Page 50 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Half-shifted, he looked at her through gleaming yellow eyes.

She looked deathly pale, her already white skin taking on a near-translucent hue. Her frail hands trembled as they gripped her staff.

"You two… be careful," she said in a weak tone. "I cannot see what lies ahead—not clearly. But I pray you make it in time. If not…" She shook her head. "Even if instinct takes hold, even if the rut consumes you—keep your wits about you. This cycle… they need you more than ever."

Vladya and Daemonikai exchanged a grim look before nodding.

"May the gods be with you."

Another nod. Then both shifted fully and took off, their beast forms vanishing from sight.

***

Night had fallen, darkness settling over the Citadel.

Lord Ottai had moved Aekeira from her chambers to Vladya’s quarters to better protect her.

Her scent had grown stronger.Far too strong.

Every Urekai male who caught a whiff of it wanted her.

Emeriel paced by the bedside, her eyes never leaving her sister. Aekeira had fallen into a fitful sleep hours ago, but she tossed and turned restlessly, crying out and gripping her stomach.

Madam Livia, Amie, and Lord Ottai remained close, each doing their part to maintain order.

Outside the door, Lord Ottai stationed soldiers at every key position to keep intruders away.

"You need to sit and rest, Emeriel," Madam Livia urged for the umpteenth time.

Emeriel, too exhausted to argue, merely ignored her. She scratched at her raw arms, worried to death.

Will Lord Vladya return in time?

She had already seen the signs. The moment Aekeira woke this time, the waves would come.

And if he was not here when they did…

Shaking away the thought, Emeriel moved to the tub of water, splashing her face. The relief was fleeting. Every inch of her burned. Had been burning for some time now.

"Here, let me help you with that."

Madam Livia cupped the cool water, pouring it over Emeriel’s face, again and again.

It was a bit more calming. She closed her eyes, the water running down her cheeks.

"That is enough, thank you. But I need to—" Emeriel clutched her burning stomach, wincing. "I need to make sure Aekeira is getting enough air and—"

"Stop for a moment, will you?" Madam Livia took her hand, guiding her to a nearby chair, pressing her down into it, and handing her a cup of water. "Drink."

Emeriel hesitated but obeyed, the cool liquid not quenching the fires raging inside her.

"There. That is better." Taking the cup from her, Madam Livia studied her closely. "How do you feel?"

Emeriel’s hands balled into fists in her lap. Finally, she managed to breathe out through a ball of fear. "I know I am going into heat, Madam Livia."

Staring off into space, she did not bother to hide the terror on her face.

"I mean how could I not know? Just look at me." She lifted her arms for the head maid to see her raw and red skin, streaked with thin lines of blood.

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