MISTRESS SINAI Mistress Sinai strolled through the garden just beyond the fortress gates, enjoying the soft caress of the evening air. The sweet scent of blooming flowers drifted around her, calming her nerves."Ha-have you heard the rumors, mistress?" Nora asked hesitantly from behind. Sinai glanced over her shoulder, an eyebrow raised. "Whatever makes you think I am interested in rumors, Nora? It is beneath a lady to involve herself in gossip.""Of course, mistress. I apologize." Nora's eyes dropped to the cobblestones.But Sinai's curiosity was piqued. She cleared her throat. "What's the rumor about?""They say Emeriel has been away from the fortress for days." Nora's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper."Really?" Sinai's heart quickened its pace.Just the boy's name was enough to stir several emotions in her. She took a deep, calming breath, feigning nonchalance. "Did he escape? Run away?" A thrill of excitement shot through her at the thought. Good riddance."Oh no, mis
EMERIELEmeriel slipped into the last of her clothes, catching sight of her reflection in the tall, elegant wooden frame mirror.A sad, almost bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she stared at the girl looking back at her. It wasn’t Princess Galilea in the reflection, but Emeriel."Thank you," she murmured, sincerely.The household slaves bowed deeply before filing silently out of the bedchamber. Emeriel sighed.The servants had drawn her a bath, helped her dress, and assisted with her ablutions. No matter how she hinted or outrightly stated her ability to take care of herself, Lord Herod either ignored her or deflected easily. They even tied her chest bindings. Emeriel glanced at her chest. The binds were looser than normal, her breasts still tender and swollen from her recent heat. For that, she wore three layers of shirts.Taking a breath, Emeriel let the moment sink in. Finally. It’s all over. "Are you ready to go, little one?" Lord Herod’s voice broke the quietness. He st
Oh, my Vladya. Aekeira’s heart tightened in her chest. His words might have been detached, clinical even, but she was learning to read the subtle nuances of this male.He was hurting. More than he was willing to admit."What sort of person can't feel true happiness for their friend without these ugly feelings tainting it?” He exhaled, the warm air caressing her thigh. “I've changed, so much. Sometimes I look in the mirror, and I don't recognize the male staring back at me.”"You should cut yourself some slack." She patted his hair in a soothing manner, offering comfort. "You're suffering through the slow hands of a looming madness." It pained her to say the words, but she forced herself to continue. "I was reading about it the other day at the library. It helped me understand what you're going through. People lose everything they are, bit by bit. All the kindness, love, and memories are slowly stripped away, replaced by hate, cruelty, the need to hurt and destroy. The abyss of nothing
Aekeira moaned. His kisses did not stop, trailing down her collarbone and along her spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake.By the time his fingers withdrew, Aekeira was shaking, teetering on the edge. She gripped the sheets, bracing herself as his hardness nudged her folds.Squeezing her eyes shut, she waited for the hard slam, but he entered her slowly.Aekeira cried out as he opened her up. Inch by inch. Stretching her, filling her.Yet, he kept gliding in. How much more of him could there possibly be?"Hell, you feel..." Lord Vladya broke off in a stuttered breath. "You feel so good wrapped around my dick." With a final thrust, he filled her to the hilt.Aekeira buried her face in the mattress, panting. Overwhelmed. It felt... good.How could something that always hurt, like swords forged in Tartarus, be this pleasurable? As sweet as the nectars of the gods.Lord Vladya leaned over her, covering her with his body. “Okay?”She would have scoffed if she was capable of it at that mo
EMERIELEmeriel woke slowly, disoriented.Her head throbbed with a dull ache, and her mouth felt parched. A dull throbbing ache pulsed through her skull, and her tongue felt like sandpaper against the roof of her parched mouth.She groaned softly, only to flinch at the sharp discomfort lancing through her shoulders and back. Something rigid pressed against her spine. A pole. A hard pole, rough against her bare skin.She was standing naked, her chest bindings were gone, her wrists stretched above her head, the coarse bite of rope cutting into her flesh.As she shifted, her ankles screamed with a similar pain, bound tightly to keep her rooted in place. Tethered in a way that left her in a painful, awkward stance.Panic rose within her. Where am I? What’s happening? Her eyes darted around. A cave, and it was dark. Only the faint glow of torches casting flickers of shadows on the jagged walls saved her from being completely blind."Look who finally decided to join us," a voice sneered be
GRAND LORD VLADYAGrand Lord Vladya stood in the doorway of his chambers, his mind clearer, his body refreshed. A court proceeding was ongoing, yet he found it difficult to leave. His body still hummed with satisfaction, as he watched Aekeira curled beneath the sheets, sleeping peacefully in his bed. The sight of her there, in his territory, vulnerable and unguarded, did things to him.He felt possessive. Protective.His instincts buzzed and thrummed with pleasure and lightness, instead of the darkness and void he had come to know.Vladya should have already been in court, attending to his duties, ones he had left neglected for a while now. Yet here he was, lingering at the threshold.Yaz stood beside him, surprisingly making no attempt to hurry him along even as they ran late, because Vladya couldn't tear his gaze away from the sleeping figure on the bed.He let out a deep breath. When it came to his episodes, the memories were always… vague at best. Some he remembered, others elu
The court erupted into chaos. Concerned shouts and confused questions rose. Their world was tilting on its axis.Ottai and Vladya hurried outside. Alarm was already spreading beyond the court, the people shouting as they caught sight of the beast."Do you think he’s gone..." Ottai’s voice faltered as he ran with Vladya. "...f-feral again?""No," Vladya snapped. "I think he was summoned.""Summoned?" Ottai parroted, bewildered. "What in cruel fates does that mean!?"They sprinted down the winding stairs, bursting into the courtyard where a throng of people had already gathered. All eyes were fixed on the towering entrance gates, flung open, from the beast’s hasty departure.There was no way they could catch him unless they shifted into their own beast forms. And even then, given the sheer speed with which the grand king was running, their chances were slim….Vladya skidded to a halt, a contemplative frown furrowing his brow. Ottai, too, was trying to make sense of the situation, but no
EMERIELEmeriel swallowed tightly, and let the truth go. "My name is Emeriel."King Daemonikai let go of the lifeless body and it fell to the ground. Dark fury gathered in his eyes, so terrifying Emeriel’s heart began the drumming of doom."You deceived me?" He sounded calm and enraged all at once.Emeriel shuddered. "I'm s-sorry.”Sorry. So pathetic, so inadequate. One does not weave webs of lies, and spin the kind of deception she did, and all they could say was “sorry.” But Emeriel’s mind has gone blank.She struggled to think, to find a way to explain herself, but the drums of doom drowned out all coherent thoughts.The grand king said something, but Emeriel couldn’t hear it. Her vision tunneled, and all she could see was his murderous face closing the distance between them.Get up! Run away! Her mind screamed, but her body refused to obey. Rooted to the spot. Paralyzed.He was going to kill her, Emeriel just knew it.The world narrowed to a pinprick of light as darkness crept in.
“Please stop saying these things to him,” Lord Vladya groaned. “He’s smiling like a thief who just got promoted to head guard. He might forget why we’re here.”Daemonikai smacked him upside the head. “Shut it.” But he was still grinning ear to ear.The healer hid her smile behind a cough. So, the rumors were true. The quickest way to find favor with the Grand King… was to speak kindly of his queen. Or better yet—earn her favor directly.It warmed her to see them this way. Whole. Strong. Hearty. Happy.“Now, let’s return to the original matter. What can you do for us, old healer?” King Daemonikai asked.“I’ll begin work immediately on the herbs. I’m certain something like it exists. Our people have simply never had reason to search for it. I’ll start gathering ingredients, reviewing ancestral scrolls, and see what I can develop. With luck, I’ll have good news for you soon.”“That’s excellent,” Daemonikai said, nodding with satisfaction.The healer turned to Lord Vladya. “And you, Secon
“Can I open my eyes now?” she asked softly.“Not yet.” Vladya raised his hands to cover hers, even though a blindfold already shielded her eyes—just to be sure.He was... nervous. His belly felt tight inside, his hands clammy. He wanted to impress her. Wanted Aekeira to love the surprise.Gently, he guided her forward. Step by step, deeper into the cave until they reached the center. Moving in front of her, he withdrew his hands, and untied the blindfold.He stepped back, waiting.She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the soft glow, then gasped.Vladya tried to see the space through her eyes. The rough cave walls had been transformed. Smooth panels of polished wood lined the interior, holding candle sconces bathing the space in a warm, golden light. A plush woolen rug stretched across the floor. In one corner, a large, canopied bed stood dressed in roses. Across from it a long table, elegantly set with a feast laid, and two chairs facing one another.Her mouth parted as she took it in. “
She gasped as he flicked her clit, over and over again, building tension. Soon she was wiggling, twitching, hips shifting restlessly, seeking more.Daemonikai was burning, yet his mouth never left her breast. Arousal pounded through him, but beneath it—deeper, hungrier—was peace. There was something sacred, yet utterly obscene about this, in how her breast felt against his tongue, the rich rush down his throat, and the soft sounds she made.“Mmm.” His eyes slitted shut as time dissolved. Her moans grew louder, hips grinding against his thigh, but he didn’t relent. Not until her back arched and she came with a cry, her pussy fluttering around nothing.He switched breasts, sealing his lips around the other nipple, drinking her in as his fingers resumed their torment—circling her clit just enough to tease, never enough to satisfy.She squirmed, sobbing, her slick painting his thighs. “Daemon… please. Please.”He ignored her. Not yet.Only when the flow dwindled to drops, then drained int
That night, Daemonikai slept, and saw them.Standing at the river’s edge were his sons—Myka and Alvin. But unlike in the past, they weren’t sad. Their eyes no longer carried the weight of guilt or sorrow.No, his sons were smiling, waving at him.Daemonikai ran from the opposite shore, water parting in soft ripples as he crossed, and when he reached them, he pulled them both into a tight embrace.“Father…” Alvin whispered hoarsely. “I’m sorry.”“For what?” Daemonikai pulled back, his hands firm on Alvin’s face, forcing his boy to meet his eyes. “It was never your fault, and I’m sorry you left the world believing it was.”He turned to Myka. “I’m sorry I told you to protect everyone else. I should’ve told you to save yourself first. Maybe then, you’d still be—”“It’s alright, Father,” Myka interrupted with a smile. “I don’t regret protecting Mother. Or our people. I’m a protector, just like you, and I’m proud of that.”Behind them, a crowd began to form. His people were watching from a
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIZaiper's screams rolled down the dungeon corridor, bouncing off walls as Daemonikai sawed through his leg with a cutlass—whistling a slow, melodic tune. Blood sprayed, splashing onto Daemonikai’s robes, forming a growing puddle.“This blade’s gone dull,” he said conversationally, examining the edge. “Get me the dagger.”A guard handed it to him from the wall of instruments, so much polished steel behind them.Daemonikai discarded the cutlass with a soft clatter and resumed with the dagger, slicing deep into muscle and tendon, never missing a beat in his whistle.“Please! AHhhhhhh!” Zaiper howled. An animal sound, born of unbearable pain.Daemonikai sawed clean through until the leg detached entirely. He lifted it, holding it up like a prized relic.“I hope you don’t mind if I keep this,” he said casually, inspecting the severed limb. “It’s a clean slice. Unfortunately for you, it won’t regenerate—considering I’ve taken the entire limb. You’ll have to forgive me.
••••••Three Weeks Later PRINCESS EMERIEL“By the power vested in me as Grand King of this court, and in the presence of these witnesses, I hereby declare all Bonds of Human Enslavement broken. From this day forward, you are no longer the property of Urekai but allies. Free people under the protection and respect of this kingdom.”The court was overflowing. Humans filled every space, trailing from the dais down the carpeted aisle, pouring out the doors, spilling into the hallway beyond. Every human in Urai was present.At the front of it all, Emeriel stood tall beside her king, heart brimming with emotion. Her gaze drifted across the sea of faces, landing on her sister. Aekeira was smiling through tears. Just like so many others.Grand King Daemonikai continued, voice firm but warm. “I have already sent word to the twelve human kingdoms, informing their kings that the humans here are no longer captives, but allies of Urai. From this moment, no harm shall befall you—not by royal decre
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai delayed just outside the dungeon corridor until he heard Zaiper’s first blood-curdling scream. Only then did he walk away from the dungeon hallway. He soon stopped hearing them. Almost a regret.He had instructed the guards to move Zaiper to the deepest, most fortified cell to keep his torture from disrupting the tranquility of the Citadel. But now, for the first time, he wondered about the wisdom of it.Reaching his bedchamber, the scene greeting him caused him to pause.There on the couch, Emeriel sat in sleep's soft embrace, holding their son, Daesovxscar, against her chest. His small mouth had slipped from her breast, milk dotting the taut, dark nipple still exposed to the cool air. Her arms held him close, even in sleep.Daemonikai’s mouth went dry.He was not a male to steal his youngling’s food—he had never done so before—but in the past few days, the thought had settled into his mind like an unsealed scroll. It was all he thought about.“Your H
“Yes,” the male continued coolly. “Vladya feels whole now. The male you always mocked for being cursed, then took away his bondmate. But she returned to him, not merely as a lover who may be compatible with him, but as his fated mate.” Daemonikai’s lips twitched. “Then there’s you. Hanging here like a carcass in my dungeon. With a dead lover, no heir, no legacy. No throne.”Zaiper’s scream tore from deep within his soul. “DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT HIM!”“Who? Oh you mean the dead lover?” Daemonikai smirked, adding with a drawl. “I never did tell you, did I? Just how good it felt to kill him.”Zapier struggled even harder. One leg jerked so hard, causing the chain to snap taut, nearly dislocating him, but Zaiper didn’t care, writhing and snarling like a feral.“His spine snapping in two as it struck my knees… that sound... it stayed with me for months. It had a better tone than even the harp.”“Fuck you, Daemonikai! I’ll fucking kill you!” Zaiper was out of control, spitting rage with
“You’ve no idea how fun it was. Playing you like a puppet, note by note, from the sidelines, with you none the wiser. It was... exquisite.” His grin was unrepentant. “But don’t blame me too much, Daemonikai. The real culprit was your pride. You believed yourself invincible. Too strong to be touched, too feared to be challenged. And because of that arrogance, you gave someone like me the perfect opening.”He let out a wheezing cough of amusement. “The Dragaxlovs have always sought the throne, but the Naelzharoth was too powerful. My grandfather shared with me that it was his lifelong dream to sit on the First Throne, yet every minor scheme he attempted to wrest it from your grandfather failed. He was a coward, you see, just like the rest of them.” Zaiper sighed. “Even at a hundred, I knew I was different from those spineless relics. I knew I would achieve great things, and I knew you would assist me. Your casual dismissal, that prideful superiority… always a Naelzharoth, viewing the re