Chapter 188
He took a deep breath, trying to release the tightness in his chest. “Ackeira deserves to be with her sister. I can’t keep her here when there’s nothing for her.”
“Since everything with Gali-Emeriel came to light, it’s got me thinking,” his friend said, moving closer, green eyes searching Vladya’s face. “Have you considered that Ackeira might be your lost soul? Perhaps your soul doesn't recognize her, preventing the trigger for her Syren traits. Have you ever thought of that?”
A bitter smile twisted Vladya’s lips. “I have.”
“And?”
“And it’s just wishful thinking. Nonsensical assumptions,” he deadpanned. “What are the chances of two Soulbonds appearing simultaneously, when there hasn’t been one in millennia? Two sisters for two best friends?” Vladya chuckled hollowly. “None, Daemon. Absolutely none.”
Daemonikai looked away, his expression hardening. “She might still be a compatible soul. A bondmate…”
“I’ve gone through countless failed bondings,” Vladya said. “Each time, I was sure the female was mine. I loved them, cherished them; my beast adored some. Yet, they all failed. With Ackeira… it’s different. It’s not cheesy or fluffy like the others. It’s dark, all-consuming.”
“I do not understand.”
“I want to possess her,” Vladya’s eyes darkened. “I want to kill any male who has ever seen her smile, Urekai or human, and only me. To confine her to my room, existing solely for me. To possess her completely, rendering her useless to society, functioning only for me. I want to mark her so thoroughly that all she sees, hears, and knows is me.”
“That’s… a bit too much information,” Daemonikai winced, scrunching his face.
“There’s nothing ‘love-y’ about my feelings for Ackeira, trust me,” Vladya grumbled, looking away.
“That was intense. Even your voice changed… your whole demeanor,” Daemonikai said, wonder in his eyes as he studied Vladya. “There’s definitely something there. I’d like to believe it’s your lost soul, teetering on the edge of madness, feeding you these thoughts.”
“And how long are we supposed to milk that cow?” Vladya snapped, frustrated. “Not everything is caused by my deteriorating mind or soullessness. Ackeira is not a Syren, Daemon. I’ve been intimate with her more than once. There’s no sign of it.” His jaw tightened. “My semen burns her.”
Daemonikai grimaced. “Okay, you might have a point.”
“I know I do,” Vladya said, letting out a breath. “Do you know how I survived countless failed bondings and still managed to hold out for centuries? I learned to stop hoping. Stop living in delusions and face reality. It’s the expectation that kills you, not the outcome.”
Daemonikai’s hand rested on Vladya’s shoulder. “So you will simply let Ackeira go?”
Vladya shrugged.
Daemonikai’s lips thinned. “You think I don’t see how much this girl helps you keep it together? She fills a need, Vladya. And as obsessed as I am with your recovery, don’t think for a second I wouldn’t ensure she remains here.”
Chapter 188
Vladya arched an eyebrow and snorted. “Oh, look who it is! The hypocrite himself.”
“You little shit.”
“Don’t think I don’t see it either. Emeriel calms you. She soothes your soul and takes away your pain and grief,” Vladya retorted bluntly. “I watched you both for months while you were still feral. Don’t act like I don’t know what she does for you. If you had all your memories, you’d understand exactly what I mean.”
Vladya paused, his eyes narrowing. “And as obsessed as I am with your recovery, don’t think I wouldn’t fight to ensure she stays for you.”
Daemonikai glared, hearing his own words echoed back.
“Either they both go, or they both stay,” Vladya clicked his tongue. “Besides, it’s cruel to separate them. You’ve never seen them together, so you wouldn’t understand, but I have. It would break their hearts.”
“Fine. Ackeira goes with her.” Daemonikai sighed, resigned, stepping back. “I hope you don’t regret this.”
Vladya rolled his eyes, exaggeratedly. “Look who it is, Pot. It’s your dear friend, Kettle, again.”
“Save your snark for the likes of Zaiper, not me,” Daemonikai shot back, slapping the back of his head.
“You’re just old, ancient one,” Vladya smiled broadly. “Humor goes right over your head, my friend.” Daemonikai shook his head as Vladya whistled a cheerful tune and left the room.
Only outside did Vladya allow himself to deflate. His smile vanished, and the cold crept in. It’s for the best.
GRAND LORD ZAIPER
“It’s not enough the girl goes scot-free after deceiving the entire council; now she’s released from captivity?” Zaiper slammed his goblet down after gulping the ale. The burn soothed him, slightly.
Four of them sat at a round table in the dimly lit tavern: three high lords and Zaiper. His flagon was nearly empty—his third of the night—yet, annoyingly, he wasn’t intoxicated.
Belzebob sighed, swirling his drink before taking a long sip. “Well, I understand the grand king. All of this must not have been easy for him.”
“Losing his family, losing his mind, then waking up to find a human Soulbond waiting to replace everything he lost,” Gaff said, pouring more ale. “He’s a good male. I’ll kill her myself and be done with it.”
“You can’t do that, she’s a Soulbond,” Jakal interjected. “It’s like killing the one person in the universe created for you and you alone,” he sighed wistfully. “I wonder what that feels like.”