Page 23 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“I waited for you to come, but you didn’t.” Emeriel’s voice shook.

“How could I, after what I did to you?" He groaned. "I wanted to bury myself in my chambers and never step to the light again. I have so many regrets..."

His heart beat unsteadily against her palm.

"I should have ended the hunger strike long ago." Daemonikai continued, his voice cracking. "If I had fed from my bloodhost… I wouldn’t have almost drained you.”

She pulled back slightly to look up at him. “Don’t do that. Please, I beg of you.”

“If you decide to leave, I want you to know that I will always protect you as long as I live. I will ensure your safety from harm, make sure the human king keeps you safe. You will have the freedom to live your life as you choose, without the fear of being preyed upon. I swear to you.”

“While that is reassuring to hear, it is unnecessary. I’m not leaving.

Daemonikai’s eyes searched hers, a storm of guilt and disbelief swirling in them. “How are you still here, Emeriel? How are you real?”

Emeriel kissed his smooth cheek. "I am exactly where I wish to be."

"How could you wish to be in this hell, with this devil?"

Her eyes bored into his. "Hell may be here, but this devil is my angel."

His strong body shuddered, as his eyes drifted to her lips.

Staring at his smooth cheeks, a question came to mind. “Now that I think about it, I hardly ever see Urekai with big beards."

Daemonikai stopped. His mouth opened… closed… opened again.

"You know those wild, unruly forests, thick enough to lose a dagger in."

“How could you think about that at a time like this?” he asked incredulously.

“Sorry,” she said with a slight smile. “My mind tends to wander when the topic no longer interests me.”

He inhaled deeply. “You really aren’t going to get into that carriage, are you?"

She grinned. “I wonder what gave me away."

King Daemonikai swore. “You are a very stubborn and unusual female, you know that?”

Even with the exasperation, she heard it… hope. A frail hope.

He wasterrifiedshe would leave.

Oh, Daemon. You truly don’t understand the depth of what I feel for you, do you?

Every moment apart from you creates a hole in my heart, stuffed full with chilly pepper. I can’t breathe, I can’t function. How do you expect me to leave?

His throat worked tightly. “You are truly going to stay?”

“Yes, my grand king.” She brushed her fingers along the line of his jaw. “Yes, I will stay.”

“Thank you, Emeriel.” He buried his face against her throat, inhaling deeply. “I am deeply sorry. I will spend the rest of my existence making it up to you.”

Emeriel closed her eyes, biting back a soft sound, her body relaxing into him.

For the first time in days, she felt at peace.

Home, again.

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