"You're absolutely right," Lord Herod responded, and his head snapped up in astonishment.The lord shrugged. "It's the truth. No one should have to pay for the sins of their forefathers. However, Urekai have long lifespans, and unfortunately, our people hold grudges for a long time. A human's life is short. Fleeting. And since we still suffer from the consequences of what humans did that night, forgiveness becomes incredibly difficult. We lost the most important person in every Urekai's life that night—Grand King Daemonikai. He had been our grand king for over four thousand years. Our people are lost without him.”A shiver ran down Emeriel's spine at the mention of that name. He brushed it aside. "But what about the other grand lords? Surely, one of them could take his place. Delaying the decision only prolongs the people's pain.""The struggle for power lies between Grand Lord Vladya and Grand Lord Zaiper,” Lord Herod explained. “The latter is truly cruel and would not be of any help
GRAND LORD VLADYAGrand Lord Vladya gazed out into the night, his arms crossed as he stood at the center of the tower of Blackwood. His mind wandered far from his present location. His mood remained as dark as ever, though he refused to analyze the reasons behind it. Frankly, his moods had rarely been sunshine in the past few hundred years, so he believed there was no specific cause. It absolutely had nothing to do with what transpired two nights ago.He had lost control of himself. When he recalled half of the things he had said, it made him grimace.Vladya refused to believe that the person who had raged because the human princess undressed for Zaiper was him. So what if the girl was attracted to the second ruler? It should mean nothing to him. He didn't even like the girl, so what the hell was that?The fact that she had captured the attention of every male in court, their eyes greedily taking in her naked form, shouldn't have upset him so much. As he battled the need not to u
"Who is that slave? What business do you have wandering in the night?” a soldier demanded, his footsteps drawing nearer.Amie stepped in front of Emeriel, shielding her. "Everything is fine here, soldier. This slave was merely returning from an errand for Madam Livia. There is no cause for concern.""Worthless humans! Return to your quarters if you wish to avoid flogging this instant,” barked the soldier in a low voice as he adjusted his clothing."Thank you, sir. We will leave now," Amie took Emeriel's hand, ignoring the wince of pain that crossed Emeriel's face. Together, they began to walk away."Same time tomorrow, Amie. Do not make me seek you out," the soldier called out, his words laced with a threat.A deep sadness etched over Amie's face. "Of course, sir," she responded with feigned cheerfulness.As they reached the servant's quarters, Amie finally slowed her pace. Another spasm gripped Emeriel, causing her to wrench herself free from Amie's grasp. She pressed her body again
AMIETheir heads snapped towards the sound and they slowly released their grip on Emeriel, though they remained close. "Stay away from this, head maid. This doesn't concern you. This human was trespassing," one of the soldiers stated."That is my sister's child, and she works for Grand Lord Vladya. I sent her on an errand, but she must have lost her way. She's new to the fortress, after all," Madam Livia explained."A message? In her night garment?" one of the soldiers questioned skeptically."Would you like to confirm it with the third ruler? Because I would welcome that." Madam Livia stared them down. "Let us go to Grand Lord Vladya and inform him about how I caught you away from your duty post, on the verge of raping a female he sent on an errand."The soldiers exchanged glances. Reluctantly, they released Emeriel, grumbling under their breath. "Fine," one of them muttered."But why does she smell so..." the other guard began, scrutinizing Emeriel who was sweating profusely, and A
"Attempting to leave with us is impossible,” Madam Livia continued. “It would mean the beast breaking free and our blood staining these walls. Besides, your relief is only temporary. You still need to endure this heat. If your legs brought you here, then your body has chosen the beast for its satisfaction. And I can only advise you to follow your body's lead."Another terrifying growl echoed behind them. Emeriel glanced at it, her fear evident. "I have no idea what I was thinking," she whispered, helplessly."I have my speculations, but the truth is, I also have no idea what is happening. What I can tell you is that your mini-heats are becoming more frequent and intense. It won't be long before your first full heat comes. You must find a way to come clean with one of the grand lords before that happens," Madam Livia said."Because on that night, every Urekai male in this fortress will be able to smell you. And they will all come running, consumed by the desire to mount you. They will
MISTRESS SINAIMistress Sinai rose from the bed, completely naked, and began untangling her hair. She sat in a chair, gazing at her reflection in the metal mirror."You are so sweet, Sinai. I wish we could do this more often," the male figure reclining upon her bed uttered, his eyes tracing her every movement."You are over a thousand years old, Daryl. You should not have such a large appetite anymore," Sinai said in a bored tone.The Lord of Trade, chuckled. "I'm still as young as ever. How is it going with acquiring the land beyond Crystal Waters?""He still refuses to release it." Sinai’s veins pulsated with anger. The thought always upset her.Grand Lord Vladya did not want to give up that land to her. Her Daemon might be the love of her life, but even she had accepted the fact that he was no more. It was only Lord Vladya who clung on. And Sinai had to suffer the consequences. "I want that land to be mine already.""Perhaps you should consider presenting your case to Grand Lord O
EMERIELEmeriel awoke in Aekeira's chambers, his sister hovering over him."She's awake, Amie!" Aekeira's voice echoed throughout the room. "Please go and fetch Madam Livia."The ruffle of movements followed. Emeriel's head throbbed with a headache, and his mouth tasted bitter from the herbs likely forced down his throat.He attempted to sit up but winced as his body protested. "What happened?" he groaned."You had another mini-heat yesterday and somehow ventured to the forbidden chambers on your own," Aekeira's voice trembled with a mix of dread and disbelief. "When Amie told me, I could hardly believe it. By the gods, Em! Going into the forbidden chambers willingly and alone!?"Memories flooded back to Emeriel. Aekeira was right—what had possessed him? "I don't know, Keira," he admitted."But... but... I simply don’t understand." Aekeira started to pace, visibly agitated. "There are plenty of Urekai males around. The guards would have gladly locked you up in a room and tended to y
GRAND LORD VLADYAGrand Lord Vladya strode toward the gardens of Blackstone accompanied by Yaz, who provided a detailed account of the farming conditions in Brookwood—a sizable village in Urai renowned for its fertile lands.Despite the efforts of their best farmers, this season's crop production was significantly lower compared to the previous one.As they walked, Vladya observed the toiling slaves and the soldiers training on the opposite side of the field."My dear lord, Vladya?" a familiar voice called out.Vladya turned to see Mistress Sinai approaching. He took her outstretched hand and placed a respectful kiss upon it. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?""I apologize for interrupting you, but there are matters I wish to discuss," she said.Vladya exchanged a meaningful look with Yaz, signaling for the head soldier to depart. Left alone with Sinai, he turned his attention to her. "What seems to be the matter?""I wish to punish one of your slaves severely. I tho
“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
FOUR MONTHS LATER PRINCESS EMERIEL"By the power vested in me as the Keeper of the sacred crowns, I hereby anoint thee, in the sight of gods and mortals, as Grand Queen of Urai." The Keeper lifted the ornate diadem from its resting place, holding it aloft for all to witness. “Rise, Sovereign of the Realm, and stand beside your King. Two as one, rulers over land and blood, bound by duty, and sanctified by this crowning rite."Emeriel rose on unsteady legs. This was real. A Grand Queen.The weight of the crown was considerable as it settled atop her head, but she bore it with pride, grace, and dignity.At her side, her Beloved extended his hand, eyes glowing with pride. She took it, fingers lacing with his, warmth spreading through her palm and heart. Together, they turned to face their people.The Keeper stepped back, voice booming. “Behold! Your Grand King and Grand Queen. Long may they reign!”The hall blasted in thunderous applause. Outside, the bells of the Citadel rang with trium
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