In the empty room, Twain crouched on the floor, eyes wide but unseeing. She has Cel, and Dayander, and Moss, dear goddess, and Moss. I can’t say no. It’s not an option.

But I also don’t want to be the harbinger of darkness and loose the Dark King upon the land. There has to be something. Some loophole. Maybe…

Wait. Why am I the only one who can rescue Felix? Twain furrowed his brows. Lilith has all the demon kingdom at her beck and call, and Sabelyn the human kingdom, not to mention the other princesses, who doubtlessly want him back. If it’s just a matter of subjugating Reihann, then… people have slain dragons before. It’s difficult, but not ‘hold my friends and family hostage because I’m their only choice’ difficult. If I’m the only one… He swallowed. Reihann has no connection to me. She remained aloof the entire time, and never paid any attention to me or the others’ affairs. But Felix… Felix sees me as a friend. I was probably one of his favorite princesses. Doesn’t that suggest that Felix is the one fighting against getting rescued?

Twain’s eyes lit up. That means the Mage-Emperor is still up and kicking! It’s obvious, isn’t it? The Mage-Emperor wouldn’t be easily captured by a single dragon. So if I rescue Felix instead of killing him or tricking him…

But surely Lilith thought of this. She knows Felix and I get along. Does she, or Sabelyn, have some other plan in their back pockets? Rescuing Felix is surely playing into their hands, but how? Maybe they counted on the hostages to control me? Or thought I’d actually come around to their side, since I’m their chosen, or whatever?

He frowned, staring at the carpet. Thick fibers slowly soaked up the blight and stained themselves yet a darker black. He pressed his lips together. Or maybe…

All at once, he shook his head. It does no one any good if I’m locked up here. Regardless of what plans and plots might be waiting for me, it’s better if I agree to it. Then Lilith will let me out, and I’ll be able to actually do something.

But I can’t give in too easily. Standing, Twain looked around the room. It’s time to put on a show.

--

A haggard servant rushed up to Lilith, short, thick horns thrusting back from his forehead. “He’s gone mad, milady. Is it the blight?”

“Not this far from the castle. Let me see.” Lilith stood, setting her book down. The servant scurried off, and she swept after him, dark violet dress trailing on the floor after her. As she approached Twain’s room, a loud smash and the crash and shatter of glass breaking caught her ear. Lilith sped up. Hurriedly, she dispelled the lock on the door and opened it.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Something hurtled at her face. She ducked, and a piece of bedpost struck the servant trailing after her in the face. He fell back, nose bleeding.

Twain rushed at her, sprinting for the gap in the door. Lilith moved herself into his way, and he slammed into her. They staggered back. Lilith caught him, and with a gesture, cast a spell. A manacle of dark energy appeared around his wrist, the chain in Lilith’s hand. “Trying to escape?”

Twain bared his teeth at her. “Let me go!”

“Have you decided to help us yet?” Lilith asked smoothly, her eyes glowing a dim purple.

He growled and fought against the chain. “Free them, and maybe I’ll think about it.”

She chuckled. “You have no power to command that. Free the Dark King, however, and I pledge to you that I will free your friends and your sister.”

“Free them, to live in a blighted wasteland?”

She waved a hand dismissively. “You are one of the chosen. I’m sure you’ll have your pick of the lands under the Dark King’s control. You can live wherever you please.”

“But the whole world will be blighted and full of darkfoe.”

Lilith tossed her hair. “As opposed to now, when only the fortunate live in safety under the barrier, then everyone will live under the same threat of destruction. The world becomes more fair.”

Twain scowled at her. “Do you really believe that’s a good thing?”

“I don’t particularly care. I’m tired of watching you children bumble about in the sunlight while we struggle in the shadow. It’s time you learned what the real world is like.”

“Everyone should suffer, because you have suffered?” Twain summarized, narrowing his eyes at her.

She threw him to the ground. “A child like you wouldn’t understand.”

Twain climbed back to his feet. “Fine. I’ll get Felix. I won’t kill him, and I won’t help you, but I’ll get Felix. From there, it’s on you.”

“Not enough. You must be the one,” Lilith demanded.

“You’re insane. I’m not going to kill the Mage-Emperor for someone who wants to destroy the world!”

She slapped him across the face. Sharp-edged rings bit into his flesh, leaving red marks behind. “Silence, child. You will do as I say.”

“Never!” Twain snapped. I should go along with her, but damn it, I don’t want to give in! She’s gotten her way for far too long, clearly, I’m not going to give in as well!

Lilith snorted. “Throw him back in the room. He clearly—” Mid-sentence, she froze. Her eyes went wide, and she backed away a step.

“What?” Twain looked around him, but saw nothing.

“Milord! My apologies.” Lilith dropped to her knees. Startled, the servant behind her copied her pose as quickly as he could manage. Lilith nodded. “I understand. As you will.”

“Seriously, what’s going on?” Twain asked.

“Retrieve Felix. For the rest, you will know in your heart what to do,” Lilith said, standing. The manacle around his wrist dissipated.

Mouse blinked. What? Okay, Lilith is certifiably insane. He backed away a step, then glanced down at himself. “Right. Uh… can I borrow some pants before I go, uh, questing on behalf of the Dark King?”