Page 123 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“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 arebad, 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 flinchand 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.

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