Page 33 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“What is wrong with His Majesty?” Ottai asked.

“I have no idea.”

“For days now, he’s been giving off this unapproachable air,” Ottai continued, concerned. Lowering his tone further, almost a whisper, he added, “Do you think… it has something to do with the return of his madness?”

Vladya stopped abruptly, turning to look at his worried companion. His eyes shifted back toward the square, where Daemonikai sat at his grand chair, scribbling something on a scroll.

The grand king’s posture was rigid, his focus intense.

“I’m not sure,” Vladya admitted finally.

"I worry there may be a rift between him and Emeriel," Ottai voiced out. "I'm worried that what happened in court may just be a front for the people, and that Emeriel never truly forgave him for that night."

"That is a possibility," Vladya conceded.

Ottai sighed. “And you? How is your plan with Princess Aekeira coming along?”

Vladya shook his head as he resumed walking. “I spent all day yesterday in the Royal Library going through every document,combing through anything I could find onSoul ReturnsandResurrection.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” Ottai nodded. “So, what did you find?”

“Nothing.”

Before Ottai could respond, the ground beneath them began totremble.

Subtle at first. A faint vibration that barely registered underfoot.

But it quickly grew in intensity… rumbling carrying through the festival grounds.

Dust stirred on the wind as nervous murmurs rippled through the people.

Ottai glanced around sharply. “What’s going on?”

People began stepping out of the square, their eyes lifting to the sky.

Above them, a strange red star had appeared. Brighter than any other, its light pulsing faintly like a living thing.

Ottai gasped, freezing. “Is that...?”

Vladya couldn’t help it, his lips curved into a broad smile of disbelief as he stared at the glowing star.

“The Oracle is waking,” Vladya breathed.

The tremors grew, whispers turning to shouts as people pointed skyward, their voices filled with wonder and fear.

“She is waking,” Vladya repeated, his heart thudding. “Finally. Thank the sky and the sea.”

The soldiers were already moving the people, the festival ending earlier than anyone had expected. Voices carried across the grounds as families gathered their belongings while the guards directed them toward safety.

Daemonikai had stepped out of the arena as well, staring at the sky, his face softening. Vladya approached him, Ottai following closely behind, both of them glancing upward.

“Is that really what it looks like?” Ottai asked in disbelief.

The grand king nodded once. “It is.” He looked at Vladya. “She may have an answer for you. An answer on how you can get your soul back.”

“She may.” Vladya couldn’t believe the happiness he felt. Suddenly, his future looked even brighter than it had when he woke up this morning. “I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but...”

“Hey! This is good,” Ottai clapped a firm hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to get your hopes up.”

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