Page 196 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“At sixty-eight? You’re quite young. If youdohave dormant Syren traits, and you bond with your mate—your body will begin aging backward. In a few years, you’ll return to your youth.”

“I heard about that.” Her cheeks warmed. “I’ll be happy with whichever the gods choose to bless me with—human, Urekai, or any other species. And if I don’t receive that gift… I’ll still be okay. I’ve lived this way for so long. It’s what I know, so I’ll be fine.”

Daemonikai watched her disappear around the corridor before turning into his chamber and quietly closing the door behind him.

His female stirred.

He walked soundlessly to her, careful as ever, lifting their son from her arms. The little one murmured softly but didn’t wake. As Daemonikai gently laid Daesovxscar onto the bed, Emeriel stirred again, her lashes fluttering.

He’d noticed this pattern—a habit she’d developed. No matter how softly he lifted the child, her body always sensed the absence. It was sweet, this bond of hers, but it also saddened him. She needed rest more than anything.

“Daemon?” she murmured, rubbing one eye. “You’ve returned.”

“I have.” His voice was soft. “Come, prettiest star. Lie down with me.”

He stood, extending his hand. She moved toward him—intohim—sliding her arms around his neck, pulling him down until his cheek rested against her shoulder.

Just like that, the tension in him dissolved, and he relaxed into her hold. She always knew.

She knew how hard it had been for him to face Zaiper again. Choosing to step into that cell, confronting the one who’d caused the darkest years of his life, to askwhy.

He knew what Zaiper would say, yet he wanted to hear him say it anyway. And he had confirmed it.All for the throne.Every betrayal, manipulation, and dark magic exchange… every life taken, all in the name of greed and blind ambition.

And I had been blind to it.Ignoring the signs, dismissing the undercurrents, undermining how far one is willing to go for power.

Never again.

“Punish him however you see fit,” Emeriel's voice was a whisper in the silence. “He deserves everything he gets and more.”

“Oh, that much I know.” Daemonikai nuzzled her neck, breathing her in. “I have big plans for him, but I’ll spare you the details. His name isn’t worth stirring the sand beneath your feet—let alone your ears.”

He slipped his arms beneath her, lifting her effortlessly, her legs curving around his waist without hesitation. He carried her to the couch, sat, and held her there, body pressed to his chest, her heartbeat slow and steady against his own.

“Sleep, young princess,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”

“But Hera…”

“Can wait. You’re tired.” He patted her back, keeping his voice soft enough to induce sleep… even as he added the slightest hint of command. “Close your eyes and sleep for me, Riel.”

“Okay,” she breathed, already drifting.

He buried his nose in the crook of her neck, one arm wrapped around her waist, drinking in her scent. Surrounding himself withher. It soothed him, always had.

This was his sanctuary, his victory. Not the throne. Not the war won. Not the kingdom saved.Her.

Even as her breathing deepened and her body went lax in his hold, he stayed like that, unmoving.

Holding her.

For a long, long time.

***

Three Weeks Later

“By the power vested in me as Grand King of this court, and in the presence of these witnesses, I hereby declare all Bonds of Human Enslavement broken. From this day forward, you are no longer the property of Urekai but allies. Free people under the protection and respect of this kingdom.”

The court was overflowing. Humans filled every space, trailing from the dais down the carpeted aisle, pouring out the doors, and spilling into the hallway beyond. Every human in Urai was present.

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