Page 104 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Seated at his desk, he held the parchment.

I received your message, King Daemonikai, and have since initiated my own investigation. However, I have found nothing to suggest the condition of your mind may indeed involve mage magic.

That said, I performed a spell using the hair you sent, and something did appear… strange. There may indeed be magic involved.

I do not say this with certainty, but the possibility must not be ignored.

If mage magic was indeed used, then it was likely performed by a dark mage. Our kind hunts them like sport animals, for dark magic is forbidden. If such a mage exists, he must be in hiding within Urai—probably close to the heart of the city.

I offer my sincere apologies that there is little more I can do. However, should you find those responsible, I hope you see to it they are nailed to the cross.

From the hands of Malghoxivus, King of Mysticaria.

Folding the letter, Daemonikai stared blankly ahead. So, it was possible. Magic. Someone had dared to meddle with his mind.

He had conquered kingdoms, brought empires to the ground, shaped the rise and fall of dynasties. Suffice it to say, he had made his fair share of enemies. And some enemies never go away.

But what if it was not some vengeful king of a forgotten empire? What if the perpetrator was close?

Zaiper.

His gut told him so, his instincts screamed it.

Like all Dragaxlov, Zaiper hungered for the First Throne. That much was common knowledge. There was nothing new in that—especially not with how pathetic the male appeared at court.

But maybe they'd all dismissed him too easily.

Maybe Zaiper was desperate enough to stoop to treachery to get Daemonikai out of the way. Like tampering with his mind.

The thought made his bloodsizzle.

Yet, on what grounds could he act? There was no proof. Only suspicion and assumption that would not fly in court should he pursue this case.

"Wegai."

The door opened immediately as he entered. "Your Grace."

"Assemble the soldiers and deploy them throughout the city. I want every mage in Urai rounded up. Bondmates and non-bondmates, traders, privileged visitors, formally welcomed and unwelcome, gather every single one of them to the Citadel. Now."

Wegai gave a curt nod and departed to execute the command.

"And Wegai?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Launch a discreet investigation into Grand Lord Zaiper. I require answers, not speculation. Seek out those with whom he has interacted in recent months. Find the ones who watch from the shadows, those who know but dare not tell."

Wegai gave a curt nod. "As you command, Your Grace."

“Be cautious. Zaiper knows how to cover his tracks. If he catches wind of this, he may bury the truth even deeper, or worse, ensure those who seek it do not return. Do not allow word of this inquiry to reach the wrong ears," he instructed. "Select only the most loyal males for this task. Hunters, informants, even the desperate—anyone who can dig through the past month and uncover anything that might qualify as valuableinformation. I wish to know his whereabouts, his activities. Am I clear?"

"Crystal." Wegai turned and left.

Daemonikai couldn't get any work done after that.

Queries went unanswered. Reports were only partially read.

Dark magic? Mind tempering?

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