“Please, get up.” She tried to pull him upright, but it was like trying to lift a slab of solid rock.“I need you to help me here,” she said in a strained voice, bracing herself as she slid both hands under his arms to support him.Another heavy sigh. But, he moved, pushing himself off the floor. As he stood to his full height, he leaned heavily against her, burying his face into the crook of her neck.“For someone who’s only a dream,” he murmured in a muffled voice against her skin, “you smell incredible.”Then, he pulled back, the haze in his eyes clearing. “Emeriel? What are you doing here? You should be in bed.”“I’m fine right where I am.” Her eyes swept the room again, taking in the disorder. “What are you doing, Daemon? This isn’t you.”He looked away. “Well, it seems I do not know myself anymore, anyway.”“Come, let’s get out of here. We can wait in the study while the servants clean up.”Battle warred in his face. He looked at her with pain and hesitation as though he couldn’
The thought of him losing himself that way again was completely terrifying. For one tiny moment, a small, uncertain voice—the voice of the girl whose body was put through the unimaginable—whispered... Run.Take his offer, and run far away."I see the fear in your eyes," his agonized voice was rough. "Oh, Emeriel… where do we go from here, when I’ve put you right back in a place where you have to fear me again?"Her throat worked tightly. Do not waver. Do not falter. "We will get through this," she said firmly. Spoken as much for herself as for him. "I am not running like a coward.""Running does not make you a coward. It makes you a survivor." With self-loath, he added. "Run, Emeriel. Run far away, beyond where these cursed hands can ever touch you again. If I have to resort to binding myself in chains laced with dragonblood and scented leaves from the Forest of Abadin, then you’ll know things have truly spiraled beyond my control."Emeriel took his hands in hers, bringing them to he
GRAND LORD ZAIPERIn the Grand High Court, Grand Lord Zaiper stood at the center with his immaculate robes, wearing a face of calm and authority. Everyday he tried to reason with them, yet the results were always the same. Today, he came with a different approach.“It has been over a week since our grand king has been mad—” He glared at Vladya. “—unwell.”The court stirred with whispers.“As you all know, over the past few years, His Grace has faced certain… challenges. They made it difficult for him to uphold his duties to this court and to the people. Perhaps it is time we revisit our sacred text, the Concord of Crowns.”At this, the murmurs grew louder. Uneasy growing.Lords exchanged uncertain glances.Lord Henry rose, brows furrowed. “Are you suggesting we place a vote to impeach the current Grand King and allow the Second Ruler to assume the throne?”“It would be the right thing to do,” Zaiper said, turning to him. “The Concord of Crowns, Chapter Twelve, states an ultimate ruler
She walked into court gracefully. Fully dressed in her formal princess attire, she looked radiant. There were no visible marks on her skin, no signs of bruises. Or pain.Her eyes shone brightly, filled with life, and on her lips was a wide, unshaken smile.Not a single person stirred as she paused to bow gracefully to the assembled court, before she crossed the floor and ascended the dais, coming to a stop beside the grand king. Then…kissed him.Not a peck nor even a heavy indecent display, the kiss was light. Yet screamed intimate. Free of tongue or theatrics, but every bit as charged with passion as if they were alone. It lingered just long enough to stun the court into an even deeper silence.Pulling back, the human princess turned to Zaiper, looking thoughtful. “Do you have evidence to back up such ridiculous claims, my lord? Since when is it wrong for a woman to scream out her pleasure when her male is rocking her world?” She grinned. “What do you have against screams of ecsta
“Argh!”Grand Lord Zaiper grabbed his most prized flower vase, hurling it across the banqueting chamber. It shattered into a thousand glittering shards.He reached for his finest ale gallon next and hurled it, the heavy vessel smashing against the far wall, amber liquid flowing down.The chamber was already a mess. Broken goblets, upturned chairs, and fragments of once-beautiful decorations littering the floor.And yet the chaos did nothing to sate his master’s anger.“That conniving little whore!” Lord Zaiper roared, sweeping his arm across the banquet table.Goblets, charlices, and plates clattered to the floor, the noise loud echoing through the hall.Razarr swallowed a wince, remaining motionless in the corner. He hadn’t seen his master this destructively angry in a while. Lord Zaiper would regret all of this come morning when his fury finally subsided.“How dare she?” Zaiper spat, turning his burning gray-and-yellow eyes on Razarr, who straightened immediately. “Is she mad? Deran
Fruits were brought in on polished trays—juicy grapes, ripe figs, slices of sweet melon—and Sinai munched on them with unabashed pleasure.When it was over, she stood before the tall mirror, her reflection finally resembling the female she used to be. Her gown was a masterpiece, woven from the finest silks and subtle jewels that caught the light. Her hair styled to perfection, cascading down her back in sophisticated waves.Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. I have missed this.After today, not only will she be free again, but she will take back what was hers.The soldiers returned.“The Grand King is still in the hunting grounds with the noble lords of court,” one informed her. “You are instructed to wait here for his return. You are not to leave this chamber.”Sinai didn’t mind. Reclining on the plush cushions of the bed, she made herself comfortable as she waited.And waited.And waited.Sunset turned to dusk. The golden light streaming through the windows faded, replaced by sh
“Let me say this again, in case you have allowed your mind deceive you into thinking otherwise: You had a sexual relationship with Evie and me. No more, no less.”Sinai was hurting, her body shaking. Tears filled her eyes.“I admit I got possessive, that’s why you had to end things then—I admit it! But I can be better now. Let’s rekindle what we had.” She stepped closer, desperate. “Fine, I admit you belong to the human princess; I acknowledge that, alright? Emeriel is your Soulbond, I’ll accept that! B-but you can still be mine too...!”“You are my bloodhost. Nothing else,” he stated firmly.“I know what happened two weeks ago,” Sinai’s words tumbled out in a rush. “If you were with me, I would have handled you better than Emeriel did. I wouldn’t have screamed the way she did. Ravenshadow would’ve never known something was wrong!” Sinai lifted her chin, confident even as tears fell. “I could take you that way. I’m Urekai, Daemon, with my own beast. I’m stronger than she is. I could
When the final robe was secured, Vladya stepped back and gave a small nod.Daemonikai inclined his head slightly. “Thank you, Grand Lord Vladya.”Under normal circumstances, Vladya would have taken the title as the jest it usually was, but today there was no humor in his voice.He gave a simple, respectful nod in return. “You’re welcome, Your Grace.”The rest of the day passed in much the same way. Daemonikai carried an air of aloof formality that set the tone for the entire ceremony.Everyone in attendance noticed the shift, though no one dared address it openly. Vladya himself kept a cautious distance.By evening, as the people feasted and danced to the vibrant music, he finally stepped away from the event square, seeking a moment of quiet. The slaves’ performance was energetic, but he found little enjoyment in it as usual.He hadn’t made it far before he heard footsteps behind him.“What is wrong with His Majesty?” Ottai asked, falling into step beside Vladya.Vladya did not break
“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