Six months passed in the stone cell.
Nox had developed a routine. Wake at what felt like dawn. Exercise within the limits of his chains. Eat whatever meal they provided. Exercise again. Sleep. Repeat.
The demons had kept their word about the peace treaty. No attacks on human settlements. No violations of the agreed boundaries. His imprisonment was buying exactly what it was supposed to buy.
"Prisoner. You have a visitor."
The door opened for the first time in three weeks. Matriarch Vex'ahlia entered, followed by two guards.
"You're still alive. I'm impressed."
"Takes more than solitude to kill me."
"We'll see."
She studied him carefully. Six months of imprisonment had changed him. He was leaner, harder. The chains had left permanent marks on his wrists and ankles.
"The treaty holds."
"I know."
"How?"
"You wouldn't be here if it didn't."
"Perhaps I'm here to tell you it's broken."
"No. You're here because you need something."
