"You are so beautiful."Emeriel whirled around to find Lord Herod standing in the doorway, his eyes filled with warmth. Last week, when she visited him for food, he had made her an offer of a safe space to dress up like a female and explore her femininity inside his home."This is a safe haven, Emeriel," he had said, gazing into her surprised face. "You've never truly lived as the lady you are. Vera has many garments here, and I have no female offspring. If you ever wish to see yourself as the princess are, you are welcome to try them on."Emeriel had thanked him for his kindness, but declined the offer. However, in the days that followed, the temptation took root in her. She had always wondered what it would feel like. As a child, she had occasionally donned Aekeira's clothes, with her sister standing guard, watching the door like a hawk to ensure they were not caught. But that had been over a decade ago.Realizing this might be her only chance to explore her femininity in a secure
"Oh, yes, I apologize for the oversight," Lord Herod said, his voice smooth and apologetic. "This is Eme...Princess Galelia of Rosvalley kingdom. She is my betrothed.”Emeriel's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to conceal her surprise. Galelia was her middle name, a secret known only to Aekeira and Lord Herod."And Leah, my dear," Lord Herod continued, turning to Emeriel with a warm smile, "you are in the presence of our first and ultimate ruler, the grand king.""Y-Your Grace, it is an ho-honor to be graced with your presence.” Emeriel swallowed nervously and executed a deep curtsy, her voice trembling slightly."A human," Daemonikai observed, his tone neutral. It was not a question, but a simple acknowledgment.There was no trace of the disgust, anger, or hatred that usually accompanied such a declaration from an Urekai. Instead, his face remained impassive, his voice polite."Yes, your Grace," Lord Herod confirmed. "I discovered her during one of my trips to acquire more slave
EMERIELEmeriel forced herself to step back from the grand king's embrace. "Thank you, Your Grace."As they resumed their walk, a tingling sensation spread through her body, her heart pounding in her chest. Why did the universe seem to delight in her suffering? Why was she constantly subjected to these trials?No, Your Grace, we have not met before.Another lie to add to the growing list of deceptions weighing heavily on her conscience. It was necessary for her survival, but it still stung. She was no longer Prince Emeriel, nor was she simply Slave Emeriel. She was Princess Galilea, a betrothed to a Urekai high lord.She needed to start acting the part, instead of yearning to be back in those strong arms, safe and protected."Why are you so nervous around me, Princess?" King Daemonikai questioned, in that rich voice that made her jittery on the inside.How to answer that question? Emeriel opted for a half-truth. "Well, you are the grand king," she said, her voice holding a slight tre
"Some days, I wish I had never returned. I wish I had died that night. Being a survivor is not a blessing when one has lost everything that matters. I am a mess inside, little princess. There is a dark void within me," he stated, placing a hand over his heart. "A void that was created the night they took everything from me in the Vortex Hall. Just one night of weakness every five hundred years. Just one night broke my kingdom, my people, my rulers."He turned away, casually resuming his walk with that same sophisticated stride. "I suppose I must give credit to the humans," he mused thoughtfully. "They managed to accomplish what countless other species have attempted and failed to do for over five thousand years. They succeeded in breaking me."Emeriel blinked back tears, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces.Unlike Lord Vladya, who seethed with anger when discussing the tragedy, King Daemonikai spoke of his loss with an unsettling lack of emotion. Her Beloved is in far greater
He expected her to protest, to push him away, but she melted into his embrace, a soft moan escaping her lips.This won't do.Daemonikai grabbed her, pressing her back against the wall. His body close, enveloping hers, his breath ragged gasps as he stuffed his lungs with a unique floral aroma and earthy ambrosia.Ukrae, she smelled so good he could eat her up."Your Grace," she breathed shakily."Need more," he growled, his hot breath fanning across her neck. "I need more. I—”"Please, please, please," she cried, her hand going around his neck, holding and guiding his head closer. "Take more."A guttural moan escaped his lips as he pulled her flush against him, his fingers digging into her waist.He nuzzled into her neck, his lips all over her delicate skin as his senses were overwhelmed by her sheer scent.EMERIELEmeriel was on fire. Every nerve ending alight with a burning desire. Having him so close...A breathy moan escaped her as he licked her neck, twice. His warm tongue sent e
"My Lord, I... I... I don't understand what you mean," Emeriel stammered."I believe you do, Emeriel," Lord Herod countered, his eyes filled with kindness. "A Soulbond knows. It might not be immediate, but it eventually becomes clear. You are a Syren, are you not?"He figured it out. She sighed, resignation washing over her as she nodded slowly in admission.Lord Herod nodded back, appearing unsurprised. "No one else could connect the dots because they remain unaware of your true gender. I wonder why it never occurred to me.”"Are you... displeased? That I kept this from you?""Displeased?" He shook his head. “No, little one. I understand your reasons. But this is no small secret you carry. You are brave."Silence settled between them."A Soulbond is a precious gift, so rare... a true blessing,” he mused. “But...""But fate has played a cruel trick," Emeriel finished, a bitter smile twisting her lips. "Matching a human to the one male who would rather die than claim one as his mate.
"Unfortunately, that is the not-so-pleasant stage. It follows immediately after the heat. It is your body's way of mending whatever ‘damage’ was inflicted during the heat. The semen is ejected, your womb contracts and ascends, and your openings close up. By the end of it, your body feels new and fresh. It is an advantage, especially to some unfortunate females who are repeatedly violated and brutalized during their heats. It is not so pleasant because the healing brings pain."All this was terrifying to Emeriel and a cold dread settled in her stomach, twisting her insides. She wished she could return to the naivety of being only a human, where such horrors did not exist.Lord Herod's expression softened. "Heat sex is amazing, Emeriel. It might sound frightening now since it is your first, but you will thoroughly enjoy it. It is amazing for both genders. Half the females grow addicted to the sensation."Yeah, no, Emeriel did not think so.The idea of becoming addicted to something so i
It was ironic, considering Vladya was already hurtling down the path toward madness like a seasoned champion. His grip on sanity grew more tenuous with each passing day.Despite his and Henry's protests, Merrilyn insisted on bloodfeeding him. Vladya’s hunger had overpowered his restraint, but thankfully he had taken only a small amount, mindful of the stubborn female’s fragile state.In the weeks since, he had sought sustenance from others, but their blood offered only brief respite. To satiate himself, he would need to drink from over fifty females simultaneously, inevitably killing some in the process.As long as they were not his bloodhost, they could never truly satisfy his thirst. Not even Aekeira could.And so, he had refrainedAs a result, his thirst had intensified. His arousal had grown as potent as his bloodlust, and his mind... it was a dark and chaotic place.That was why he sought refuge outside the fortress walls, hoping to find some semblance of clarity amidst the turmo
"Send for the cleaners," Zaiper instructed Razarr, who lingered by the door with the dead girl draped over his arm. "These sheets need changing."Humans were disappointingly fragile. None has been able to handle a little knife play. A mere simple cut from her neck down to her belly, and she was already dead. Making the sex a bit boring and the feeding quite messy.Rising from the bed, Zaiper submerged himself in the warmth of the waiting tub, allowing the water to envelop him. How had he returned from a feral state?Urekai had roamed the earth for millions of years, they were too old for new miracles, especially ones so annoyingly inconvenient.Of all the countless males who had succumbed to the madness over the ages, why did this one, the very one he had longed to be rid of, have to claw his way back from the brink?"Fate, you bitch. I thought we were friends," he grunted, over the gentle lapping of water.A knock at the door announced Razarr's entrance. “Do you require anything furt
EMERIELEmeriel lay on the creaky wooden table, feeling a chill seep into her back and stomach, her intimate areas tingling uncomfortably from the invasive checks. Orin regarded her with an inscrutable expression."You may re-enter, My Lord," the healer called out, her voice echoing slightly in the quaint, though well-kept, room. Lord Herod entered, the door groaning on its hinges. His presence filled the small but homely space."She has erratic heats," Orin said, confirming Emeriel's deepest fears. "We cannot pinpoint the exact day it will come, but it is imminent. We are speaking a matter of days.""Days?" Emeriel's voice rose an octave, horrified.The healer nodded gravely. "Not only are your heats erratic, but they also display unusual patterns, indicating irregularity. The four mini-heats confirmed this. Typically, heats stabilize after successfully bonding with a male. However, until you are bonded, your body will keep lashing out, desperately seeking a union with your male in
EMERIELEmeriel and Lord Herod strolled beneath the moonlit sky, their lanterns casting soft lights on the cobblestone path.As they passed, heads bowed, and curious eyes followed."They are surprised," Lord Herod remarked with a gentle laugh. "I have not been seen with a female since Vera's passing. Most often, it's Ezra, my bloodhost, by my side."Emeriel glanced around, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Everyone adores you, My Lord. And why wouldn't they? You're the kindest Urekai I know."He chuckled. "You flatter me."They reached a crowded square, its air filled with music and laughter. Urekai commoners gathered under a canopy of glowing lanterns, the women swaying and singing in unison as the men watched with adoration."Many find love on nights like these," Lord Herod mused. "Some will return home with a bond after the seven-day bonding ritual, while others will carry a broken heart."Emeriel only half-heard his words, her thoughts drifting to the grand king.Lately, he had domi
"Do you think he suspects?" the girl asked at last, breaking the silence.Alviara shook her head slowly. "I doubt it. But then, who can truly know the workings of his mind?" A pause, “What is your name?"“Emeriel.""Emeriel." The name was like a caress on Alviara’s tongue. "Ah, the human prince? Stolen from court by the beast? The one whom a slave master met his end for daring to defile? It all makes sense now."The girl, Emeriel, swayed on her feet, her face pale and drawn. Alviara reached out a hand to steady her. "Are you alright?""The feeding. It... uhh...""Blood drunk?" Alviara's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You feel intoxicated?"Emeriel let out a sheepish sigh. "A little.""Huh. Guess what they say is true. Soulbonds really are the whole package," Alviara said in disbelief, "Well, human, I will be on my way. Tonight was... interesting. Let's do it again sometime."Alviara started to walk away, then paused, turning back. "Do you want my advise?"Emeriel shrugged, her eyes
She stopped moving, her head clearing a little. Baffled, Alviara took a closer look at the pretty boy. His features were delicate and smooth, long lashes framing his almond-shaped eyes. There was subtle hints of femininity in his appearance.It wasn't until this moment that she truly focused on the nuances of his musk. While arousal scents are not inherently gendered, his possessed a delicate sweetness... a faint floral undertone that differed from the sharper, more aggressive scents of most males. It was faint, but they all are. Alviara could only discern this because she knew what to channel for.King Daemonikai hit a particular sweet spot inside Alviara sending waves of pleasure through her, making her cry out. Her thoughts jumbled and fizzled out as she became lost in the moment.Alviara would contemplate this discovery later. But for now, all she could focus on was the potent sensation coursing through her body.She rotated her hips in a circular motion, grinding her swollen nub
He remained rooted to the spot, his naked body a tantalizing display of beauty, masculinity, and raw power.She moaned as her eyes fell upon his impressive length. The king was a big male everywhere.The sheer size of his hardness sent a jolt of desire through her body. Her core wet, throbbing with anticipation. Her senses alive with the promise of pleasure."Your Grace?" she coaxed, leaning forward and extending a hand towards him. "I know you are hungry. I can sate your hunger, you know I can. Take me."His emerald eyes flickered towards her outstretched hand, but he made no move to accept it. Nor did he take a step closer.Confusion clouded Alviara's features. Why was he hesitating?The storm of lust in his eyes spoke of deep sexual hunger. His body was taut with barely suppressed desire, and he looked savage with want. So, why was he not taking what he so clearly wanted?Well, she was not the most sought-after courtesan in Urai for nothing.Alviara rose to her hands and knees, he
Nothing. There was no scent.Daemonikai's frustration morphed into a growl, his agitation mounting. He tilted the boy's head aside and rubbed his nose against his skin, searching for any trace of a scent.A soft whimper escaped the boy. The faint smell of fear filling Daemonikai's nostrils snapped him back to his senses.He released the boy, stepping back. "I apologize. I'm not always so... uncontrolled," he muttered, pressing a hand to his temple.The boy's chest heaved with ragged breaths, his eyes wide and glassy. He caught the faintest smell of musk. A familiar one too, tugging at the edges of his memory. Where had he caught this scent before?"Why do you seem familiar to me?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "And I do not mean your features alone. I despise closeness and invasion of my personal space, especially from strangers, and more so from humans. Yet, you do not trigger my defenses. Why?"The boy swallowed hard and shook his head, unable to speak.Daemonikai did not expe
"Oh, Ukrae, oh Ukrae, please mount me. Somebody, please…!" the girl cried, her voice broken and desperate. She lurched to her knees, and—"Do not do—" Daemonikai's warning died in his throat as the girl grabbed her cheeks and presented to all of them.By the scents of Hades. Growls rumbled through the air. Followed by a new wave of arousal so thick it was nearly suffocating.The males surged forward, their eyes burning with raw hunger."Don't you dare," Daemonikai barked, his voice a thunderclap of authority. "Control it! All of you!"Their grand king’s forced restraint warred against his urge to mate, a force stronger than nature itself. Cries of pain and frustration rose, muscles strained, and bodies trembled.Then came the moment Daemonikai dreaded most. He opened his senses further, inhaling deeply.Two of the males were in a rut. Urekai alphas only entered a rut for females they cared deeply for. Out of all these males, two had formed a bond with this girl."You and you, stay." D
"Y-Yes, Your Grace?" Her heart was lodged firmly in her throat.Their eyes met, his green ones unreadable.Panic surged through Emeriel. Why is he staring? Does he know who I am? Why—A horrified gasp from one of the Urekai maids snapped Emeriel out of her trance. With a jolt, she realized she had stopped dead in the doorway, standing awkwardly in plain sight—a few paces away from the grand king.He did not recognize her... he was waiting for her to drop the tray she carried."I-I apologize, Your Grace!" Emeriel blurted out, rushing forward, her face flushing with embarrassment. Her hands shook as she hastily arranged the dishes.King Daemonikai’s gaze burned into the back of her head. That look inspired a mix of fear, mortification, and— to her utter dismay—arousal.Finally, Emeriel was done. She bowed deeply, then rose to join the other servers lined up against the wall.The grand king's eyes lingered on her for a fraction longer before dismissing her with a cold indifference. There