Page 39 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“Now you are not so sure anymore?”

He shook his head. “Something happened... I lost control and almost killed her.” He did not bother to hide the shame that came with those words. “My mind is not as healed as I thought it was. And because of that, she was in grave danger trying to save me.Again.”

“Ah,” the Oracle murmured. “Your re-deteriorating mind? I know everything about it.”

His head snapped toward her. “Youknowabout it? What happened? What can be done? What can you tell me?”

Chapter nine

THE ORACLE’S VISIT

GrandKingDaemonikaistoppedhimself, studying the Oracle’s expression. The regret in her eyes was answer enough.

“Let me guess. Youcannottell me.”

The Oracle’s grip tightened on her staff. “I’m afraid this is something you must figure out on your own, Great Grand King.”

Daemonikai’s lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration showing, the last shred of hope slipping from his grasp.

Ahead, Emeriel grabbed Aekeira from behind, catching her off guard, sending her basket flying, its contents scattering across the grass.

Aekeira let out a startled yelp that quickly melted into full-blown laughter, accompanied by a fit of giggles.

“They are always so happy,” he murmured. “As if they have never lived a nightmare.”

The Oracle followed his gaze. “Their light shines so brightly, I doubt it could ever be extinguished. Princess Emeriel is much more than just a Syren,Soulbond, and Grand Queen. She hasdormantpowers.”

His brow furrowed. “Powers?”

“More like a gift,” she clarified. “She wascreatedwith them—tied to your bond with her. They were supposed to awaken when the two of you finally, wholeheartedly come together to give your bond a chance. Only now, your bond is...”

Powers? What kind of gift?Questions flooded his mind.

The Oracle turned, beginning to walk again, and Daemonikai fell into step beside her.

“I may not be able to tell you much about your condition, but Icantell you this—keep that princess as close to you as possible. And keep fighting for what you have.” She glanced at him. “Who knows? You may triumph in the end.”

By the time they reached the meadows, the daylight had reduced drastically. The wind softer here, carried the scent of blooming flowers.

Daemonikai broke the silence. “Can Vladya recover his soul without the use of black magic?”

The Oracle’s expression grew somber. “Our kind is powerful. Many things are possible—ifone is willing to lose something of great value in return. It is either dark magic or magical artifacts.”

Daemonikai’s heart sank.

“This will crush Vladya. He was so hopeful…”

The Oracle wavered. “Thereisa ritual I can attempt.”

“Really?” Daemonikai’s gloom vanished. “That would be—”

“The success rate is really low. Perhapstwenty percent,” she interrupted firmly.

“If there is a success rate, then it’s a chance worth taking,” Daemonikai said. “You were the one who told me to have a little faith, were you not? I’m sure Vladya would not hesitate. He’s come so far, and he’s finally happy again. I hope what he has with Emeriel's sister lasts. If he can get his soul back, that’s one less thing to worry about.”

“Hmm.”

Daemonikai’s gaze darkened. “I still cannot believe he performedHav’zie de Baahthat night. Nor can I believe the godstookbut gave nothing back. His bondmate stilldied.”

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