Chapter 258

Grand King Daemonikai

“Someone’s feeling quite cheerful this evening,” Vladya remarked, approaching.

Grand King Daemonikai turned, a smile tugging at his lips, one he couldn’t suppress. “I don’t know about you, Vladya, but I’m having a beautiful day.”

Vladya arched a brow, dipping his head in a polite bow. “Your Grace.”

“Spare me the bullshit.” Daemonikai waved a dismissive hand, resuming his pace, hands clasped behind his back.

“He whistles, too,” Vladya noted, his voice teasing.

Daemonikai stopped, the faint melody ceasing. He blinked, surprised. He hadn’t realized he’d been whistling.

“You know, you’re fortunate Aekeira doesn’t have our hearing,” Vladya said, moving beside him. “She would have come storming in last night, hearing her sister scream like that all night.”

“Why are you suddenly all over my business, brat?” Daemonikai smirked, glancing at Vladya. “Come to think of it, someone does look even chipper than I am.”

“This isn’t about me—it’s about you,” Vladya retorted, rolling his eyes. “And with all due respect, could you quit changing the subject?”

“Your ears should be cut off,” Daemonikai muttered.

Vladya smiled—a genuine, unguarded smile. Daemonikai noticed the subtle changes in his friend since his return. Glimpses of the old Vladya were surfacing. But this sincere smile was remarkable.

“You know, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you so… happy. It’s been a long time,” Vladya said, smiling.

Clearing his throat, Daemonikai resumed walking. “Took the words right out of my mouth.”

“And you can’t blame my ears for this,” Vladya tsked, grinning. “You were the one who moved from your well-fortified master’s chambers to another.”

That much was true. The memories of Evie had been too much, too painful. And now… he didn’t regret it. He liked his present chambers. Perhaps it was time he considered converting them into his main residence, fortifying them accordingly.

“Are you two finally going to give this thing between you a chance?” Vladya asked, his tone losing some of its lightness. “Has she forgiven you?”

“Not yet. But I like to think we’re working toward that. Last night was…” Daemonikai exhaled, searching for the right word. “Incredible.”

Vladya stopped, facing him, his eyes scanning Daemonikai with a discerning gaze. “All these changes… they look good on you. The smiles, the easy air… even your aversion to touch seems to be fading. I like this for you, Daemon.”

“I like this for me too,” Daemonikai said softly. “I didn’t think it would happen. Who would have thought there would ever be a reason to smile again?”

“Not me.” Vladya’s smile dimmed, leaving only warmth in his eyes.

Daemonikai nodded, his voice turning reflective. “We were both too damaged. We were each other’s strength and destruction. We had to part ways to fight our demons.”

“We had to,” Vladya agreed, his tone flat but tender. A moment passed. “I missed the devil out of you.”

Daemonikai’s grin returned. “Huh. And the love-sick puppy is back.”

“Give me a damn break,” Vladya groaned, rolling his eyes again.

Daemonikai chuckled.

They walked in companionable silence, following the path to the training grounds. The fresh breeze hit them as they stepped outside, crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of flowers. Paths cleared before them as people bowed, greeting them respectfully.

Daemonikai’s gaze fell to Vladya’s paw-like hand—a reminder that, one day, he might lose his oldest friend to madness. Don’t even think about it.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he cleared it forcefully. “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on with you? This cheerful mood is… glaringly obvious, in case you weren’t aware.”

“I asked Aekeira to bond with me,” Vladya said, a faint smile returning. “We will perform the bonding rituals.”

The words hit Daemonikai with the force of a windstorm. He stopped, stunned, staring at Vladya.

“I know it will be hard,” Vladya continued, looking uncertain. “Almost undoable, but—”

“Almost undoable is putting it mildly. Impossible is the right word,” Daemonikai blurted.

Vladya’s shoulders dropped; sadness crossed his eyes.

Guilt filled Daemonikai. “I apologize, V.D. That was uncalled for—”

“It’s alright. You aren’t telling me anything I don’t already know.”

“I still apologize. I shouldn’t have said it. It’s just… I’m happy you’ve taken this step. Truly.” Daemonikai reached out, clasping Vladya’s shoulder. “Knowing how you swore off bonding for so long, it’s a relief to see you trying again. But if it doesn’t work…” he shook his head. “I don’t want you to go through that pain again. To watch you go through it all again when it’s… when it’s bound to fail this time, terrifies me immensely.”

“I understand,” Vladya averted his eyes. “It terrifies me, too.”

“You know how the bonding ritual is performed. Your female has to be in heat on the seventh day, the ritual rites recited while you knot her womb. Your chest parallel to hers—soul to soul, body to body, binding you together forever. We are missing two vital elements here.” Daemonikai paused. “Your soul and her heat.”

“I know all that,” Naked pain flashed in Vladya’s features. “Of course I do. But…”

Daemonikai stayed silent, watching him.

Vladya inhaled deeply, his jaw tight. “But I still want to try.”

Daemonikai saw it then. Determination beneath the sadness.

“I’ve done this before. Taken every step and met every requirement for the ritual, yet it still failed. Every single one of them, except one.” Vladya met his eyes. “This—what I have with Aekeira—it’s different. It’s not perfect—far from it. It’s not all roses like my past connections. It’s stronger, more intense, more… real.”