Page 18 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Her moans shifted into a high-pitched, keening whine as her climax overtook her, tremors wracking her body,

Vladya had carefully timed her release before he came, so her pleasure would drown out the burn of his semen. He let go witha muffled groan, fucking into her one final time before he went still.

Spilling deep inside her, his grip on her hips going tight for a moment before they loosened.

“Oh gods…” she cried out. Her strength left her completely, and she slumped against him, resting her forehead on his shoulder.

His beast purred, satisfied.

Pulling his fangs from her neck, Vladya swiped the wound closed. Then, exhaustion hit him all at once, more intense than before.

“Tired,” he confessed.

“Me too.” She uncurved herself from his lap, standing on wobbly legs, adjusting her nightdress in a sluggish, clumsy way. “You need sleep. Lie down.”

Vladya sank back onto the bed with a heavy sigh, but not before grabbing her wrist, pulling her down with him. “Sleep beside me.”

She went willingly, lying beside him with her head resting on his chest.

***

Aekeira was exhausted.

Her mind was blissfully quiet for the first time in days, and she had a soft, contented smile.

Lord Vladya's arm was around her protectively, his breathing evening out in sleep. He looked so peaceful now, his earlier tension and pain gone.

She watched him with lazy eyes, already feeling the effects of the bloodfeeding. Tracing the strong line of his jaw, the scar that marred his cheek, the faint frown lines that hadn’t yet faded.

This powerful male who was hers had been through so much, and Aekeira was overjoyed knowing she had been able to soothe him tonight.

The stress, the anxiety, the panic of the past few weeks melted away as her eyelids grew heavy. Relaxing fully, she closed her eyes, and with his closeness surrounding her, she fell asleep.

Chapter four

MY GRAND KING.

Emerielstoodbeforethetall mirror, staring at her reflection as Amie fastened the buttons down the back of her gown.

The fabric was soft against her skin, designed in a simple yet elegant style that prioritized comfort over extravagance.

Behind her, the faint clinking of glass jars echoed as Madam Livia brewed her final potion of the morning.

Four days had passed since she fully woke up and most of Emeriel’s bruises had faded. Her face looked less pale, and the dark shadows under her eyes were fading too.

Though her left arm still ached from time to time, the swelling had gone down, and she could now use it without much trouble. She flexed her fingers absently, with caution.

“You look so beautiful, my princess.” Amie let out a wistful sigh, stepping back to admire her work.

“Thank you, Amie.”Beautifulwasn’t the word she’d use, but at least she looked better than she had in recent weeks. That was enough for now.

“Here.” Madam Livia came to her with a steaming wooden cup. “Drink this while it’s still hot, Princess.”

Emeriel took the cup, its bitter scent wafting up as she brought it to her lips. She drank it quickly, grimacing as the sharp taste hit her tongue and burned her throat.

“Sorry about the taste,” the older woman said with a grimace of her own. “But it’s for your own good. You have made remarkable progress, and I’m glad to see you doing better.”

Emeriel managed a small smile. “Thanks, Madam Livia.”

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