The beast was on the verge of escape, and yet, Aekeira found herself incapable of making even the faintest sound. Her fear was so intense that she came dangerously close to losing control of her bladder.
Again and again, the beast threw itself at the door, each impact echoing with a deafening boom. Locks and keys succumbed to its power, crumbling beneath its force as the metal gates slowly swung open wide.
The feral king cast one final glance at Aekeira.
She recoiled from its gaze, pressing herself against the wall. He’s going to kill me.
The beast approached her, each step radiating an overwhelming sense of power and strength.
Aekeira would have soiled herself if Madam Livia hadn’t insisted she empty her bladder before coming here.
It drew closer, bending down, bringing its face near hers. The darkness of the room obscured most of its features, leaving only its glowing yellow eyes visible. The creature pressed its nose against her neck, inhaling deeply-the very spot where Emeriel had once nestled his face during their embrace.
The beast growled before licking Aekeira’s neck twice. Finally, it straightened up and left the forbidden chambers, its heavy steps echoing as it exited.
EMERIEL
“What in the sky were you thinking, Emeriel!?” Madam Livia scolded again. They had returned to Aekeira’s chambers.
“Shouldn’t you be at the festival grounds, serving drinks? What were you doing here? Do you always wish to be whipped!? Why do you disobey direct orders?” The older woman’s voice was full of anger.
Emeriel lowered his head respectfully, ignoring the prickling sensation in his arm. “I apologize, Madam Livia. I know you specifically instructed me not to see Aekeira, but I couldn’t resist. I had to see her, to make sure she was safe.”
“Do you think it was my idea?” Madam Livia replied sharply. “Grand Lord Vladya gave that order. You don’t want to test that male, Emeriel. He would devour you for breakfast and cast you into a lion’s den if he wished. That’s the kind of male he is.” She huffed in frustration. “What were you thinking?”
Emeriel remained silent, realizing that he wasn’t thinking at all. The truth was, he didn’t regret searching for his sister. Even if Lord Vladya punished him, he still wouldn’t regret it. Absentmindedly, Emeriel scratched his arms.
Madam Livia took a deep breath. “Now, go and change into your festival uniform. We must go to the festival grounds. That’s the only favor I can grant you. But if anyone notices you weren’t there on time and reports it to Lord Vladya, I won’t help you evade punishment.”
It was more than Emeriel could ask for. “I understand. Thank you, Madam Livia.”
As he turned to leave, he scratched his arms again, trying to ease the itching. The room felt stiflingly hot. Perhaps he could find some fresh air…
Then, it dawned on him.
No.
The hotness, the itching. The familiar burn in his lower body.
Heat. He was about to go into heat again.
“No, no, no,” Emeriel cried out in horror, his eyes widening in shock. He took two steps back, away from Madam Livia.
The older woman looked bewildered. “What is it, Emeriel?”
“No, by the Lights, no. Not again.” It seemed as though, just as he had identified the problem, the heat intensified.
His intimate areas flared hot, swollen, and slick. The prickling sensation spread to his lower belly, causing intense aching. Emeriel was consumed by maddening arousal, his body trembling uncontrollably.
Then, the first wave hit.
Collapsing to his knees, Emeriel cried out as spasms wracked his body relentlessly. His lower belly contracted so violently that he feared something inside him might tear. Gripping his abdomen, he sobbed in agony as the spasms continued.
“By the gods…” Madam Livia’s voice reached his ears distinctly. “You’re in heat.”
Tears streamed down his cheeks. One hand gripped the floor tightly as he rode out the wave. Spasm after spasm wracked his body. His private areas slicked with slickness, and the wave seemed endless. It felt like it wanted to tear him apart. Oh, Light, I don’t know if I can bear this again!
“I’m here with you. I’m here,” Madam Livia’s hand rubbed soothingly against his sides. The pain was unbearable.
When the wave finally passed, Emeriel felt lightheaded.
GRAND LORD VLADYA
Grand Lord Vladya stood fully attired, prepared to venture to the festival grounds. He had been so engrossed in his duties that it was no surprise he was running late.
As he stepped outside his abode, a deafening sound reverberated through the air twice. The beast had broken free once again.
By the Gods, not tonight. The fortress was filled with festival-goers, and if the beast were to roam free, it would slaughter every soul within its reach.
Vladya quickened his steps, hastening from the western quarters toward the southern wings. His soldiers intercepted him halfway, clearly having heard the clamor as well.
“The king’s beast has broken free, your majesty,” Yaz, his head soldier, announced.
“I heard. We must act fast,” Vladya declared. “Two of you, locate the maids and instruct them to evacuate everyone from the southern wing. They must guide them outside the fortress and toward the festival grounds. Our foremost priority now is…”
To vacate everyone from the fortress and prevent the beast from reaching the festival grounds.”
“Did you hear it too?” Ottai’s voice rang out as he emerged from the eastern wing.
“Yes. Where is Morina?” Vladya asked as they met at the intersection. Together, they set off along the path leading to Frostfall, the southern wing.
“She is already at the festival grounds,” Ottai said, relief evident on his face. “We must ensure the beast remains within the building.”
“That is my plan as well,” Vladya affirmed. Silence enveloped them as they pressed on, exchanging no further words.
“Do you think Zaiper was right?” Ottai asked at last.
“Zaiper is never right, but about what specifically?” Vladya queried.
“Killing the beast.” Ottai drew a deep breath, his tone tinged with sorrow. “We gamble with our people’s lives each day, Vladya. If the three of us unite-join forces, employ the ritual of the Eclipse Moon and the Chalice, we can kill the beast.”
Vladya remained silent as they veered into the corridor that led to the Abyss land.
“He was your friend, your best friend, so it is a difficult decision to make,” Ottai continued. “And Urekai forbid we listen to Zaiper, but I believe he has a point in this case. It’s high time we consider it.”
“I will not kill Daemonikai. The Eclipse Moon night is fast approaching, and when that night arrives, Zaiper can do as he pleases-kill the beast or whatever the Hades he desires. But until then, I will take no action,” Vladya asserted vehemently.
Ottai sighed, regarding him with a sympathetic gaze.
“You should not be surprised by my response. I have stood firm on this stance for the past five hundred years.”
“And I do not blame you, nor do I judge you for it,” Ottai said.
Upon arriving at the forbidden chambers, they were not surprised to find the barricades in ruins and no sign of the beast. The girl, Aekeira, huddled against the wall, trembling.
“What happened?” Ottai asked the girl.
“I-I am not entirely sure. It did not lay a hand on me. Instead, it… it moved me aside, shattered the gates, and escaped,” the girl stuttered. The gravity of the situation seemed to dawn upon her, prompting her to rise abruptly.
“I must protect Em!”
Vladya furrowed his brow. The beast’s instincts would likely drive it outside to hunt for prey-either toward the festival or into the woods. It was highly unlikely that it would target the girl’s brother.
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