Chapter 605:

A knot twisted in Emeriel’s stomach. “And?”

“He stayed all day beside you, seated right here.” She patted the edge of the bed. “I’ve never seen him so…”

“Broken?” Emeriel supplied softly.

“Defeated,” Aekeira whispered into the quiet room. “He was in a daze the whole day. He didn’t move, didn’t say a word. Just… stared at you.” The knot in Emeriel’s stomach tangled painfully.

Drawing in a shaky breath, Emeriel spoke through her constricting chest. “And after?”

“And after… nothing.” Aekeira’s tone went flat. “He went back to his bedchamber and hasn’t come out since.”

Emeriel went still. “What?”

“Lord Ottai calls it a self-imposed exile. No one has seen or heard from the Grand King in almost a week, but we know he’s still there. He shut down the royal residence and stopped taking visitors.”

Aekeira placed her head back on Emeriel’s belly. “Not even Lord Vladya could get in, and apparently, he has tried repeatedly. The Frostfall soldiers guarding the royal wing won’t budge. They have strict orders not to let anyone in.”

Emeriel was relieved that Daemonikai had returned to his senses. Whatever had overtaken him that night had been terrifying and uncontrollable. She could still see the wild, vacant look in his eyes, and she could still feel the aftermath of what had happened.

Shoving those vile, disturbing memories down, Emeriel focused on something else. She thought of the days before that horrible night—their days together at the cottage. She thought of the male who was her soulmate, the one who had never given up on her, even when she had given up on herself.

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Daemonikai had chased her tirelessly, relentlessly. He had been determined to prove that their bond deserved another chance. Her Grand King had stood proudly in court, fighting for her. Before an audience filled with those who hated her kind, he had declared her his Soulbond. His woman.

And Emeriel wouldn’t lose him over this. Never.

“I know that look.”

Emeriel blinked, looking at her sister, whose head had lifted again to watch her. How long had she been observing her?

Aekeira’s brow lifted. “You’re not giving up on him, are you?”

“Never,” Emeriel whispered matter-of-factly.

Aekeira nodded. The corners of her lips tugged upward. “Mmm. I didn’t think you would.”

Then, she settled her head back onto Emeriel’s belly.

“No protests?” Emeriel was mildly surprised.

Aekeira sighed. “Emeriel, you have loved this male even when he was nothing more than a mindless beast we had to serve to survive. Even as you lay there, unconscious and dying, I knew when you woke, you wouldn’t give up on him. It’s just who you are. And I respect that.”

Emeriel’s lips softened into a faint smile. “Thank you.”

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