Page 36 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

She looks the same as always.

Their kind did not physically age, but with the Oracle, it was different. One glance at her, and you could tell she was as ancient as time itself.

She leaned heavily on her wooden staff, hand trembling faintly as she gripped it, silvery-white hair falling nearly to her knees. Tangled yet somehow dignified, giving her an almost otherworldly elegance.

She wore layer upon layer of garments—so many that at first glance, she appeared bulky, but her face… now that was where the trick came in.

The Oracle of Urekai possessed one of the most beautiful faces Daemonikai had ever seen.

Her features were youthful, appearing no older than a human woman in her thirties. With eyes unlike any other. Black as the deepest void, they were streaked with veins of shimmering gold. Eyes that could see into the soul.

Many found it difficult to meet her gaze for long.

All four Grand Rulers waited at the entrance to formally welcome her. When she drew close, she bowed slightly, her voice scratchy and hoarse as she greeted them. “Great Rulers.”

In unison, they returned the bow. “Oracle.”

“It is an honor to see you again after so many centuries.” Daemonikai’s tone formal but warm. “How does it feel to be awake again?”

She tilted her head as if considering the question. “Like time has begun passing once more.”

Daemonikai nodded. “May we go inside?” He gestured to the Citadel’s interior.

The Oracle inclined her head and began to walk, the rulers falling in step behind her, matching her slow pace.

***

The court session was long and tiring, as Daemonikai had expected.

The day was spent formally reintroducing the Oracle to Urekai society. High Lords and council members were presented, each bowing deeply before her.

She was brought up to date on politics, rituals, and religious customs that had evolved during her centuries of slumber. The discussions dragged on, with a ceremony that was both tedious and weighty, but necessary.

When it came time for her to address the court, her words were brief, cryptic as ever. Yet every soul in the room listened carefully, hanging on every word.

By late evening, the formalities concluded.

As the rulers escorted her from the hall, she paused, turning toward Daemonikai. “I wish to speak with you in private, Your Grace, if you do not mind.”

Daemonikai dipped his head. “By all means.”

The grand rulers hesitated before departing, Zaiper walking away a little bit faster.

"Second Ruler?" The Oracle startled them all.

Zaiper stiffened, then, slowly, turned.

"Await me in your home. I will pay you a visit once I am finished here."

Zaiper did not like that. In fact, for a brief moment, he looked downrightscared.

Then he blinked and his expression closed up. "That is a shame, Oracle, for I have an important engagement later tonight," he said coolly. "I'm afraid I will not be available."

The Oracle merely watched him. Long. Unmoving.

It wasuncomfortable, to say the least.

"I shall pay you a visit. Expect me," she spoke with finality.

---