Born into a society where girls were undervalued and often oppressed, her parents hid the fact that she was a girl to protect her from harm. However, after her parents died, she was adopted by a king and sold as a sex slave to the ruthless Beast King.
In the days of old, the Urekai stood out as the strongest and most powerful beings in the world.
The ancient tongue called them ‘fearsome beasts’ for:
Like werewolves, they could transform into beasts.
Like vampires, they consumed blood.
And walked among humans with no one the wiser.
The ageless, peaceful, selfless beings preferred to keep to themselves. Despite being feared and distrusted, they never responded with aggression.
They granted passage to any species wishing to enter their lands beyond the great mountain and welcomed everyone.
But five centuries ago, an unexpected species attacked the Urekais during their one night of weakness. The humans.
While protecting his people, Grand King Daemonikai lost control of his mind, going feral.
Becoming a danger to the same people whom he had given everything to protect.
Although it seemed impossible, the Urekais managed to capture their king’s beast form, imprisoning him in a secure cage, ensuring he could never escape.
But, consumed by hatred for humans, the Urekai plunged themselves into darkness.
Becoming the fearsome beasts others had always feared them to be.
Wearing their monstrosity with pride.
HUMANS:
After invading the Urekais, a mysterious virus outbreak struck.
No one knew where it came from, but many speculated their attack on the Urekais brought it on.
While most males eventually recovered after a long struggle, the virus proved fatal for the majority of females.
Survivors rarely gave birth to female children. Those left or born became scarce and sought-after commodities.
In many kingdoms, greedy fathers sold their daughters to breeding houses. Some were forced into pleasure houses, existing solely for men’s enjoyment. Some faced terrible abuse in exchange for protection.
Even the wealthy and the privileged could not guarantee the safety of the females in their lives, as the mere sight of a female–be it an infant, a young girl, or an elderly woman–drew unwanted attention.
Female children faced constant danger.
They are not safe in the society.
***
PROLOGUE
HUMAN LAND: THE KINGDOM OF NAVIA.
“It’s a g-girl, your highness,”
Prince Garret froze.
As he turned, looking at the palace healer, his hands resting on his exhausted wife’s body, shook uncontrollably.
He had secretly arranged the delivery months ago, and now they were hidden in one of the underground rooms in the palace, where his beloved wife, Pandora, was giving birth.
“What did you just say to me?” Prince Garret hoped he heard wrong. Perhaps it had been a mistake.
Please, gods, let it be a mistake!
But the pity in the older man’s face couldn’t be disguised. The palace healer turned the little bundle. “The baby is a girl.”
Terror crossed Pandora’s face as she adjusted herself to get a closer look at her baby.
“No. Oh, the gods, please no…” She shook her head vigorously fresh tears gathering in her eyes.
Tears welled in the healer’s eyes. “I’m so sorry, your highness.”
“No!!!” Pandora cried out burying her face into her husband’s waiting arms, sobs after sobs ripping from her throat.
Garret felt numb as he held his wife.
His first daughter, Aekeira, wasn’t even four yet, and the king was already negotiating with the kingdom of Cavar to sell her to the highest bidder.
Because, apparently, Navia ‘could use more funds.’
King Orestus might be Garret’s brother, but he was a tyrant, and his word was law.
Now, another girl child? Two daughters?
Tears filled Garrett’s eyes as he looked upon the crying bundle wiggling around in healer’s arms.
The world was not safe for either of his daughters.
“I’ll raise her like a boy,” Pandora declared suddenly.
The healer’s eyes widened. “Are you suggesting we keep her identity a secret?”
“Yes,” Pandora affirmed, her resolve strengthening. “This child will never be seen as a girl. No one will ever find out!”
“B-but, it’s impossible to hide something like this, your majesty.” The healer panicked. “The king will order our execution!”
“Then, we take the secret to our grave.” Pandora’s voice was fierce. “I was unable to protect my first daughter, but by the Light-gods, I will protect my second.”
Too dangerous, but Garret was all for it too. This was their best chance to keep their daughter safe, and they would take it.
“As far as we are concerned, the child I bore today was a male.” Pandora looked at the baby. “His name is Emeriel. Emeriel Galilea Evenstone.”
Emeriel.
It’s a neutral name, and also means ‘Sky’s Protection’ in the old tongue. Garret liked it.
Fitting too, for their daughter would need all the luck and protection in the world.
“I agree,” Garret spoke aloud.
With the plan fully in his mind, Garret swore the two other men in the room to secrecy.
*********
That night, Garrett and his wife, stood by the baby’s small cradle, watching their newborn sleep. Across the room, their three-year-old daughter, Aekeira, lay curled under a blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling in peaceful rhythm.
“In all my years on this earth, I’ve never seen anyone bear two female children, Garrett,” Pandora whispered, voice cracking.
She glanced up at him, eyes glistening with tears. “I don’t know what this means for us… or for them.”
Garrett placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Maybe it means they have a great destiny to fulfill.”
“Or a great sorrow in their future,” Pandora’s eyes drifted to their eldest, worriedly. “I’m so scared for them. How could something like this happen?”
Perhaps you’ve been touched by the gods, my darling,” Garrett said in comfort.
“I really doubt that. Why me? Why us?”
He had no answer to that.
“If that’s true,” Pandora sniffled, brushing her fingers over the baby’s soft cheek, “may that god always protect my babies. We won’t always be here to do that.”
Garrett pulled his wife into his arms, holding her close, fighting to hide his own worry.
Because, she was right.
What were the odds of a couple in these times bearing not just one, but two daughters?
None. Absolutely none.
As he gazed at their sleeping children, prayer rose in his heart. Whatever god you are, please… protect our angels.
Chapter 2 THE PRINCESS IN A ‘PRINCE’ DISGUISE
Twenty-one Years Later
PRINCE EMERIEL.
“He’s so pretty,” a voice murmured.
“It’s the feminine prince,” another one said.
The third man had l*st in his eyes. “No man should have hair that gorgeous.”
Prince Emeriel ignored them all as he moved from the palace grounds into the building, head held high.
Just because he was used to the unwanted attention, didn’t mean it didn’t make his skin crawl.
He might have lived as a boy all his life, but it didn’t exactly keep him all that safe. Men of Navia would stick their ph**llus in anything with a h*le, especially if it looked remotely feminine.
But Emeriel’s senses were always on high alert. Which is why he was probably the only twenty-one-year-old vi**in in Navia.
That, and his sister, Princess Aekeira, always did everything in her power to protect him. To make sure his secrets remained tightly hidden.
A carriage accident had taken their parents fifteen years ago, and King Orestus had adopted them. That tyrant made life a living hell for them.
Emeriel entered the hallway to Aekeira’s chambers when he heard it.
Whimpers.
Soft, pain-filled whimpers.
That sound was coming from…
Rage surged through Emeriel. Not this again!
Determined, he stormed down the hall, and shoved the door open, unsheathing his s*ord.
“Get away from my sister right this instant, Lord Murphy, or I swear to the sky I will cut you down where you stand!” Emeriel snarled.
The minister of human affairs’s face twisted with irritation, and he stopped thrusting. “Go away, little prince. You’re ruining the fun.”
Emeriel hated the jab ‘little prince,’ but surely not as much as he hated being called a ‘slight prince.’ Over the years, Navians had given him a lot of names thanks to his small and feminine look.
“Get away from her right now!” Emeriel strode purposefully toward the b*d, seizing hold of Lord Murphy and pushing him away from Aekeira.
With a satisfying thud, the old oaf tumbled to the floor. Aekeira rose from the b*d, clutching her vulnerable body, her face red from crying, eyes tired and swollen.
Emeriel pulled his sister into his arms, hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Keira.”
“It was not your fault.”
“Why the hell would you do that!?” Lord Murphy rose angrily. “I won Princess Aekeira fair and square in the card game at the gathering last night. The king wagered with her and lost to me! I was supposed to have her for two hours at least!”
Emeriel’s eyes blazed as he whirled around, facing him. “If you put your hands on her again, I swear to the sky I will cut off your m*le or*an, Lord Murphy.”
“You will not dare!”
“I’ll gladly take whatever punishment the king gives,” he stated with conviction, “but you will be without your manhood. Choose wisely.”
Lord Murphy’s eyes widened, his hands flying protectively over his cr**ch, face reddening in anger.
“The king will hear of this!” The minister snarled. Taking his clothes, he marched out of the room.
“Oh, Em, why did you do that?” Aekeira’s eyes filled with worry. “The king might punish you with the hot whip again.”
“I do not care. Let us go to my room.” Putting his s*ord away, Emeriel could not even look his sister in the eyes, dangerously close to tears himself.
Helping Aekeira into her clothes, he led her out, and down the hallway.
That age-old guilt crept down Emeriel’s spine. Aekeira always protected Emeriel, even when it made her the sole target. His sister never hated him, but Emeriel hated himself for it.
Aekeira was always bubbly and always happy. But in times like this, when her body was vi**ated, she mostly looked tired then. Weary of the world.
Worried about the next aristocrat the king would hand her over to.
Much later, freshened up, Aekeira laid on the bed, closing her eyes.
“Em? My worst nightmare when I was younger was thinking I would be sold to an aristocrat in Cavar, but now, I almost wish that heartless king went ahead with it, instead of changing his mind,” Aekeira whispered.
“Please, don’t say that.” Emeriel held her hand. “That kingdom is a horror play. Anywhere is better than Cavar, sister. Well, except beyond the great mountain, of course.”
Just the thought made Emeriel shiver. The Urekai dwelled beyond those mountains.
“Sometimes I wish I could leave this godforsaken kingdom.” A single tear slipped from Aekeira’s eyes.
Me too, Keira. Me too.
******
That night, after bathing, Emeriel stood before the mirror, staring at his reflection.
His long, silken black hair fell over his shoulders, cascading like a waterfall. With his hair down like this, he looked like what he truly was. A girl.
What would it feel like to live freely, like the person the mirror reflected? To not live in fear of the next man who might seek to take advantage of him, like they do his sister?
Emeriel fantasized about marrying the man of his dreams. A protector. Someone powerful enough to keep him safe, shield him from predators, and sweep him off his feet with immense strength and love.
All delusion. But a sweet one, nonetheless.
Reality was far too ugly.
Shaking it off, he crawled into bed and closed his eyes, letting sleep take him.
.
.
The dream began as it always did.
The man filled the doorway, hidden in the shadows. He was big, larger and more masculine than any man Emeriel had ever seen.
Tall like a giant, he made Emeriel feel small, like a cornered prey.
“Who are you?” Emeriel’s drowsy voice came out shaky, filled with fear. “What do you want from me?”
“You are mine,” he said, voice deep as rolling thunder. “Meant to be on your knees for me. On your back. To be f**ked you so hard your legs quake. You were meant to beg for me all the time. Only mine.”
Emeriel’s face burned with shock. So scandalized, he scrambled upright. “Y-you shouldn’t say such improper things to me! It’s wrong!”
But the mysterious man stepped into Emeriel’s bedroom, emerging from the shadows. As he did, his body shifted into a…beast.
The most terrifying Emeriel had ever seen.
A Urekai.
“Oh gods, oh gods,” Emeriel’s breath hitched in terror, panic setting in. Of all the shapeshifters in the world, why a UREKAI!?
He advanced with purpose. Its glowing yellow eyes bore into Emeriel, filled with hunger.
Shaking his head fiercely, Emeriel scrambled backward. “No, no, no! Leave me alone!” he shouted, “Guards! Someone, help!”
But no one came.
The beast leapt onto the bed, got on top of Emeriel, trapping him under.
Claws tore through his clothing, Emeriel’s vulnerable female body was exposed to its yellow eyes.
His powerful thighs forced Emeriel’s apart…!
Emeriel jolted awake with a scream. Body shaking and drenched in sweat, he glanced around the dark, empty room.
“It was just a dream,” he whispered, trembling. “Thank the gods. Just a dream.”
The same dream again. He’d had this dream for months now.
He swallowed hard, running a shaky hand through his hair. “Why do I keep having such a scary nightmare?”
It terrified Emeriel a lot.
A Urekai?
No one in this world prayed to meet a Urekai in their lifetime. Certainly not Emeriel.
Yet, even with all the terror inside, the hotness of the dream lingered in his body. His feminine core felt different. W*t.
What does this mean?
Chapter 3 UREKAI
Stepping outside the next morning, two warriors stopped before Emeriel. “The king summons you, my prince,” One of them said. “Your presence is needed in the courtroom.”
Sh*t. That foolish minister wasted no time ratting on him.
Emeriel let the way to court. It’s just whipping, he will be fine.
But, as he walked down the hall towards the door, it was eerily quiet.
Something was wrong.
The court was always noisy from the outside. Mutterings, murmurs, arguments were always expected.
His worry deepened when the door opened, and all eyes didn’t turn to gaze at him condescendingly. Instead, everyone’s eyes were fixed at the center of the king’s court.
Emeriel’s eyes followed theirs.
Two men dressed in all-white apparel robes, with long, straight, waist-length black hair stood, appearing harmless.
But a longer glance had Emeriel noticing muscles barely concealed under their robes, their slightly tipped ears, and their incredibly unnaturally handsome faces that were completely unreadable.
He froze.
Urekai.
These ones looked expensive and aristocratic.
Emeriel’s throat went dry. No one prays to meet a Urekai face-to-face.
“What do you say, King Orestus?” the Urekai with the long scar running from his cheek spoke. He looked the most intimidating.
“No, this cannot happen,” King Orestus protested, looking terrified, and doing a poor job of hiding it.
The frown on Scarred Urekai’s face deepened. Clearly, this was a being that did not take no for an answer.
“You are mistaken if you think we are giving you a choice, human king,” he said, taking a threatening step forward.
The ministers of the court gasped, shrinking back into their seats.
“Easy, Lord Vladya,” the other Urekai spoke, his voice gentler. Imploring rather than commanding.
The scarred Urekai, Lord Vladya, gave the king a hard look that would make any man tremble. “It is the least you can do, human king. Give us the princess, and we will leave quietly.”
“We are ready to pay for her,” the other Urekai added, reaching into his robe and withdrawing a large bag of coins.
Fear receded. The king’s ears perked up with interest. “Money?”
“Not just money, there are gold coins too,” The non-scarred Urekai said.
Everyone gasped, including Emeriel. Gold coins were rare and highly valuable.
The Urekai continued, “All you have to do is hand the princess over, and this bag is yours.”
Wait…
Princess?
They couldn’t possibly mean…
The grand entrance opened again as two guards led Aekeira into the court.
No, no, no, not my sister.
Emeriel moved forward, but the guards who had escorted him stopped his movement. He bit his lip hard, trying not to draw attention to himself, but it was incredibly difficult.
Surely, this couldn’t be what he thought it was. It had to be a dream.
There was no way the Urekai were here to buy his sister as a slave…!
The two guards leading Aekeira to the center of the court, stopped a few feet from the Urekais.
The terror on Aekeira’s face mirrored Emeriel’s feelings.
“So, let me get this straight,” King Orestus began, “All I need to do is sell her to you, and all this money is mine? There are no other conditions? Nothing else?”
“Yes,” the non-scarred Urekai responded.
Lord Vladya moved forward, closing the distance between him and Aekeira, who was visibly shaking now.
Cupping Aekeira’s cheek tilting her head to the side to get a better look. He appeared utterly disgusted. “She’ll do.”
King Orestus picked up his gavel and struck it hard on his desk. “Sold! From this moment on, Princess Aekeira belongs to the Urekais.”
“WHAT!?” The shout escaped Emeriel’s lips before he could stop it.
He ran toward the center of the courtroom and fell to his knees. “Please don’t sell my sister to them. Not to the Urekais! Please, Your Majesty.”
The king gave him a bored look. “It’s out of my hands now, Emeriel.”
It’s out of his…
Emeriel couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You can’t let this happen. She’s your niece too! How could you do this!?”
He wasn’t proud his voice turned the high-pitch of a girl’s, as he practically screamed. But he didn’t care.
“You know a fate worse than death awaits her beyond the great mountain! How could you agree to sell her to them?”
“As if he has a choice,” Lord Vladya scoffed, his deep baritone filled with cynicism.
Emeriel whirled around to face them, anger blanketing his features. But as he stared into those intimidating gray eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to give in to his rage.
He had read in one of the books that an Urekai had the power to take a life without physical contact. It might just be a rumor, but with his sister’s life on the line, he had no intention of testing that theory.
“I will go too. Where Aekeira goes, I go,” Emeriel said, lifting his chin defiantly.
Aekeira snapped her head toward Emeriel, her eyes widened in terror. “No! What are you doing, Em?”
“I’m going with you,” Emeriel stated firmly.
Lord Vladya arched a perfectly shaped brow. “No. We have no need for you; we only need your sister.”
Emeriel stood. “I don’t care. Take me too. If you leave me here, I will always try to come to her. I will cross the great mountains if I have to!”
Lord Vladya laughed. There was no humor in the cold sound. “Without the rite of passage, the great mountain will swallow you whole. You’ll never make it to the other side.”
“I’ll take my chances,” Emeriel vowed.
“No! My brother is not coming,” Aekeira interjected, before turning pleading eyes to Emeriel. “Don’t do this, Em. I’m already doomed. I don’t want you to face the same fate!”
“If you come with us, you will be taken as our slave.” Lord Vladya stated, pinning Emeriel with a stare.
“Urekai do not care if you’re male or female; you will serve in any way your master wants you. Whether it’s in the mines or the cellar, on your back, bent over, or on your knees. If you agree to be our slave too, your freewill ends today.”
A shiver ran through Emeriel’s spine.
“Do you know what it means to be an Urekai’s slave, little human? You’re a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service.”
Fear seeped through his core. If everything he had heard growing up and read in books were true, being an Urekai’s slave was worse than being a human’s slave.
And my dreams…
I should be running in a different direction…!
But he steeled his spine. “Where my sister goes, I go.”
“We did not agree to get two slaves,” the second Urekai said.
“That is settled then,” Lord Vladya continued as if he never spoke.
Reaching into his robe, the scarred Urekai pulled out another bag of coins, throwing both on the floor towards the king. “We will take both.”
“Sold!” King Orestus banged his gavel again.
Chapter 4 SOLD TO THE UREKAI
Aekeira cried for over an hour after they left the courtroom.
At first, she had been angry, shouting at Emeriel about his foolish decision. And then, she broke down, crying as if her heart had been shattered.
Now, they were left alone in a tiny room on the boat.
Emeriel remained quiet throughout his sister’s breakdown, the weight of his decision finally sinking in.
By the Light-gods, he was now a slave. Lower than a lo*born. Lower than a carpet servant.
And not just any slave, but a Urekai slave. Or many Urekai, Emeriel had no idea yet.
He would serve those heartless, ruthless beings who despised humans.
“You’re a pretty boy; you will not lack masters to service.”
A shiver coursed down Emeriel’s spine. They were going to vi**late his body.
What he had always dreamed of would finally coming true. Only now, it wouldn’t be just one beast, it would be many. As many as his master wanted.
Emeriel swallowed the bile rising in his throat. His breath seized as panic set in.
“Breathe, Em. Come on,” Aekeira appeared by his side, rubbing his back. “In… and out… come on, Em.”
Aekeira’s voice was gentle, soothing, giving Emeriel no choice but to follow its sound.
Aekeira continued rubbing his back. “Good girl. That’s my girl.”
Two Urekai came in and forced them to take an unknown pill.
Surely they hadn’t paid all that money just to k*ll them before they even became slaves, right? Emeriel thought as she swallowed it.
Minutes later, they both dropped unconscious on the floor.
Much later, Emeriel woke to the bumping ride of the carriage. His head woozy, his senses disoriented as he blinked several times to adjust his vision.
They had been forced to take a pill.
Rising, he walked to the carriage’s wooden window and pushed it open. A gasp left him.
They are in Urekai land. Emeriel could see dozens of them.
But what had his jaw on the floor was the humans.
There were plenty in sight. Many females nearly matching the number of males.
Everyone knew the Urekais had acquired and held numerous humans captive after the war, but the sheer number he could see surpassed his expectations.
And they were all slaves.
Some were working in the fields, their weary bodies bent under the weight of their labor. Some were hauling heavy loads, their muscles straining with each step, under the watchful eyes of Urekai’s.
Some Urekais held whips, while some held s*ords. The sight turned Emeriel’s stomach, making him sick.
Is this to be our life now?
Aekeira’s gr**n of wakefulness echoed behind him and Emeriel quickly turned to his sister, concern etched on his face.
“Are you alright, Kiera?” he asked, his voice hushed.
Aekeira nodded, rubbing her eyes. “Where are we?” she asked, eyes scanning their surroundings.
Their kingdom, Urai,” Emeriel whispered, keeping his voice down so the carriage master would not overhear.
Together, they took in the huge fortress in front of them. The carriage was headed straight for it.
“This place looks highly luxurious,” Aekeira said.
Emeriel nodded. As royalty, they were well-acquainted with luxury, but this was on an entirely different scale.
Which begged the question…
Who exactly were the males who had purchased them? And if they weren’t his and his sister’s masters, then who was…?
*******
They were brought into an empty room after passing numerous chambers and passages.
“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 came.
“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 b*ds, 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?
Chapter 5 YOUR PURPOSE HERE
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.
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 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 in 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 mused, 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 a preferable choice in that moment-Emeriel threw weary glances at the scarred lord. “I have heard rumors about 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 bl**dhosts, they prefer to drain humans’ bl**d. And, after their king ran wild, they-“
“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.”
Emeriel braced himself.
“Five hundred years ago, and even before that, my people and humans coexisted peacefully. Grand King Daemonikai made sure of that.”
Grand King Daemonikai.
The mere mention of the name had goosebumps spreading on Emeriel’s skin, knees quaking in barely-concealed fear.
One of the oldest Urekai to have ever existed, his reputation was known throughout the world, even to a child born in present times.
He wasn’t just one of the four rulers, he was the very first. The ultimate ruler.
His power and strength were legendary. Some even suggested he couldn’t be k*lled.
That name, Daemonikai, was one that struck terror into the hearts of every species existing in this world.
“His son, Alvin, made friends with a human prince.” Lord Vladya continued. “During a conversation over a glass of champagne, Alvin, in a drunken state, told the prince the secrets of our people. The Eclipse Moon night.”
“A night when the Urekai were naturally stripped of their power and strength by the moon, right?” Emeriel asked, wondering if the rumors were true. “It comes every five hundred years, rendering you lots incredibly weak. Weaker than a newborn baby. Vulnerable to attack.”
The scarred Urekai stopped and eyed Emeriel, nodding before walking again.
“What Alvin didn’t know was the prince’s father used his son to gather information about us. King Memphis had his eyes set on our land. To make a long story short, the humans breached our defenses and attacked us on the Eclipse Moon night, inflicting significant damage upon our kingdom.”
A shadow crossed Lord Vladya’s eyes. “Many of our people were killed. The survival of the Urekai was largely due to the efforts of the four rulers, particularly Daemonikai.” He looked distant, as if he could see that night playing out before him.
“Daemonikai exerted every ounce of his strength to save his people. Sacrificed everything he had…knowing the consequences it would bring.”
Consequences?
Emeriel suddenly felt bad. The humans regarded that night as a victory. Talked about it as a great achievement. But hearing it now, it was nothing short of barbaric.
“After that night, everything changed,” Lord Vlayda said. “Many Urekai lost their bondmates and children. Those who remained were hardened by the loss. Even our revenge did nothing to ease the pain in our hearts.”
“Your kind almost decimated the human population, forcing many into hiding.” Emeriel couldn’t keep the bitterness off his tone. “The Urekai took numerous slaves and nearly depleted the human lands of their females. And it did nothing?”
As those chilling eyes once again stared at him. Emeriel snapped his mouth shut.
“Then, Grand King Daemonikai gave in to his beast and went mad. His mind was completely lost, has remained so for the past five hundred years. The very people he sacrificed everything to protect are now in danger from him.” Lord Vladya turned a corner.
“The beast breaks free periodically, going on ruthless, brutal killing sprees. To prevent further loss, the beast is confined here in Ravenshadow.”
Okay… that sounded like a good idea. What was the problem?
“But, confinement alone is not enough. Our inner beasts require two basic substance to survive: bl**d and s*x,” Lord Vladya surveyed Emeriel with a piercing gaze. “And that is where your sister comes in.”
Emeriel grew unease. He did not like where this was going.
“Princess Aekeira will fulfill the beast’s s*xual needs. That is why she was acquired. As for you, since I have no use for you, both of you belong to the beast,” Lord Vladya asserted firmly.
“What?” The disbelieving whisper tore from Emeriel. “Surely, y-you can’t mean that.”
“Tell Princess Aekeira to present to the beast. If she presents well, who knows? She might survive another day. I care little for the outcome.”
Emeriel collapsed to his knees, tears blurring his vision. “Please, Lord Vladya, don’t subject her to this. To be a s*xual slave? To a beast…the king’s beast? My sister will die!!” He screamed, his words tainted with anger.
Lord Vladya did not bat an eyelash. “Good luck trying to run away from Ravenshadow. For every attempt, you will be met with fifty lashes of the whip.” With that, he turned on his heel, stridingpassed terror, and Emeriel surged after him, but the Urekai soldiers blocked his path.
“Who do you think you are!?” Emeriel screamed. “Do you consider yourself so all-powerful that you can dictate the fate of living beings!? You are nothing more than beasts! You’re a monster, Lord Vladya!”
Lord Vladya halted at the doorway, casting a glance over his shoulder. “That is a compliment, human prince. And to you, it is Grand Lord Vladya.”
Emeriel froze.
Grand Lord?
As in, one of the four rulers of the Urekai, that GRAND LORD!?
Holy light-gods, we’re doomed.
Chapter 6 SERVING THE BEAST
The night had descended upon them.
Aekeira’s face turned pale upon hearing everything from Emeriel. She had not uttered a single word in hours. Instead, tears streamed down her eyes.
Emeriel could hardly recognize Aekeira after the “treatment” Livia had given her.
Aekeira was incredibly beautiful, well-groomed, and all dressed up in that scanty piece of nothing.
He despised the purpose behind her transformation and dreaded the impending arrival of the Urekai guards, who would soon take her away.
“Let us escape,” Emeriel suggested urgently. “This place is vast, and-“
Aekeira shook her head. “I cannot risk your life, Em. Grand Lord Vladya warned you about the severe consequences of attempting to escape. Moreover, if we’re caught, they will undoubtedly discover your secret when they strip you down to whip you. It is simply not an option.”
Emeriel approached his sister and shook her firmly. “Pull yourself together, Aekeira! You will be forced to serve a UREKAI in its BEAST FORM! One that has lost its sanity and has remained feral for over five hundred years! You cannot subject yourself to such a fate! You will die if you do this!” he screamed.
“We have no other choice!” Aekeira screamed right back, “I will not put you in danger, Emeriel. Can’t you understand? You are my younger sister. Our parents risked everything to protect you, and I will do everything in my power to do the same. Not because you are a burden, but because I am your elder sister, and I love you dearly!”
Emeriel bit his lip, struggling to hold back tears. “And who will protect you, Aekeira? Who will ensure your safety?”
Aekeira’s desperate arms grasped Emeriel, as she gazed into his eyes. “They must never discover you are a girl, Emeriel. Never! Neither the humans nor the Urekais must find out.”
The door swung open, announcing Livia’s return, accompanied by the young girl, Amie, and another group of Urekai soldiers.
“It is time. Let us proceed,” Livia declared as her eyes widened. “It is inadvisable for you to touch her now. You do not want to leave your scent on her. Release her immediately.”
“What do you mean? What will happen if I touch my sister?” Emeriel asked, quickly pulling away.
“The beast must not detect any other scent on her. If it smells a scent it hates, it may become even more brutal–might even tear her apart. That is why you must not touch her, Emeriel.”
Livia nodded for the men to escort Aekeira out of the room, and Emeriel followed.
The journey was long and silent, involving a lot of twists and turns.
They passed by human slaves and Urekai maids within the vast fortress, but as they approached their destination, the faces grew scarce, and the surroundings became eerily quiet.
Fear and goosebumps crept over Emeriel as they entered a haunting corridor.
A strange sensation fell over Emeriel, and the silence became almost deafening. It felt as though they were walking through a graveyard.
“This is as far as we go,” Livia whispered at the entrance of the hallway. You can proceed from here, Aekeira.”
Emeriel ignored the head maid’s words about not touching his sister and gripped Aekeira’s arm tightly.
“Don’t do it,” he pleaded, shaking his head vehemently.
Aekeira did not turn to look at him, as she gently pulled her hand away and continued forward.
**
Back at their chambers, Emeriel began to pace.
He scratched his arm, feeling restless and irritable.
All he wanted was for his sister to remain alive until the next day.
Whether she was wounded or in pain, it didn’t matter, as long as she was alive. It might have been selfish of him, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
But as he paced, Emeriel felt really, really strange.
Hot. So hot.
As if he was burning from the inside…
……
What happens next?
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