Page 128 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Because the Oracle’s words were coming together. And they made sense.

“She dares to slander the Dragaxlov name!” Zaiper thundered, drawing his blade, taking a step toward the Oracle in open threat. “I will not stand for this!”

In a blur of speed, Vladya was between them, pushing the shaking female behind him with one arm.

“The Dragaxlov name?” High Chief Yazaro of the Northern Clans rose slowly to his feet, his brow wrinkled together. “But… she has not mentioned any names yet.”

Zaiper stopped short. Blinked once. “She has not?”

Yazaro shook his head, his face pale. “What exactly is going on here?”

The silence that followed was suffocating. Cold.

Was it really chilly in here, or is it my insides making ice?Daemonikai’s feet remained pinned on the spot.

Zaiper seemed to realize what he'd done, stepping back slowly, lifting his hands to placate. “It seems I may have misunderstood. I'm not certain what is happening here, and that's my mistake.” His smile was strained. “But in any case, I will be taking the Oracle away now. If you will excuse me.”

The Oracle doubled over, shuddering and coughing aggressively.

Daemonikai forced his frozen limbs to move. In the space of a heartbeat, he was beside Vladya, his hand closing around the Oracle’s frail shoulders. Together, they guided her back to the dais, supporting her failing body.

There were so many things he wanted to say, so many questions he needed to ask, and so many truths he needed to hear from her. But only one thing mattered now.

Gripping her shoulders, Daemonikai held her upright as her weight sagged into his hands. He brought his face close to hers, locking eyes with that ancient gold, ringed in black, dimming fast.

“I need to hear you say it.” His furious voice shook as much as his hands. “Give me their names.”

“He is… responsible for everything…” the Oracle's face reflected a great physical pain no one could see. “The females in heat… disappearing.” A cough sprayed blood over Daemonikai’s hands. “The assassin… who tried to kill you… while you fought soul-sickness.” Another splatter of blood. “The current state… of your mind.”

Tears blurred Daemonikai’s vision as the Oracle fell into the crook of his arm.

Must hold back. Information first, breakdown later.He shook her. “His name, Oracle!”

Zaiper’s voice cracked across the hall. “Do not believe anything that—!”

“Silence!” Daemonikai roared, trying hard to suppress his pheromones. Even the slightest release would affect the dying female in his arms, and not in a good way. “His Name! Shout it for all to hear!”

“Grand Lord Zaiper!” The Oracle shouted, followed by a wailing cry of such excruciating pain, it would forever be etched in the minds of all who heard it. “He was the mastermind behind everything. Joined forces with—”

The coughing fit was even more aggressive. Turned unending.

The carved glyphs on her staff began to glow and sparkle. Then, at last, the Oracle’s eyes closed, and her body went limp.

The staff slipped from her fingers, clattering against the floor.

Daemonikai lowered her gently to the ground, laying her out respectfully. For a second, he remained kneeling beside her. Slowly, he rose to his feet, and, like everyone else, he turned to Zaiper.

It was him.

Not the humans.

Not my son.

Him.

Chapter twenty-nine

SECRETS TIGHTLY HIDDEN. SECRETS REVEALED.

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