Grand King Daemonikai stopped himself, studying the Oracle’s expression. The regret in her eyes was answer enough. “Let me guess. You cannot tell me.” The last shred of hope slipped from his grasp.The Oracle’s grip tightened on her staff. “I’m afraid this is something you must figure out on your own, Great Grand King.”Daemonikai’s lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration showing.Ahead, Emeriel grabbed Aekeira from behind, catching her off guard and sending her basket flying, its contents scattering across the grass.Aekeira let out a startled yelp that quickly melted into full-blown laughter, accompanied by a fit of giggles. “They are always so happy,” he murmured. “As if they have never lived a nightmare.”The Oracle followed his gaze. “Their light shines so brightly, I doubt it could ever be extinguished. Princess Emeriel is much more than just a Syren, Soulbond, and Grand Queen. She has dormant powers.”His brow furrowed. “Powers?”“More like a gift,” she clarified. “She
GRAND LORD ZAIPERGrand Lord Zaiper lounged in his living room, his boots propped comfortably on a velvet footstool. A goblet of ale rested loosely in his hand as he watched the fire crackle lazily in the hearth.After leaving court, he had spent hours downtown, carefully avoiding his home until well past midnight. All to escape facing the Oracle. Zaiper needed time to decide his next move, to strategize how best to deal with the problem that was her. Until he reached a decision, he would avoid her as much as possible.And today, he had succeeded.Absently sipping his drink, he smiled, his eyes tracing the flickering flames.A knock shattered his peace.Frowning, he tilted his head slightly. There were hushed murmurs outside.Scowling, he set his drink down with a thud, pushing himself up. “Where the devil are all the servants and useless slaves?” His mood was quickly souring as he strode to the door, throwing it open.The Oracle stood behind the door.He barely had time to take a st
PRINCESS EMERIELOne week later.Emeriel woke in the early hours of dawn. Today was The Celestial Offering.One of the most sacred ceremonies of the Urekai. And she wanted to help him prepare for it.After the feral incident, Daemonikai had insisted she remain in her chambers instead of moving into his quarters. He did not trust himself not to hurt her again.And although, Emeriel had fought to stay by his side, even she knew this was a battle she could not win, so she had reluctantly agreed.But now, she barely saw him. His duties kept him constantly busy, pulling him away from dawn until long past midnight. Each evening, she waited in her bedchamber, hoping to hear the announcement of his return. But exhaustion always claimed her before the hour grew too late, and she would wake to find another day had begun without him.This morning, however, Emeriel was prepared.Rising quietly, she slipped into a simple gown before making her way to the slave quarters. There, she roused Amie and
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai’s gaze lingered long after Emeriel was gone. She was just so precious.Her gesture warmed him inside. Waking up so early to prepare everything, to help him get ready for the day was really kind and thoughtful of her...just as everything else.Daemonikai had known love before. He had built a family, lost one, and endured the weight of time, but somehow, with her, it all felt new again. As if he were rediscovering something long buried beneath the centuries. He had never felt so wholly seen, so deeply cared for.She made him feel again.Times like these, when his heart raced at the mere thought of her, he felt young again. Not the ancient Grand King who had walked the world for five thousand, two hundred years, but a youngling experiencing the first flush of love.If it felt like this now, he could hardly imagine what it would be like when their bond was fully restored.And it would be restored.Daemonikai refused to believe otherwise.Straightening his
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
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai’s gaze lingered long after Emeriel was gone. She was just so precious.Her gesture warmed him inside. Waking up so early to prepare everything, to help him get ready for the day was really kind and thoughtful of her...just as everything else.Daemonikai had known love before. He had built a family, lost one, and endured the weight of time, but somehow, with her, it all felt new again. As if he were rediscovering something long buried beneath the centuries. He had never felt so wholly seen, so deeply cared for.She made him feel again.Times like these, when his heart raced at the mere thought of her, he felt young again. Not the ancient Grand King who had walked the world for five thousand, two hundred years, but a youngling experiencing the first flush of love.If it felt like this now, he could hardly imagine what it would be like when their bond was fully restored.And it would be restored.Daemonikai refused to believe otherwise.Straightening his
PRINCESS EMERIELOne week later.Emeriel woke in the early hours of dawn. Today was The Celestial Offering.One of the most sacred ceremonies of the Urekai. And she wanted to help him prepare for it.After the feral incident, Daemonikai had insisted she remain in her chambers instead of moving into his quarters. He did not trust himself not to hurt her again.And although, Emeriel had fought to stay by his side, even she knew this was a battle she could not win, so she had reluctantly agreed.But now, she barely saw him. His duties kept him constantly busy, pulling him away from dawn until long past midnight. Each evening, she waited in her bedchamber, hoping to hear the announcement of his return. But exhaustion always claimed her before the hour grew too late, and she would wake to find another day had begun without him.This morning, however, Emeriel was prepared.Rising quietly, she slipped into a simple gown before making her way to the slave quarters. There, she roused Amie and
GRAND LORD ZAIPERGrand Lord Zaiper lounged in his living room, his boots propped comfortably on a velvet footstool. A goblet of ale rested loosely in his hand as he watched the fire crackle lazily in the hearth.After leaving court, he had spent hours downtown, carefully avoiding his home until well past midnight. All to escape facing the Oracle. Zaiper needed time to decide his next move, to strategize how best to deal with the problem that was her. Until he reached a decision, he would avoid her as much as possible.And today, he had succeeded.Absently sipping his drink, he smiled, his eyes tracing the flickering flames.A knock shattered his peace.Frowning, he tilted his head slightly. There were hushed murmurs outside.Scowling, he set his drink down with a thud, pushing himself up. “Where the devil are all the servants and useless slaves?” His mood was quickly souring as he strode to the door, throwing it open.The Oracle stood behind the door.He barely had time to take a st
Grand King Daemonikai stopped himself, studying the Oracle’s expression. The regret in her eyes was answer enough. “Let me guess. You cannot tell me.” The last shred of hope slipped from his grasp.The Oracle’s grip tightened on her staff. “I’m afraid this is something you must figure out on your own, Great Grand King.”Daemonikai’s lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration showing.Ahead, Emeriel grabbed Aekeira from behind, catching her off guard and sending her basket flying, its contents scattering across the grass.Aekeira let out a startled yelp that quickly melted into full-blown laughter, accompanied by a fit of giggles. “They are always so happy,” he murmured. “As if they have never lived a nightmare.”The Oracle followed his gaze. “Their light shines so brightly, I doubt it could ever be extinguished. Princess Emeriel is much more than just a Syren, Soulbond, and Grand Queen. She has dormant powers.”His brow furrowed. “Powers?”“More like a gift,” she clarified. “She
What was that about?When one was uneasy in the presence of the Oracle, it was often for one reason alone. Secrets laid bare. Sins revealed.Daemonikai was...curious. What had the Vampire of Greyrock done this time?Zaiper had been unusually quiet all evening, showing none of his usual sharp tongue or stirring of unnecessary arguments, in court. He hadn’t met the Oracle’s eyes once, which was highly unusual for a man who rarely passed up a chance to assert himself.“A great deal has happened in the past five hundred years, has it not?” the Oracle broke the silence.Pushing his intrigue aside, he walked with the Oracle through the citadel. “Yes, it has.” “May I speak casually?”“Of course.”She paused, her steps slowing as she turned to face him. “I wish to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your family, Great Grand King.”The old grief rose like a tide. “Thank you. It...wasn’t easy.”“It never is,” she said gently. “You are strong. Both as a Urekai and as a ruler.”For a mo
GRAND LORD ZAIPERGrand Lord Zaiper was trying hard not to freak out.Trying being the operative word.While the rest of the people had scattered, their voices a low hum of joy and dread, Zaiper had slipped away to the back of the fortress building. The cool air bit at his skin, but it did little to cool the racing of his heart.The one person who could see his atrocities—every dark deed, every hidden sin—like a play acted out on stage was awake.“Fuck,” he said under his breath. His hands trembled.He curled them into fists.“Highness Zaiper, are you alright?”Zaiper flinched at the sudden voice behind him. Without turning, he recognized it to be High Lord Jakal, the ever-concerned Minister of Military Affairs.Why not just mind your own business, Jakal? But he swallowed the retort, forcing a calm he did not feel. He gave a stiff nod.The silent dismissal worked, and Jakal’s footsteps echoed as he departed.Zaiper breathed out shakily.“My lord,” came a familiar voice behind him. It
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
“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
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