PRINCESS AEKEIRAAekeira sat by the window, stitching as she hummed an old lullaby. Sunlight spilled pale and thin through the lattice, allowing her to enjoy the quiet and peace.Until Emeriel entered.She moved like a sleepwalker. Eyes swollen and red, face pale with exhaustion. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her lips trembled even as she tried to hold herself together.“Em!” Aekeira dropped her sewing at once, rising quickly to her feet. “Are you alright? Why do you look like—?”Her sister crossed the room, collapsed into her arms, and started bawling. The kind where the sobs are harsh and violent as if dragged from the soul.“Speak to me, what’s going on!?” Aekeira was panicking more with every sob. “You’re frightening me! You know you shouldn’t be crying like this; you’re pregnant for light’s sake!” Now she was crying too, unable to hold back. “Em, please!”Still, Emeriel only wept.She cried as though there was no end to her pain. Sobbed as if no hope remained in the
“What?” Perhaps it was just the headache interfering with his hearing.“Please, do it for me. For yourself. For our child.” She took his wrists into her hand, looking so tired.“I have no intention of doing that, and I will not have you speak of it again.” His voice was steely now, his spine taut. He pulled away from her. “This discussion is over. Go to your room.”“Please, hear me,” she whispered.“Emeriel,” he snapped, furious. “Go. To. Your. Room.”She flinched. For a moment, he thought she might protest. But she stood, her cheeks damp, her hands shaking as she dried them.Daemonikai looked away. He didn't like seeing her this way, yet he could not bring himself to soften. Angry, yes, but underneath was despair.Is this what our life has come to?His Soulbond thought herself so broken, she believed the only way forward was for him to take another female to bed—just to keep the madness at bay. Daemonikai might have laughed, if his chest didn't feel so damn heavy.She sank to her kne
She knocked once.Shit. Sinai needed to tamp down her anticipation, excitement, and relief.Who would have thought that just when she was about to surrender, Fate would choose to smile upon her?It'd been so long since she'd received the message that, at first, it had failed to register. But when it did, she had flown from her bed and readied herself with a speed she'd not thought herself still capable of.And now, she stood before the chamber where the soldier had escorted her to, clad in one of her finest, most enticing nightrobes. One that clung to her body like a second skin, cut to reveal more than it concealed. Easy to slip from the shoulders. Easier still to discard entirely.For effect, she had bathed herself in the oils of meccai leaves to deepen her blood’s scent. Making her more tempting. Divine.“Enter.”Sinai walked inside and quietly closed the door. The room was dark with only the flicker of a single brazier near the bed.Daemonikai stood by the window, arms crossed, h
Four months later.GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIScreams echoed all around him. The dungeon reeked of old blood and scorched flesh.“I shall ask again,” Vladya snarled, dipping a branding iron into the bed of hot coals until it gleamed red with heat. “What can you tell me about the dark mage who dared to tamper with the mind of Urekai’s ultimate ruler?”The iron hissed as he raised it, reflecting a glow in the wide, terror-stricken eyes of the male shackled before him.The prisoner shook his head hard. “I don’t know! I swear it! I don’t know anything!”“Wrong answer.” Vladya pressed the iron to the mage’s bare chest.The sizzle of burning flesh came as the prisoner’s screams pierced the air.Grand King Daemonikai turned away, striding for the dungeon’s arched entrance, leaving Vladya to his work. They'd swept through the city and rounded up every mage in Urai, and it was the same useless answer for over a month now,Fifty mages they had taken, but only three had been dark mages. All held in d
Daemonikai did not feed from Emeriel. It caused her discomfort, as the healers had warned. And even if he could, the shaman said it wouldn't heal him like it once did in the past.“This one is different; it's unnatural," the shaman had told him. "Unfortunately, only the dark mage who wove those threads can undo it.”“These too shall pass,” Vladya stated firmly.Daemonikai did not believe it. He wished his faith was as strong as his old friend’s, but in these past months, his hope had dwindled to nearly nothing.He had not satisfied Sexlust in over four months, yet his female believed he was still bedding his bloodhost. Because of that belief, there was a sadness in Emeriel’s eyes that never quite left, no matter how bright her smile and how much love shone in her blue eyes.Tonight, as on so many nights, he was expected to visit Sinai first, then return to her chamber, and hold her while she slept. Whenever Emeriel thought he'd fallen asleep, she let her muffled cries spill.It hurt D
GRAND KING DAEMONIKAIDaemonikai found Vladya in Blackstone’s training grounds. The clang of steel rang out over the open yard over shouted commands, and the dull thud of boots.When Vladya sighted him, he signaled to Yaz, who immediately continued giving instructions to the soldiers, before striding toward him.Something in his face made Vladya wary at once. “Are you well?”“When am I ever?” Daemonikai turned on his heel and began to walk. “It's coming again, soon. Tonight.”Vladya did not ask the usual, Are you sure? “I'll have Yaz prepare the chamber.”“The voices have been relentless,” Daemonikai ground out. “This one will be stronger.”Vladya stopped. “Daemon.”He halted as well, turning to face his old friend. There was no mistaking the pity in Vladya’s eyes.“How do you bear it?” Vladya asked at last in a low tone. “It cannot be easy. Knowing your pregnant female believes you are bedding others, sick with sorrow over it. Enduring the voices at every hour. Fighting to separate t
PRINCESS EMERIELEmeriel woke with a load in her chest that had nothing to do with the heaviness of her pregnancy. She stretched to relieve the aching pull in her lower back, sighing. At five months, her body was beginning to feel the strain in earnest. Yet it was not her body that troubled her this morning.She had a bad feeling.The morning passed, the servants arriving to help her bathe and dress, but the feeling did not fade. She told herself it was nothing. It was not uncommon for Daemonikai to be delayed. His duties often took him longer than was expected.But the feeling would not leave her.She tried to distract herself. Reading in the library, tending the garden, wandering through the plantations. Even time spent with Aekeira brought little relief. Eventually, she gave up entirely and made her way to Blackstone to confront Grand Lord Vladya.She hesitated briefly before knocking on the door to his study.“Come in,” came the deep, familiar voice.Emeriel entered, finding the g
Lord Vladya and Lord Ottai exchanged glances, a silent message passing between them.“I would rather show you,” Vladya said at last, his face stoic.He led her from his study. They crossed through the royal residence and continued onward. Deeper and deeper into the heart of Blackstone, past the familiar halls, and into the deserted corridors few dared enter.Emeriel was beyond confused. Her dread grew. Why are we here? What does this have to do with my beloved?They reached a massive iron door, stretching from floor to ceiling. Vladya withdrew a heavy key from his pocket, fitting it into the enormous lock. The tumblers clanked into place with a grinding groan and the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hall lined with thick, iron-reinforced doors.They walked to the very end where Lord Vladya stopped. “We are here.”She glanced around. None of this made sense. “Here? What is—”Then she heard it.A growl of agony. Weak, yet deeply familiar. Horrifyingly familiar.“No, this can’t b
“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