Chapter 193

LAST CHAPTER OF PART 2.

Both Aekeira and Emeriel paused, glancing toward the source. A female Urekai hurried toward them, the troop parting to allow her passage. Aekeira raised an eyebrow. The soldiers had been ordered to block anyone from approaching—friends or foes. She had seen them turn away Amie, Madam Livia, and others, but now they stepped aside easily. The woman must be someone of importance.

A mistress or lady of considerable rank, judging by her attire and the soldiers behind her. She was somewhat plump, her face strikingly pretty, with a confident air that demanded attention. Aekeira hadn’t seen her before.

“Emeriel?” The woman glanced at Aekeira before her gaze settled on Emeriel.

Em stepped forward. “I am Emeriel.”

The woman’s eyes lingered on Emeriel, studying her intently before she said, “I am Lady Morina.”

Morina. Where had Aekeira heard that name before?

“The fourth ruler’s bondmate,” the woman added.

Ah.

Aekeira inclined her head, and Emeriel followed suit. Grand Lord Ottai’s bondmate had barely left the eastern wings in recent years. Aekeira knew they had lost their only son. Could that be why Lady Morina had secluded herself in their domain?

The lady reached for Emeriel’s hand. “I know we were never acquainted, but I have heard so much about you—both of you. I wish we had more time to get to know each other. Unfortunately, over the years, I have barely left Mabblewood.” Her eyes turned sad.

“I won’t take up much of your time,” Morina said, reaching into the folds of her gown and retrieving three small bottles. “Take this, Emeriel.” She pressed the bottles into Emeriel’s hands.

Emeriel stared down at the bottles in confusion. “What…?”

“It’s a herbal mixture. These three bottles should last you anywhere from five to ten years.”

“What’s it for?” She looked from the bottles to Lady Morina.

“You don’t need it, but I’d like you to have it anyway. I can’t imagine how difficult this must have been for you, being his Soulbond. I wish he would see your departure for the horrible mistake it really is.” Lady Morina took Aekeira’s hand, squeezing it. “Both of your males are blind to what is right in front of them.”

Aekeira felt a lump rising in her throat. Hades, she was going to cry again, wasn’t she?

Lady Morina turned her focus back to Emeriel, gesturing to the bottles. “Those are heat suppressors. A spoonful every month will suppress your heat for as long as you take them. They are rarely used because they cost a fortune, but they are highly effective.”

Emeriel stared wordlessly at the bottles.

“I know the rational choice would be to move on. Find a suitable human male, settle down, and live your own life,” Lady Morina’s eyes softened. “But the selfish, hopeful Urekai in me couldn’t just stay silent. So, I am giving you a choice. You can throw the suppressors away and live your life fully, or use them. If you do not wish to spend your heat with others, and you wish to wait for him… you may take them.” Lady Morina released their hands, stepping back. “I wish both of you happiness. Heaven knows you deserve it after everything you have endured.”

Turning to leave, she stopped, her eyes once again on Emeriel. “There is something else you need to know, another reason suppressors are not widely used. They have dangerous aftereffects. The longer you take them, the worse your next heat will be when you stop. It will be even more intense than your past heat—life-threatening. So be sure of your choice, dear Emeriel.”

The lady walked away, and Emeriel looked down at the bottles in her hand.

If what Lady Morina said was true, Aekeira did not want her sister to use them. Not after everything she went through during her last heat. “Don’t use it, Em. When we are on the road, throw it out the carriage window.”

GRAND LORD ZAIPER

Zaiper stood at the window of the highest tower, gazing down at the world far beneath him. He was happy. No, that word was insufficient. He was elated. In fact, his joy was a torrent he couldn’t express in mere words.

Why hadn’t he seen it sooner? The girls’ departure was the best thing that had happened since Daemonikai’s return. Why had he ever doubted fate’s favor? That fickle mistress had, in fact, stood by his side all along, extending her blessed hands like a lover’s caress. Those females were gone, and with them, whatever remained of those two males—too blind to see that Emeriel had been all that stood between Daemonikai and his descent into madness. Everyone had grieved, while Aekeira had kept Vladya from tipping into insanity. With both females gone…

Zaiper grinned as he watched the scene below. Maids and soldiers danced around the bonfire, their laughter and cheers drifting up to his ears. The courtyard was alight with celebration. Today marked the start of a new era. A rewriting of history. His history.

He would be the winner after all. It was only a matter of time before Daemonikai and Vladya were gone for good. And then? Everything he had ever desired would be within his grasp. He would become the sole ruler of Urai.

“Oh, fate. You have always been with me, haven’t you? You were with me five hundred years ago, just as you are now.” He clicked his tongue. “I apologize for ever doubting you, my love.”

All he had to do now was wait. Daemonikai’s guilt would be his undoing, his soul lost forever. And Daemonikai would never know the part Zaiper had played that eclipse moon night.

No, his secrets were buried deep. Locked away under layers of shadows, hidden as though they had never existed.

Zaiper still remembered Myka’s fierce resistance. The look of sheer betrayal and horror as Zaiper’s sword pierced the boy’s flesh. And how could he forget Evielyn’s anguished screams as she watched life drain from her son, only to meet the same fate by his blade?

Yes, it was him. All this, was all him. But Daemonikai would die, and Vladya would descend into madness, and neither would ever know the truth. And he, Zaiper, would stand victorious in the end. The ultimate ruler.

Grand Lord Zaiper laughed.

WATCH OUT FOR PART 3