Page 85 of The Demon King's Destiny

“This, thank the Goddess, has ceased to be the case. Since Nora left Gwydion, there’s been no draining.”

Marrok lowered his fork. “Edward’s youngest was the cause?”

“So it seems.”

“Then whateffect is she having in Burghard? Their forests have been slowly dying for years. She could put a strain on it, if she was pulling power from it.”

“Quite the opposite, it seems. Kellan reported, since their mating, the forest has started to heal.”

Marrok held very still, digesting more than just his meal. “You’re saying both Gwydion and Burghard are on the mend.”

“Yes.”

Marrok wiped his mouth, his attention returning to his plate.“And what of Prajna?”

“Viktor found his sieva.”

Marrok’s eyes snapped to Theron’s. Hisknee bounced, renewed energies coursing through his limbs. There had been no newly mated pairs in Prajna in a century. This had been the vampire’s struggle. No mated pairs and no live births.

The tide had turned for three of the four factions. It all started with Kellan finding Nora, his true mate. Then, for PrajnawithViktor finding his true mate.

Marrok poured himself a glass of wine and took a huge gulp. He, too, had found his true mate. Lately, there had been fewer rogues, as well as a multitude of saatus matches. They still had challenges, but did meeting Evelyn change the fortune of his people?

“Aren’t you going to ask me who Viktor’s mate is?” Theron smirked.

“Does it matter?”

“I’d say it matters greatly, considering our continent’s history.”

“Who is it?” Marrok asked, a twinging sensation prickling his neck.

“Eden, Evelyn’s sister, is Viktor’s sieva.”

Marrok sat back, stunned. His dinner suddenly felt like a brick sitting in his gut. He knew what Theron was hinting at, why it mattered greatly.

Nora on the Northland throne, an attempt already made on her life. Eden on the Eastland throne. Evelyn … his saatus on the Southland throne. An elemental in power in every kingdom.

Assuming Melena really did transfer her mark to Bogdan and Sephtis Kenelm was active, they would be out for all three of Edward’s children, possibly Edward himself.

“You know Evelyn is my mate, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“Is Edward here? I assumed he would come to you, possibly seeking help in protecting his daughters.”

“He did come here to search the prophecies for clues. Something important came up and he rode to Burghard last week.”

His demon spirit howled. It wanted its saatus. Hell, Marrokwanted her. Burghard was not safe, not with someone poisoning the king’s mate. Marrok needed to see Evelyn immediately, see for himself she was unharmed.

“Where is Evelyn?” his voice dropped an octave, proof of his chaotic emotions.

“We’ll get to that in a moment.”

“Tell me where she is!” his fist pounded on the table, making the dishes jump.

“I’m right here,” the sultry voice announced from behind him.

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