Page 82 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“Bare your neck to me.”

A shudder rippled through Aekeira, her fear scent growing stronger, mingling with her natural fragrance. But she obeyed.

Tilting her head, she closed her eyes, breathing quick and shallow.

Daemonikai reached forward, drawing her closer. Lowering his head, he pressed his face to her throat and took a long, deep sniff.

There it was.Osmanthus and lily.

Faint, but undisputable.

“Most times, her male is the last to know, for his senses have long been conditioned to his female’s scent and no longer perceive when something has changed,” Daemonikai recited from memory. “Book of Fertility and Younglings, page twenty-four.”

“What is going on?” Vladya pulled Aekeira back to his chest, still wound with tension. “Why are you reciting random quotes?”

Daemonikai arched a brow. “Fear not, my mind is intact. For now,” he said casually, stepping back. “And it is hardly a random passage, given that your female is with child. You may want to summon a healer soon.”

Chapter eighteen

BLESSED IS…

"Youreturntoosoon,Second Ruler of the great Urai." The dark mage emerged from the shadows. "It usually takes centuries. To what do I owe this visit?"

Grand Lord Zaiper stood tall and tense in the dark cave. Beside him, Razarr remained silent.

"I need you to kill our Oracle," Zaiper said flatly.

The mage tilted his head. "The Oracle of Urai?"

Irritation flashed across Zaiper’s face. "Which other Oracle would I—Yes, the Oracle of Urai." Begging the gods for patience, he added, "I know it will be difficult, but I’m prepared for whatever price."

"Difficult, no. Impossible, yes."

"Nothing is impossible," Zaiper snarled.

"Ah, how living beings love to believe that. But therearethings that cannot be done. Killing one of the most powerful beings to have ever existed is one of them."

Restless, Zaiper started pacing. "Everything has a price."

"Calm yourself, Grand Lord Zaiper. I have never seen you so… troubled."

He halted abruptly, turning on the mage. "She knows. The Oracle."

"Oh." The mage’s tone remained calm. "So she wakes, then."

"Yes, she has. Over a month ago, and since then, I have not had a single night of peace. Not even a breath of ease." His fingers dug into his temples, trying to press away the ever-growing headache. "No rest. No calm."

"Why such distress?” The mage sounded unbothered. “Oracles do not interfere. They see, but they do not act—for to do so would alter the course of the future."

"This onesaid she would!" Seizing a loose stone, Zaiper hurled it across the cave. It clattered against the rough walls before rolling into silence, but his anger did not abate. "She looked me dead in the eyes and told me she would act if I did not come forward."

That was after she used that godsforsaken staff to brutalize me.

He swallowed back the words.Shameful enough without voicing it aloud.Just the memories of the incredible pain alone made him more enraged. The healing had been agonizing.

"Hmm." The mage’s response was still devoid of emotion. "Unfortunate."

Zaiper glared daggers at him.

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