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
Even Ottai appeared resigned. They had evaded the issue for centuries, but now they both knew Zaiper might succeed.He could persuade the court to make an active effort to slay the feral, rather than waiting for the night of the eclipse moon. And once the people rallied behind it, the grand lords’s hands would be forced.Moreover, once the public was in support, the Elders would undoubtedly agree to the decision—even pressure the rulers if they continued to delay.Vladya's mind was in turmoil. The truth was, there was no rational reason not to proceed with killing Daemonikai's beast. He just simply wasn't ready.That beast was all that remained of his crumbling sanity. The tether that assured him he hadn't lost everything that fateful night. As long as Daemonikai lived, Vladya found it easier to resist the losing battle that was his sanity. Daemonikai, the strongest male he knew, had succumbed to madness to escape the horrors they had faced. And Vladya was barely holding on by a thre
Emeriel hastened toward him, grasping the Urekai lord's hand with pleading eyes. "I apologize for intruding at this late hour, but I didn't know who else to turn to. There will be another introduction of slaves tomorrow night at the Harvest Ceremony, and I know for certain that I will be introduced. I don't know what will happen if—""Easy now." Lord Herod gently placed a hand on Emeriel's shoulder."I don't know what to do." Emeriel's gaze met Lord Herod's. "You purchased your wife from her former owner, and I wondered if you might consider buying me and my sister as well." As the Lord's eyes widened in surprise, Emeriel hurriedly continued, "Please. I am willing to do whatever you need. Anything at all you desire."Emeriel's trembling fingers fumbled with his tunic, undoing the knot and loosening the rope securing it. "You can have me. My maidenhood is intact. Sort of. I believe virgins hold value in the market—""What? Stop, Emeriel," Lord Herod intervened, placing his hand over Em
His fingers released her neck, his wandering hand stilled, and he pulled back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Present for me, Merilyn."What? "I can't. You know I'm bonded to another.” Her eyes begged him. “Please, Vladya, don't do this."His eyes darkened, as he took a threatening step forward. "I don't care. Present for me, now."Helpless tears welled up in Merilyn's eyes as she silently pleaded one last time. But this cold, unrecognizable male who was nothing like her Vladya, had already made up his mind. He wanted her total submission, not as a grand lord, but as a lover.Merilyn began to undress, while Grand Lord Vladya walked over to the bed and positioned himself upon it. His arms crossed as he waited.Naked, she stood before him. Slowly, she lowered herself to her knees, struggling to assume the position due to her advanced pregnancy. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.She parted her cheeks, exposing her intimate area to his unwavering gaze. She fought to maintain her bal
CHAPTER 57.EMERIELThe air was filled with anticipation as the celebration of the bountiful harvest commenced. The hall, adorned with lavish decorations, overflowed with lords and the privileged class, indulging in an abundance of food and drink.Outside, the common folk gathered in the arenas, reveling in the festivities. The fortress teemed with a joyful crowd, within the grand high court and throughout the compound.Emeriel found himself serving drinks in the High Court alongside the other slaves who hadn't been introduced. Laughter and cheers filled the air as the joyous lords celebrated, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the grand kings.Lord Gaff, the overseer of Ceremonial Affairs, addressed the gathering while they clinked their glasses while some lords were already indulging in sexual acts with their slaves, as if it were the most natural thing in the world."This year's harvest may not have matched the abundance of the previous year, but it still provided us with more than en
Some lords instantly spat out their drinks.Spoons hung mid-air, and those intending to take a sip froze with gaping mouths.Even the lords getting all kinds of oral pleasures from slaves stilled.All eyes turned to Grand Lord Zaiper, and the court fell into a sudden hush. But the silence was short-lived as murmurs began to ripple through the crowd. Slowly at first, before escalating into a cacophony of voices."Order in the court! Order in the court!" one of the court officials shouted, but the noise only intensified."Quiet, everyone," Grand Lord Zaiper commanded. The murmurs didn't cease immediately, as they would have if it were Grand Lord Vladya's orders. But gradually, it died down and Grand Lord Zaiper rose to address the court."I understand that most of us here did not expect to hear this, but I have given it a lot of thought. For the safety of our people, I believe it would be best to eliminate the feral beast. We all witnessed the events months ago when Grand King Daemonika
EMERIEL"Stop right there," Grand Lord Zaiper commanded as Emeriel reached the center of the room.Emeriel halted in place, the weight of everyone's attention on him as he awaited the next command. His heart pounded in his chest.Mistress Sinai smirked, watching with excitement. What was her problem? Why did she hate him so much?"Your sister was quite eager to undress for me last time. Tonight, I want you to do the same." Lord Zaiper reclined back on his throne. "Strip and present for me."Yes, he was definitely doomed.Emeriel swallowed tightly and glanced around. Some gazed at him with interest. His eyes briefly met Aekeira's, and his sister's face had turned pale.Various scenarios of how this could unfold played out in his mind, and none of them boded well for him. They all ended badly for him.Heavens, help me. Please, I need your help. Now would be a good moment to send a thunderbolt or something. Emeriel silently pleaded within himself."Did you not hear the grand lord!? Are y
PRINCESS EMERIELEmeriel drifted in and out of consciousness.Each time she surfaced, someone was pressing a bitter herb to her lips, cooling her forehead with damp cloths, or coaxing her to eat. It was exhausting, intrusive.Why couldn’t they just leave her to her dreams?Beautiful, sweet dreams of her and her Beloved. Here, in this world of warmth and light, there was no pain, no misery. Here, their bond was alive and flourishing.Here, she could feel his presence even when he was far from the fortress.Here, she felt everything in his heart, not just his pain but also his happiness. His love.In this world, her belly was full and rounded, carrying their child. A child who brought even more sunshine into their already radiant world.Her beloved glowed with joy, untouched by the sorrow of grief and loss.Emeriel did not want to wake from this idyllic dream. If crossing over to the other side brought dreams like these, perhaps she should have crossed long ago.It was beautiful. It
The mix of scents made Daemonikai’s investigation a maddening task. Incompetent fools.If he’d known they’d only muddle the scene, he wouldn’t have sent them to investigate in the first place.Their footprints and scents cluttered every corner, making it harder than ever to sift out what truly mattered. But this wouldn’t deter him.Three hours later, he was still at the crime scene, having retraced every step Emeriel had taken.He combed through the garden, over and over, with a thoroughness that bordered on obsession.Yet, still, he found nothing.Irritation gnawed at him as he prepared to repeat the search yet again.This time, he shifted partially into his beast form to heighten his senses, focusing his nose to distinguish Emeriel’s scent from the web of others clinging to the air. But still… nothing.Very soon, dawn would break. It was time to return.His instincts had been on edge all night from being away from Emeriel. She was safe, he knew, protected under Vladya’s watch. But
Dizziness washed over Daemonikai, a throbbing headache the size of a warship pounding through his skull.The poison could stay in his body far longer than in Emeriel’s, long enough to secure the antidote. Hopefully.“Are you truly well?” Worry touched Vladya’s voice.“My head feels as though it’s trying to split in two,” Daemonikai admitted. “But that's to be expected.""Who would do this?" Vladya wondered, his brow furrowed. "Do you have any suspicions?" “I’m going to confront Zaiper.” he repeated.Vladya's eyes sharpened. “You really believe he could be involved?”“I don’t know, but I will start from him." Daemonikai forced himself upright, a boiling rage building inside him. “Afterward, I’m returning to the site of the attack. If these inept fools can’t find a trace, I’ll track the one responsible myself.”“I’m coming with you.”“No.” Daemonikai put on his robes slowly, his insides rolling. “I need you here, with her. I’ll be back.”Vladya’s concern deepened. “You’re unwell, Daem
Also, Ottai was utterly lost. Flowing in the sea of confusion, kind of lost. "Uhmm, hello guys? I'm still here," he waved a hand to get their attention.They turned in unison, eyes snapping to him. They’d forgotten he was even there, hadn't they?"You two could at least clue me in on this 'solution' you're discussing," Ottai said dryly, curious.“No,” Daemonikai said at the exact moment Vladya added, “He plans to suck the poison out of her and take it into his own body.”“What!?” Ottai blanched, aghast. But now that he thought about it, it made sense. That explained Daemonikai's sudden shift of mood. He had gotten a solution, no matter how unconventional.Ottai couldn’t believe this. "Your woman and I did NOT go through the fires of hell and that damned cold sea to save you, just to watch you throw your life away like this!""Tell him, Ottai," Vladya encouraged, casting an approving glance.“It’s human and mage toxin, not Urekai. I can bear it until the antidote is found,” he said f
Ottai led them to Frostfall's royal residence. They entered the quiet chamber where Emeriel lay on the bed, face pale and eyes closed. Her breathing too faint.Grand King Daemonikai sat beside her, his hand clasped around hers. He didn't react when Ottai announced their arrival or when they entered the room.“Em?" Aekeira ran to her sister's side, taking her other hand. "Em, please, open your eyes,” she sobbed. “Please… it’s me, Aekeira.”“We’re waiting on Faiwick. He’s searching for the antidote,” Ottai’s voice was low as he explained. “The poison used is quite rare and difficult to obtain. So far, every healer we've checked don't have the kaizan root needed for the antidote."“Kaizan roots?” Vladya's brows drew together. “Those are almost impossible to come by.”Ottai nodded grimly. “It’s not a Urekai poison, it's mage poison.” His voice was tense, uneasy. “If someone sold it here, it’s likely they sold the antidote too. Faiwick is checking with the remaining herbalists and the blac
Daemonikai had tried not to push him into talking over the years, but seeing all this pain in Ottai’s eyes tugged at his heartstrings.“I have no idea what I would have done if I’d lost Morina too,” Ottai shook his head. “The thought alone tears me apart. I can’t pretend to understand what you’ve gone through, but I selfishly wish… I wish you wouldn’t leave us.” He took a shaky breath, steadying himself. “Don’t leave us, Daemon.”“I won’t,” Daemonikai vowed, surprising even himself.It was the first time he had said it aloud, and for once, he truly meant it.Pushing the shadows of grief aside, he spoke clearly, each word a promise. “Not anymore. I’m here to stay.”“Good, that’s good,” Ottai said, nodding in relief. Daemonikai expected to be released then, but instead, he was squeezed tighter. “Now, suffer through this one last hug.”Daemonikai let out a dramatic, insufferable sigh but didn’t resist. “You do realize you’re a full-grown male now? No longer that little slip of a lad wh
GRAND KIND DAEMONIKAI“You’re saying his wife was found dead in the dungeon?” King Daemonikai’s lips pressed into a frown as he strode through the corridors, Ottai and Wegai trailing behind him.“Yes, Your Grace,” Lord Ottai confirmed with a heavy sigh. “No obvious cause of death, either. They were slaves; it could easily be attributed to overexertion.”“Overexertion didn’t kill her before her husband’s attempt on my life, only after, hmm,” Daemonikai entered his private residence and settled into one of the high-backed chairs in the living room. “And what about the others?”Ottai took the seat beside him. "Sadly, nothing concrete."“Well, I’m recovered now.” Daemonikai shrugged off his outer robe, folding the heavy fabric beside him. “If someone else is responsible, I hope they’re reckless enough to try again soon. This time, they will not be so lucky.""It's time to put an end to the crimes happening here in Ravenshadow. In the past, no one would dare bring a crime close to this for
Touch, his beast urged.No, I will not.“Wake up, darling,” Daemonikai coaxed gently."I don’t want to.” she protested, a dreamy smile on her lips.Her hands drifted over her body, cupping her breasts, she flicked her nipples. She let out a soft whine.A bolt of desire shot straight to his dick, his arousal back with a vengeance.“Gods of the Grail,” he swore.“I really like this dream a lot,” she cried with bliss, pinching her engorged nipples.Daemonikai closed his eyes and counted to ten. Then, counted backward from ten.Nope, his hard-on has declared a coup, raging full mast in his pants.His beast, too, was one hundred percent on board…all too aware of her.Emeriel took his hand, parting her thigh, she guided it between her open legs.“Touch me, please,” she murmured, rolling her hips desperately. “I’ve been hungry… so starved for you.”“Darling, you don’t know—”“I need you.”Younglings crying for food, an elder falling from a horse, another bloody war with the vamps.The images
The quiet concern in his tone startled her, and when she looked at him, his eyes were studying her with the same attentiveness that had begun to undo her.She forced a smile, her worry fading like mist under the warmth of the sun. Because she knew, deep down, that it didn’t matter.No matter what side of him re-emerged when they returned to Blackstone, Aekaeira would still love him anyway. "I’m fine, Your Highness."His expression tightened slightly, and for a moment, she thought she had said something wrong. Then, his tone grew firm, resolute. "Vladya."“Huh?”"Call me by my name, Aekeira," he asserted. "Not Lord Vladya. Not my lord. Not Your Highness. Just my name."Her eyes reached her hairline. A blush crept up her cheeks. "B-but…it’s not proper."He leaned closer, his voice soft, but no less commanding. "We’re alone here. Go ahead.""Vladya…" she breathed, tasting the word. It felt strange on her tongue, foreign and intimate, but there was something right about it, too. Her voice