Page 27 of THE SOULBOND AND HER BELOVED (Beasts Of Wrath And Madness #4)

Chapter twenty-seven

THE BAD FEELING

Lord Vladya and Lord Ottai exchanged glances, a silent message passing between them.

“I would rather show you,” Vladya said at last, his face stoic.

He led her from his study. They crossed through the Royal Residence and continued onward. Deeper and deeper into the heart of Blackstone, past the familiar halls, and into the deserted corridors few dared enter.

Emeriel was beyond confused. Her dread grew. Why are we here? What does this have to do with my beloved?

They reached a massive iron door, stretching from floor to ceiling. Vladya withdrew a heavy key from his pocket, fitting it into the enormous lock. The tumblers clanked into place with a grinding groan and the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hall lined with thick, iron-reinforced doors.

They walked to the very end where Lord Vladya stopped. “We are here.”

She glanced around. None of this made sense. “Here? What is—”

Then she heard it.

A growl of agony. Weak, yet deeply familiar. Horrifyingly familiar.

“No, this can’t be…” She took a step back.

Vladya slid open a small, barred viewing window in the door before them. “Look.”

Blood drained from her face. She did not move.

More sounds of her Daemon’s pain reached her, killing her a little more inside. Emeriel whimpered. It was as if someone had reached into her chest, grasped her heart, and ripped it right out.

“No. No…” She shook her head. “I—I don’t understand. Why is he— how is this happening?!”

“Usually, the episodes break after a day,” Lord Vladya said.

Her eyes watered. “He has been like this for three days?”

Lord Ottai nodded solemnly.

“But… But he… he satisfies his instincts.” She blinked furiously.

“Bloodlust, not sexlust,” Lord Vladya answered evenly. “Daemonikai does not sleep with Sinai, or any other female.”

“No, you don't understand,” Emeriel insisted, frantic. “We had an arrangement. We agreed he would be…” She swallowed hard. “He would be … with her.”

“You didn't wish for him to risk an episode or worse, lose himself to madness, so you agreed he should satisfy both needs with his bloodhost. Is that correct?” Lord Vladya said.

Emeriel nodded, shoving away her shame and despair. “So you see, he's not supposed to be here. I don't understand.” She stepped back again, the walls were closing in. “None of this makes sense. Even some nights ago, he…”

“He did not do it,” Vladya said flatly, holding her eyes. “He tried, but he could not bring himself to it, Emeriel. Your male has not lain with a female in months.”

Once again, she could not breathe. For a split second, she thought she was having another attack. But then it released in a shuddering breath.

What did it say about her that instead of feeling horror for what he had endured, hiding such suffering from her for over four months… the first thing she felt was relief ?

What kind of terrible person was she that hope, happiness, relief— was dancing in her chest?

Her tears came harder, falling without end as she slumped against the wall. “I’m a horrible mate. This is all my fault.”

“Hey.” Lord Ottai moved in front of her, all of his usual levity gone. He looked every bit the Grand Lord he was. “Look at me. Never—do you hear me? Never blame this on yourself.”

“You don't understand,” she choked. “Something is wrong with me. I'm broken, somewhere inside like a ragged doll. Since that night… I have wanted him. I want him so much… and yet I cannot—” She could barely bring herself to say it. It hurt more than she thought it would. “I… I can’t bear it when he tries. It's like I shatter, every time.”

Lord Ottai took her by the shoulders. “Vladya and I were there that night, remember? We lived through every moment of what happened, and sometimes, I still hear your screams. ” His thumb brushed a tear from her cheek. “If I , who have lived through so many horrors in my long life, cannot forget… how could you?”

Emeriel lowered her gaze, sniffling quietly.

“You are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you.” He waited until her eyes found his again before he went on. “You’re one of the strongest beings I have ever met. Stronger than many of our females combined. You have done what others have crumbled attempting to do, walked paths others died to walk.” His hands squeezed her shoulders. “You, Emeriel Galilea Evenstone, have made impossibilities possible. How could you look upon yourself and see anything less?”

Her lips trembled. She hated how much she needed to hear those words, hated that she clung to them… yet she couldn't help herself. “You really do not think… something is wrong with me?”

“I do not. And neither does Vladya.”

They glanced at the Grand Lord, who stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He gave a single, decisive nod.

Lord Ottai turned back to her. “And Daemonikai?” He gave a faint huff. “Everyone sees the way he looks at you like you are the most precious thing Ukrae ever carved. That male sees you as the brightest star in a sky full of them.”

Something inside her unwound.

“He does refer to me as a star,” she admitted, her cheeks coloring faintly.

The fourth ruler chuckled. “I’m sure he does.”

A smile tugged at her lips, and she swiped at the lingering tears. She felt… lighter.

Then her gaze slid to the iron door. She couldn't look through that small hole. Just hearing Daemonikai’s pain was enough of a splinter to her heart; seeing it might shatter her completely.

“What do we do for him? It breaks my heart, seeing him suffer like this.”

Lord Vladya spoke. “When do you plan to come out? Have you not eavesdropped enough?”

Emeriel startled. “Who are you talking to—?”

A figure stepped forward from behind the stone archway, looking sheepish. Mistress Sinai.

Emeriel’s jaw dropped.

“What are you doing here, snooping around?” Vladya growled, tone ice. “You truly think we would not smell you?”

“You need to find a new supplier for your scent suppressants,” Ottai added dryly. “They did a poor job.”

Sinai gave a strained laugh. “Apologies for sneaking. I was at Blackstone and happened to see where the three of you were headed. I… couldn’t help my curiosity.” Then she straightened her spine, slipping into the cold confidence that Emeriel had seen so many times before. “There is nothing to be worried about, I have known about all of this for months. I am the one feeding him and his supposed lover, remember?”

The Third Ruler’s expression did not soften. “Which is the only reason I allowed you to stay behind those doors. But you know our laws. Spying on private matters is a punishable offense.”

“I should have you dragged back to the dungeon,” Ottai snapped, angry too.

“You will not do that, Fourth Ruler,” she said smoothly. “Not when I'm offering to help.”

Ottai released Emeriel’s shoulders and turned toward her. “What help could you offer?”

“You cannot bloodfeed him now,” Vladya said before Sinai could answer. “He would tear you apart, piece by piece, and Daemonikai doesn't need that on his conscience too.”

Sinai tilted her head. “I plan to do more than feed him,” she said coolly. “Bloodfeeding will not bring him out of this. It’s his sexlust starving now, because someone is being a coward in the face of a real challenge.” Her brow arched at Emeriel. “The heat was turned up once. Guess who turned tail and ran?”

Emeriel’s temper flared. Closing the space between them, she raised her chin, and met the other female’s eyes without flinching. “Do not speak so carelessly about that which you know nothing about.”

The Mistress laughed. “I know my Daemon unleashed on you, and it messed you up.”

“Enough.” Lord Vladya ordered, stepping between them. “That is not how our kind unleash, and you know it. One is never mindless for that.” He took a step closer, crowding the mistress. “Stop trying to cut Emeriel with your tongue… or I'll cut it out myself.”

Mistress Sinai paled, her bravado faltering. “I ap-apologize. That was… ill-spoken.” Clearing her throat, she composed herself. “Anyway, if you permit it, I wish to serve the beast.”

“Too dangerous,” Lord Vladya snapped at once.

“You underestimate me.” She lifted her chin. “I am Urekai, not some dainty little human.”

“You arrogant fool. Put your ego aside and think , just for one damned moment.”

“And you forget,” Ottai added flatly. “That over the millennia, thousands of Urekai have died at the hands of ferals, and countless who are females have died beneath them. Don’t think you are beyond that fate.”

“I am. I am his bloodhost, we share a bond. An active bond ,” she jabbed at Emeriel. “If not for fate’s bitchy games, he would’ve been mine. Mine! ”

Emeriel smiled . “But he's not yours and he never will be.”

The mistress snorted. “We shall see.” She turned back to Lord Vladya. “You need me. I can do what the human cannot. It’s been three days already. You need me, and you know it. Send me inside.”

Grand Lord Vladya looked at Emeriel, seeking her permission.

The truth was, she wanted the mistress to go in there. Not from spite—Emeriel refused to see herself as a rival to that woman, but she wished for Daemonikai to come back from the edge. If it took the mistress crossing that threshold, then so be it.

She gave a solemn nod.

Lord Ottai looked troubled but inclined his head in agreement.

Vladya swiveled his head once more to the mistress. “I don't like this. Even if we allowed it, there should be a safeguard—a word to call if it becomes too much. But that chamber is heavily fortified. Once the door is locked and the window shut, no sound will escape.”

“That’s alright,” the Mistress smirked, smug. “I don’t need one. I’m not some youngling suffering through her first mini-heat, needing her mama to hold her hand."

Vladya’s scowl deepened. “Once you step through that door he will pounce on you. Are you sure—”

“I am.”

Fishing out the key from his robes, the Third Ruler unlocked the heavy door. Sinai gifted Emeriel one final, victorious smirk before stepping inside.

The door shut behind her.

***

Emeriel slept poorly that night.

She tossed and turned, however awkwardly. Sleep refused her, regardless of how tightly she shut her eyes and cleared her mind.

By first light, she was up, dressed, and on her way to Blackstone.

Yaz informed her His Majesty was in Aekeira’s chambers, where she headed. There, she waited, fingers knotted in the folds of her gown as she paced.

At last, the door opened and Grand Lord Vladya emerged, his robes hastily thrown on, his hair tousled from sleep.

“Aekeira?” she asked at once.

“She sleeps,” he answered, leading her down the hall.

They reached the sealed corridor, Lord Ottai was already waiting. At the doors, Vladya turned to her.

“If things are bad , Ottai will take you out of here. You don’t need to see it.”

Emeriel nodded.

Lord Vladya stepped forward and opened the window.

Gave a subtle flinch and shut it.

He looked at Lord Ottai, giving him a sharp, wordless nod.

The Fourth Ruler came to her side, grasping her shoulder as he steered her away. Emeriel did not resist, following him through the exit and onto the balcony.

But she did something she shouldn't. She looked back.

Emeriel caught sight of Vladya’s back as he walked in the opposite direction, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.

“Oh gods…” Her hand flew to her mouth.

A strong hand covered her eyes. “Do not look,” Lord Ottai said, guiding her forward. “Come.”

Only when they reached the balcony did he let her see again. Emeriel had spent all night telling herself that whatever she found in that chamber would not affect her. The Mistress knew the risks and she brought it upon herself. Yet, now, her heart felt heavy as lead.

“Is she… dead?”

"Don't let this trouble you. Sinai is Urekai. She knew what she was walking into, she made her choice.” Lord Ottai sounded angry.

Emeriel swallowed. “I know, but is she dead?”

“I don't know, but she’s in a bad condition. The beast tore her up badly.”

The distant cry of gulls on the wind filled the silence.

The fourth ruler’s ears twitched. “Vladya calls me.” He turned on his heel. “Wait here.”

Emeriel nodded faintly, watching him disappear, then she was alone.

She stared out at the horizon, watching the morning light stretch over the land. When will this end? How much more blood would be spilled before this nightmare ended?

What does it say about her that, despite the dire consequences, she felt relieved? Instead of worrying about the mistress, she could finally breathe easy knowing her Daemon would be alright?

"I'm a horrible person." Sniffling, she wiped her tears, staring down at her belly. “Your father is going through so much. Please, little one, let’s be strong for him.” Her fingers traced the swell. “Let’s take comfort in knowing that if he finds out who is responsible for this, they will pay dearly.”

***

A week later.

“So, the eyewitness finally identified the soldiers he saw that night,” Grand King Daemonikai said as he walked. “It is confirmed—the Second Ruler was involved in the kidnapping of young females in heat. Now, let us establish motive.”

“Perhaps he seeks an heir,” Vladya was in steps beside him. “It’s the only reason I can fathom, no matter how absurd. The male has not shown interest in bondmates or offspring in millennia.”

“A male who never ceases to boast of his love for variety, yet he did this. We may not know his motive, but when he is captured, he will damn well tell us.” Daemonikai’s tone was cold, and he did not break stride. “This eyewitness will need to stand before the court and repeat all of this. Many speak boldly in private, yet when summoned to court, their courage often fails… and their statements shift. We cannot risk that. Have the male prepared to meet me after the festival. I want him standing before me, looking into my eyes as he repeats every word of his testimony.”

Vladya’s dry chuckle followed him. “If he does not faint from terror. Or worse—retract his claim, thinking he's about to be punished for daring to speak. Best I handle it.”

Daemonikai arched a brow. “Quite bold of you to assume he would be more at ease with you.”

“Hey! Have you not heard the tales?” Vladya chuckled. “Our people say I have ‘mellowed out’ since my life became perfect. And for once, they are not wrong. Look at this...” He grinned widely, flashing teeth.

Daemonikai regarded him flatly. “It’s unsettling, don't do that.”

But Vladya kept the wolfish grin even as they pivoted a corner.

“You look strange, stop doing that,"

Vladya tsked. “You’re just an old grump, Your Grace.”

“Ottai fares better than both of us. The people call him 'the sunshine amongst the rulers,' they consider him the most approachable of us all.”

“You are simply bitter,” Vladya quipped. “I am perfectly approachable.”

“I’m not certain I approve Aekeira’s handiwork in you." Daemonikai gave him a skeptical side glance. "Where has Vladya, the mean scowler, gone? The angry, bitter crow?”

Vladya’s laughter rang through the empty hallway.

It did feel nice hearing him laugh like this, but it definitely still felt surreal.

Vladya was still chuckling as the great doors opened before them. Even the highlords wore their surprise on their faces as they saw him.

It was the Moonwise Festival. Tonight, they would make offerings to the half-moon, seeking its favor, that it might bless the full moons to come and strengthen their kind.

Every clan was present: the heads of the East, West, North, and South, united under one roof. One of the biggest event halls in Ravenshadow was filled to the brim.

***

The healer was nervous and awkward. He was also testing Zaiper’s patience beyond endurance.

“Tell me the verdict,” Grand Lord Zaiper snapped by the doorway, Razarr at his shoulder, glaring at the trembling male before him.

“She is not… n-not with child either, Your Highness,” the healer stammered, his face pale with fear.

Zaiper was so pissed, he stomped to the healer. “Or perhaps it's you who knows nothing of what you are doing!” he roared, claws slipping out. “I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands.”

Razarr moved instantly, blocking his path. “Stay calm, Your Highness. Remember, you still need him.”

Zaiper struck Razarr hard across the face, the sound cracking like a whip in the hidden underground hut.

“How dare you stand in my way,” he hissed.

Razarr did not flinch, blood welling where Zaiper’s claws had raked his cheek.

Zaiper stared at him for a long, tense moment. Taking a deep breath—one that did little to calm him, before he stepped back.

“They are truly not pregnant, Your Highness. I was thorough,” the healer said again in a trembling voice. The acrid stench of urine filled the air.

None of those filthy, useless females was carrying my heir!

With a snarl, he turned to the nearest wall and drove his fist into the wood. The first strike cracked the plaster. The second drove deep, splintering the wood beneath. Over and over, he punched, knuckles splitting open, stone dust flying.

The roar built louder in his throat. “Why is nothing going my way!”

Silence hung thick after his outburst. He stood there, chest heaving, claws dripping blood. Finally, he spun and stomped out into the deep woods.

The few soldiers he had traveled with surrounded him immediately.

Kady approached at a run, dropping to one knee. “Your Highness! The spies we planted have sighted the Oracle.”

“She is back in Urai?” Zapier’s lips peeled into something resembling a grin. “Finally, some good news.” He turned to Razarr. “Disperse the team we have ready. If we are to succeed in killing her, we must follow the plan without flaw. Prepare the poison roots. Ready the weapons—where is the arsonist?”

Kady did not rise.

“There is more, Your Majesty,” he said quickly, eyes flicking up. “I fear it’s too late.”

Zaiper’s smile vanished. “What?”

“Our spies sighted her entering the Citadel’s gate.”

“ What in the hells does that mean?!”

“I have no idea. They were meticulous in scouting out her haven thoroughly for days, but there was no sign of her return to Urai. She was never spotted on the way to the fortress either, until she was there —at the gate.”

“She used magic. Send the soldiers now!” Zaiper lunged into a dead run. “She must be stopped, by any means! She cannot be allowed to enter the event hall!”