Page 45 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Daemonikai’s gaze lingered long after Emeriel was gone. She was just so precious.

Her gesture warmed him inside. Waking up so early to prepare everything, to help him get ready for the day was really kind and thoughtful of her... just as everything else.

He had known love before. Had built a family, lost one, and endured the weight of time, but somehow, with her, it all felt new again. As if he were rediscovering something long buried beneath the centuries. He had never felt so wholly seen, so deeply cared for.

She made himfeelagain.

Times like these, when his heart raced at the mere thought of her, he felt young again. Not the ancient Grand King who had walked the world for five thousand two hundred years, but a youngling experiencing the first flush of love.

If it felt like this now, he could hardly imagine what it would be like when their bond was fully restored.

And it would be restored.

Daemonikai refused to believe otherwise.

Straightening his cuffs, he heard footsteps approaching and glanced up, expecting Emeriel. Instead, Vladya entered, clad in his ceremonial robes.

“I’m going with you to the Celestial Offering.”

Daemonikai arched a brow. “Are you going for the Offering, or do you simply wish to see the Oracle?”

“Does it matter?” Vladya shrugged. “Your clan is traveling to the mountains, and I wish to pray as well. We go together.”

Daemonikai crossed his arms. “The Oracle specifically told you to wait for a sign.”

Vladya completed the first step of the ritual, three days ago. The Oracle had been clear. He was to wait for a sign that would determine whether he could proceed with the second rite. But if none came, he was to pay her a visit next week.

“I’m tired of waiting,” Vladya grunted. “At this point, I cannot tell if I have already received the sign or not. When one wants something so badly,everythinglooks like a sign.”

Daemonikai sighed. “You know our return is tomorrow, don’t you? That means we’ll be leaving the kingdom in Ottai’s hands.”

“His capable hands. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“True,” Daemonikai conceded. “Fine. Get your ride ready. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Vladya gave a curt nod before turning on his heel and striding out of the room.

***

"Why do you keep looking behind you, as if you expect Lord Vladya to appear out of thin air?" Emeriel's lips curled into a playful smile as she watched Aekeira glance over her shoulder for what felt like the hundredth time.

Aekeira caught herself, blushing.

"It’s not like that...” she muttered, avoiding her sister’s gaze.

Emeriel pursed her lips. "At least have the decency to admit you miss him. Honestly, you’re pathetic—it hasn’t even been four hours since they left."

“As ifyoudon’t miss the Grand King,” she retorted, shooting Emeriel a glare.

"I do." Emeriel's chin lifted proudly. “If I had the capacity, I might have tied him to the bed so he’d never have to leave again.”

Her sister giggled. "You’re shameless, Em."

"I know." She laughed too.

But after that, Aekeira fell silent again, her gaze distant as they continued their walk to the market to shop for curtains.

Emeriel tried to engage her in conversation, but the more she spoke, the more she realized how distracted Aekeira seemed. In fact, now that Emeriel thought about it, her sister had been unusually quiet and pale since they’d set out.

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