The tension in the throne room was a palpable storm as Adrian emerged from the shadows. His normally calm demeanor was replaced by grim determination, his crimson eyes blazing as he stepped forward to face the Vampire King.
All eyes turned to him, the court falling into an uneasy silence at the sight of their supposed traitor daring to stand before their ruler.
“Adrian,” the King drawled, leaning back on his ornate throne, his lips curling into a sly smile. “What a surprise. Come to beg for your life?”
Adrian’s jaw clenched, his hands balled into fists at his sides.
“No,” he said, his voice cold and steady. “I’m here to offer you something far more valuable.”
The King raised a brow, intrigue flickering in his crimson gaze.
“And what, pray tell, could a wayward son possibly offer me that I don’t already have?”
Adrian straightened, his expression unyielding.
“My allegiance,” he said plainly, the weight of his words sending murmurs rippling through the room. “I’ll serve you. Fight for you. Do whatever you ask. But in return, you leave Lyra alone. Forever.”
Misery gasped softly, her eyes darting to Adrian.
“Adrian, no!” she whispered, but he didn’t spare her a glance.
The King rose from his throne, descending the steps with a predatory grace. He circled Adrian slowly, his smile widening.
“So, you’re willing to crawl back to me? After all your defiance, your betrayals?” He stopped in front of Adrian, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “Why?”
Adrian’s gaze never wavered. “Because she doesn’t deserve to suffer for my mistakes. If serving you means she never has to look over her shoulder again, then so be it.”
The King regarded him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, a slow, sinister laugh escaped him.
“Oh, Adrian. Always so noble. So predictable.” He tilted his head, considering. “Very well. I accept your terms. The girl will live—for now. But Eryon stays.”
Adrian’s fists tightened, his knuckles turning white. He glanced at Eryon, chained and bloodied, his amber eyes burning with defiance even in his weakened state.
“And Misery?” Adrian asked, his voice quieter now.
The King’s smile returned, colder than before. “Misery stays too. A promise was made, after all.”
Adrian swallowed hard, his resolve cracking for a brief second before he nodded. “Then we have a deal.”