“Anyone, even our enemies. The grand king’s mind has been lost for five centuries, replaced by the instincts of a predator. One of the strongest.”
“And the rest of us rulers work tirelessly to protect you from the beast. But we cannot always succeed, for the beast is stronger than most of our defenses,” Zaiper continued, his voice carrying through the square. “As you all know, lives are lost every time the beast escapes. Can we allow this to go on?”
The crowd murmured softly, their fear clear, but their affection for the grand king even clearer.
For centuries, the people had loved and revered their grand king, who had ruled with kindness and brought peace to their lands. The same Urekai who despised and hunted all ferals preferred their grand king remain alive despite his feral state rather than be completely killed.
And for centuries, they had stood united in this belief.
But one day, they would have to face the truth.
The truth that their grand king was gone-and the beast that remained had to be destroyed. Zaiper wanted that day to come sooner.
“We cannot force the people into such decisions, Grand Lord Zaiper,” Lord Ottai interjected, drawing all eyes as he stepped onto the podium. “The people have the right to decide for themselves how they wish to handle the beast. The fact that it was once their grand king cannot be ignored.”
Many nodded in agreement, murmurs rippling through the crowd.
Zaiper turned his pretentious, sorrowful eyes toward Ottai. “You are correct, Grand Lord Ottai. But how can they decide when they are kept in the dark? Most of them do not know that, just last night during the festival, the beast escaped again.”
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Zaiper continued. “We managed to contain the beast, of course. But imagine what might have happened if we had been too late-or made a mistake-and the beast had escaped the fortress?”
Eyes widened in horror, and the murmurs turned to frightened chatter. Amidst the clamor, a few words emerged.
“May Ukrae protect us.”
“By the gods…!”
“I was at the festival. I could have been killed…”
“Silence, everyone,” Lord Ottai commanded softly, and the square fell as quiet as a tomb. “This is a matter for the court. As Lord Zaiper mentioned, the beast was contained, and no harm came to anyone.” He directed a pointed gaze at Zaiper. “Lord Zaiper should not stir fear among the people when the threat has been dealt with.”
“The people have a right to know when their lives are at risk,” Zaiper countered, his eyes shining with satisfaction.
“The grand king turned feral because of us,” a woman suddenly spoke from the crowd. Her voice drew attention. “We would have all died that night if not for him. We are alive because of his sacrifice. So what if he is now mindless? What if his beast cannot recognize anyone, unable to distinguish between friend and foe? He saved us!”
“Yes!” the crowd shouted.
“He protected us!” the woman added fiercely.
“Yes!” they chorused.
“We are not ready to lose him!”
The crowd broke into uproarious cheers of agreement, clapping their hands.
Amidst all of it, Lord Vladya said nothing. Did nothing.
Arms crossed, he simply watched Zaiper spinning his web of influence among the people, who held firmly to their beliefs.
They weren’t ready yet.
Just as Vladya.
AEKEIRA
Throughout the day, Emeriel awoke twice to briefly eat before returning to slumber.
On both occasions, she cried out in pain, prompting Aekeira to be grateful that her sister’s awakenings were short-lived. Aekeira pleaded with Madam Livia to administer a stronger pain reliever to Emeriel, but the woman insisted the additional doses would only harm her further.
In the afternoon, Lord Vladya visited while Emeriel was still asleep, leaving only Aekeira in attendance.
“He is not awake yet, my Lord.” Aekeira bowed.
Lord Vladya tilted his head to the side. “When he awakes and is well enough, tell him to come to Blackwood. I would like to see him.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Aekeira avoided his gaze, keeping her head lowered. Something in the grand lord’s eyes made her feel apprehensive and nervous.
Something strange had happened the previous night, but Aekeira abruptly shut the door on it, refusing to dwell upon it.
Emeriel finally woke during the night. After Aekeira helped her, Madam Livia had Amie prepare a basin for her to bathe in the room. Following the bath, Emeriel appeared better than she had been all day.
“How do you feel now?” Aekeira asked once they had settled Emeriel back onto the bed.
“Better,” Emeriel replied with a soft, sad smile. “For a moment there, I was beginning to think I wouldn’t make it.”
Guilt filled Aekeira’s eyes. “I am so sorry about-“
“Do not blame yourself, sister,” Emeriel said, grasping her sister’s hands. “It was not your fault. Do not punish yourself for something beyond your control.”
Madam Livia entered once again, her expression softening as she looked at Emeriel. “You’re awake.”
“Yes, madam. Thank you so much for taking care of me. I do not know what I would have done without you,” Emeriel smiled.
Madam Livia waved her off. “Do not fret over it. How do you feel now?”
“I feel better, madam. Thank you.”
“I do not understand why that beast is so interested in you, Em,” Aekeira pondered. When all eyes turned to her, she averted her gaze. “I had my suspicions the first night I was sent to him. You touched my arm before I went in, and the beast was particularly fixated there.”
“Those vicious scratches,” Madam Livia interjected. “I wondered what caused them.”
“I have no idea, Keira.” Emeriel exhaled shakily. “None of it makes sense to me. Not the heat, not the beast’s actions, and not the syren thing. Nothing at all.”
Aekeira was confused. “What are you talking about?”
Emeriel gave Aekeira detailed explanations of her ordeal, beginning on the first night they entered the fortress. By the time Emeriel finished recounting everything, Aekeira’s ears were ringing, and her hands felt cold and sweaty.
“You go into heats? Is that true?” Aekeira looked ill.
Emeriel nodded slowly, her expression wary. “Twice now.”
Aekeira’s face drained of color as she stared at Emeriel intently. “What if you’re his Soulbond? That would explain his fixation, wouldn’t it?”
Emeriel vehemently shook her head, looking just as pale as her sister. Considerably more terrified. “That is impossible, right, Madam Livia?” she asked in a tiny voice.
Madam Livia remained silent, lost in thought.
EMERIEL
Emeriel felt a surge of panic as Madam Livia’s silence lingered, amplifying her fears. Aekeira’s ridiculous explanation could not possibly be true, right? She desperately hoped not.
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply