Page 54 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

Aekeira had rolled off the other side, more pained cries filling the room.

With a resigned sigh, Livia reached between Emeriel’s legs again. "Shh, little one, it will be alright." Inserting her fingers again, this time seeking the Syren gland, she pressed firmly.

Choked moans spilled as the tension in Emeriel’s muscles started to dissolve. Her limbs loosening, her toes unfurling.

"Yes… yes, thank you," she spewed the whimpers of relief, moving her hips, seeking Livia’s fingers.

Pressing harder against the swollen gland, Livia released the pent-up liquid, the pressure. Emeriel shuddered, thrashing so hard her arm caught Amie in the eye.

The girl cried out, instinctively letting go to clutch her face, which only made things worse. Now free, Emeriel’s arms flailed wildly, striking Livia on the cheek and Amie on the shoulder.

"Amie!" Livia snapped.

"Sorry, Madame!" Wincing, she quickly grabbed hold of Emeriel again, restraining her.

Resuming her work, Livia ruthlessly massaged that demanding, hungry gland until Emeriel’s body convulsed with another release. Her eyelids fluttered wildly before she finally went limp, collapsing into Amie's arms.

"We did it," Amie panted, releasing her grip and wiping sweat from her brow.

Livia exhaled, steadying herself. Rising, she patted Amie’s shoulder. "You did well."

The girl beamed at the praise.

Crossing the room to where Aekeira lay crumpled on the floor, they looked at her.

The cries coming from her were small and pitiful, body shaking uncontrollably. Near her, a dark stain marred the floor where she had retched. The girl had gone into a heatstroke.

"Oh... poor Princess Aekeira," Amie said with sorrow. "I wish we could help her too."

"We cannot." The regret in Livia’s voice was heavy. "She is in full heat, her body will reject any touch but Lord Vladya’s."

She crouched beside the trembling princess, voice gentle. "Little one, can you hear me?"

Aekeira barely stirred.

Livia reached out, brushing the lightest touch against her leg.

Aekeira flinched violently, letting out a sharp whine of pain as she recoiled from the contact.

Livia shook her head. "We can do nothing for her."

The door swung open and Lord Ottai stepped in, looking tense.

"How are things in here?" His gaze fell to Emeriel’s motionless form on the floor. "I stopped hearing her voice. Is she alright?"

Livia nodded. "For now, she is stable. Lost consciousness after a strong release.” Livia lifted her chin to the door. “And out there?"

"Not pretty." Lord Ottai rubbed a hand over his face. "Everyone except the bonded males have been affected by their scent—including my own head guard, who was supposed to help me hold the others back. Now, I rely on my bonded soldiers, but they are few."

"Do you think Lord Vladya and the King are near? Aekeira has gone into heatstroke. Emeriel’s mini-heat is far worse than her previous ones. I am concerned."

Ottai’s jaw tautened, saying nothing.

At last, he released a quiet, weary sigh. "What I do know is, wherever they are... they must be doing everything within their power to get here. That's what I count on."

***

Voices drifted through the haze of Emeriel’s mind as she stirred.

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