Page 41 of THE SOULBOND AND HER BELOVED (Beasts Of Wrath And Madness #4)

Chapter forty-one

TRADE BY BARTER

It had been four days since the attack.

Thankfully, Vladya, Ottai, and the others had been diligent, ensuring Emeriel was well cared for while Daemonikai himself recovered from the cocktail of toxins that had temporarily brought him down. He had been unconscious for twenty-four hours. And the moment he stirred awake, the first name he had barked was “ Faiwick. ”

The healer had come quickly, grave as ever. “Her body is unbalanced, Your Grace. Her pulse is too strong, too fast. After this long, it should have steadied, but it hasn’t.”

It was a bitter pill to swallow. “What can be done? What have you done? What more do you need?”

“For now, she requires maximum rest,” Faiwick said calmly. “I’ve given the head maid a list of the herbs she needs and changes in her diet. We’re monitoring her closely and working to stabilize her heart rate and body rhythm.”

Daemonikai had done everything in his power to ensure her comfort—soft bedding, uninterrupted rest, and constant attendance. Her sister and Amie had been close at hand to care for her, and he had given strict orders that nothing was to disturb her healing.

The herbs and potions induced long hours of sleep. At first, she only woke for minutes at a time. But slowly, each waking stretch lasted longer. Yesterday, when he’d stepped into her chamber, she had been sitting up, laughing with her sister. She’d even had the nerve to complain about how bored she was from being forced to stay in bed.

Instead of relenting, he had Amie fetch books from the library—her favorites.

Progress.

Yet still, Daemonikai’s instincts hadn’t calmed. Not fully. Faiwick hadn’t said she was clear, and until he did, restlessness was his new companion.

So today, he had canceled his trip to the dungeons and left the interrogations to Vladya. He waited instead for answers.

Now, with arms locked behind his back, he paced once more across the hallway outside her chamber. He had been waiting far too long for the royal healers to emerge. Faiwick and the rest were inside with Emeriel, and he wouldn’t breathe easy until one of them stepped out and told him she was completely out of danger.

Ottai sat nearby, saying nothing, simply watching him wear down the stone floor.

The door creaked.

Daemonikai turned in a heartbeat as Faiwick stepped into the corridor, expression unreadable.

Daemonikai was on him instantly. “Well? How is she?”

The healer hesitated. And that was all it took.

Before Faiwick could draw breath, Daemonikai seized him by the collar, lifted him off the ground, and stormed toward the tall window at the end of the hall.

“Daemon!” Ottai gasped, bolting to his feet.

Healers gasped behind him as the Grand King leaned out the window, holding Faiwick by the throat, the man’s feet dangling high above the courtyard.

“Your Majesty!” Faiwick wheezed, paling as he glanced down. “I beg of you, please—”

“Calm down!” Ottai called, inching forward. “He’s going to speak. He will speak, Daemon, just give him a moment.”

“Faiwick,” Ottai added in a coaxing tone. “I’m sure you’re ready to explain what you meant to say, and I’m confident you'll choose your words very carefully, won’t you?”

“Yes! Oh, absolutely!” the healer croaked. “Please, I truly hate heights!”

Daemonikai narrowed his glowing eyes, bringing the healer back inside with a grunt, setting him down like he was little more than a sack of rice.

“You hate heights,” he muttered. “And you say it aloud. What sort of Urekai does that make you?”

Faiwick straightened, hands trembling as he smoothed his robes, trying to recover his dignity. “The kind who would rather live than fall to his death, Your Grace,” he muttered, then coughed. “But… I do have good news.”

Daemonikai finally took a step back, chest heaving, beast still pacing in him. He shot a look at Faiwick. “Tell me the condition of my mate and child. Now.”

Faiwick, still pale, cleared his throat, avoiding the Grand King’s blazing eyes.

“And you will be truthful with him,” the Fourth Ruler said pointedly. “Forget the glowing eyes and the growling—he won’t really hurt you.” He gave Daemonikai a meaningful glance that said, Do not deck the poor healer, no matter what he says.

Daemonikai let out a deep breath and grumbled, “Fine. The truth.”

“There was… no need for all that, Your Grace,” Faiwick said, adjusting his collar. “The Princess is improving. Her heart rate has stabilized, her pulse is nearly normal. I still recommend plenty of rest, but at this point, she can begin easing back into non-strenuous activity.”

Something in Daemonikai… settled . The coil of anxiety in his gut released. Warmth burst through his chest—relief, joy. He laughed.

Then, with a strong thump, he clapped Faiwick on the shoulder. “Well why didn’t you say that first!?”

Faiwick blinked, startled. “I would dare say, Your Grace, you didn’t exactly give me the chance to—”

Daemonikai raised a brow.

The healer coughed. “Of course, it was entirely my fault. I… hesitated.”

“It was your fault,” Daemonikai agreed with an easy grin, throwing an arm around Faiwick’s shoulders, leading him back toward Emeriel’s chamber door. “When mates are unconscious and their partners are half-feral, speed is always wise, healer.”

“I’ll remember that, Your Majesty,” Faiwick muttered dryly.

Still smiling, Daemonikai released him at the chamber threshold. “That’s all for today. Wegai, compensate him. A pouch of gold coins. He’s done well.”

Faiwick’s eyes widened in astonishment. Then his face lit up. “Thank you, Your Highness!” he burst out, bowing repeatedly. “Your benevolence is astounding. Truly, your generosity knows no bounds. Thank you, thank you!”

Daemonikai waved him off with amused dismissal, watching as the man and the rest of the healers retreated down the hall, their nervous tension replaced by relief and—at least in Faiwick’s case—gleeful greed.

Behind him, Ottai crossed his arms. “Someone who nearly threw our best healer off a ten-story balcony just minutes ago is now in a very good mood.”

“Don’t get cross with me, Ottai,” Daemonikai said, still grinning.

The Grand Lord rolled his eyes. But he was smiling, too, as they stepped into Emeriel’s bedchamber.

***

Sinai stirred.

Her head throbbed dully as consciousness returned. Her limbs were leaden, her senses sluggish. Every inch of her body ached as though she’d been wrung out and left to dry.

“You know,” came a dry, amused voice. “This would have been far easier if you had simply offered a sack of gold coins. No need for betrayal.”

She bit back a groan as she sat up—or tried to. Her head nearly smacked against metal. She stopped just in time and blinked her heavy eyes open.

A cage.

She was locked in a cage. Low ceiling, cold bars, no strength in her limbs. She felt weaker than she had as a newborn.

Toxins. She couldn’t smell them, but she could feel the sluggish burn in her bloodstream. Her body had woken several times before, but whatever drug had been used on her had dragged her back under.

Now, she forced her eyes open again.

“When one is fleeing for his life, mage,” Zaiper’s voice cut in, far too at ease. “The last thing on his mind is coin. I didn’t even have twenty gold to my name, much less a full sack.”

He sounded closer. Standing, probably, somewhere beyond the bars.

“Besides,” he continued. “She had this coming. Sinai’s been a liability for a while. She knows too much, always has. You never know what someone like her might do in a tight corner. She’d sing like a bird if it meant saving her own skin.”

You coward . I gave you centuries of loyalty.

“Mm,” was the answer.

A moment passed, then his voice shifted. Distant. Resonant. As if reciting a prophecy. “In four moons’ time… when the last buds fall and the first frost descends… the eclipse moon will rise again over Urekai.”

Zaiper’s breath jammed. “Excellent. Now I can prepare accordingly.”

“Prepare with what army, Zaiper?” he said.

“Vampires,” Zapier said with delight. “Oh, I have so many plans. I will bring them all to their knees.”

Sinai tried to stay awake, but her body was shutting down again. The drugs still clung to her blood like mist. Her eyelids fell, heavier than stone.

As her head tipped forward and darkness closed in again, one final thought drifted through her mind.

He’ll pay for this. I’ll make sure of it.

***

The royal carriages rolled to a halt.

Soldiers dismounted fast, forming a protective circle around the lead carriage as its door swung open. Grand King Daemonikai stepped out first, his presence commanding immediate attention from the gathered crowd. A heartbeat later, he extended his hand inside.

Emeriel placed her palm in his, and he helped her down with the utmost care.

Cheers broke out around them. The villagers stood at a respectful distance, cordoned off by guards, but their joy was unmistakable—smiles wide, voices raised in praise, hands waving from behind barricades.

They had traveled to a small, rustic village in Urai, where the Oracle was receiving treatment. Word had arrived the night before, the Oracle had begun to self-heal. One of her shattered bones had mended during the night.

When Daemonikai received the news, he had ordered the bell tower rung at dawn. The people had gathered in the village square, desperate for good news, and he had given it to them.

The cheers now were not just for him—but for hope.

Emeriel blinked rapidly against the emotion welling in her chest. She had feared, as many had, that the Oracle would never rise again. That her life would be taken by the sacrifice she made to reveal Zaiper’s treason. But now, here they were. And there was joy in the land, yet again.

Behind her, Grand Lord Vladya helped Aekeira down from the second carriage. Grand Lord Ottai followed, assisting his own bondmate. Together, the rulers and their consorts turned to face the crowd.

The cheering rose to a roar. Flower petals fluttered through the air, cast like blessings. Many of them were thrown at Emeriel and Aekeira.

Emeriel felt emotional. When did this become our life?

Daemonikai’s arm slipped around her waist as they turned toward the sanctuary. Inside, the haven was small but beautifully kept—modest and warm, clearly prepared with respect.

The Oracle lay at one side of the room, propped slightly, a nest of pillows supporting her fragile body. Her eyelids fluttered open as they entered.

She looked… old.

Still broken in many places, her bones not yet whole, her skin pale and drawn. But her eyes, those ageless, soul-deep eyes, still held the glint of divinity.

“Everyone else leave,” Daemonikai commanded.

The soldiers and shamans bowed and filed out. The door shut behind them, sealing the space to only the Grand Rulers and their bondmates.

“The great… rulers… of our… time,” came the Oracle’s weak but audible voice.

They all bowed their heads in respect.

“About the eclipse moon night, I—” A wracking cough stole her words, and she clutched her chest.

“Say no more, Oracle,” Daemonikai spoke up. “You’ve already given more than any of us could ask. What you did… will never be forgotten. We might’ve caught Zaiper eventually for his recent crimes, but not for that one. The crime he committed against all our people. We would have never known. You gave us the truth, and for that, I owe you everything. We all do. Do not speak. Do not strain yourself. Simply rest. That is all we ask now.”

There were murmurs of agreement from the others.

The Oracle’s lips curved, just faintly. “Thank you… Great Grand King.” Then her gaze shifted. Slow. Intent. Toward Emeriel and Aekeira. “Blessed princesses…” Her hand trembled as she lifted it, just slightly, then let it fall. “Come.”

Emeriel met her sister’s eyes, Aekeira giving her a small nod. Together, they stepped forward.

Emeriel glanced toward the Oracle’s hand. “May I…?” she asked softly.

The Oracle nodded.

Emeriel took her hand gently. It was hot to the touch—feverish. “It’s an honor to meet you,” she whispered.

A faint smile ghosted the woman’s lips. “I suspect… you now see the colors, do you not?”

Startled, Emeriel’s eyes widened and she drew back instinctively, glancing over her shoulder at Daemonikai.

He only smiled and gave a slow nod.

Emeriel turned back. Her voice hushed. “Yes.”

The Oracle’s eyes glittered. “ Asvia’hes Araz. A bond seer.”

The words resonated with power.

“When one is physically touched by the gods,” the Oracle said slowly, “He leaves a mark. A trace. Your Soulbond with the Grand King did not activate it, as it should have. It was dormant. But the life you created together— your child —that sacred spark... it awakened the gift.”

Emeriel stood still, heart humming.

“Because of you,” the Oracle continued. “Our people will suffer less. They will know who they belong with. There will be fewer broken bonds. Fewer failed rituals. You are a treasure , Princess Emeriel. A light to the Urekai.”

Emeriel bowed her head. Humbled beyond words.

“You have a gem for a lifemate, Great Grand King,” the Oracle’s voice was fragile but clear as she turned her gaze to Daemonikai. “Treasure her, always .”

“For all eternity,” he said without hesitation.

The Oracle looked back at Emeriel. “Your birth was set in motion a long time ago. It was written in the stars.” She made a dry, crackling sound that left her clutching at her ribs, clearly in pain.

“You should rest,” Lord Vladya urged softly. “Don’t speak more than you must.”

The Oracle looked at him. “The one who was not written… not fated in the stars… but had to happen…” Her gaze shifted—to Aekeira. “Come closer, child.”

Aekeira stepped forward slowly, standing beside her sister.

“You see her, do you not?” the Oracle asked.

Emeriel’s brow creased in confusion. Who?

To her surprise, Aekeira nodded. “Three times. In my dreams. I don’t know what it means…”

Lord Vladya’s brows furrowed. “Who do you see?”

“She sees herself,” the Oracle answered before Aekeira could speak. “A memory no soul should retain… but which now returns.”

Vladya moved in front of Aekeira, cupping her face with both hands, locking eyes with her. “ Who do you see, Aekeira?”

“ Tiara. ”

The room went still.

Breathless silence.

“I’ve seen her in my dreams three times now,” Aekeira went on. “At first, I didn’t understand what I was seeing. When I woke, it was always vague and blurry, so I waved it off. But it kept returning. The same dream. The same words.”

Lord Vladya’s hands dropped, taking a step back as though struck. “I… I don’t believe that.”

“I see you with her. By the river,” Aekeira whispered. “You were lying together on the grass…”

“I. Do. Not. Believe. That,” he repeated, more firmly—though his voice wavered.

“ Promise me… that if our bonding ritual does not work, you will not fall apart, ” Aekeira mimicked the soft and melodic voice.

Gasps echoed through the room.

Lord Ottai. Morina. Even the Grand King himself.

Vladya paled, his lips parting in stunned disbelief.

A faint, sad smile brushed Aekeira’s lips. “And you shook your head and said, I can’t promise that, Tiara. ”

“Holy lands of the bewildered…” Lady Morina breathed.

“And before the bonding ritual,” Aekeira continued. “She said It will destroy me if our bond fails, but what will kill me more is knowing it will annihilate you. I want to become one with you more than anything… but sometimes I wish we wouldn’t try. It’s better not to know. It’s— ”

“ It’s better not to try… ” Lord Vladya finished in a whisper.

Aekeira nodded, blinking rapidly. “I didn’t see much else, but I’ve had the dream again and again. I should have told you sooner. I’m sorry, my Beloved.”

Emeriel could only stare, stunned. Aekeira… my sister… a reincarnation of Vladya’s bondmate?

“How is this…” Vladya was struggling to breathe evenly, his eyes jumping from Aekeira’s face to her swollen abdomen and back again. “How is this possible ?”

“You made it possible,” the Oracle said at last. “When you made the exchange.”

Vladya turned toward her slowly, eyes wide. “ Hav’zie de Baah? ”

“ Hav’zie de Baah, ” she repeated. “The spell worked, Great Lord Vladya. The chosen human female, Pandora, was meant to bear only one blessed child. That was her destiny. But your dark spell—woven from the ruins of a heart so broken even the gods averted their eyes— rewrote that fate. It brought about... her . ”

Soft gasps flared through the room again.

Vladya’s hand reached out, almost trembling, drawing Aekeira into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her forehead as if anchoring himself in the reality of her presence.

“Holy grails…” His powerful frame was visibly shaken.

“So perhaps.” The Oracle’s eyes twinkled through her frailty. “The next time you rail against the gods, you might be a little gentler with your words.”

Vladya gave a breathy, stunned laugh. “Perhaps.” Then he turned his full attention to the woman in his arms. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

Aekeira’s eyes brimmed as she gave him a wobbly smile. “Three times.”

“Not nearly enough. I love you,” he stated, voice ringing true. “I love you so much, Aekeira Maranthine Evenstone. Thank you… thank you for finding your way back to me.”

Emeriel slipped quietly into Daemonikai’s embrace, tears in her eyes as she smiled so hard her cheeks ached. Her heart full— overflowing —with wonder.

A love that defied time.

A soul that found its way home.

***

“ Via zie eis?z, hé’xozad lah lah… ”

The words came in a soft, ancient, dreadful way, like something pulled from a dream.

Sinai’s eyes opened to darkness. The smell of scorched ash. The crackle of fire.

The incantation continued.

“Please don’t,” her voice was barely audible, helpless tears pooling in her eyes. “Don’t do this.”

More words. More fire. The runic circle already complete.

She didn’t have much time.

“I have gold,” she said quickly, hoarsely. “A whole sack. I’ll pay… every coin I own.”

The chanting paused.

“I’m afraid that won’t work,” the mage replied without emotion. “I do not replace a sacrifice with another. And I do not make deals with the dead.”

“I’m not dead yet,” she croaked. “And if you do this… you’ll be complicit in something he orchestrated. He’s using you, too. You know that, don’t you?”

The mage’s head turned slightly, not speaking.

“Even when he was Grand Ruler, Zaiper would always offer blood over gold,” Sinai’s voice gained strength, fueled by the sheer will to survive. “You know why? Because gold is the one thing dark magic can’t replicate—not without immense risk. He’s been stringing you along for centuries, offering favors, debts, secrets. But never coin. Because as long as you lack, he owns you.”

She took a shaky breath. “He knows your secret that you’re in hiding. That you can’t openly practice. That your dream is to escape—use your power to shed the markings, the signs, and disappear into another life. To live freely, without fear of your people hunting you down.”

The dark mage appeared... thoughtful? Sinai wasn’t sure, due to that damn cloak.

Still, she pressed on. “Yet he never gives you what you want because he needs you desperate. He needs you bound. What he did to me—what he’s doing now—should tell you everything. He sold me out. Threw me away like scrap. He’ll do the same to you when the day comes that you’re no longer useful.” Her voice shook, but she lifted her chin. “I have a fortune. Gold I’ve saved for over a thousand years. It’s everything I have—my life’s work. I’ll give it to you.”

The words tasted like ash, her stomach turning.

“My entire hoard, in exchange for my life.”

It shattered her soul to say it. That gold represented more than currency. It was her ambition. Her power. Her future. She’d fought to claim every coin—clawed her way through courts, lands, and shadows for it. She’d dreamed of owning the Crystal Waters and building far greater things with those coins.

Now she was bartering it all away, because Zaiper betrayed her.

You will regret this. I swear it on the gods.

She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “What do you say?” she asked at last. “Your freedom… for my life.”