For a long while, he simply stayed there, forehead resting lightly against hers.Slowly, her breathing evened. The rigidness in her limbs eased. The fingers grabbing the sheets loosened.When she finally opened her eyes, he was met with deep blue eyes wet with unshed tears.A dagger slashed his chest. His beast made a broken sound and retreated, and his hunger… dulled."I am ready," she breathed."Let's not—""Please, let's try..."Daemonikai searched her eyes. What he saw there broke his damn heart.Still he gave into her, capturing her lips in a kiss.It was gentle. Soft. Patient.After a moment, she kissed him back, hands tentatively sliding up his arms. A quiet, needy sound left her.Only then did he move again. He began to push inside her, inch by inch.Her heat enveloped his cock, welcoming him. Soft. Yielding. Molding against him in ways that sent pleasure curling up his spine.But then, she wrenched her mouth from his, and started to thrash. Shoving at his shoulders, striking b
PRINCESS AEKEIRA"I can fetch my own lantern," Aekeira tried one last time, but her sister ignored her.She sat patiently in Emeriel’s bedchamber, watching as the final touches were made to her sister's attire. Before the mirror, Emeriel stood in a breathtaking ceremonial red gown. The elaborate embroidery caught the light like tiny stars woven into silk.She looked breathtaking. Poised and elegant as ever.Tonight was the Lantern Festival. Their second.The first they had celebrated as slaves in plain clothes, hands raw from endless labor. But today, they attended as princesses.Dressed in gowns made by the finest seamstresses in Urai, commissioned by their males, they were a world away from that skittish girl and her brave little brother. Outside the chamber, their soldiers and maids stood waiting, ready to escort them to the arena.Emeriel turned slowly, smoothing the delicate folds of her dress. "There will be plenty of smoke at the festival. It is not good for you or the baby."A
They had begun appearing four days ago. Strange, unnameable hues that shimmered around certain people.Blends of elements she could not identify, shifting and warping in a way no natural color ever did. It did not happen to everyone, only a few. And yet, she saw them.What colors were those? What did it mean? Emeriel had no idea.A Urekai female laughed, darting through the crowd as a male chased after her, and the strange blend of colors pulsed around them, two different yet intertwining hues.Emeriel tore her eyes away. I refuse to believe I am having vision problems at such a young age. I would need to confide in someone."Can you believe it has been eight months since we returned here?" Aekeira asked, breathing slightly heavier than before. "So much has changed…""Indeed." Emeriel mused. "I wonder if I will see Lord Herod tonight."Aekeira glanced at her. "I'm sure he will be in the arena with the lords and nobility.""I hope so," Emeriel glimpsed the towering archways that marked
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAI The healer stepped back, wiping her hands on a cloth. "It is confirmed, Your Grace. Your female is with child."Daemonikai heard the words. He even processed them, understood what they meant. And yet… "What?"The healer smiled. " Congratulations."That doesn’t seem right. “No one gets pregnant from a mini-heat.”“Your female just did.”“But, she does not have the scent of—““Your Highness,” she called, patiently. “She truly is pregnant.”Pregnant.Was this real?After years of longing, of praying to gods who had turned deaf to his pleas, who had taken from him instead of giving…Could this truly be happening?"A-are you sure?" His knees felt weak, and he gripped the edge of the wooden table."I am certain," she reassured him. "She is four to five weeks along."Daemonikai’s eyes shifted to Emeriel’s sleeping form, his heart drumming. She lay beneath the covers, her face serene, her breathing soft.“Your Highness,” The healer’s voice held an emotional tremor. "I ca
Daemonikai stood outside his chamber, alone with the healer."So, uhm, I know you have had children before, but you may have forgotten some things." she began carefully. "It is my duty to remind you of them."Daemonikai gave a small nod, signaling for her to continue."First and foremost—rest. While she must remain active, she also needs plenty of rest. It is essential for both mother and child."He listened intently."Sexual intimacy is very important during this period. Your semen is needed to help keep both the mother and child healthy. Even when the pregnancy progresses into the later months and becomes uncomfortable for her, you will still need to find a way to make it happen," she added matter-of-factly.Daemonikai winced. A significant obstacle lay in their path. Emeriel was not ready yet."If you are… well endowed," The healer’s cheeks colored slightly, but she remained professional, "she may not be able to accommodate you as she once did. That is normal. Listen to her and adj
"It is difficult for me as well," he confessed. "I cannot scent it on you yet, and it makes me—makes us—restless.”He turned her hand over and pressed a tender kiss to her palm."But I can feel it, Emeriel. Deep in my heart, I know that just beneath yours lies the greatest gift of all."Her lower lip wobbled. "I am elated. My heart is filled to the brim.""You need to see my own," he murmured. "If only our bond were active now, I would bare it to you, so you could feel all I feel.""Daemon, your words make me feel so...""Thank you for being born,” he swiped the tear away with a finger. “Thank you for surviving despite everything. Thank you for living as a male all your life—for enduring, for standing strong every day."He held her by the waist and pulled her to the edge until she was seated before him, legs spread on either side of his kneeling form.Then, he dropped his forehead to her stomach. "Thank you for being stubborn enough to get yourself sold with your sister."He could not
The Oracle invaded Zaiper’s chamber. Standing before him like an ancient, avenging angel, fury burning in her ancient eyes."This must be a dream," Zaiper was trying not to show his fear. "You should not be here."Those scary eyes bored into him. "Why have you not confessed to your heinous crimes?""Surely, you didn't really believe I would do so?" His laugh was humorless as he sat up abruptly. "Daemonikai would tear my soul right out of my damn body!""It would be less than you deserve, you despicable creature!” she hissed. “You are a disgrace to the Dragaxlov name! Your great-grandfather would writhe in his grave!"Zaiper glared at her, feeling like a chastised child. He hated it."However, if you confess to your crimes, if you come clean on your own, I may intervene to ensure your survival," she said in a steadier voice. "You will pay for your sins for centuries to come, but you will retain your life. All you have to do is stand before the nation you betrayed and bring your crimes
"I have existed since nearly the dawn of time, have witnessed countless atrocities and unspeakable horrors—I have seen kingdoms rise and fall. Many have required my intervention, but I did not meddle.""Exactly how we like you,” Zaiper snapped. Do not interfere with the natural order, return to sleep in the coffin-bed and leave the world to ordinary mortals. Why do you persist?""Let us just say… this time, I choose to," she said. "This conversation has sealed your fate, Zaiper Thoryk Dragaxlov. The next time we meet will be in the public eye, with me standing in my physical form while the world listens to tales of your crimes. And that day is near, I have nearly completed my tasks here."She paused, slanting her head to look at him. "Oh, and I see you are searching for ways to kill me. One dark mage and three shamans? Daring, but pitiful, really. Incompetent rat."Zaiper bristled, turning away, ears flushing pink. Why did she always have to know?"I could wish you better luck in your
“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