Page 14 of Shackled By Shadows

Control. The word echoes in my head. Control over my magic, control over the wards that hold me captive, control over my own fate. I almost laugh at the irony. How can I control anything when everything in my life has spiraled so far beyond my reach?

I narrow my eyes, crossing my arms. “Oh, really?” I shoot back, my voice tinged with sarcasm. “And here I was thinking I had it all under control,” I exaggerate while studying him, trying to gauge how much he is teasing and how much is serious. “So, what’s your grand plan, then? Or is this just another one of Oberon’s little games?”

He chuckles, his grin widening as he leans in just a fraction closer.

“Oh, well, aren’t you a ball of sunshine?” He chuckles. “I like that.” His smile deepens, and his tone remains playful, but there is a glint of something more serious in his eyes. “As for a grand plan, well, I could tell you, but what fun would that be?” His hand goes to his face, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Let’s just say . . . we’ll take it one lesson at a time. Besides, you’re not the only one with a few tricks up their sleeve.”

His gaze lingers on me a moment longer, filled with a quiet amusement. “But don’t worry, I’ll be around to help you when you need it. If you ask nicely, of course.”

I roll my eyes, my arms crossed tight across my chest. “Spare me the theatrics,” I say, the bitterness clear in my voice. “I didn’t ask for your help. I’ll manage just fine on my own.”

“Oh, Lyra,” he says, his voice teasing, “You’re cute when you’re feisty.” He scrunches his face on the word “But don’t fool yourself. The truth is that you do need help. And whether you like it or not, I’m here to offer it.”

“How generous of you,” I retort, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I can barely contain my excitement.” I push myself off the wall, standing up straighter, locking eyes with him. “I’ve been doing just fine on my own. I didn’t ask for any of this, and I sure as hell don’t need it now.”

He clicks his tongue playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Tsk tsk, you're no fun,” he teases, his grin widening. “But don’t worry, I can still enjoy myself, even with your sour attitude.”

He takes another step into the room before we both settle at the table across from one another.

Chapter nine

Company

Ash stays far longer than Oberon ever did. There is something in the way he settles in, the ease with which he drapes himself across the chair, his weapons hanging at his sides with a casualness that speaks of confidence. I can't help but watch him, studying every inch of his relaxed posture, every subtle movement. He isn’t worried. Not like I am, anyway. He carries his weapons with him as if they are part of him, not expecting me to grab one and use it to escape.

I have my doubts.

Can I get past the wards if I try?

Maybe Ash doesn’t think I am capable enough to do anything about it.

Maybe he thinks I am weak. But that is his mistake. I have put on weight, I have been building my strength, and he underestimates me if he thinks I won’t fight back when the time comes.

I sit still, scrutinizing him with the kind of careful observation that only a prisoner can afford. His face remains unreadable, but there is something in his eyes, a kind of awareness that tells me he can see every flicker of skepticism that I can’t hide.

He doesn’t say anything at first. Instead, he just sits there, calmly stretching. He must notice me eyeing his weapons and follow my chain of thought.

“You could give it a shot,” Ash says unfazed, “but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

I shrink back slightly, feeling the weight of his gaze piercing me. He has an unsettling way of looking at me, like he can see right through any walls I try to put up. That look makes me feel small, almost vulnerable. But I refuse to show it. “Leave whatever lesson Oberon deemed necessary this week and be on your way,” I snap, trying to gather any last shred of dignity I can manage.

Ash raises an eyebrow, taking me in with a calculating focus, before allowing a smile to stretch across his face. “Oh no, you’re not getting off that easily today, Sunshine,” he says with a playful grin.

Today? As if he has all the time in the world to annoy me with his presence.

“You think this is all just a game?” I growl, my hands digging into the table’s surface as anger bubbles up. “That I am some sort of pet?” I clench my teeth, hating how he seems so unbothered by everything I feel. “Oberon brings my lessons and leaves. I don’t want or need your supervision, or whatever it is you think this is.”

“Company,” Ash replies simply, a slight shrug pulls at his shoulder, as though it is the most natural thing in the world.

I scoff, incredulous. “Company? I don’t want your company. Save yourself the trouble and the time and leave.” The demand in my voice cuts through the air like a blade.

He doesn’t seem fazed. I think, in fact, I may have even amused him further. His eyes flick over me, considering something for a long moment before he speaks again.

“Maybe I want your company, then,” he says with a mischievous glint in his eyes, leaning forward slightly from where he sits. “Maybe I was bored and decided to ask Oberon if I could fill in for him today. Maybe, just maybe, I was curious about his new . . . pet. As you called it.” He tilts his head, the teasing still there in his voice. “You’re not as much of a handful as I expected, though. Guess that just means we’ll have to find a way to make things a little more interesting, right?”

Pet. The word strikes me like a blow. I can feel the heat of my blood rising in an instant. Pet? I’m not anyone’s pet. I’m not some prize for Oberon or anyone else to claim. I bare my teeth at him, a growl rising from deep in my chest. “I am no one's pet!”

Ash's grin only widens as he leans back in his chair, clearly enjoying the reaction. “Well, that’s a relief,” he says with a light chuckle. “I don’t particularly care for pets. I much prefer my company a bit more . . . challenging.” He tilts his head slightly, his gaze playfully appraising.