Page 20 of THE SOULBOND AND HER BELOVED (Beasts Of Wrath And Madness #4)

Chapter twenty

THE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Something just died inside of me.

Daemonikai was a frozen statue as his female ran from him in the worst way one could run from another.

Watching her rock back and forth, press herself further against the wall to get away from him, he could not breathe . Chest as heavy as stone.

That terrible morning, he had stood before her bed, gazed at her wounds and saw the damage he caused. Never did he think not having the memory took anything away, but now he saw it did.

Those bruises, which had covered every part of her body, detailed only a fraction of her suffering... and even those had faded. But the ones inside were concealed. The scar on her soul.

Her soft heart forgave him. During the heat, her body forgave him. But the deepest part of her mind, which had finally trusted him as her protector—the part he battered the night he became an abuser—did not. Perhaps it never would. Perhaps it never could .

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," she whispered, even in her deep fear that he would ignore her "no" and pounce on her.

Devastated was too small a word to describe how he felt. He was dying inside.

Daemonikai pulled up his pants, slid to the bed's edge and buried his face in his hands.

Time stretched. He had no idea how long he sat there, swallowed by the storm that had pulled him under. How does one drown on dry land? Yet he had sunk. Deeply submerged. The way he struggled to draw breath proved it.

A hesitant hand touched him.

Tentative fingers threaded softly through his hair.

Daemonikai lifted his head.

Emeriel stood before him, reddened eyes pumped with remorse. "What have I done? The seven gods... Please forgive me, my king."

"What have you done? Forgive you ? Emeriel Galilea Evenstone, how is any of this your fault?" he growled, self-reproachfully.

"I pushed for us to try, then—"

He encircled her waist, drawing her closer, pressing his face against her belly. "I am the one who will forever beg for your forgiveness. Perhaps I should relinquish my throne, head for the Dark Woods, and join the ferals there. Pretending to be alright when one is anything but, is—"

"You will not do such a thing," she whispered. "If I am not permitted to feel wretched, neither are you, my king."

"Riel..."

"We will overcome this… together." Her fingers ran through his hair in a soothing caress. "We will emerge victorious on the other side."

He breathed shakily. "To this day, I still know not what went wrong. It has been three years. Three years, and not once did I see any sign of feral. Why now?"

"I have given it much thought,” she confessed.

"I have too. Gone over it again and again in my mind, but there is nothing. One moment, I was instructing the new recruits, and the next, I felt strange. And then… blankness."

"It is unnatural…" her words were starting to slur. "Perhaps dark magic?"

"Thought of it. Could be an explanation, dark magic is potent." He adjusted his hold on her as she swayed. "I have searched through every known magical text of our people, and not one of them speaks of a spell capable of inducing mindlessness in another. On oneself, yes, but not externally."

She hummed, voice growing heavier. "So… if it were dark magic, it would not be Urekai magic...?"

"No." he glanced up at her, expression dark. "It would have required a hefty ritual, perhaps even a blood sacrifice. A dark mage."

Emeriel’s eyes fluttered as she nodded sluggishly.

"I have already sent word to the mage king. It will take time to get a response, but I must know his thoughts on this."

"A wise decision. We… uhmm… we must know…" Her thoughts were drifting now, her body going boneless against him.

Daemonikai caught her as she collapsed, scooping her effortlessly into his thigh.

She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder, nuzzling her face into his neck. "Oh… I feel weird."

"You are blood-drunk." He huffed, amused despite himself. "It is alright. I have you."

"My Beloved," she whispered dreamily. "My amazing, powerful Beloved."

Daemonikai only stared at that beautiful face.

She clung to him, voice growing hazier, but words stayed achingly clear. "I wish I could take away some of your burdens. I will bury them somewhere far from the face of the earth… Or bear them as my own."

She still thought this way? Even after everything?

That part of him that died just some moments ago shuddered awake and took its first breath.

"I wish you could see my heart…" A soft exhale. Her head lolling slightly.

His own soul burned. His mind rebelled against her words, against the comfort they brought. He did not deserve this. He did not deserve her .

She should not have to soothe him . She should not have to reassure him . He was the one who harmed her. This burden—what he had done—was his to carry.

Perhaps in five hundred years, when he had spent every moment making it up to her, then he could allow himself to believe in the absolution she so freely gave. But not now. Not yet.

She fell asleep. Pliant, trusting, clinging to him as if he were safe .

He traced her delicate features, memorizing every inch of her. Who knows when she would come to her senses and finally make the right decision to leave the monster?

But until that dreadful day, he would hold this radiant star as his own. Until the day his darkness became too strong for her light, he would hold on tight—like the drowning man he was, like the lifeline she had become.

"I hope that one day, I—Daemonikai Vipertheriov Naelzharoth—will deserve your love," he stated, brushing his lips lightly against her hair. "Truly… blessed is the womb that birthed a female such as you."

***

"I can fetch my own lantern." Aekeira tried one last time, but her sister ignored her.

She sat patiently in Emeriel’s bedchamber, watching as the final touches were made to her sister's attire. Before the mirror, Emeriel stood in a breathtaking ceremonial red gown, the elaborate embroidery catching the light like tiny stars woven into silk.

She looked breathtaking. Poised and elegant as ever.

Tonight was the Lantern Festival. Their second.

The first they had celebrated as slaves in plain clothes, hands raw from endless labor. But today, they attended as princesses.

Dressed in gowns made by the finest seamstresses in Urai, commissioned by their males, they were a world away from that skittish girl and her brave little brother. Outside the chamber, their soldiers and maids stood waiting, ready to escort them to the arena.

Emeriel turned slowly, smoothing the delicate folds of her dress. "There will be plenty of smoke at the festival. It is not good for you or the baby."

Aekeira did not hide her dramatic sigh. "Come now, you know making and releasing a lantern is one of the best parts of the festival! You already took the fun out of the crafting—now you would deny me the release as well?"

"Yes."

Aekeira groaned. "I do not know who is more overbearing, you or Grand Lord Vladya! If it were up to him, he would confine me to the residence and prevent me from any activity at all."

Emeriel snickered. "I see how he is with you, it's almost comical. But you have been sick as a dog for weeks now, can you truly blame him?"

"But Lady Morina said it is normal and to be expected." Aekeira’s hand drifted to her belly.

Even now, it was still hard to believe. A week had passed since King Daemonikai sniffed her neck and announced her pregnancy, and still, she could scarcely believe a life was growing inside her.

That nestled just beneath her heart, was a child conceived by her and the male she loved most in the world. Who could have imagined so much could change in a single month?

At this time last month, Aekeira’s most unattainable wish had been to become a Syren. To be compatible with Lord Vladya. To see their bonding ritual succeed.

And now… she was a Syren. A Soulbond . Pregnant with his child.

"Hey…"

Aekeira blinked at her sister's voice.

Emeriel sat beside her, looking worried. "Why are you crying, Keira?"

"Am I?" Lifting a hand to her cheek, she touched wetness, which surprised her.

"Is this about the lantern? Very well, you may go—"

"No, no." Aekeira shook her head, looking at her palm resting over her flat stomach. "It's just… I was thinking about everything that has happened. How much has changed for me… for the better."

Emeriel let out a visible sigh of relief. "Thank the gods. Now, you do not wish to ruin your makeup, do you?" She wiped at Aekeira’s cheeks with the pad of her thumb. "Stop crying. I know you want to be beautiful for Lord Vladya tonight."

Aekeira sniffled. "I do."

"There you go." Emeriel smiled, brushing away the last traces of tears. "You are so beautiful."

"It's kind of you to say, but I cannot put into words how stunning you look tonight."

Emeriel beamed, her eyes shining with delight. "That is the spirit! Now, let us—"

Her eyes widened and she cupped a hand over her mouth. In the next instant, Emeriel hurried off to the adjoining room.

"Em?" Aekeira pushed to her feet too quickly and dizziness crashed over her, forcing her to pause.

She gripped the table as the world spun around her, squeezing her eyes shut as she waited for it to pass. At least now, the dizzy spells did not last as long as before.

Aekeira hurried after her sister, hearing the harsh retching as she neared the doorway. "Em…"

"I'm fine, it's nothing," Emeriel rasped. Another heave.

Aekeira frowned. "Are you sure? This is your third time today. Twice this morning, and now again."

"That damned porridge Madam Livia served earlier." Emeriel straightened, face pale as she reached for a nearby basin and rinsed her mouth. "I told you it was bitter and did not agree with me."

Aekeira folded her arms. "It did taste bad, but I ate it too, remember?"

"That does not mean it was not the porridge." Emeriel waved her off. "We may be sisters, but we are two different people, Keira."

"Right." She bit the inside of her cheek, unconvinced but not pressing further. "Anyway, I will wait here while you go fetch our lanterns."

Wiping her damp hands on a cloth, Emeriel looked exhausted already, but that familiar stubborn light shone in her eyes. "Certainly. I shall return shortly."

***

The sisters stepped out into the cool night, their lanterns glowing softly in their hands.

The sky above them was ablaze with drifting lights, the scent of roasted meats and sweet festival wines very much heavy in the air. Laughter and music came from the distance, weaving through the murmur of gathered crowds. A gentle breeze stirred the silk of their gowns, crisp and refreshing against their skin.

Everywhere, Urai was alive with celebration.

What Emeriel loved most about the Lantern Festival was the joy the air gathered. The thrill of dancing figures, the laughter of younglings. The way humans and Urekai mingled without division. The slaves moved freely, happy as they released their lanterns into the sky.

"It is so nice to be out here for this," Aekeira said, watching the lanterns drift upward. "This festival is one of the things I missed most about Urai."

"Me too." Emeriel tried to keep the queasiness from her voice. Her stomach was rebelling against her. The nausea in her belly would not budge.

She had felt drained all day despite doing nothing too strenuous. She had not trained, had not tended the garden, had not helped the slaves with their work, yet she was exhausted .

And then there was the other thing. The colors.

They had begun appearing four days ago. Strange, unnamable hues shimmering around certain people.

Blends of elements she could not identify, shifting and warping in a way no natural color ever did. It only happened to a few. And yet, she saw them.

What colors were those? What did it mean? Emeriel had no idea.

A Urekai female laughed, darting through the crowd as a male chased after her, and the strange blend of colors pulsed around them, two different yet intertwining hues.

Emeriel tore her eyes away. I refuse to believe I am having vision problems at such a young age. I would need to confide in someone.

"Can you believe it has been eight months since we returned here?" Aekeira asked, breathing slightly heavier than before. "So much has changed…"

"Indeed," Emeriel mused. "I wonder if I will see Lord Herod tonight."

Aekeira glanced at her. "I'm sure he will be in the arena with the lords and nobility."

"I hope so," Emeriel glimpsed the towering archways marking the entrance to their destination. "Since his title was taken, he rarely associates with the rest of them."

"When do you plan to speak with the grand king about him?" Aekeira asked as they turned a corner. "Who knows? You may be able to convince your male to lift the ban and restore his position."

"It has been on my mind," Emeriel admitted. "I do intend to speak with Daemon, but… he has so much on his plate right now. It’s been holding me back. I’m simply waiting for the right moment."

"Em? Do you need to stop and rest?" Aekeira asked abruptly, looking at her closely. "You seem quite exhausted. And you are breathing heavily."

Shit, she was. So tired.

"I am truly fine, Keira. You worry needlessly." Emeriel forced a smile.

Before Aekeira could argue, Emeriel used her kerchief to dab away the sweat on her sister’s brow. "But if you are the one who needs to stop, then let us rest for your sake."

Aekeira flushed, but there was no mistaking the fatigue in her posture.

Emeriel felt warm inside for her. "Oh Keira, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I have been reading about pregnancy, a Urekai child is highly demanding on the body."

"I know, thanks Em." She smiled, blowing air from her mouth. "But we are nearly at the arena, we may as well finish the journey."

So, Emeriel intertwined their hands, leading her.

The air here felt different in the secluded arena reserved for the high-borns. Refined. Exclusive.

The lanterns in this part of the festival were grander, their delicate frames made with gold and silver linings, their glow lighting up the night like scattered stars. Noble lords twirled their ladies across the smooth marble floor, their silk gowns flowing with each movement.

Others gathered in small circles, drinking, cheering, laughter spilling between them. Some stood apart, discussing official matters, their wives and consorts by their sides, murmuring in low voices.

It was their first time among such a crowd of Urekai. Sensing Aekeira's nervousness alongside her own, she squeezed her sister’s hand in reassurance and led her further in, their gazes sweeping over the grand gathering.

And at the center of it all stood the grand rulers.

Grand King Daemonikai and Grand Lord Vladya stood tall, addressing a group of high lords with serious faces. In their rich, regal red attire, embroidered with gold thread glowing under the lantern, they looked magnificent.

In unison, their noses flared, and they inhaled deeply. Then turned, eyes settling upon Emeriel and Aekeira.

The hard lines on their faces smoothed simultaneously as if a button had been pressed.

Butterflies fluttered in Emeriel’s belly.

She and Aekeira drew near and curtsied gracefully.

Both Grand Rulers offered their hands, and in turn, Emeriel and Aekeira placed their hands upon theirs, allowing their males to bring their offered hands to their lips, kissing them.

"You look stunning, my radiant star," Daemonikai said in a deep voice as he looked down at her.

Heat rushed to Emeriel’s cheeks and she beamed, lowering her gaze. "Thank you, Your Grace."

Beside her, Lord Vladya addressed Aekeira. "You look incredibly enchanting, my soaring dove."

Now, Aekeira mirrored her sister's blush.

Daemonikai Emeriel her away to a corner, leaning down, his breath brushed her ear. "I have been waiting to dance with you."

"Dance...?"

"Oh yes. You know that dance you practiced with your sister a week ago? Now is the time to show me."

"Your Grace," Emeriel looked around. The thought of dancing for him before all these people made her incredibly shy.

"Come now," he coaxed, chuckling freely. "Show me that swirling move."

Emeriel was enchanted by his laughter. She loved seeing him this way. After all they had been through, and were going through, she wished to bottle his laughter and store it away.

"But people will see—"

"Of course they will," he said, unapologetic, brushing his thumb against her knuckles. "And I will be proud to show you to them. Here—go on. Show me."

Emeriel could not refuse those expectant green eyes. So she stilled her nerves and stepped back.

He crossed his arms over his chest, amused as he waited.

If I did it quickly, perhaps it would not draw too much attention, right?

Emeriel raised one hand above her head, the other resting just below her belly, mimicking the position as if being held by an unseen partner. Then, taking a deep breath, she spun.

The silk of her gown flared around her, catching the glow of the lanterns as she moved in a perfect, practiced twirl.

The thing was, Emeriel was quite certain she had come to a stop. But it did not seem that way, for her world continued to spin and spin .

Her stomach churned as if turned upside down, her vision narrowed, darkness creeping in at the edges.

Then, she was falling.

She heard the gasps of the onlookers, felt strong arms catching her before she hit the ground.

"Emeriel Emeriel—hey—dearling, can you hear me?" His frantic voice sounded distant.

She struggled to keep her eyes open, but in the end, her world faded to black.