Page 141 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Herod heard the firm clap of a hand against his son’s back, followed by the retreat of the King’s footsteps.

Moments later, the door burst open, Dale striding in with a flushed face. “You really will get yourself killed one of these days, Father,” he hissed. “But never mind. The Grand King has given me permission to train you into a better version of yourself.” He jabbed a thumb toward his own chest. “So now, you listen tomyinstructions.”

Herod quirked a brow. “I will, wouldn’t I?”

Together, they stared at the door Daemonikai had passed through.

“Damn,” Dale muttered finally, awed. “He’s even cooler in person.”

Herod chuckled under his breath. “That, son, is something we can agree on.”

***

There was laughter.

A serene lake.

Gentle breeze stirred the grass along the shore.

A male lay beside the water, a female at his side, their faces veiled in shadow. Voices drifted on the air, soft and indistinct at first. Then it cleared a little.

“My dearest lord,” the female said in a beautiful voice, soft as the breeze itself and full of affection.

The male drew her close. “My dearest lady,”

They held each other for a long moment.

“I wish to ask a favor,” she said. “But promise me you won’t be angry.”

“I can’t promise that. I must first hear what it is.”

The female sighed, a sound woven with both bliss and regret. “Very well. You know I love you.”

He sat up, facing her. “Now you have me worried. Yes, I know that. Now ask.”

She hesitated. “Promise me that if our bonding ritual fails… you will not fall apart.”

He shook his head slowly. “I cannot promise that Tiara.”

Aekeira’s eyes flew open. Breathing loudly, heaving, she could not catch her breath.

The door opened a second later. “Aekeira?” Lord Vladya filled the doorway with his broad shoulders and sharp, concerned eyes. “Are you well?”

“I’m fine.” She dragged in another breath, forcing herself upright. “It’s nothing… just a dream.” Rubbing at her face, she drew a shaky hand through her hair. “You were awake again, weren’t you? That’s why you’re tuned in on me.”

A faint shrug was his only reply. She could see the exhaustion shadowing his eyes, and it hurt her.

He was worn thin. Ever since the truth had come out about Lord Zaiper—about what he had done—Vladya’s nights had blended into his days.

He rarely slept. He rarely rested. His entire focus had narrowed to one goal: finding and bringing Lord Zaiper to justice.

Aekeira gravely worried about the toil it was taking on him.

“Here.” She patted the space beside her. “Come lie with me. Please.”

“I still have work to finish in the study. You need your sleep.”

“You can finish tomorrow.” Her other hand moved to rest lightly on her stomach, where their unborn child stirred. “Tonight, come lie with me. With us. Our little one is restless, and he needs his father.”

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