Page 178 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Zaiper’s breath jammed. “Excellent. Now I can prepare accordingly.”

“Prepare with what army, Zaiper?” he said.

“Vampires,” Zapier said with delight. “Oh, I have so many plans. I will bring them all to their knees.”

Sinai tried to stay awake, but her body was shutting down again. The drugs still clung to her blood like mist. Her eyelids fell, heavier than stone.

As her head tipped forward and darkness closed in again, one final thought drifted through her mind.

He’ll pay for this. I’ll make sure of it.

***

The royal carriages rolled to a halt.

Soldiers dismounted fast, forming a protective circle around the lead carriage as its door swung open. Grand King Daemonikai stepped out first, his presence commanding immediate attention from the gathered crowd. A heartbeat later, he extended his hand inside.

Emeriel placed her palm in his, and he helped her down with the utmost care.

Cheers broke out around them. The villagers stood at a respectful distance, cordoned off by guards, but their joy was unmistakable—smiles wide, voices raised in praise, hands waving from behind barricades.

They had traveled to a small, rustic village in Urai, where the Oracle was receiving treatment. Word had arrived the night before, the Oracle had begun to self-heal. One of her shattered bones had mended during the night.

When Daemonikai received the news, he had ordered the bell tower rung at dawn. The people had gathered in the village square, desperate for good news, and he had given it to them.

The cheers now were not just for him—but for hope.

Emeriel blinked rapidly against the emotion welling in her chest. She had feared, as many had, that the Oracle would never rise again. That her life would be taken by the sacrifice she made to reveal Zaiper’s treason. But now, here they were. And there was joy in the land, yet again.

Behind her, Grand Lord Vladya helped Aekeira down from the second carriage. Grand Lord Ottai followed, assisting his own bondmate. Together, the rulers and their consorts turned to face the crowd.

The cheering rose to a roar. Flower petals fluttered through the air, cast like blessings. Many of them were thrown at Emeriel and Aekeira.

Emeriel felt emotional.When did this become our life?

Daemonikai’s arm slipped around her waist as they turned toward the sanctuary. Inside, the haven was small but beautifully kept—modest and warm, clearly prepared with respect.

The Oracle lay at one side of the room, propped slightly, a nest of pillows supporting her fragile body. Her eyelids fluttered open as they entered.

She looked… old.

Still broken in many places, her bones not yet whole, her skin pale and drawn. But her eyes, those ageless, soul-deep eyes, still held the glint of divinity.

“Everyone else leave,” Daemonikai commanded.

The soldiers and shamans bowed and filed out. The door shut behind them, sealing the space to only the Grand Rulers and their bondmates.

“The great… rulers… of our… time,” came the Oracle’s weak but audible voice.

They all bowed their heads in respect.

“About the eclipse moon night, I—” A wracking cough stole her words, and she clutched her chest.

“Say no more, Oracle,” Daemonikai spoke up. “You’ve already given more than any of us could ask. What you did… will never be forgotten. We might’ve caught Zaiper eventually for his recent crimes, but not forthatone. The crime he committed againstallour people. We would have never known. You gave us the truth, and for that, I owe you everything. We all do. Do not speak. Do not strain yourself. Simply rest. That is all we ask now.”

There were murmurs of agreement from the others.

The Oracle’s lips curved, just faintly. “Thank you… Great Grand King.” Then her gaze shifted. Slow. Intent. Toward Emeriel and Aekeira. “Blessed princesses…” Her hand trembled as she lifted it, just slightly, then let it fall. “Come.”

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