PRINCESS EMERIELEmeriel drifted in and out of consciousness.Each time she surfaced, someone was pressing a bitter herb to her lips, cooling her forehead with damp cloths, or coaxing her to eat. It was exhausting, intrusive.Why couldn’t they just leave her to her dreams?Beautiful, sweet dreams of her and her Beloved. Here, in this world of warmth and light, there was no pain, no misery. Here, their bond was alive and flourishing.Here, she could feel his presence even when he was far from the fortress.Here, she felt everything in his heart, not just his pain but also his happiness. His love.In this world, her belly was full and rounded, carrying their child. A child who brought even more sunshine into their already radiant world.Her beloved glowed with joy, untouched by the sorrow of grief and loss.Emeriel did not want to wake from this idyllic dream. If crossing over to the other side brought dreams like these, perhaps she should have crossed long ago.It was beautiful. It
UREKAI:In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world. The ancient tongue called them ‘fearsome beasts’ for:Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts. Like vampires, they consumed blood.And walked among humans with no one the wiser.The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression. They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone. But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans.While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral. Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect. Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king’s beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape.But
Twenty-one Years LaterPRINCE EMERIEL. “He’s so pretty,” a voice murmured. “It’s the feminine prince,” another one said. The third man had lust in his eyes. “No man should have hair that gorgeous.” Prince Emeriel ignored them all as he moved from the palace grounds into the building, head held high. Just because he was used to the unwanted attention, didn’t mean it didn’t make his skin crawl. He might have lived as a boy all his life, but it didn’t exactly keep him all that safe. Men of Navia would stick their phallus in anything with a hole, especially if it looked remotely feminine. But Emeriel’s senses were always on high alert. Which is why he was probably the only twenty-one-year-old virgin in Navia.That, and his sister, Princess Aekeira, always did everything in her power to protect him. To make sure his secrets remained tightly hidden. A carriage accident had taken their parents fifteen years ago, and King Orestus had adopted them. That tyrant made life a living
PRINCE EMERIEL Stepping outside the next morning, two warriors stopped before Emeriel. "The king summons you, my prince," One of them said. "Your presence is needed in the courtroom."Shit. That foolish minister wasted no time ratting on him.Emeriel let the way to court. It’s just whipping, he will be fine.But, as he walked down the hall towards the door, it was eerily quiet. Something was wrong. The court was always noisy from the outside. Mutterings, murmurs, arguments were always expected. His worry deepened when the door opened, and all eyes didn't turn to gaze at him condescendingly. Instead, everyone's eyes were fixed at the center of the king's court. Emeriel's eyes followed theirs. Two men dressed in all-white apparel robes, with long, straight, waist-length black hair stood, appearing harmless. But a longer glance had Emeriel noticing muscles barely concealed under their robes, their slightly tipped ears, and their incredibly unnaturally handsome faces that were comp
PRINCE EMERIEL.Aekeira cried for over an hour after they left the courtroom. At first, she had been angry, shouting at Emeriel about his foolish decision. And then, she broke down, crying as if her heart had been shattered. Now, they were left alone in a tiny room on the boat. Emeriel remained quiet throughout his sister's breakdown, the weight of his decision finally sinking in. By the Light-gods, he was now a slave. Lower than a lowborn. Lower than a carpet servant. And not just any slave, but a Urekai slave. Or many Urekai, Emeriel had no idea yet.He would serve those heartless, ruthless beings who despised humans.“You're a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service.”A shiver coursed down Emeriel's spine. They were going to violate his body. What he had always dreamed of would finally coming true. Only now, it wouldn't be just one beast, it would be many. As many as his master wanted.They would spread him apart, subjecting him to that dreadful act of sex.Emeriel sw
PRINCE EMERIELEmeriel was horrified. I must rescue Aekeira! We need to escape!"I know you are there, pretty prince. I can smell you," Lord Vladya's voice rang out.Emeriel gasped, frozen in place as Lord Vladya’s imposing figure emerged from the door. His cold, lifeless gray and yellow eyes fixed upon Emeriel.Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. Then another. Lord Vladya smirked. "I would advise against whatever thoughts are brewing in that little head of yours. You have no inkling of where you are, do you?"Emeriel could only discern they were in the tallest, most fortified fortress he had ever seen. He shook his head, his fear palpable."You are in Ravenshadow," Lord Ottai said, coming up behind the scarred Lord.Ravenshadow? The Ravenshadow!?No, by the Light, this cannot be happening."R-Ravenshadow Citadel? The home of the f-four grand rulers of the Urekais. The Whispering Abyss of great power?" Emeriel blurted out, unable to contain his terror any longer.Lord Ottai sno
PRINCE EMERIELThe night had descended upon them. Aekeira's face turned pale upon hearing everything from Emeriel. She had not uttered a single word in hours. Instead, tears streamed down her eyes.Emeriel could hardly recognize Aekeira after the "treatment" Livia had given her. Aekeira was incredibly beautiful, well-groomed, and all dressed up in that scanty piece of nothing. He despised the purpose behind her transformation and dreaded the impending arrival of the Urekai guards, who would soon take her away."Let us escape,” Emeriel suggested urgently. “This place is vast, and—" Aekeira shook her head. "I cannot risk your life, Em. Grand Lord Vladya warned you about the severe consequences of attempting to escape. Moreover, if we’re caught, they will undoubtedly discover your secret when they strip you down to whip you. It is simply not an option."Emeriel approached his sister and shook her firmly. "Pull yourself together, Aekeira! You will be forced to serve a UREKAI in its BE
SLAVE AMIEAmie did her best to ignore the screams. They always made her uncomfortable, reminding her of the sickening things the slave masters does to her at the barn. She simply needed to pick up the bathing oil she had forgotten after running a bath for Princess Aekeira.Approaching the quarters, she heard muffled cries, filled with agony. The cries grew louder as she drew closer. Amie quickened her pace, following the sound until she reached the end of the hallway.She stood outside the closed door of Princess Aekeira's chambers. Isn’t Prince Emeriel the only person in there?Amie opened the door and entered the room. A female figure lay on the bed, facing away from her, writhing in pain, completely naked. The figure convulsed and let out a loud sob."A-are you alright?" Amie's voice trembled softly as she approached the figure on the bed.Only whimpering sounds answered her. Amie moved closer to the front of the figure and froze."Prince Emeriel?" Amie couldn't believe her e
PRINCESS EMERIELEmeriel drifted in and out of consciousness.Each time she surfaced, someone was pressing a bitter herb to her lips, cooling her forehead with damp cloths, or coaxing her to eat. It was exhausting, intrusive.Why couldn’t they just leave her to her dreams?Beautiful, sweet dreams of her and her Beloved. Here, in this world of warmth and light, there was no pain, no misery. Here, their bond was alive and flourishing.Here, she could feel his presence even when he was far from the fortress.Here, she felt everything in his heart, not just his pain but also his happiness. His love.In this world, her belly was full and rounded, carrying their child. A child who brought even more sunshine into their already radiant world.Her beloved glowed with joy, untouched by the sorrow of grief and loss.Emeriel did not want to wake from this idyllic dream. If crossing over to the other side brought dreams like these, perhaps she should have crossed long ago.It was beautiful. It
The mix of scents made Daemonikai’s investigation a maddening task. Incompetent fools.If he’d known they’d only muddle the scene, he wouldn’t have sent them to investigate in the first place.Their footprints and scents cluttered every corner, making it harder than ever to sift out what truly mattered. But this wouldn’t deter him.Three hours later, he was still at the crime scene, having retraced every step Emeriel had taken.He combed through the garden, over and over, with a thoroughness that bordered on obsession.Yet, still, he found nothing.Irritation gnawed at him as he prepared to repeat the search yet again.This time, he shifted partially into his beast form to heighten his senses, focusing his nose to distinguish Emeriel’s scent from the web of others clinging to the air. But still… nothing.Very soon, dawn would break. It was time to return.His instincts had been on edge all night from being away from Emeriel. She was safe, he knew, protected under Vladya’s watch. But
Dizziness washed over Daemonikai, a throbbing headache the size of a warship pounding through his skull.The poison could stay in his body far longer than in Emeriel’s, long enough to secure the antidote. Hopefully.“Are you truly well?” Worry touched Vladya’s voice.“My head feels as though it’s trying to split in two,” Daemonikai admitted. “But that's to be expected.""Who would do this?" Vladya wondered, his brow furrowed. "Do you have any suspicions?" “I’m going to confront Zaiper.” he repeated.Vladya's eyes sharpened. “You really believe he could be involved?”“I don’t know, but I will start from him." Daemonikai forced himself upright, a boiling rage building inside him. “Afterward, I’m returning to the site of the attack. If these inept fools can’t find a trace, I’ll track the one responsible myself.”“I’m coming with you.”“No.” Daemonikai put on his robes slowly, his insides rolling. “I need you here, with her. I’ll be back.”Vladya’s concern deepened. “You’re unwell, Daem
Also, Ottai was utterly lost. Flowing in the sea of confusion, kind of lost. "Uhmm, hello guys? I'm still here," he waved a hand to get their attention.They turned in unison, eyes snapping to him. They’d forgotten he was even there, hadn't they?"You two could at least clue me in on this 'solution' you're discussing," Ottai said dryly, curious.“No,” Daemonikai said at the exact moment Vladya added, “He plans to suck the poison out of her and take it into his own body.”“What!?” Ottai blanched, aghast. But now that he thought about it, it made sense. That explained Daemonikai's sudden shift of mood. He had gotten a solution, no matter how unconventional.Ottai couldn’t believe this. "Your woman and I did NOT go through the fires of hell and that damned cold sea to save you, just to watch you throw your life away like this!""Tell him, Ottai," Vladya encouraged, casting an approving glance.“It’s human and mage toxin, not Urekai. I can bear it until the antidote is found,” he said f
Ottai led them to Frostfall's royal residence. They entered the quiet chamber where Emeriel lay on the bed, face pale and eyes closed. Her breathing too faint.Grand King Daemonikai sat beside her, his hand clasped around hers. He didn't react when Ottai announced their arrival or when they entered the room.“Em?" Aekeira ran to her sister's side, taking her other hand. "Em, please, open your eyes,” she sobbed. “Please… it’s me, Aekeira.”“We’re waiting on Faiwick. He’s searching for the antidote,” Ottai’s voice was low as he explained. “The poison used is quite rare and difficult to obtain. So far, every healer we've checked don't have the kaizan root needed for the antidote."“Kaizan roots?” Vladya's brows drew together. “Those are almost impossible to come by.”Ottai nodded grimly. “It’s not a Urekai poison, it's mage poison.” His voice was tense, uneasy. “If someone sold it here, it’s likely they sold the antidote too. Faiwick is checking with the remaining herbalists and the blac
Daemonikai had tried not to push him into talking over the years, but seeing all this pain in Ottai’s eyes tugged at his heartstrings.“I have no idea what I would have done if I’d lost Morina too,” Ottai shook his head. “The thought alone tears me apart. I can’t pretend to understand what you’ve gone through, but I selfishly wish… I wish you wouldn’t leave us.” He took a shaky breath, steadying himself. “Don’t leave us, Daemon.”“I won’t,” Daemonikai vowed, surprising even himself.It was the first time he had said it aloud, and for once, he truly meant it.Pushing the shadows of grief aside, he spoke clearly, each word a promise. “Not anymore. I’m here to stay.”“Good, that’s good,” Ottai said, nodding in relief. Daemonikai expected to be released then, but instead, he was squeezed tighter. “Now, suffer through this one last hug.”Daemonikai let out a dramatic, insufferable sigh but didn’t resist. “You do realize you’re a full-grown male now? No longer that little slip of a lad wh
GRAND KIND DAEMONIKAI“You’re saying his wife was found dead in the dungeon?” King Daemonikai’s lips pressed into a frown as he strode through the corridors, Ottai and Wegai trailing behind him.“Yes, Your Grace,” Lord Ottai confirmed with a heavy sigh. “No obvious cause of death, either. They were slaves; it could easily be attributed to overexertion.”“Overexertion didn’t kill her before her husband’s attempt on my life, only after, hmm,” Daemonikai entered his private residence and settled into one of the high-backed chairs in the living room. “And what about the others?”Ottai took the seat beside him. "Sadly, nothing concrete."“Well, I’m recovered now.” Daemonikai shrugged off his outer robe, folding the heavy fabric beside him. “If someone else is responsible, I hope they’re reckless enough to try again soon. This time, they will not be so lucky.""It's time to put an end to the crimes happening here in Ravenshadow. In the past, no one would dare bring a crime close to this for
Touch, his beast urged.No, I will not.“Wake up, darling,” Daemonikai coaxed gently."I don’t want to.” she protested, a dreamy smile on her lips.Her hands drifted over her body, cupping her breasts, she flicked her nipples. She let out a soft whine.A bolt of desire shot straight to his dick, his arousal back with a vengeance.“Gods of the Grail,” he swore.“I really like this dream a lot,” she cried with bliss, pinching her engorged nipples.Daemonikai closed his eyes and counted to ten. Then, counted backward from ten.Nope, his hard-on has declared a coup, raging full mast in his pants.His beast, too, was one hundred percent on board…all too aware of her.Emeriel took his hand, parting her thigh, she guided it between her open legs.“Touch me, please,” she murmured, rolling her hips desperately. “I’ve been hungry… so starved for you.”“Darling, you don’t know—”“I need you.”Younglings crying for food, an elder falling from a horse, another bloody war with the vamps.The images
The quiet concern in his tone startled her, and when she looked at him, his eyes were studying her with the same attentiveness that had begun to undo her.She forced a smile, her worry fading like mist under the warmth of the sun. Because she knew, deep down, that it didn’t matter.No matter what side of him re-emerged when they returned to Blackstone, Aekaeira would still love him anyway. "I’m fine, Your Highness."His expression tightened slightly, and for a moment, she thought she had said something wrong. Then, his tone grew firm, resolute. "Vladya."“Huh?”"Call me by my name, Aekeira," he asserted. "Not Lord Vladya. Not my lord. Not Your Highness. Just my name."Her eyes reached her hairline. A blush crept up her cheeks. "B-but…it’s not proper."He leaned closer, his voice soft, but no less commanding. "We’re alone here. Go ahead.""Vladya…" she breathed, tasting the word. It felt strange on her tongue, foreign and intimate, but there was something right about it, too. Her voice