MISTRESS SINAIMistress Sinai paced her gilded cage, a whirlwind of fury barely contained within the lavish confines of her chambers. Two days of forced solitude felt like an eternity, each moment a fresh torment in her soul's descent into madness. At this rate, she was truly going to go insane!Home confinement was a living hell, a cruel mockery of her former freedoms. She abhorred it with every fiber of her being.To be denied her whims was unbearable enough, but to become the butt of every whispered joke, every pitying glance from the other mistresses in Ravenshadow's royal estate... it was the ultimate humiliation.Yesterday, Mistress Gaille had come to "check on her," her syrupy concern a thinly veiled insult. Sinai could practically see the woman's barely suppressed laughter behind her false smiles.All this because of a human. A mere boy.Vladya had moved heaven and earth to protect the worthless creature from her wrath, even threatening to cast her into the Hole. The Hole! The
AMIEHours ago, when Amie arrived for her shift, a wave of relief washed over her at the sight of Slave Master Gaine alone behind the tavern bar, Master Boris notably absent. The feeling lingered, a comforting warmth against the chill of the night as she finished her work and stepped out into the darkness.Eager to return to the fortress, she took the shorter route through the barn. But her steps faltered as a bloodcurdling scream pierced the silence. More screams, more pleas. The slave, whoever it was, was begging a master for mercy. She recognized the masculine voice.Master Boris.Hell, hell, hell. Amie's pace quickened, panic constricting her throat. She'd managed to avoid him all week – why had she chosen the shortcut tonight?A brutal yank on her hair sent a jolt of pain through her scalp. "Ah, there you are, my little sneak," Boris's voice rasped in her ear, hot with malice. "Sneaky, sneaky, Amie."She winced. "M-Master Boris...""You've been avoiding me.""Never, Master," she
GRAND LORD VLADYAVladya observed as usual in silence. Despite his blood boiling and the multitude of thoughts swirling within him, his demeanor betrayed no emotion.For five centuries, this debate had raged on. Every lord in this court well aware of his stance regarding the feral creature. Yet, Zaiper always managed to twist the narrative, suggesting Vladya was indifferent to the people's welfare, motivated solely by selfish reasons to keep the beast alive. He was accused of valuing the memory of his deceased best friend over the very lives of his people.Following Zaiper's accusation two years prior, Vladya ceased defending the issue in court. Not because he cared about Zaiper and the high lords’s opinion of him, but because there was a sliver of doubt deep down.Perhaps, just perhaps, there was a kernel of truth to Zaiper's words. Perhaps, in his heart, Vladya did prioritize saving Daemonikai over the lives of his own people. And that thought was unsettling, for despite his outward
EMERIELThe news of the royal decrees spread through the fortress with the speed of light, likely reaching every nook of Urai as well. For the first time in ages, the fortress lacked its usual bustling activities. Desolate, as if drained of life. The air was shrouded in a heavy blanket of mourning.The slave masters, always wielding their whips with merciless authority, were nowhere to be seen. The maids, constantly scurrying about their duties, had vanished. The traders, known for their incessant haggling and bartering, were absent. Even the soldiers, usually barking orders and shoving their way through the crowds, had retreated into the shadows. Consequently, the slaves found themselves alone, restricted to their quarters.Although the king had not been killed, everyone was already in a state of bereavement. The sense of hopelessness weighed heavily upon all. inevitability. That night, Ravenshadow Citadel was as silent as a tomb.Emeriel sat alone in his room, struggling to hold b
Putting the shift on hold allowed him to refocus on his immediate surroundings.It took a while, longer than ever before, to curb those instincts. By the time he regained control, they were both slumped against the wall, exhausted and spent."You've fought so hard, Vladya," Ottai had said, his voice thick with emotion, blood gushing from his wounds. "Not just tonight, but with Daemonikai as well. Part of the reason I did not oppose Zaiper in court, as I usually do, is because I think it's time to let him go. This is not healthy. Look at what it's doing to you."Vladya had offered no response. His head rested against the cool stone wall, eyes closed.“Part of me wishes Daemon had died that night instead of what happened.” Ottai's voice had cracked, the weight of five centuries of grief pressing down on him. "We would have mourned him properly, given him the farewell he deserved. Just as we mourned all the others. Your bondmate, Tiara. Daemon's sons, Alvin and Myka, and his bondmate, Ev
AEKEIRAAekeira stirred from her slumber, a weight pressing upon her. Even before opening her eyes, she knew Grand Lord Vladya had joined her. Her body tingled with warmth, her body becoming aroused, even as dread filled her. Swallowing nervously, she looked up at him."Aekeira," he uttered in a guttural groan. He appeared livid, though that was nothing new. But this time, he looked...tired too. Not physically exhausted, but mentally burdened. Aekeira struggled to find the right words to describe it, but tiredness seemed to fit."Your Highness," she whispered. Now in close proximity to him, Aekeira forced herself to look beyond the fear that always clouded her perception of this male and truly observe him, Merilyn’s words echoing in her mind.Knowing what he had endured helped Aekeira see him as more than just her captor, slave master. More than just a heartless grand lord, and tormentor. She saw him as any male. As flesh and blood.She wanted to hug him. Even if he would likely stran
AEKEIRAWhat just happened? Aekeira wondered, her body and soul wracked with pain. Everywhere hurts. She had come dangerously close to passing out.Her chamber door opened once again, and her heart impulsively reached out in desperation, wishing for Lord Vladya's return."Keira?" A familiar voice reached her ears.A breath of relief left her. "Em?" she croaked."Hey, it's okay. I'm here for you." Emeriel climbed into bed beside her and hugged her tightly. "He won't hurt you anymore. I saw him leave."Her younger sister murmured soothingly, gently patting her hair. Emeriel's body trembled, and Aekeira could hear the strain in her voice. "It's okay, I've got you. I'm sorry I can't protect you from this. I wish I could."How could Aekeira express to her sister that, despite the pain he had caused, she secretly longed for Lord Vladya to return?How could she explain that, even in the midst of her hurt, she still yearned to feel his touch, to have him inside her again?Something was seriou
EMERIELOnce Amie had departed, Boris fixed Emeriel with a predatory gaze, pushing him against the wall. "At last.""Master Boris, please don't—"Boris silenced him with a slap across the face. "Do not presume to tell me what I can or cannot do. Do you understand?""Y-yes.""Good." Master Boris yanked Emeriel's tunic out of his breeches, hoisted it over his head, and discarded it on the ground.His smile faded when he saw another layer of clothing. He pulled off that shirt, only to discover a third."How many shirts are you wearing!?" he hissed. "Stupid slave! When will you understand that modesty is not befitting of a slave? You must be easily accessible.""Please, don’t..." Emeriel begged. Boris shoved the remaining shirts up, and as his fingers finally encountered the bare, soft skin of Emeriel's belly, he pulled the two shirts over the boy’s shoulders and discarded them on the ground. His gaze shifted, surveying Emeriel’s exposed body.Boris froze, his eyes hooking on the bindin
“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