side, but slim wasn’t impossible.

“You offered yourself up,” he continued, turning to face me. “Bold move for someone who, just hours ago, was trying to kill me.”

I met his gaze. “You gave me no other choice. I'd rather die than be enslaved to you.”

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “That’s where you’re wrong, Nika. You always have choices.”

My eyes flicked to the horizon. We were perched on the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the vast forest that stretched out beyond the Ironclaw territory. Freedom was out there—so close, yet so impossibly far. Especially with my executioner by my side, waiting for Aidan to give the word.

“Tell me,” Aidan said, stepping closer, “Why you thought I would let my mate die? Or were you just hoping for an honorable exit?”

I clenched my jaw, refusing to answer. He wasn’t going to get under my skin. Not again.

“You’re smart, Nika,” he continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Too smart to think a quick death was your best option. So, let’s cut the theatrics. I’m offering you a way out.”

I raised an eyebrow, but remained silent, knowing he was about to lay out the trap I’d been waiting for.

Aidan took another step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “You help me, and I let you live. Simple.”

I snorted. “Help you? If anything, I should slit your throat and spare the world the misery of your existence. In what universe would I ever trust you enough to work with you?”

My words as usual felt like pouring water into a basket. It only tickle his amusement, no effect whatsoever. Yet my breath hitched when those silver eyes locked with mine.

He shrugged. “In the one where you want revenge. You’re here because Malvick left you for dead. I’m giving you a chance to make sure he pays for that.”

I blinked, surprised by the sudden mention of Malvick. The name was enough to send a rush of anger coursing through me. Malvick had left me behind, discarded me like I was nothing. The betrayal still stung, but hearing Aidan bring it up only made me more furious. He knew exactly how to pull the strings, rubbing it in my face.

“And what’s in it for you?” I asked, my voice hard.

Aidan smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I get what I want—control over the Nightshade pack. We have been enemies long enough, don't you think? The Blackwood days as leader are numbered, and you… you help me get rid of them, particularly Malvick.”

This had to be a sick joke. Sure Malvick and his father betrayed me but killing the people I'd grown up with was simply ridiculous. No matter the anger.

“You want me to kill him?” I asked, incredulous. “You think I’d just hand over my freedom for a shot at doing your dirty work?”

“Not just a shot, Nika,” Aidan said, his voice lowering as he leaned in closer. “An assurance. You take down Malvick, and I give you your freedom. A clean break, no strings attached.”

I laughed bitterly. “I don’t trust you, Aidan. And I certainly don’t trust whatever deal you’re offering.”

“You don’t have to trust me,” he replied smoothly. “You just have to hate Malvick more than you hate me.”

I hesitated. The hatred I felt for Malvick was real, deep-rooted, but Aidan was playing a dangerous game. There was no telling what he really wanted, or how long he’d keep his word.

“And if I refuse?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

Aidan tilted his head, his smile widening. “Then I’ll throw you to the wolves—literally. I have plenty of loyal followers eager to claim the bounty on your head. You can either make yourself useful to me, or you can die here. It’s that simple.”

The words hung in the air between us. He wasn’t bluffing; I could see it in the cold set of his jaw. The deal was real, and I had little room to maneuver. But there was one thing I couldn’t shake—the feeling that Aidan enjoyed this game too much. He thrived on the power, on bending others to his will.

Worst of all, there was a possibility this deal was out of absolute pettiness. He knew I loved Malvick and this automatically made him competition, whether or not Aidan admitted it.

“Is this solely based on your feud with his father? Nothing else attached?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

Those silver eyes flickered with amusement.

“What do you think, sweetheart?” He smiled. “He sent you here to kill me, it's only right I send you back, isn't it? Were you hoping for something else?”

I didn't believe him. Aidan was by far the most complicated man I've ever met and it made him so infuriating. The fact that he could get under my skin without even trying made it more annoying.

“Time’s ticking, princess,” he drawled.

I swallowed hard, weighing my options. Malvick had left me to die, but working for Aidan felt like stepping into a different kind of cage. Still, freedom was dangling just out of reach, and the temptation to take it, even if it meant risking everything, was almost too much to resist.

“Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. “But I do this on my terms. I help you take down Malvick, and when it’s done, I walk away. No tricks, no strings.”

Aidan’s smile widened, victory flashing in his eyes. “Agreed,” he said, extending his hand.

I stared at it for a long moment before finally taking it. The deal was struck, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just signed away something far more valuable than my freedom.