Page 2 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

A series of savage, powerful strikes shattered the locks one after the other.

The metal clattered to the floor, and with a single heave, he threw the gates open and stepped out into the corridor.

It was deserted.

The emptiness disturbed him. Making his way down the narrow halls, he saw no faces. No patrols, no servants, no chatter.

Where are the soldiers?

Only when he emerged into the heart of Frostfall, did he finally catch movement.

Townsfolk saw him andscattered.

Their greetings were rushed and nervous, their gazes darting to the ground as they scrambled out of his way.

He was accustomed to their reverence, their fear. Yet, something seemed different.

Some of his people looked relieved to see him. Others looked terrified.

Before he could dwell on it, a familiar voice broke through.

“Your Grace! You’re awake!”

Turning, he saw Wegai hurrying toward him. His head guard’s face unusually flushed, looked surprised.

“Of course I’m awake.” Daemonikai’s tone was light but touched with irritation as he resumed walking, heading toward his Emeriel’s chambers. “Were you hoping I wouldn’t be?”

“Never, Your Majesty.” Wegai fell into step behind him.

Daemonikai stopped before his Beloved’s chamber door, knocking once before pushing it open.

His eyes swept the empty room. “She’s not here? Is she in the garden?”

Wegai hesitated. “You… don’t remember?”

“Remember what?” Closing the door, he turned to face Wegai fully. “What happened? I can’t recall much of yesterday—just training the recruits.”

“Yesterday?” Wegai looked surprised and… pained?He lowered his eyes. “That was three days ago, Your Grace.”

Daemonikai stared.He must have misheard.

So, he waited, expecting Wegai to crack a smile. Or apologize for his poorly timed joke.

But the head guard’s face remained somber.

“What the hell are you saying?” Daemonikai growled.

Wegai bowed his head low. “I believe Grand Lord Vladya would be in a better position to explain, My King.”

A cold weight settled in his chest, dread pooling deep inside him.

Without another word, Daemonikai spun on his heel and headed to Blackstone.

By the time he reached the western wing, he was truly feelinghighlyuneasy.

***

Vladya had just stepped out of his door when he caught sight of Daemonikai approaching… and froze.

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