Page 107 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

There was no trace of the hunger that colored her voice moments before, only pure fear.

His desire vanished like a candle snuffed in the wind.

“I'm so sorry,” he whispered hoarsely.

Protect.

He withdrew from her slowly, feeling her tightness resist him until his length slipped free, then he held her close to shield her from the threat.

But it was him.Hewas the danger.

The rigidity left her body at once. Then came the shaking.

She buried her face against his neck, tremors overtaking her, breathing in shudders. Tears soaked his skin.

Daemonikai had no idea which devastated him more. The vivid memory of every cut, every bruise, every swollen spot on her flesh that morning... orthis. Watching her relive that night each time he put his hands on her.

Ukrae, grant me this one favor. Just this once.

Help me find the wretch who dared tamper with my mind. One single piece of proof—that is all I ask. Just point me in the right fucking direction.

I, Daemonikai Vipertheriov Naelzharoth, will never go easy on them. They will live and breathetorture.When I am done, they will beg for death but I will not grant it.

Chest filled with boiling rage, Daemonikai pressed his face into the crook of Emeriel’s neck, rocking her—attempting to calm himself as well. Breathing in her scent like a penitent.

I will find them—even if I have to burn this entire city to the ground to do it. I fucking will.

And when I do, I will be their tormentor. Their judge, jury, and executioner.

Chapter twenty-four

HEART-WRENCHING DECISIONS

Aekeirasatbythewindow, stitching as she hummed an old lullaby. Sunlight spilled pale and thin through the lattice, allowing her to enjoy the quiet and peace.

Until Emeriel entered.

She moved like a sleepwalker. Eyes swollen and red, face pale with exhaustion. There were dark circles under her eyes, and her lips trembled as she tried to hold herself together.

“Em!” Aekeira dropped her sewing at once, rising quickly to her feet. “Are you alright? Why do you look like—?”

Her sister crossed the room, collapsed into her arms, and started bawling. Harsh and violent as if dragged from the soul.

“Speak to me, what’s going on!?” Aekeira panicked more with every sob. “You’re frightening me! You know you shouldn’t be crying like this; you’re pregnant for light’s sake!” She was crying now too, unable to hold back. “Em, please!”

Still, Emeriel only wept.

She cried as though there was no end to her pain. Sobbed as if no hope remained in the world.

Aekeira gave up, and silently held her. She sank back onto the bed, drawing her sister down with her, rocking her, crying with her, as though they were children again.

She had no sense of how much time passed. At last, the sobbing eased. Subsided into torn breaths and hiccups.

“I’m broken, Keira…” Emeriel said in a whisper of defeat.

“How can you say that about yourself?”

“Because it’s true.” She turned to Aekeira with swollen eyes. “I am broken… and I don’t know if I'll ever heal.”

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