Sauron's Precious|| Dark Various x Reader

Chapter Four

The room fell into an oppressive silence.

Thorin's piercing gaze bore into you, his distrust etched deeply into the lines of his face.

While other dwarves, who had gathered outside the door, now stood in the entryway, their expressions ranging from shock to thinly veiled suspicion.

You looked away, clutching the edges of your shawl as if it could shield you from their judgment.

"Yes," you finally admitted, your voice trembling slightly

"I am Sauron's daughter, but I am not him."

Bilbo stepped forward quickly, placing himself between you and Thorin.

His small stature did nothing to lessen the ferocity in his tone.

"She's not her father," he said firmly.

"I have spent a week with her, and I would trust her with my life. She has shown nothing but kindness."

Thorin's lips pressed into a thin line.

"You expect us to believe that? The blood of the Enemy runs in her veins. She could betray us at any moment."

You flinched at the words but didn't retreat.

"I have betrayed no one, Thorin Oakenshield. Not you, nor the Valar, nor Middle-earth. It's not my fault your ancestors were greedy for power"

Gandalf, who had been quietly observing, chose this moment to intervene.

"Thorin, your suspicions are understandable, yet she is not her father. I have known her for years, and she has proven herself to be as far removed from Sauron's wickedness"

Fili and Kili exchanged uncertain glances.

Balin stepped forward, his kind eyes softening as he looked at you.

"If Gandalf vouches for you, lass, that carries weight, yet you must understand, Thorin carries the burden of his people, trust does not come easily to him."

Thorin's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his mind clearly at war with itself.

You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to meet his gaze.

"I don't ask for your trust, Thorin. I only ask for the chance to prove myself."

The room seemed to hold its breath. At last, Thorin turned to Gandalf.

"If this journey is to succeed, there can be no room for weakness. Can you guarantee she will not endanger our mission?"

"I can guarantee she will bring no harm to your company."

You give Gandalf a grateful look for standing for you.

"However, whether she strengthens or weakens your journey will depend entirely on how you treat her."

Thorin's eyes flickered to you once more. Finally, he gave a curt nod.

"You may come, yet if you prove to be a threat-"

"I won't," you interrupted, your voice steady now.

"You have my word."

The tension in the room ebbed slightly, though it didn't vanish entirely.

The dwarves began to disperse, muttering among themselves, while Bilbo lingered close to your side.

"Thank you," you whispered to him as he placed a comforting hand on your arm.

"You don't have to thank me," he said softly.

-----

The morning air was crisp as you stepped outside Bag End, your small travel pack slung over your shoulder.