“This shall be your quarters for now,” a soldier announced.
The room was surprisingly spacious and tastefully decorated.
Not long after the soldiers left, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, growing closer with each passing moment.
The door swung open, and an older human woman marched in, accompanied by a younger human woman and three Urekai males.
The older woman’s gaze landed on Emeriel, and she did a double take. “You are one remarkably handsome male. I have seen a lot of pretty males in my time, but even I can hardly think of one who is half as pretty as you.”
Feeling uneasy, Emeriel took a step back, finding solace behind Aekeira, who spread her arms protectively to shield him from prying eyes.
“Well, it’s a shame you’re not the one we came for,” the woman said dismissively, turning away. “Prepare her, boys. Amie, get the bath ready.”
The three males closed in on Aekeira, beginning to undress her. Their hands removed her clothes, while another tended to her hair, undoing the knots.
“What are you doing?” Emeriel asked, concerned.
“Getting her ready for what is to come.” The older woman didn’t bother to look at him. “You can either stay or leave. I care not. But if you disturb me, I will have you reported to the soldiers and thrown into the dungeon.”
Numerous questions swirled in Emeriel’s mind, but a shake of Aekeira’s head silenced him.
He watched helplessly as they undressed her, with the younger girl, Amie, preparing a large tub filled with water.
Eventually, Emeriel decided to step out and explore, wandering the halls aimlessly. He followed one to a secluded passage that appeared hidden from casual glances.
Voices echoed in the distance, so he moved closer towards them.
“What shall we do with the boy? He was not part of the plan,” one voice said.
“I do not care, Lord Ottai. Perhaps we will think of something later.” Lord Vladya’s voice followed. “For now, let us focus on the girl. The bad weather delayed our journey. I had expected us to return yesterday.”
His voice, chilling and authoritative, Lord Vladya added, “Time is running short; she must be in the forbidden chambers tonight.”
Forbidden chambers?
Emeriel didn’t like the sound of that at all.
“Calm yourself, Vladya. That young girl cannot handle the beast,” Lord Ottai added.
“I do not care. They have made their beds, and they shall lie in them,” Vladya said defiantly.
A heavy sigh followed. “It would be heartless to send that girl in to service the beast without any inkling of what to expect. I know you have no love for humans, and frankly, neither do I, but we can surely do better than that,” Lord Ottai reasoned.
“Do as you wish, Ottai. Tell them everything or tell them nothing. I care not,” Vladya stated. “Whether she lives or dies, I care not either. I shall throw in the pretty little prince next, and if he perishes too, I shall be on the next carriage to the next human kingdom to select another princess for him. That is the only aspect of this that concerns me.”
A silence fell after their exchange, leaving Emeriel’s mind racing with fear and disbelief.
Service the beast? Die?
PRINCE EMERIEL
Emeriel was horrified. I must rescue Aekeira! We need to escape!
“I know you are there, pretty prince. I can smell you,” Lord Vladya’s voice rang out.
Emeriel gasped, frozen in place as Lord Vladya’s imposing figure emerged from the door. His cold, lifeless gray and yellow eyes fixed upon Emeriel.
Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. Then another.
Lord Vladya smirked. “I would advise against whatever thoughts are brewing in that little head of yours. You have no inkling of where you are, do you?”
Emeriel could only discern that they were in the tallest, most fortified fortress he had ever seen. He shook his head, his fear palpable.
“You are in Ravenshadow,” Lord Ottai said, coming up behind the scarred Lord.
Ravenshadow?
The Ravenshadow!?
No, by the Light, this cannot be happening.
“R-Ravenshadow Citadel? The home of the f-four grand rulers of the Urekais. The Whispering Abyss of great power?” Emeriel blurted out, unable to contain his terror any longer.
Lord Ottai snorted. “That is what humans call it. We do not. But yes, you are correct. You are in the Ravenshadow Citadel, Prince Emeriel.”
“You do not need me to inform you that this is the most secure place in Urai, with vast lands in which you could get lost if you attempt to escape,” Lord Vladya smirked. “A vortex that would swallow you, never to be seen again. There is no escape from Ravenshadow.”
Emeriel heard their words, but his mind was consumed by a far greater fear.
“The four grand rulers of the Urekais reside here?” Emeriel asked, dreadfully.
“They do.” Lord Ottai sounded mildly amused, drawing Emeriel’s attention.
Emeriel had no idea he’d said that out loud.
Inching closer to Lord Ottai-he seemed the less intimidating and more preferable choice in that moment-Emeriel threw weary glances at the scarred lord.
“I have heard rumors about the Urekai.”
“What exactly did you hear?” Lord Ottai asked.
“They are said to be deadly, unpredictable, and almost feral in their actions,” Emeriel listed off on his fingers as he rambled. “Their mating habits are said to be as brutal as their killings, and while they have bloodhosts, they prefer to drain humans’ blood. And, after their king ran wild, they-I-“
“Terrific. Just what I needed to hear,” Lord Vladya added in a dry tone.
Lord Ottai, still somewhat amused, spoke up, “I will leave the briefing to Lord Vladya. I need to attend to the council.”
What!? Please do not leave me with him! Emeriel almost shouted, but he bit his lips hard, restraining himself.
Lord Vladya, however, did not hold back. “Think again, Lord Ottai. There is no way I will-“
“Would you prefer Lord Zaiper handle the briefing then?” Lord Ottai asked quietly.
A muscle twitched on Lord Vladya’s jaw, and he gave Emeriel a hard look, as if actually considering the option. Lord Ottai must have picked up on that, quickly adding, “You know you don’t want that to happen. Besides, let us not forget the favor you owe me. Remember that?”
Lord Vladya glared at him, and Lord Ottai offered a wolfish smile. “I believe it’s time to collect. You do the briefing. Off I go.” With that, Lord Ottai strode away, exuding an air of sophistication with every step.
Finally, Emeriel and Lord Vladya stood facing each other.
“Come.” Lord Vladya began walking, and Emeriel fell into step behind him.
“Forget whatever rumors may have spread in the human realm. Some may hold a grain of truth, but most are truly bizarre.” Lord Vladya looked mildly annoyed. “However, I will not delve into the vast knowledge of our kind, for it is too extensive to cover. Instead, I will share the parts that pertain to your sister’s presence here.”
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