That’s progress. Daemonikai should be happy. But seeing such despair on her face was agony.No one he cared for should ever hurt like this, and worst of all, he knew it was his fault.Closing the distance between them in a single stride, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His hold was firm, strong, ready to hold her even if she struggled to break free.But she didn’t.Instead, she trembled, her fragile body tense against his.“Your Grace…” she said, her voice was a broken whisper.“I would take all the pain away,” he brought his lips near her ear. “If I could, I would draw it out of you like poison and make it my own.”She shook her head faintly. “You already have so much pain. I couldn’t let you take mine, too—not if it meant you’d have to bear it within yourself.”Ukrae. His heart twisted painfully. This girl will be the death of me. She did not hug him back, but she didn’t push him away either. She stood pliant in his arms, letting him embrace her.That much was en
PRINCESS AEKERIAShe stepped into her chamber and paused; her gaze drawn to the male standing by the window. Bathed in the moonlight, he was a vision of power and authority, dressed in full regalia with his hands clasped behind his back, staring into the night.Aekeira's stomach fluttered. He was so devastatingly handsome it made her chest ache. The scar across his cheek only adding to his rugged appeal.Seeing him now, he didn't look like the simple Vladya from the caves who had smiled so easily and let his walls down enough to let her in. With the heavy cloaks, he looked like Grand Lord Vladya.The ruler with immense authority. The one whose scowls and sharp tone could cut through steel.What do I do? Where do I stand with him now?Uncertain, Aekeira fidgeted, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.“You know I can smell you, right?”Her eyes snapped up, startled. His head turned slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder."I can never sneak up on you, Your Highness, can I
“Since the moment I woke up and saw you naked beside me, I’ve fantasized about a thousand ways to touch you.” He brushed his lips against the shell of her ear, his voice a dark, husky whisper. “The things I want to do to you, Beloved…” "Please don't call me that," she said shakily, squeezing her eyes shut.“Tomorrow, I will adhere to this request.” He flicked his tongue against her ear, earning a tremor through her body. “But not tonight.”Daemonikai walked her back, step by step, until her spine met the wall. Emeriel gasped at the contact.“Tonight, you are mine. Oh, my dearest…" Leaning in, his eyes burned into hers possessively. "You have held the reins for so long and I let you have them. But tonight, in this room, I will take them back. Just for the night, you are mine to command. Mine to own. Mine to wreck.”Lust flashed in her eyes, but there was also panic. Her gaze darted past him to the door, looking for an escape.“There’s none,” he informed her. “You walked in here on you
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIAs she presented to him, he couldn’t stop the rumble beginning deep in his chest, growing into a low, drawn-out growl that filled the room.His eyes roamed her offered body, from her trembling thighs to the slick pearl of wetness dripping from the small mouth of her pussy, to her swollen clit beckoning to him. All mine.Shit, he hadn’t even touched her properly, yet his control felt like a cannon ready to explode. He wanted to feast on her so bad.“Riel?” His voice came out rough.“Your Grace?” she whispered breathlessly.“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” A low moan answered him, another bead of wetness gleaming at her entrance.His woman was so aroused, so ready for him, and it was driving him insane.“Fuck it.” Daemonikai stepped forward to crowd her, sliding his hand possessively to her waist, pulling her to the desk’s edge.This time, there was no guilt, no hesitation. She wasn’t Herodis’ woman—she never had been. She was his. “You are my woman.
For a moment, he debated whether to stop. He was not ready for her to finish yet, not when he was enjoying this twelve-course meal before him. Maybe he could spend the rest of the night this way, edging her, eating her until the rise of dawn—“Don’t ssstop.” The pleas came in a hushed, almost ashamed whisper. Like the sweetest, forbidden surrender.“Please, don’t s-stop, Daemon," she cried.I thought you would never ask, Beloved.And so, he gave it to her. His tongue plunging in and out, faster, deeper, as his thumb circled her clit, rubbing her into a frenzy. “Ohhh—” she froze for a single, breathless second. Then shattered with a scream.Daemonikai groaned as sweet flavor flooded his tongue, his reward for a job well executed. Fuck, she was hot. His dick was so hard he humped the sheets to alleviate the ache as she splintered into a million pieces in his arms, her thighs tightly hugging his neck. “Please, puuleease…!” she whined, heaving for air.Finally, he eased the pressure,
PRINCESS AEKERIAShe froze, her breath ceasing in her chest. Had she heard him right? Aekeira stared ahead, unable to move. “Wh-what?” “Let’s give it a try, the bonding ritual,” Lord Vladya said again, coolly.The world tilted beneath her feet. He wanted to bond with her…? To truly go ahead with it, against all odds?“Breathe, young princess,” he gave the gentle command.Aekeira’s breath shuddered out of her. Happiness, hope, fear, and disbelief rose inside her all at once.Slowly, she turned to face him, wide, tear-filled eyes meeting his.Even as she moved, he didn’t let her go. Pulling back just enough to allow her movement, his strong arms still holding her protectively against his broad body. “But the odds…" Her heart hammered wildly as she searched his face. "…the odds aren’t in ou-our favor. What if—”“Damn them all. The odds won’t favor us tomorrow, nor in the future," he stated in a steady tone. "I’m still going mad, you’re still an unaltered human, and I have no soul."Sh
PRINCESS EMERIEL“…I’m sorry for the wounds that ran too deep, the ones that scarred over.” He dropped his weight, grinding his thick, hard erection against her.She gasped, awareness reigniting in her body, desire coiling tight in her belly despite the mind-shattering release she’d experienced just moments ago.“My pretty Riel.”Unable to bear hearing any more of his heartbreaking, heart-healing words, Emeriel surged up, capturing his lips in a frantic kiss.She poured all her pain, her longing, her love into the kiss, tasting his lips, his essence. Her eyes slid closed, surrendering to their passion.For endless minutes, their lips battled together, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth.His kisses made Emeriel feel like she’d had ten gallons of ale. Her mind sluggish, her limbs heavy.My Beloved. Mine.How will I live without you?When the kiss came to an end, his big body was taut with desire, hunger burning in his gaze.She parted her legs in a silent invite. “Inside, plea
LADY ADISSAHe stepped out of the chamber, letting the door close behind him with a quiet thud, leaning his head against it.“How is he?” Lady Adissa asked as she approached. She tried to keep her panic at bay, but the tremor in her tone betrayed her. “Is he doing any better?”Razarr shook his head gravely. “He’s waiting for you inside.”Lady Adissa’s stomach churned. “But… has he eaten anything at all?”“Not since yesterday,” the head soldier replied, his tone grim.Her heart sank. Grand Lord Zaiper is in the blackest of his moods.Oh, heavens. She gripped her gown so tight her knuckles turned white under the strain.No one knew what had caused his dark mood, though speculation circled around the Grand King’s visit to Greyrock the night his Soulbond was attacked. Since that night, her master had fallen into one of those depressing, aggressive ways that rarely came, but when it did, was downright terrifying.And since then, Lady Adissa had known no peace.“Please go inside,” Razarr
“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
FOUR MONTHS LATER PRINCESS EMERIEL"By the power vested in me as the Keeper of the sacred crowns, I hereby anoint thee, in the sight of gods and mortals, as Grand Queen of Urai." The Keeper lifted the ornate diadem from its resting place, holding it aloft for all to witness. “Rise, Sovereign of the Realm, and stand beside your King. Two as one, rulers over land and blood, bound by duty, and sanctified by this crowning rite."Emeriel rose on unsteady legs. This was real. A Grand Queen.The weight of the crown was considerable as it settled atop her head, but she bore it with pride, grace, and dignity.At her side, her Beloved extended his hand, eyes glowing with pride. She took it, fingers lacing with his, warmth spreading through her palm and heart. Together, they turned to face their people.The Keeper stepped back, voice booming. “Behold! Your Grand King and Grand Queen. Long may they reign!”The hall blasted in thunderous applause. Outside, the bells of the Citadel rang with trium
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