Emeriel frowned as Madam Livia added, "At least, I think that's what the Urekai call people like you."A Syren?Emeriel shifted uneasily, feeling confused. "What does that mean?""It is what the Urekai call non-Urekai who can go into heat. It means you are able to bond with a Urekai. Your body is changed enough to mate with them, with new glands and all. Hades, you might even be a Soulbond."Now, he felt even more confused. His face must have shown it because Madam Livia took a deep breath and nodded. "Very well, let us start again. What do you know about Urekai bonds and bondmates?""I know that what humans call marriage, Urekai call bonding," Emeriel began. "It is rare for a Urekai to find their Soulbond: the one person meant to be their true partner. Their soulmate. Only Soulbonds can have children easily. Most Urekai pair up through contracted bonding—they choose their own partners. It is not because they do not want the bondmate nature made for them, but because finding a Soulbon
PRINCE EMERIELEmeriel was at a loss for words. His wide eyes stared at Livia in shock and disbelief, as if the older woman had suddenly grown a second head."I do not want this," he blurted out, voice rising with panic. "I do not want any part of it.""We cannot choose to be a syren, Emeriel," Madam Livia said firmly. "Many human females have tried to become one over the centuries, even doing extreme things, but it simply does not work that way." She paused, her voice softening. "There are countless females who would give anything to be in your position right now.""But I do not want it!" Emeriel exclaimed, springing up from his seat, unable to sit still. He paced the length of the room anxiously. "Let them have it. I do not care. I do not want to be a syren, a bondmate, or anything else!"Livia looked at him silently, her expression saying more than words ever could.Running a shaky hand through his ponytail, Emeriel stopped and turned to face her, his chest rising and falling with
Emeriel had seen Grand Lord Vladya and Grand Lord Ottai, but not the one called Grand Lord Zaiper. Whenever his name was mentioned, the Urekai maids and human slaves would all look terrified. Every single one of them."He is the worst of all the grand lords," The slave girl, Amie, had whispered to him the day before, her eyes wide as she looked around to make sure no one was listening and the hallway was empty. "Lord Ottai can be sweet when he wants to be, and Lord Vladya is very scary. But like Lord Ottai, he is fair and just in his leadership. But Lord Zaiper?”Amie had glanced around again. “He is a monster. His slaves die every day. Some starve, others are tortured for fun, and some are even raped to death. His slave masters are the worst, and Lord Zaiper does not care. He does not even see us as human."Emeriel's eyes had widened to the root of his hair. “This lord is worse than Lord Vladya?""Actually, Grand Lord Vladya is not that bad," Amie had stated firmly. "When it comes to
PRINCE EMERIELEmeriel carefully wiped the stained glass with a washcloth. He had been assigned to clean the fourth layer of the southern wing this morning and had been at it for the past hour.Last night, Emeriel had dreamed of the king’s beast. It was strange.He had never seen the beast before, yet somehow, for reasons he could not explain, it occupied his thoughts. To the point of entering his dreams.But why?It was a question he had asked himself over and over, without finding an answer.As he scrubbed the glass diligently, he hummed softly, running the cloth over the surface until the dirt was gone. Just as he reached for his rinsing water, he heard voices growing louder."What about the land beyond Crystal Waters?" a woman asked."It is not within my power to grant you that land, and you know it," Grand Lord Vladya replied.His tone was surprisingly gentle, lacking the sharpness Emeriel had come to associate with him."But you are also a grand lord. Surely you can make this ha
Without warning, two sharp fangs sank into Sinai's skin, and the beast began drinking from her. Pain shot through her body, and she hissed in response.The beast did not flood her with elixir to numb the pain or ease the discomfort, as Daemonikai would have done if he were in his right mind. Instead, the beast simply took, over and over.Her heart raced, pumping more blood to meet the beast's unending hunger. This was the key difference between a bloodhost and any other host: a bloodhost’s body constantly produced an endless supply of blood to feed their master—no matter how hungry their master were.As the beast fed, it released pheromones that wrapped around Sinai, and a pleasurable sensation began to spread through her body. Her whole being burned with searing lust, the pleasure growing inside her.Even after two millennia, she had never grown used to this feeling. At this point, Sinai knew she never would.The sensation was simply too powerful, too addictive, and at times, the org
"You should not be here, Em. Please, go away.""And what are you doing here?" Emeriel countered, casting an apprehensive glance toward the imposing metal gates. "Come on, let's leave this place," he urged, taking hold of Aekeira's hand."No!" Aekeira jerked her hand away. "I need to be here. But you, Emeriel, you should not. Leave.""What? No! You do not need to be here. No sane person should be here!" Emeriel seized her hand once more, this time his grip tightened. "Come on, Keira, please, let us go!""I can't, okay!?" Aekeira's voice cracked, tears falling, smearing her makeup.She looked completely tired, as if burdened by the weight of the world. The sight pierced Emeriel's heart like a dagger.His sister no longer tried to withdraw her hand; simply too weary to fight."I cannot leave, Em," she whispered tearfully. "If I do, it will be you who goes behind those closed doors."Emeriel recoiled at the thought.But he quickly recovered. "Fine, I will go to the forbidden chambers—""N
EMERIEL"What in the sky were you thinking, Emeriel!?" Madam Livia scolded yet again. They had returned to Aekeira's chambers."Shouldn't you be in the festival grounds, serving drinks? What were you doing here? Do you always wish to be whipped!? Why do you disobey direct orders?" The older woman's voice brimmed with anger.Emeriel ignored the prickling sensation in his arm and lowered his head respectfully. "I apologize, Madam Livia. I am aware you specifically instructed me not to see Aekeira, but I could not resist. I needed to see her, to ensure she was safe.""Do you think it was my idea? Grand Lord Vladya issued that order himself. You do not want to test that male, Emeriel. He would devour you for breakfast and cast you into a lion's den if he so wished. That is the kind of male he is.” The older woman huffed. “What were you thinking?"That was the point. Emeriel was not thinking.The truth is, he did not regret searching for his sister. Even if Lord Vladya punished him, he sti
EMERIEL"At least try to sit down, Emeriel," Madam Livia said, as she had countless times before.Emeriel ignored her. He felt as if he were being torn apart from the inside.Resisting the overwhelming urge to rip off his garments, keeping his body still fully clothed despite the discomfort. Instead, he paced back and forth, his breath coming in heavy pants.Sweat poured from his feverish body, his trembling limbs unable to find relief. He walked unsteadily on shaky legs, his breasts aching and yearning to be freed from the constraints of the tight binds. His intimate areas were soaked, his clitoris swollen and throbbing. Emeriel fought the urge to lay down, spread his legs, and touch himself until he climaxed. The urge was all-consuming, but he fought hard, his fingers twitching with the effort.Another contraction struck, this time, the intense pain was so sharp it ripped through his belly.Emeriel screamed. Agony coursed through him, tearing at his belly from within. His vaginal
"Send for the cleaners," Zaiper instructed Razarr, who lingered by the door with the dead girl draped over his arm. "These sheets need changing."Humans were disappointingly fragile. None has been able to handle a little knife play. A mere simple cut from her neck down to her belly, and she was already dead. Making the sex a bit boring and the feeding quite messy.Rising from the bed, Zaiper submerged himself in the warmth of the waiting tub, allowing the water to envelop him. How had he returned from a feral state?Urekai had roamed the earth for millions of years, they were too old for new miracles, especially ones so annoyingly inconvenient.Of all the countless males who had succumbed to the madness over the ages, why did this one, the very one he had longed to be rid of, have to claw his way back from the brink?"Fate, you bitch. I thought we were friends," he grunted, over the gentle lapping of water.A knock at the door announced Razarr's entrance. “Do you require anything furt
EMERIELEmeriel lay on the creaky wooden table, feeling a chill seep into her back and stomach, her intimate areas tingling uncomfortably from the invasive checks. Orin regarded her with an inscrutable expression."You may re-enter, My Lord," the healer called out, her voice echoing slightly in the quaint, though well-kept, room. Lord Herod entered, the door groaning on its hinges. His presence filled the small but homely space."She has erratic heats," Orin said, confirming Emeriel's deepest fears. "We cannot pinpoint the exact day it will come, but it is imminent. We are speaking a matter of days.""Days?" Emeriel's voice rose an octave, horrified.The healer nodded gravely. "Not only are your heats erratic, but they also display unusual patterns, indicating irregularity. The four mini-heats confirmed this. Typically, heats stabilize after successfully bonding with a male. However, until you are bonded, your body will keep lashing out, desperately seeking a union with your male in
EMERIELEmeriel and Lord Herod strolled beneath the moonlit sky, their lanterns casting soft lights on the cobblestone path.As they passed, heads bowed, and curious eyes followed."They are surprised," Lord Herod remarked with a gentle laugh. "I have not been seen with a female since Vera's passing. Most often, it's Ezra, my bloodhost, by my side."Emeriel glanced around, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Everyone adores you, My Lord. And why wouldn't they? You're the kindest Urekai I know."He chuckled. "You flatter me."They reached a crowded square, its air filled with music and laughter. Urekai commoners gathered under a canopy of glowing lanterns, the women swaying and singing in unison as the men watched with adoration."Many find love on nights like these," Lord Herod mused. "Some will return home with a bond after the seven-day bonding ritual, while others will carry a broken heart."Emeriel only half-heard his words, her thoughts drifting to the grand king.Lately, he had domi
"Do you think he suspects?" the girl asked at last, breaking the silence.Alviara shook her head slowly. "I doubt it. But then, who can truly know the workings of his mind?" A pause, “What is your name?"“Emeriel.""Emeriel." The name was like a caress on Alviara’s tongue. "Ah, the human prince? Stolen from court by the beast? The one whom a slave master met his end for daring to defile? It all makes sense now."The girl, Emeriel, swayed on her feet, her face pale and drawn. Alviara reached out a hand to steady her. "Are you alright?""The feeding. It... uhh...""Blood drunk?" Alviara's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "You feel intoxicated?"Emeriel let out a sheepish sigh. "A little.""Huh. Guess what they say is true. Soulbonds really are the whole package," Alviara said in disbelief, "Well, human, I will be on my way. Tonight was... interesting. Let's do it again sometime."Alviara started to walk away, then paused, turning back. "Do you want my advise?"Emeriel shrugged, her eyes
She stopped moving, her head clearing a little. Baffled, Alviara took a closer look at the pretty boy. His features were delicate and smooth, long lashes framing his almond-shaped eyes. There was subtle hints of femininity in his appearance.It wasn't until this moment that she truly focused on the nuances of his musk. While arousal scents are not inherently gendered, his possessed a delicate sweetness... a faint floral undertone that differed from the sharper, more aggressive scents of most males. It was faint, but they all are. Alviara could only discern this because she knew what to channel for.King Daemonikai hit a particular sweet spot inside Alviara sending waves of pleasure through her, making her cry out. Her thoughts jumbled and fizzled out as she became lost in the moment.Alviara would contemplate this discovery later. But for now, all she could focus on was the potent sensation coursing through her body.She rotated her hips in a circular motion, grinding her swollen nub
He remained rooted to the spot, his naked body a tantalizing display of beauty, masculinity, and raw power.She moaned as her eyes fell upon his impressive length. The king was a big male everywhere.The sheer size of his hardness sent a jolt of desire through her body. Her core wet, throbbing with anticipation. Her senses alive with the promise of pleasure."Your Grace?" she coaxed, leaning forward and extending a hand towards him. "I know you are hungry. I can sate your hunger, you know I can. Take me."His emerald eyes flickered towards her outstretched hand, but he made no move to accept it. Nor did he take a step closer.Confusion clouded Alviara's features. Why was he hesitating?The storm of lust in his eyes spoke of deep sexual hunger. His body was taut with barely suppressed desire, and he looked savage with want. So, why was he not taking what he so clearly wanted?Well, she was not the most sought-after courtesan in Urai for nothing.Alviara rose to her hands and knees, he
Nothing. There was no scent.Daemonikai's frustration morphed into a growl, his agitation mounting. He tilted the boy's head aside and rubbed his nose against his skin, searching for any trace of a scent.A soft whimper escaped the boy. The faint smell of fear filling Daemonikai's nostrils snapped him back to his senses.He released the boy, stepping back. "I apologize. I'm not always so... uncontrolled," he muttered, pressing a hand to his temple.The boy's chest heaved with ragged breaths, his eyes wide and glassy. He caught the faintest smell of musk. A familiar one too, tugging at the edges of his memory. Where had he caught this scent before?"Why do you seem familiar to me?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "And I do not mean your features alone. I despise closeness and invasion of my personal space, especially from strangers, and more so from humans. Yet, you do not trigger my defenses. Why?"The boy swallowed hard and shook his head, unable to speak.Daemonikai did not expe
"Oh, Ukrae, oh Ukrae, please mount me. Somebody, please…!" the girl cried, her voice broken and desperate. She lurched to her knees, and—"Do not do—" Daemonikai's warning died in his throat as the girl grabbed her cheeks and presented to all of them.By the scents of Hades. Growls rumbled through the air. Followed by a new wave of arousal so thick it was nearly suffocating.The males surged forward, their eyes burning with raw hunger."Don't you dare," Daemonikai barked, his voice a thunderclap of authority. "Control it! All of you!"Their grand king’s forced restraint warred against his urge to mate, a force stronger than nature itself. Cries of pain and frustration rose, muscles strained, and bodies trembled.Then came the moment Daemonikai dreaded most. He opened his senses further, inhaling deeply.Two of the males were in a rut. Urekai alphas only entered a rut for females they cared deeply for. Out of all these males, two had formed a bond with this girl."You and you, stay." D
"Y-Yes, Your Grace?" Her heart was lodged firmly in her throat.Their eyes met, his green ones unreadable.Panic surged through Emeriel. Why is he staring? Does he know who I am? Why—A horrified gasp from one of the Urekai maids snapped Emeriel out of her trance. With a jolt, she realized she had stopped dead in the doorway, standing awkwardly in plain sight—a few paces away from the grand king.He did not recognize her... he was waiting for her to drop the tray she carried."I-I apologize, Your Grace!" Emeriel blurted out, rushing forward, her face flushing with embarrassment. Her hands shook as she hastily arranged the dishes.King Daemonikai’s gaze burned into the back of her head. That look inspired a mix of fear, mortification, and— to her utter dismay—arousal.Finally, Emeriel was done. She bowed deeply, then rose to join the other servers lined up against the wall.The grand king's eyes lingered on her for a fraction longer before dismissing her with a cold indifference. There