The wet, obscene sounds filled the chamber, growing louder with each sharp snap of his hips.Ruthless. Unrelenting. Inescapable.Dragging her through mini orgasms and aftershocks, wringing tiny broken sobs from her with each stroke, even as she quivered and sobbed beneath him. Yet he did not stop.Because she could take it. She was his. This was what she needed. And he was all too happy to give it to her.But then… the hunger came again.Urekai males followed an unwritten rule: do not bloodfeed during heat sex.The coupling was already too much. An overload of sensation. Throwing in bloodfeeding on top of it? Cruel.The urge almost never came during heat.Almost.But now, it did.Fucking hell, it did. Clawing at him like a feral defending its territory.Daemonikai had no idea if it was because of her messy heat hormones failing to condition his rut properly, or the events of the night—the danger, the helplessness he had felt earlier—but the urge to possess her with his fangs was there
The following month was a whirlwind of highs and lows.On one hand, the kingdom basked in newfound joy. The news of not one now, but two grand rulers finding their destined mates had spread like wildfire.Whispers of Grand Lord Vladya’s human princess mistress—as many had once called her—going into heat and emerging as his Soulbond reached even the farthest outskirts of Urai, seeping into the smaller villages.And with it, something changed.The two grand rulers, whose minds had long been rumored to be failing, had begun to show remarkable improvement.According to murmurs within the city, their grand king appeared visibly happier than he had been in centuries. He attended court more frequently, fully engaged in matters of the realm, and presided over official duties and festivities with a vitality unseen in years. The people had never seen their Grand King more alive.So, they began to wonder... Were the rumors of his return madness false after all?And then there was Grand Lord Vlad
The male smiled wide, shaking his head in astonishment. "I had no idea he knew someone this beautiful." His eyes roved over her with open admiration before reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips with a courtly grace.“You, my lady, look absolutely mesmerizing,” he murmured. “Who is it that graces our door on this blessed morning?”Her lips curled slightly. "I am Princess Emeriel, and I am looking for Lord Herod."His grip slackened, dropping her hand so fast as if it had grown spikes. "Our grand king’s female?That princess?"Emeriel laughed softly. "It is I."Just then, a familiar laughter rang from within the house. “Emeriel...!”Her heart soared as she spotted Lord Herod. She barely registered the wide grin on his face before she hurried past the stranger, closing the short distance and throwing herself into his arms.His laughter was deeply rich as he lifted her effortlessly, twirling her once before setting her down.Tears burned behind Emeriel's eyes from pure joy, and
HIGH LORD HERODISHe had spent the entire day catching up with his dear friend.He told Emeriel about his agricultural ventures, the farmlands he managed across the kingdom, and the quiet life he had built for himself in the years since she left.In turn, Emeriel confided in him—about everything that had happened both in the human world and since her return.But what floored him most? Hearing her confirm the rumors about the Grand King’s mind failing again, were true.The pain in her voice when she spoke of it touched him deeply. And the fact that she trusted him enough to speak so openly about it? That humbled him more than anything.Now, they walked through the courtyard, heading toward the gardens. The afternoon sun was slipping away, making way for the soft hues of evening dusk.Herod had been pondering her words all day, and no matter how he turned them over in his mind, something did not make sense."May I ask you something?"Emeriel glanced at him, then nodded. "Of course. Go a
Females had begun to vanish. Taken during their heat, never to be seen again. What had first seemed an isolated crime had, upon investigation, revealed itself to had been happening for months. Not a single one of the missing had ever returned.The crisis bothered Daemonikai as he made his way toward the living quarters. Voices reached his ears, filled with lightness, and untroubled. Emeriel and her sister.Pausing at the threshold, he folded his arms as he observed them.Emeriel was swaying to the rhythm of music playing only in her mind, while Aekeira reclined in a chair, her fingers working a crochet hook through loops of thread."Arms move like this," Emeriel said, lifting her hands in the air and twisting them with a playful flourish. "And the hips—like this." She swayed, her skirt flaring as she spun in a graceful arc.Ah. She was practicing, or perhaps teaching Aekeira the steps for the upcoming Lantern Festival. Her sister, though silent, watched attentively, never pausing in h
GRAND LORD ZAIPER"You return too soon, Second Ruler of the great Urai." The dark mage emerged from the shadows. "It usually takes centuries. To what do I owe this visit?"Grand Lord Zaiper stood tall and tensed in the dark cave. Beside him, Razarr remained silent."I need you to kill our Oracle," Zaiper said flatly.The mage tilted his head. "The Oracle of Urai?"Irritation flashed across his face. "Which other Oracle would I—Yes, the Oracle of Urai." Begging the gods for patience, he added. "I know it will be difficult, but I’m prepared for whatever price.""Difficult, no. Impossible, yes.""Nothing is impossible," Zaiper snarled."Ah, how living beings love to believe that. But there are things that cannot be done. Killing one of the most powerful beings to have ever existed is one of them."Restless, Zaiper started pacing. "Everything has a price.""Calm yourself, Grand Lord Zaiper. I have never seen you so… troubled before."He halted abruptly, turning on the mage. "She knows. T
Even something as simple as breathing sounded thunderous in the silence.Vladya stared at Daemonikai as if he had lost his mind. Aekiera mirrored the exact same expression, while Emeriel inhaled gasply.Saying it aloud had made it real—even to Daemonikai."I cannot believe this," Daemonikai shook his head in wonder, looking directly at Vladya, he repeated, "You are going to have a child."His friend was as stiff as a board."If this is some kind of jest, it's not a particularly amusing one, Your Grace," voice tight with anger, Vladya glared. "I know you have been struggling, Daemon. I have seen it, and I do not fault you for it But not every dark thought that enters your mind should be spoken aloud."Daemonikai rolled his eyes. "Are you finished?"Vladya's jaw clenched tighter. "Yes. We are done here. Aekeira, let us go."Now, Daemonikai was furious. In a flash, he seized Vladya by the collar and shoved him back, naking him staggered a step.Daemonikai was on him again, gripping his t
That night, Grand Lord Vladya stood by the door, gazing at the figure sleeping exhaust upon his bed. He had been standing there for some time now, baring noticing the passage of time.A part of him still expected this to be ripped from his grasp. Torn away like every other good thing before it.Even now, it felt surreal. Unbelievable.He had a Female. His.And she carried his child.No one beyond their small circle knew of it. Vladya had not yet shared the news with his people. In time, he would.But for now, secrecy was its own form of protection. The more concealed she remained, the safer she—and the child—would be.His family.Emotion thickened his throat. An ache both familiar and foreign. Those were words he never thought he would speak.Words he never imagined would be something real, something his own.Vladya’s eyes drifted to the sheets draped over her form, shielding her belly. He knew not what he sought to find, yet in the past few hours, he had looked at that belly more than
“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