Page 189 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“I’m going to spoil him rotten,” Vladya declared.

A mix between a laugh and a scoff tore from Daemonikai’s throat. “You willnot.That’s your heir. You donotspoil heirs.”

Vladya grinned sideways. “But the second one?”

Daemonikai chuckled. “All bets are off.”

“Like you did with Myka and Alvin?” Vladya said absently—then stiffened. The words registered. He stilled. “I… Daemonikai, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s alright,” Daemonikai said softly, the smile never leaving his face. “They’re not forbidden memories, Vladya. Myka, Alvin, Evie—they were my family. They are gone, yes. But I carry them in my heart every day. I will always remember them. That’s what she” —he looked toward Emeriel— “helped me understand. And I’ll forever be grateful.”

Vladya nodded slowly. “You’re truly in a better place now.”

“I am. And you are too.”

“I feel like my chest can’t contain it all. My heart’s so full it might just burst.”

Daemonikai glanced at him, thoughtful. “Then perhaps… it’s time. Go back to the mountains. Ask the Oracle to attempt the final ritual again. This might be the best time for it.”

“I’ll do just that,” Vladya said. “First thing in the morning. I’m ready now.”

Daemonikai winced, something sharp twisting in his chest, so sudden and deep it felt like an invisible fist had plunged into his ribs and yanked.

He hissed, doubling slightly.

Vladya jolted. “Daemonikai? What is it? What just happened?”

“My blood bond.” Daemonikai rubbed his chest through the prolonged discomfort. “It broke.”

Vladya lowered his gaze to the infant cradled in his arms. “She’s dead, then.” A pause. “I wonder what happened.”

Sinai is gone.

As the ache faded, replaced by an unfamiliar emptiness where the bond once pulsed steadily within him, Daemonikai absorbed the truth.

Too bad.I wanted to do it myself.

Rip the blackened heart from her chest and feed it back to her.

At least, that had been… until she betrayed Zaiper and sent the message that ultimately helped bring about his downfall.

But as he rubbed at his chest, he felt a strange sense of fulfillment. Satisfaction, even. Justice. And yet… an unexpected gloom.

He had shared a blood bond with Sinai for over two thousand years. Drunk from her. Been nourished by her. As much as bitterness and betrayal had torn them apart, they had once been close as a master and bloodhost. And now… she was simply gone. Her chapter closed forever.

“Don’t let the bond fool you into false sentiment,” Vladya said, his tone firm. “She had a hand in some of the most despicable crimes of our time. She got what she deserved.”

“You’re right,” Daemonikai stated.

The door swung open.

Ottai rushed in with such urgency both males rose instinctively.

“Is everything—” Daemonikai began.

Ottai barreled straight into him, throwing his arms around him tightly. He kept his back hunched, careful not to press against the child in Daemonikai’s arms.

“Careful, you oaf!” Vladya snapped, quickly taking the infant from Daemonikai’s arms with all the gentleness of a father.

---