**Chapter 11 — Lady Nyxara's Offer**
A loud knock on the door woke Liora from her light sleep.
She sat up quickly on the bed, heart racing. Cairis was already standing, his body tense and ready.
"Open," a female voice called from outside. "I bring food and news, Prince Cairis."
Cairis unlocked the door. Lady Nyxara stepped inside carrying a tray with bread, meat, cheese, and two cups of dark wine. She smiled when she saw Liora sitting on the bed.
"So the little witch is still alive," Nyxara said sweetly. "I brought enough for both of you. You must be hungry after running from the Church all night."
Liora stayed silent. She kept her eyes down like Cairis had told her. Her hands twisted the blanket nervously.
Cairis took the tray and placed it on the table. "Speak. What news do you have?"
Nyxara leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. Her yellow eyes kept flicking toward Liora. "Your brothers have grown bold. Lord Vorath now controls most of the Vaelthorn forces. He has made deals with two other courts. They are hunting anyone still loyal to you."
Cairis's face darkened. "Vorath always was a coward. What else?"
"They know something strange happened. A powerful binding ritual pulled a demon prince into the mortal realm. Some say it was you." Nyxara smiled wider. "And now rumors say you travel with a mortal witch who carries part of your heart. Interesting story."
Liora felt cold fear run down her spine. She wanted to disappear into the wall.
Cairis stepped between Nyxara and Liora, blocking her view. "The rumors are true. The witch bound herself to me. That is all anyone needs to know. If anyone in this outpost speaks of her, I will cut out their tongue."
Nyxara laughed softly. "So protective. How sweet. But you are weak right now, Cairis. Your power has not fully returned because of that bond. You need allies. I can give you that."
Cairis's voice turned cold and threatening. "What do you want in return?"
Nyxara looked past him at Liora. "Her. Not forever. Just for a ritual. With her shadow magic mixed with your Abyssal essence, we could open a bigger crack. Bring more power into this realm. You could take back your court easily."
Liora's eyes widened in fear. She finally spoke, her voice shaking. "No. Please. I don't want to be used in any ritual."
Cairis turned sharply to her. "Be quiet."
Nyxara smiled at Liora. "Don't be afraid, little one. It would only hurt a little. Think of the power you could gain. You would no longer be a weak witch hiding in gardens. You could stand beside a prince."
Liora shook her head fast. Tears formed in her eyes. "I don't want power. I just want to survive. Please don't let her take me."
Cairis stepped closer to Nyxara. His presence filled the room like a storm. "She is not for trade. She is not for your rituals. Touch her and I will rip your heart out and feed it to the void wraiths. Is that clear enough for you?"
Nyxara's smile faded a little, but she kept her voice calm. "Very clear. You are still as ruthless as ever. But think about my offer. You cannot fight your brothers alone while you are weakened by that bond. I can help you regain strength… if you share the witch."
Cairis grabbed Nyxara by the throat and slammed her against the wall in one fast move. "I said no. Spread the word. Anyone who looks at her the wrong way dies. Now leave."
He released her. Nyxara coughed once but smiled again as she straightened her armor. "As you wish, my prince. The room is yours for the night. Food is on the table. I will send more information tomorrow."
She gave Liora one last long look before leaving and closing the door behind her.
The moment she was gone, Liora let out a shaky breath. "She wants to use me. She looked at me like I was a tool. I'm so scared, Cairis. What if she tries to take me when you're not looking?"
Cairis turned to her. His face was still dark with anger. "She will not take you. I meant what I said. You belong to me now. No one else gets to use you."
Liora stood up slowly, still trembling. "But you also scare me. You talk about owning me like I'm an object. I feel trapped. I feel like I made everything worse by stealing your heart."
Cairis walked over and stopped right in front of her. He was so tall she had to look up.
"You did make it worse," he said in a low, hard voice. "But the bond is done. There is no undoing it tonight. So you will eat. You will rest. And tomorrow we decide whether we fight for my court or run deeper into hiding."
Liora nodded weakly. "Okay. I'll eat. But… can you stay close tonight? I don't trust her. I don't trust anyone here."
Cairis stared at her for a long moment. His expression stayed cold, but he gave one short nod. "I will stay in the room. Eat your food before it gets cold."
They sat at the small table. Liora ate slowly, her appetite small because of fear. Cairis ate quickly, his eyes always watching the door.
After some time, Liora spoke quietly. "Thank you for saying no to her offer. You could have traded me for help."
Cairis looked at her with sharp eyes. "Do not thank me. I did not refuse because I care for you. I refused because you are mine. No one takes what belongs to Cairis Vaelthorn."
Liora looked down at her food. "I understand. I'm still scared… but I'm glad you didn't give me away."
The room became quiet again. Outside, they could hear voices and the sound of weapons being sharpened in the outpost.
Cairis finally spoke. "Sleep if you can. Tomorrow will not be easy. We may have to fight our way out of here if Nyxara decides to betray us."
Liora lay back down on the bed, pulling the blanket over herself. She felt exhausted, terrified, and completely out of place in this dangerous demonic world.
But as she closed her eyes, she realized one small thing.
Cairis had protected her from Nyxara.
Even if it was only because she belonged to him, it was still protection.
And right now, in this scary place, that was all she had.
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