She shifted, and he raised his head, allowing her the space to move. Sliding from his lap awkwardly, down between his open legs, Emeriel straightened to her knees.“What are you doing?” he asked, a little uncertain. “Are you comfortable?”“Yes.” She reached into his loose trousers pulling him free.Understanding dawned in his eyes and they narrowed.Her mouth watered. “Will you let me?”This had been on her mind since her last heat. She had enjoyed it then—perhaps a little too much. Whether that had been driven by instinct or her own desire, she still wasn’t sure. But she hadn’t gathered the courage to ask him for this again. Until now.His eyes assessed hers. “Are you sure?”Let me help dispel the cold. “Yes, please.” It was the first time Emeriel had ever seen him truly flaccid. And even now, in this state, he did not appear small.He guided her head forward and Emeriel took him in.The feel of him, the stretch of her jaw—it was all familiar. She drew back a little, lips gliding alo
Many of you already know why we have gathered here today.”Grand King Daemonikai stood at the center of the Court of Duty, hands clasped behind his back, face as hard as steel. “A week ago, we uncovered a truth that has shaken the very foundation of our kingdom, of our species. A betrayal, buried beneath centuries of ignorance and complacency, has come to light. One of our own—a grand ruler—committed the ultimate treachery. A sin so grave it has stained the legacy of our kind.”The court was packed to its edges. Every tier of the vast amphitheater occupied. High Lords, lesser lords, clan chiefs, the eldest of their noble lines. None had dared to be absent. All eyes were on their grand king.“Zaiper Thoryk Dragaxlov has disgraced this kingdom,” Daemonikai said, his voice unflinching, “He has tainted the Grand Throne and shamed the Dragaxlov name. His betrayal has cast dishonor upon his clan, upon the North, upon his people. And for his crimes, there shall be no refuge.”His eyes met al
Since opening her eyes three days ago, Sinai’s only thought had been to regain the strength in her legs and flee as far and fast as she could, before the investigation caught her scent.It was still hard to believe the Oracle had revealed so much. Sinai had the stars to thank that the old crone had fallen into a critical state before she could speak Sinai’s.Frankly, considering the magnitude of what had come to light, it was a wonder the Oracle still lived at all.“Should I pack your coin box?” Nora’s voice cut through her thoughts.“Yes, pack all of them. Even the one I saved centuries ago. Get a larger box if you must.”Nora turned, blinking at her in surprise. “But that is a great deal of coin, my mistress. Why would you need such a ridiculous amount for—”“If you don’t want me to decorate your face with a dozen slaps, you’ll learn not to question me unnecessarily. Since when do you take liberties with me, Nora?”Nora dipped her head and quickly turned away. “I-I apologize, Mistre
“Huh?”High Lord Herodis was still smiling. How could he not? He had not heard that name in so long, he was not even certain he’d heard it correctly now.“Process it,” the Grand King said mildly, folding his arms across his chest. “I will wait.”“Process what? I do not understa—”And then it struck him. He called me Gustazlion. Dragaxlov.Herodis went pale. “I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re speaking of Your Grace.”“Oh, you do.” King Daemonikai’s voice was quiet, but implacable. “The Oracle told me of a youngling who buried his heritage beneath another name. Who wore a new life simply to survive.”Herod’s back went ramrod straight. “I do not go by that name. In fact, I have not been addressed by it in over two millennia. It does not exist to me.”“Perhaps it’s time it starts meaning something to you again.” The Grand King walked to the nearest couch, lowering himself onto it. Crossing his legs, he added, “The Northern Throne needs its ruler.”“With all due respect, my Grace, I mu
The training of a Grand Ruler was arduous beyond imagining. The most demanding and unforgiving known to their people. Training began at birth and never ended. He was too old for this.“I know you may feel your life has reached its twilight. That there is no more strength left in you to start again. But I ask you to reconsider. It may seem that the grief, the long loneliness, have drained you… yet two thousand years is not old. There may yet be another female for you out there. One who is truly compatible, who may walk beside you as you begin again.”Oh, how I wish for that. The ache in his chest deepened.To have someone again to care for. To love and be loved. Someone who would color his world and keep the cold away.“I know it is not easy. Believe me, I know this personally. But look at me, Herodis.” The grand king moved toward him, his expression open in a way Herod had rarely seen. “I am living proof that life does not end when we think it has, certain we’re too old. I, Daemonikai
Aekeira gravely worried about the toil it was taking on him.“Here.” She patted the space beside her. “Come lie with me. Please.”“I still have work to finish in the study. You need your sleep.”“You can finish tomorrow.” Her other hand moved to rest lightly on her stomach, where their unborn child stirred. “Tonight, come lie with me. With us. Our little one is restless, and he needs his father.”Vladya’s fierce protectiveness flared in his eyes. She saw his resistance crumble, and without another word, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.How attentive he was about their child did things to her, and while Aekeira felt guilt for using it to coax him into bed, her male needed rest.Since Zaiper had taken her hostage to escape, Vladya had become downright suffocating. There were bodyguards at her side every moment of the day. He denied her leave of the fortress grounds outright. His beast was closer to the surface than ever before, always attuned to her, always scenting her.
As the guards dragged the sobbing females inside. Daemonikai followed them, his hands clasped behind his back. The guards shoved them through the iron doors, and he entered after them.He looked to one soldier. “Fetch the spiked whips.” Then another. “Summon the slavemasters, I want scalding oil and ground chili peppers. Now.”The two handmaidens were pale as bone now. One had already wet herself, the stink of urine reaching his nose. Both fell to their knees, tears streaming down the faces they pressed to the ground.“Please, have mercy! We beg you, Your Grace!” Nora wept.“Your Highness, forgive our transgressions!”“Silence.” Daemonikai crouched before Nora, taking her chin in his hand, lifting her teary, blotched face until their eyes met. Her terror was absolute.“I will ask you a question,” his voice was soft. “You will answer. You will speak truthfully. You will leave out nothing. If I am displeased by your answer, I will walk away. These males will carry out my command in my a
Hours later, Daemonikai sat in the reclining chair of his bedchamber, freshly washed, freshly bandaged, and clothed in clean linens. Faiwick had done a thorough job—curbed the bleeding, cleaned the wounds meticulously, and stitched them with care. The pain remained, but the worst had passed.Daemonikai’s eyes were closed, though sleep remained out of reach. The voices had quieted for now, but his head throbbed like the devils. Still, the silence and solitude served him well. He would take whatever peace he could find.He was still furious with Vladya. That had not changed, and he’d already made a mental note to plant a well-deserved punch in the male’s gut the next time they crossed paths.But truth was truth.Vladya was right.The thirst to kill was becoming impossible to ignore. And the more he fed that hunger, the closer he got to Madness Land. He knew the path, had walked it before. After Alvin died in his arms, after he found Myka and Evie’s lifeless bodies, he’d begun to spiral—
“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