“What’s happening?” Zaiper’s voice was filled with growing panic, his composure cracking.
And then, before their very eyes, the beast began to shift. Paws elongated into hands. Fur receded to reveal smooth skin. A wild mane smoothed into dark, flowing hair. The transformation was gradual, but undeniable.
A pin could have dropped in the stunned silence that followed.
Right there, in front of thousands of astonished Urekai, the beast completed its transformation.
Where the beast form had lain moments before, now sat Grand King Daemonikai, the tranquilizer darts scattered around him.
His emerald eyes languidly took in the chains that bound him. With a flex of his powerful muscles, they shattered like brittle twigs.
The crowd erupted in a flurry of gasps, whispers, and exclamations.
“The King has returned?”
“Holy Ukrae!”
Grand King Daemonikai appeared disoriented as he took in his surroundings, his gaze sweeping across the arena. His eyes passed over Vladya…then snapped back, locking onto him.
A strangled sound escaped Vladya’s throat. The ceremonial dagger slipped from his nerveless fingers, clattering to the sand. Then, he was moving, his body acting on pure instinct. He crossed the arena in a blur, his hands morphing into vicious claws as he ran.
The massive paws slammed against the cage locks, metal shrieking in protest before shattering. He ripped the door open, his hand human once more as he crawled inside, his eyes fixed on Daemonikai.
“D-Daemon?” The name emerged as a hoarse whisper, thick with a mixture of fear and hope.
Vladya’s throat tightened with so many emotions he couldn’t name. Trembling hands reached out, ghosting over familiar features unseen for five hundred years.
Emerald eyes that always held a purpose, a mouth that was either set in a grim line or curled into a mocking grin. A face Vladya had thought was lost forever.
“Is it r-really you?” Vladya’s fingers traced the contours of Daemonikai’s face, his eyes filled with tears. “Please, tell me you are in t-there. Tell me you are back.”
Daemonikai’s eyes fluttered open again, his green irises clouded with exhaustion. His throat worked as he struggled to form words.
“You’re… still… the same… emotional… wreck, V.D.,” he rasped, his voice rough and halting.
The familiar nickname, spoken in that familiar voice, shattered the last vestiges of Vladya’s composure. A sob tore from his throat as he threw himself into Daemonikai in a fierce hug.
A tired chuckle rumbled in Daemon’s chest. He lifted a hand, placing it gently on Vladya’s back, returning the embrace.
Tears spilled from Vladya’s eyes, falling onto Daemon’s shoulder. “Please tell me you are here to stay.”
“I am… here to… stay.”
“Tell me you will never leave again,” Vladya choked out, his arm tightening. His large body trembled.
“V.D….” Daemon’s voice was a sigh.
“You bastard. You had no right. No right to leave the way you did. No right to-“
“I am sorry,” Daemon croaked.
The world narrowed to this moment, this reunion. Thank Ukrae, thank Ukrae, thank Ukrae. Daemonikai was back. He was back.
“ID-Daemon?” Ottai’s voice, trembling with disbelief, filtered through the bars of the cage. “Y-Your Grace?”
“Ottai…” the grand king whispered.
“Holy heavens!” Ottai scrambled into the cage, tears streaming down his face as he embraced his king. “You’re back… you’re back! Thank you! Thank you!” A shout of jubilation crashed over the arena.
The crowd rushed forward, abandoning their seats in a frenzy of excitement. Soldiers formed a protective circle, holding back the eager throng, but the cheers were deafening.
The air crackled with unbridled joy. The scent of happiness, relief, and elation was overpowering.
“The grand king is back! The grand king is back! The grand king is back!” The chant echoed, growing louder with each repetition.
And then, as one, the voices of thousands rose to the heavens in a thunderous declaration.
“Long live the king!”
WATCH OUT FOR PART 2.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
Dearest Reader,
I’m beyond thrilled that you’ve made it this far in the story. Your support means the world to me! If you’ve enjoyed the journey so far, please take a moment to leave a comment-I’d absolutely love to hear from you. Sending you all my love,
Kiss,
Leilani
PART 2.
GRAND LORD VLADYA
Four hours later.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom of Urai. Sounds of jubilant revelry ricocheted through the streets as citizens celebrated in their beast forms, engaging in playful duels and hunts to commemorate the return of their beloved ruler.
Within the fortress, however, the atmosphere was more subdued. The initial excitement had given way to a quiet vigil as the crowds in the grand king’s bedchamber thinned. Lord Vladya had dismissed the swarm of well-wishers, leaving only himself and the royal healer to attend to Daemonikai.
Although Daemonikai’s body had fought off the worst of the poison, they had taken no chances. He had been administered healing herbs and potions and nourished with Sinai’s blood.
“A few hours of rest should dispel the remaining toxins, Your Highness,” the healer assured Vladya. “He will make a full recovery.”
“Thank you, Faiwick. You are dismissed.”
Left alone, Vladya gazed upon the sleeping Daemonikai, still marveling at the sight of him in male form, resting so peacefully. It felt surreal, like a dream he feared might vanish at any moment.
He hadn’t even gotten started with the ritual before this had happened. Even now, the sigils floated in his mind, begging to be spoken, but Vladya shoved them into the “knowledge-acquired-but-will-not-be-used-anymore” box.
He did not want to leave. He longed to be by his friend’s side, to converse with him once he woke. But Daemon needed rest, and Vladya had pressing matters to attend to.
With a final glance at the slumbering king, Vladya turned to leave. “Yaz, post three guards at the door. Anyone who leaves their post without proper relief will face immediate execution.”
Unlike the jubilant masses, Vladya harbored no illusions. He knew not everyone shared in the kingdom’s joy. Like Zaiper.
His ashen face, contorted in disbelief and horror when the beast transformed, flashed through Vladya’s mind. Reflecting on it now, he would have laughed if he were still capable of such things. Zaiper had gawked at Daemonikai as though he had seen a ghost-a very unpleasant ghost he never wanted to see again.
“Also, Yaz,” Vladya continued, catching the head guard’s attention.
“Yes, my Lord?”
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