Page 125 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“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 isnothinggoing 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 wasthere—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!”

Chapter twenty-eight

THE BEGINNING OF A TRUE END

Sacredrelicsgleamedbeneathprotective glass, set upon altars of blackwood and obsidian. Votive lights shined in iron sconces along the walls. Every detail spoke of reverence, tradition, old magic, and power.

Entering the hall, Daemonikai’s eyes landed on one object in particular. The Chalice.

Once awakened, it was one of the most powerful relics they ever possessed. Among its many abilities was the power to grant them strength on their night of weakness. Stolen during the last eclipse moon, Vladya had pried it from the human king’s dead fingers after he'd slain him.

Forcing that night away from his thoughts, Daemonikai ascended the dais, the gathered assembly rising in deference.

His eyes found her, as they always did. And as ever, something in him relaxed and softened.

Princess Emeriel sat among the highborn ladies and mistresses of Urai. Beside her was her sister. The two womenleaned together, heads touching as they slept with a bowl of nuts rested precariously on their laps.

“Look at them," Daemonikai nudged Vladya with his elbow.

Vladya was already watching them, stopping beside Daemonikai instead of moving around to take his seat.

“It is the best feeling, seeing your female carrying your child. There is nothing like it,” Vladya said quietly.

“I know.” Daemonikai could sit and watch Emeriel all day, and never tire of it. “It doesn't help that they look as sweet as spring bloom, with their moods swinging from laughter to tears in the blink of an eye.”

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