Chapter 73. A Queen's Command

"Let him go, 'Fluffy'. We still need him," Astaroth's voice cut through the moment, laced with irritation. But Fluffy didn't flinch, her entire focus remained locked on me, her teeth bared, the low growl rumbling deep from her chest vibrating the air between us.

She awaited my command, not his.

"Well, isn't that unfortunate," Astaroth groaned, shaking his head, his voice dripping with exasperation. "It seems she's bonded with you... damn beast," he added. But his words felt false, theatrical even. I met his gaze, standing taller, the fire of defiance burning in my chest. Memories—blurred and fragmented—flooded back: secret meetings, pain, and suffering, deals sealed with darkness, betrayal, and rejection. The rejection was a lie; I knew that now. But the sting of that false rejection still echoed in my heart.

This scum—this demon—had tricked me. He tricked Knox and Kane into agreeing to a deal so that he could get his hands on my unborn daughter.