Chapter 97

Deep within the cold stone depths of Forrest’s estate, the air was heavy with silence. Forrest moved through the corridors, his expression set in grim determination, his steps echoing off the walls. The weight of Arsen’s demand hung over him, steeling his resolve. Whatever fragile peace existed between their worlds, whatever political dangers lay ahead, Forrest would do what needed to be done.

He reached the cell door, giving a nod to the guards who stood watch. They stepped aside, warily eyeing the entrance as Forrest unlocked it and stepped inside. Ascian sat in the center of the cell, his posture casual, his eyes dark with a familiar, infuriating glint of amusement.

Forrest closed the door, letting the silence stretch, his gaze fixed on the vampire prince. He felt the simmering anger within him flare, a deep, steady rage that Ascian’s arrogance only fed.

“To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Ascian’s voice dripped with mock courtesy, his lips curling into a smirk. “I’d offer you a drink, but I’m afraid my hospitality is somewhat… limited.”

Forrest’s expression didn’t change, his arms crossing as he took a step closer. “You’ve crossed a line, Ascian,” he said, his tone cold and unyielding. “Your actions have consequences.”

Ascian raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he leaned back, his posture relaxed. “Consequences? Really, Forrest? I seem to recall that my lineage grants me a certain immunity.”

Forrest’s gaze darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. “Not here. Not after what you’ve done. You put a bond-breaking spell on a werewolf pair, something that even your people regard as forbidden magic. That’s not something you’ll walk away from.”

Ascian chuckled, an unsettling sound that echoed off the stone walls. “Forbidden magic? Is that what you’re calling it? I prefer to think of it as… a lesson. One that’s long overdue for Arsen.”

Forrest’s patience snapped. In an instant, he closed the distance between them, his hand shooting out to grab Ascian by the throat, slamming him against the stone wall with a force that made Ascian wince, the smirk on his face faltering.

“Enough games,” Forrest growled, his voice deadly quiet. “Tell me everything about the spell. Every detail. I want to know exactly what you’ve done to Aelin and Arsen, and how to break it.”

Ascian’s defiance flickered, but he managed a twisted grin, his voice dripping with disdain. “Oh, I’d love to help, but I’m afraid breaking that spell would require… significant sacrifice. It was crafted to be permanent, you see. Irreversible.”

Forrest’s grip tightened, his fingers pressing against Ascian’s throat, cutting off his breath until his face began to pale. “You can lie to others, Ascian. But not to me.”

Ascian’s eyes narrowed, and he gritted his teeth, the smirk slipping as Forrest’s grip didn’t relent. “You wouldn’t dare,” he hissed, his voice hoarse.

Forrest leaned closer, his eyes cold as ice. “I’ll do whatever I have to,” he murmured, his voice laced with a deadly calm. Without another word, he released Ascian’s throat and took a step back, his gaze unwavering.

“Take his hand,” Forrest commanded, his voice echoing through the cell. At his words, two guards stepped forward, their expressions tense but determined. They grabbed Ascian’s arm, forcing it against the wall, ignoring his snarl of protest.

“What is this?” Ascian demanded, struggling against their hold, his expression slipping into something darker, a flicker of fear breaking through his arrogance. “You wouldn’t—”

Forrest met his gaze, his face cold, devoid of mercy. “Try me.”

With a sharp nod, Forrest signaled to one of the guards, who lit a torch, its flame casting flickering shadows across the cell. Ascian’s eyes widened, and he pulled against the guards’ hold, but they didn’t budge.

The guard held the torch close to Ascian’s hand, the flames licking against his fingers. The heat was intense, unbearable, and Ascian let out a hiss of pain, his jaw clenched as he fought to keep his composure.

“You can make this easier on yourself, Ascian,” Forrest said, his voice calm but unyielding. “Tell me what I need to know, and this will end.”

Ascian gritted his teeth, his gaze defiant as he met Forrest’s eyes. “You think this will break me?” he spat, his voice strained. “You’re pathetic.”

Forrest’s expression didn’t waver, and he gave a slight nod. The guard brought the torch closer, the flames licking at Ascian’s skin. He hissed, the pain twisting his features, but he remained silent, his defiance holding, though the effort was clear in the tension in his jaw.

But Forrest knew Ascian’s limits. He could see the strain, the barely-contained fear, and he leaned forward, his gaze unwavering.

“This is your last chance, Ascian,” he said softly, his voice a dark promise. “Give me the information I need, or I’ll make sure you understand what real consequences look like.”

Ascian’s face twisted with a mixture of pain and fury, his breathing labored. The flames licked against his skin, blistering it, and he clenched his teeth, a pained hiss escaping his lips.

“Fine,” he spat, his voice trembling with both pain and rage. “You want to know how it works? The spell feeds on their bond, draining its strength every time they cling to each other. The only way to stop it is to let go. Completely.”

Forrest’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp. “And what if they want to break the spell without losing the bond?”

Ascian sneered, a twisted smile pulling at his lips despite the pain. “That’s impossible. The spell is designed to destroy the bond. If they try to keep it… it will consume them.”

Forrest held his gaze, his expression hard. “You’re lying. I know there’s a way to reverse it.”

Ascian let out a hollow laugh, his gaze taunting. “You think you know this magic? I crafted it myself, Forrest. It’s my creation. The only way to save the bond is to endure the spell’s complete cycle of pain and separation. And even then, they may not survive it.”

Forrest’s face darkened, the frustration and anger mounting as he processed Ascian’s words. But he forced himself to stay calm, to keep his voice steady.

“And if they endure it,” Forrest asked, his tone low, “will the bond be restored?”

Ascian’s expression faltered, and for a brief moment, Forrest saw a flicker of uncertainty. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice laced with bitterness. “If they can survive the pain, if they can face the darkness the spell brings… then maybe. But I’d wager they’ll break long before that.”

Forrest nodded slowly, the weight of Ascian’s words settling over him. He turned to the guard, signaling for the torch to be removed, though his gaze remained on Ascian, cold and unyielding.

“You’ve brought suffering to them for your own amusement,” Forrest said, his voice filled with quiet fury. “But know this—whatever pain you’ve caused them, you’ll pay for it.”

Ascian sneered, his face twisting in a mixture of contempt and bitterness. “Let them try,” he whispered, his voice a venomous taunt. “Their bond will be nothing but ash.”

Forrest’s eyes narrowed, but he forced himself to stay calm, to focus on the task ahead. Without another word, he turned and left the cell, his steps echoing through the stone corridors as he walked away, the weight of Ascian’s words heavy on his mind.