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
She trembled, squeezing her breasts desperately, pinching her nipples, her moans escaping like a melody of ecstasy."It's good. Oh gods…" Her words turned incomprehensible, slurring into senseless sounds of pleasure.The girl's musk would drive him insane. The scent intensified with every pull from her vein, flooding his senses with intoxicating desire. His hand wandered, cupping her weeping core. He rubbed her firmly, thoroughly, each movement deliberate and unrelenting.Her breath caught in her throat, then released in a hiss. "Yesssss." Her body writhed in response. She was close, Vladya could tell. Aekeira was so aroused that her musk grew so thick, it was almost choking, even in the open space of the woods.For someone who had reservations for males, she wanted him too much. Responding to his every slight touch. A heady, possessive feeling clawed him.His elegant, little whore. Mine.Vladya circled her swollen clit through her garment and pinched—just enough to send waves of se
She had offered herself for him to feed from. Freely, willingly. Twice. It was only courteous on his part to take her to her bed.It had nothing to do with her feeling so good in his arms or his reluctance to let go. And it certainly was not because her scent so close like this was... comforting.The girl was sound asleep by the time they reached the gates of Ravenshadow. Her breathing was slow and even, her body completely relaxed in his hold.He did not want to give the people something new to gossip about, nor did he want to give Zaiper more ideas. So he forced himself to reluctantly give her to Yaz.In the girl's chambers, he stood at the foot of her bed, watching her sleep, his men standing guard outside the door. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest was hypnotic. She looked even younger. Peaceful. So disgustingly beautiful.Her hair fanned out on the pillow like a dark halo, and her lips were slightly parted, a portrait of peaceful innocence."I am madder at you than the res
"It began two months ago. I nearly attacked Sinai for touching me.""Everyone's touch?"A curt nod.Vladya did not like that. He did not like that at all. "You are aware of what this means, don't you? You are building boundaries. Isolating yourself from all of us. That severe misery state where people begin to build walls around themselves, keeping their loved ones and the rest of the world away. You know how ugly it can get. Fight it, Daemonikai."But Daemonikai remained silent, his gaze fixed on the silhouette of the fortress.Vladya did not push. He felt like a hypocrite, urging his friend to battle demons he himself had long surrendered to."The scar on your face. Did you get it that night of the Eclipse Moon?" Daemonikai asked, changing the subject."Nope. Your beast did that," Vladya said in a casual, light tone. "Turns out it is true what they say, a feral knows no friend from foe, and a feral fights to kill."Daemon was not amused. "I apologize." His lips turned down in disple
MISTRESS SINAIThe grand king's summon to feed had filled Sinai with unparalleled joy. For a fleeting moment, she had been the happiest female in Urai. Now, the echo of that elation faded as she exited the royal residence, replaced by a bitter frustration. Her Daemon remained as distant and impersonal during bloodfeeding as he had been when his bondmate lived.Yes, there was the natural arousal, the permission to grind against his leg for her own release, but it was cold. A mechanical act devoid of any true intimacy. He remained aloof, his pheromones held tightly in check, his arousal a flame that he refused to quench with her.He did not allow her touch. He simply fed, then dismissed her.Fuming and stomping down the corridor, Sinai muttered curses under her breath. A procession of royal Urekai maids emerged, each bearing platters loaded with delicacies.Her eyes were instantly drawn to the odd figure at their center, sticking out like a drop of blood on pristine snow. Emeriel.Sin
“No! Go through the back! Save yourself!” The desperate command echoed into the dim silence of the room, followed by sharp, labored pants. “Protect your mother!”Emeriel’s eyes snapped open to the faint light of dawn filtering through the open curtains. She turned, her heart clenching as she saw Daemonikai thrashing beside her, his chest heaving, his fists clenched white-knuckling the sheets.“There are too many of them. I…” His voice broke, raw with helpless panic. “Too many of them.”“Daemon…” Her hand hovered inches from his shoulder.The memory of the last time he’d woken from a nightmare beside her flashed vividly in her mind. A moment that had nearly cost her her life.“Myka, where is Alvin!?" his voice rose again, desperate. "Where is your brother!?”Her throat clogged, tears prickling her eyes. He was trapped there again. Reliving the terror of a father failing to save his children. It wasn’t real, but the horror in his voice was clear, cutting through her like a sword.To h
“How is your friend Herodis?” His lips brushed against her cheek like a soft breeze. “Have you seen him since your return?”“With everything going on, I haven’t had the chance.” A small pause followed. “I worry about him. Is he alright? What is he doing these days?”“Maybe you should make time to go and see him.” She tilted her head slightly, trying to glimpse his expression, but gave up when she realized it would mean leaving the cocoon of his arms. “I’m surprised you would say that. I know you don’t exactly…”“That is in the past. He was a genuine friend to you. A good one who was there for you during dark times. He’s a kind of friend worth having.”“He is,” she agreed, a touch of exhaustion entering her tone. “You know, when the lords bared their necks for me in court today, I thought about him. He always told me it would work out. That I should have a little faith.”“I am glad you have such a friend. Genuine friendships transcend time."“Like you and Lord Vladya?”She felt his he
Daemonikai reached out, taking her hand, bringing it to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on it.“How do you feel?” Emeriel asked quietly.“Better. Exhausted, but better.” His eyes flicked to hers. “How do you feel? All this must not have been easy for you. I cannot even imagine…” “That day in the woods, you told me it took losing the best part of you to crawl out of your grave.” His eyes dropped to their joined hands. “I didn’t realize this was what you meant. No wonder you couldn’t forgive me. No wonder you couldn’t find it within yourself to give us a second chance. If I had known the extent of what you went through…” he shook his head. “I would never have pestered you so much. Never have tried to force it.”“Then I’m glad you did not know,” Emeriel stated coolly. “The truth is, I never wanted you to find out. I knew what it would do to you, so it became a burden I was prepared to carry alone to my grave.”"That's too much for anyone to bear alone. I'm grateful I know now. Even th
HIGH LORD HERODISHe stood by the window, gazing out over the open field bathed in moonlight.The night breeze whispered around him, carrying a lovely scent of grass and distant woods.News of the court had reached his ears, and he couldn’t stop smiling.“I am so happy for you, my dear friend,” he murmured softly, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves outside.“Who are you speaking to?”Herod turned at the sound of the familiar voice, catching sight of Dale stepping into the room.His son’s sharp, inquisitive gaze swept over him as he entered.“No one, son,” Herod smoothened his expression.Dale’s brow lifted, his skepticism clear. “So now you talk to yourself?” He sighed, striding to the bed and flopping onto it with an exaggerated motion. “I told you, Father, this loneliness is starting to get to you.”“I am not lonely. I have you,” Herod countered defensively. “Besides, I am not a lunatic.”Dale snorted, shaking his head. “If you say so.” Leaning back on the bed, he pro
Emeriel’s tears flowed freely now, impossible to contain. “Please stop. Seeing you like this is tearing me apart.”A third tear fell, his face contorting in anguish. “I am so sorry—”“Do not apologize, please.” “I am so, so, so sorry, Emeriel. This was all my fault. It was all my—”“Stop blaming yourself!” she hissed fiercely. “Every misfortune that happens is not your fault, do you hear me? It was meant to happen! It was unavoidable! We must try to move past it! We mourn what could have been, but we cannot blame ourselves endlessly.”Another tear fell, and she wiped it away, her own tears flowing like a river. “We are living beings, Daemon. We are bound to make mistakes, and sometimes… accidents happen. Some things are simply meant to be. Some things cannot be prevented.”As she spoke, her words resounded deeply within her.All these years, she had blamed herself. Some nights, in the darkness, she had even blamed him. She had hated them both for what happened.“Casting blame solves
PRINCESS EMERIELAt the sight of Grand King Daemonikai, her pain…dulled. Receded into the background.All she could focus on was him. How to shield him from the agony she knew was coming. “Daemon…” Her voice wavered stepping toward him, her head shaking slightly. He was never meant to find out.“Is it true?” he asked, his voice hoarse and trembling. “Did we make a child two years ago and lo—” His throat worked, hard. “Did we lose a child?”The dread on his face was undeniable.His eyes were practically begging her to say no. To tell him it wasn’t true.That it was a lie, a cruel jest. A fabricated story to placate Aekeira. Emeriel saw it all in his gaze. The raw fear, the refusal to believe.And for a passing moment, she considered lying to him. Telling him exactly what he wanted to hear. Anything at all to spare him the weight of this unbearable misery.But lying would not save them. Not from this.“Yes,” she admitted. “I had a miscarriage.” He staggered back as if struck."No," h
Emeriel cleared her throat. “Tell me about you and Lord Vladya. How is his… health?”Aekeira brushed her hair, the bristles gliding in gentle strokes from root to tip. “It’s gotten much better. There are still days when things are hard—when his episodes are really bad. The voices in his head grow stronger, and his beast becomes ruthless. But we have learned to navigate those days together, better than before.”Her strokes faltered, the brush pausing mid-air as the light in her eyes dimmed. “Even so, those days, though rare, remind me of the inevitable… that he won’t always be here.”Emeriel balled her hands into fists in her lap. She wanted to rise, to wrap her sister in the kind of hug that could chase away the pain in her voice. But hesitation rooted her in place. I haven’t hugged her to comfort her in over two years. How do I start now?Aekeira took a deep breath, her eyes clearing, the heavy misery leaving her. “But we won’t let days like that rule our lives—or his."The sadness
“Starving yourself is not the solution,” Vladya added quietly.“She tried to kill Emeriel. My bloodhost—the one person whose existence is tied to keeping me alive—poisoned and almost killed my Soulbond, the one person in existence who is my life.” The words came out in a suppressed fury, vibrating through the room.His hand gripped the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white. “I knew Sinai was hard—vicious, even—but this? This is vile. This makes me question what else she’s done. What other horrors she has hidden.”“You need her,” Vladya said calmly, even as understanding gleamed in his silver-gray eyes. “Bloodhosts aren’t just anyone, Daemon. You don’t have another, nor does anyone else. They are exceedingly rare, you know this. For another to emerge, the current one must die, and even then, it could take years. Many of our kind do not survive the waiting period." “You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.”“I wonder about that, you need a reminder, evidently,"
Complete silence.Only the soft rustle of Emeriel's gown and the quiet echo of her last words hung in the air.A single pair of hands began to clap, Vladya's. His eyes shining with a newfound respect. Soon, Ottai joined in, his clap enthusiastic and booming.Then a high lord from the roundtable. And another.One by one, others around the roundtable joined the applause, the sound swelling and reverberating through the grand hall. It was not just polite; it was genuine. Carrying with it an undercurrent of approval.Many high lords nodded, some even wore smiles that were rarely seen in the cold austerity of court.Daemonikai’s chest swelled with pride. It rushed through him, warming him like a draught of fine wine. He had expected a long, tiring resistance. A slow, uphill battle to win over the court.But here she was, his woman, making impressive progress. Already she was bridging the gap with her sincerity and strength.Emeriel raised her head, tears falling from her eyes. She gave