Demonic Po*nstar System

Chapter 336: Alexandra’s Chains

Alexandra froze. Her lips parted just before her whole body trembled in a way the ice princess mask had never allowed. Then, finally, her feet carried her forward, straight into the embrace of her long-lost best friend.

Alexandra’s arms tightened with sudden desperation, pulling Nyx closer as her cheek pressed into the curve of her shoulder. The carefully painted mask of the ice princess shattered the instant familiar warmth touched her. Tears welled in her eyes before she could even stop them, spilling hot and fast, staining the perfect makeup she had retouched just minutes ago.

Nyx hugged her tighter, refusing to let go. Her voice dropped low, soft enough that only Alexandra could hear. ”How are you holding up, Lexi?”

A ragged breath escaped Alexandra’s lips, trembling. ”I’m... just perfect. Contemplating death every waking second,” she whispered, the words almost inaudible. ”But I can’t. My parents... they’re old. They rely on this money. If I die, they’ll suffer a miserable end to their lives, and they deserve much better.”

Nyx’s arms stiffened around her, and she let out a long, heavy sigh. ”You have my utmost admiration.”

Alexandra blinked against her tears, pulling back just enough to look at her. ”Admiration? You hated me for bending the knee to Maximilian...”

Nyx was quick to nod. ”I didn’t like your decision, but I understand it. In fact... it might’ve been the best one.”

A dry, broken laugh slipped from Alexandra’s throat. ”You can’t be serious.”

But Nyx only nodded. ”I am. I was the one who refused to bend. Do you know how I managed to turn things around? Pure dumb luck. If not for that, I was already signing up to film porn with some sleazy back-alley studio. My life would’ve been ruined all the same. But you... You accepted our harsh reality for what it was instead of clinging to your dreams and chose the path where your suffering at least brought you the most benefits. You made the decision of a responsible adult while I kept chasing the impossible.”

For a while, Alexandra said nothing. Just the soft sound of her uneven breathing could be heard as she tried to steady herself. Then, finally, she murmured with a small, almost teasing giggle, ”Well, it seems you were right to dream. I saw you got a new boyfriend. He’s... really handsome.”

”Hehe!” Nyx laughed with her as her eyes softened even further, turning tender at the mention of him. ”Yeah. Kaiden. He’s my savior and the love of my life.”

Alexandra’s lips curved into a fragile smile as she released a long sigh. Her voice was quieter now, the melancholy in it unmistakable. ”I wish you two good luck... you’re already making Maximilian lose his hair. I hope with every fiber of my being that you win.”

At that, Nyx’s expression shifted. Her eyes darkened, losing the playful glint. Her grip on Alexandra’s shoulders tightened as she leaned close, her voice sharpening into a dangerous whisper.

”Do you desire revenge, Lexi?”

Alexandra’s eyes widened at Nyx’s question. A raw, unguarded spark flashed across them. For one instant, she looked hungry for it; revenge, freedom, even the faintest idea of striking back. But just as quickly, the fire dimmed. She exhaled shakily with her shoulders drooping. The weight of chains was invisible but crushing.

”I... I can’t,” she whispered. ”If I dare bare my fangs at Maximilian, I’ll be totally ruined. No one wants a dog who barks at her owner.”

Nyx’s lips twisted into a scornful smirk. ”A dog whose owner is a sadistic, abusive man has every right to bark in defiance.”

The sharpness of the metaphor actually made Alexandra let out a wet little laugh, half-broken and half-amused. ”Hah... maybe. But you don’t understand, Nyx. I really can’t. Maximilian made sure of it. I signed stacks of contracts. Non-disclosures, loyalty clauses, morality clauses. If I even hint at disobedience, the lawsuits alone will bury me in millions of debt.” Her eyes turned hollow for a moment before she added, ”... And jail isn’t off the table either. He has the connections to twist anything into a criminal charge if it suits him.”

Nyx’s expression remained sharp. ”You’re not alone in this, Lexi. Have you seen our stream numbers? Valhalla’s Sinners are pulling in serious money every single day. If Maximilian sues you, we can cover it. Easily. Instead of a public defender, you’ll have a team of the most competent men and women fighting for your victory.”

Then, her already dark eyes became outright ominous, shining with a hostile pink light. ”And more importantly... my man might look all benevolent on stream, laughing, bantering, making everyone feel safe. But he’s not. Kaiden is a violent man who already has human blood on his hands, and he is a killer who holds grudges like no other. Ever since he learned my backstory, Maximilian’s been a dead man walking. Kai just isn’t strong enough yet to make good on it. But by the time you’d ever risk jail... Maximilian will have ceased to exist.”

Alexandra froze. Human blood? That guy with the devilishly warm smile?

If there was one thing she understood, it would have to be just how badly she wanted to jump ship. Just the idea of seeing the man titled Blood Knight beat the life out of Maximilian made her heart flutter in joy. But still... the risk. The danger. The cost.

”... There’s no free meal in life, is there?” she asked.

Nyx smiled gingerly as she nodded in response. ”We’d help you either way, you know that. But we could really use your help right now.”

She extended her hand, palm open between them. ”Help us take Maximilian down, Alexandra. I’m begging you.”

Alexandra’s breath caught. Her gaze flicked to Nyx’s outstretched hand. For a second, her body didn’t move, caught between fear and longing. But her heart screamed louder, screaming at her to grab hold, to finally choose.

Her hand trembled as she looked into Nyx’s burning pink eyes. ”Only on one condition...” she whispered. ”If something happens to me, you take care of my parents. Promise me that.”

Nyx’s grin widened into a radiant, victorious smile. ”Welcome aboard.”

Their hands clasped tight.