Chapter 166

Daemonikai’s head snapped up. “What do you know?”

“She works here in Blackstone. I know where to find her,” the stoic soldier said quietly.

“A maid?”

Yaz shook his head, hesitating. “A slave. Human.”

The air between them stilled. They were standing in the open, but the silence was so thick a pin drop would have echoed. “Say what now?”

“Yes, Your Grace. She’s a newly acquired slave,” Yaz explained. “Barely a year ago. Lord Vladya and Lord Ottai traveled to the human kingdom to acquire her and her brother to serve your beast.”

That wasn’t news; Ottai had told him of the journey. What was unexpected were the implications. The idea that Vladya, emotionally detached and always in control, was drawn to a human girl, enough for his severed beast to fixate on her, was staggering.

He glanced at Yaz. “Bring this girl to me.”

Yaz bowed and turned. Just as he vanished, Ottai rounded the corner.

“Your Grace. I was at Frostfall, only to be informed you were here. There are matters I wish to discuss—” Ottai cut off, his attention snapping to the low, rumbling growl from the chamber. Worry crossed his face as he moved closer, his eyes meeting Daemonikai’s. “How is he?”

“You knew.” Daemonikai’s voice was flat, accusatory.

Guilt flashed across Ottai’s face. He stopped before Daemonikai, his broad shoulders drooping. “It’s been happening for a while now. I try my best to help, but…” He shook his head. “You know how stubborn Vlad can be.”

“Still, you should have said something, Ottai,” he said, disappointment lacing his words.

“I know.” Ottai hung his head. “I apologize, Your Grace.”

They stood at the door, watching Vladya through a crack. He was prowling restlessly, snarling and snapping at nothing.

Ottai turned pale. “Do you think he’s stuck in a half-shift?”

Daemonikai observed Vladya, his keen eyes studying every tremor. “I think he is too agitated to revert.”

Daemonikai wasn’t entirely certain, but it had to be; the alternative was unthinkable.

Aekeira

All day, the air in Blackstone was thick with fear, rumors darting through the corridors like arrows. Whispers of their ruler’s descent into madness stirred collective dread. Tales of his abrupt disappearances, unpredictable actions, and today’s isolation terrified the people. Murmurs that had once been mere shadows of suspicion had solidified into a clear truth: their ruler was going feral.

The fortress buzzed with melancholy all day. Aekeira freshened up, staring at her reflection, trying to shake the dread and anxiety. How is he? Is he alright?

She sighed, combing her tangled hair. Her mind wandered to Em. Perhaps she could check on her, bring her back from Lord Herod’s estate if the pain of heat recovery had eased. At least that was within her control.

“Aekeira, are you in there?” a soldier’s voice shattered the quiet.

She stilled. Was it Yaz? “Yes, soldier.”

“The grand king summons you to Blackstone’s royal residence.”

Her heart lurched. The Grand King? Why? King Daemonikai had never summoned her before, and she much preferred it that way.

Was it about Em? The thought sent a fresh wave of panic through her.

Following Yaz, Aekeira’s heart thudded wildly with every step. Her nerves went into overdrive. At their destination, she barely registered Yaz’s announcement or his departure. Her eyes were fixed on the floor, but she noticed the heavy black robes signifying the presence of two grand rulers.

“Look at me, human.”

The command wasn’t harsh, but the deep voice held undeniable authority that forced Aekeira’s head up.

“Y-Your Grace.” So close, Aekeira was struck by his sheer size and presence. He was more imposing than she’d thought. Tall, broad, and intimidating. How did Em do it?

“So, you are Aekeira.” His emerald eyes scrutinized her, sharp and assessing.

Aekeira’s fingers dug into her knuckles. “Yes, your Grace.”

“You look incredibly familiar.” A frown creased his brow. “We have not met before, but you look like a girl I know.”

Heavens, please, no. Aekeira’s stomach twisted, fear shooting through her like a thunderstorm. Don’t mention Em, don’t mention her…

“Her name is Galilea,” King Daemonikai continued contemplatively. “Betrothed to one of my high lords. A princess, just like you.”

Aekeira was tongue-tied.

Lord Ottai tilted his head slightly. “I don’t know Lord Herod’s betrothed personally,” he said, observing her curiously. “But I’m surprised. She bears quite the resemblance to her brother, Eneriel.”

“Mmm, that too.” The grand king cocked his head, his gaze sharp. “Is the boy with no scent your brother?”

“Y-yes, your Grace. Oh god, oh god, oh god.”

“With no scent?” Lord Ottai scoffed. “Emeriel has a scent, alright. One your beast greatly favored, if I recall.”

Aekeira was shaking. Her throat constricted, words trapped behind terror. She gripped her garment so tightly her knuckles whitened.

King Daemonikai blinked slowly. “What?”

“The boy’s scent used to get to you in beast form. We had him serving you specifically because of that.” Lord Ottai frowned. “Maybe he’s on suppressants.”

“Why would that be?” The Grand King’s frown deepened. “How would a human slave get their hands on scent suppressants?”

“Maybe—” Lord Ottai began.

“Let the girl answer, Ottai.” King Daemonikai’s penetrating gaze shifted back to Aekeira. “Tell me, Aekeira, how did your brother get his hands on suppressants?”

Aekeira feared her ribs would crack. Was this how Em felt confronted by Lord Vladya? How had she survived? Had her bladder threatened to betray her, just as mine is now?

“Speak.” King Daemonikai’s voice cut through her thoughts like a blade. “Do not dare to deceive me, or you shall face the executioner’s blade.”

“You seem on the verge of collapse,” Lord Ottai said gently. “Fear not. Simply speak the truth, and all shall be well.”

“Lord V-Vladya. He… uhm… he placed Em on s-suppressants.” The words tumbled out.