Chapter 17: Emeriel let out another piercing scream, her body twitching and writhing uncontrollably. Livia deduced she was having another orgasm. Thick moisture spilled out from Emeriel's tight passage, forming a small pool beneath her. Livia continued fingering her, stimulating her, now aiming for the new gland that set her apart from other humans. It didn't take long for a third orgasm to follow. Emeriel gyrated her hips, the tension uncoiling from her body as her shout echoed throughout the chamber. As the tension drained from her small frame, the girl passed out, her body finally succumbing to exhaustion. Taking advantage of the moment, Livia carefully inserted another finger, skillfully avoiding the girl's hymen, to assess the state of her inner body. A sigh of relief escaped the older woman. Her womb had not descended. It was indeed a mini-heat, and it had run its course. Livia delicately withdrew her finger from the tight opening and stepped back from the bed. "Attend to her cleanliness, Amie," she instructed gently. The young girl nodded, swiftly leaving the chamber to retrieve the necessary supplies. It didn't take long for her to return, bearing a basin filled with fragrant water, soap, and a soft cloth. Settling herself on the edge of the bed, Amie began her task. "Be careful," Livia cautioned. Not only were Emeriel's intimate regions red and bruised, but other parts of her fair skin had suffered from her relentless scratching, such as her arms. She'd scratched her skin raw. How had she come to experience a heat? Only Urekai females were known to go through heat cycles-it was exceedingly rare for humans. It had been well over two centuries since a human woman had last gone into heat. The fact that the young prince had only arrived in Urekai territory today, and it was precisely today that her first heat had occurred, left Livia pondering. Was it merely a coincidence? Why now, of all times? Why this princess living in disguise? But, above all, Livia had no idea what to do with this secret she had uncovered. She gnawed at her teeth, deep in thought. A distant scream pierced the air, followed by another, and another. She sighed heavily. The beast was at it once more. Was this the second round? Or perhaps the third? Livia couldn't be entirely certain. But the scream was a good thing, for it signified that the beast's victim was still alive-at least, for now. Whether she would survive until the morrow, only time would reveal. THE GRAND HIGH COURT OF RAVENSHADOW FORTRESS, URAI. GRAND LORD VLADYA The court had vast walls, adorned with exquisite paintings, fine carpets, intricate needlework, and elaborate fabric designs. Two raised platforms stood out. The first held three large chairs, each boasting intricate gold designs. Behind it, a second platform rose even higher, supporting a larger, more ornate throne. Seated upon the three chairs were Grand Lord Ottai, Grand Lord Vladya, and Grand Lord Zaiper. The solitary throne behind them-belonging to Grand King Daemonikai-was empty. "From the screams that echoed last night, I assume you went ahead with the plan, Lord Vladya," Zaiper said calmly, his attention focused on the slave girl kneeling before him. "You are correct, Lord Zaiper," Vladya replied simply. "We agreed the plan was unwise, did we not?" Zaiper pressed, his grip tightening on the slave's hair as he forced her head down. "It's time to accept that King Daemonikai is long gone. There's no reason to keep the beast alive any longer. No shapeshifter-whether Urekai, Werewolf, or Dragon-can return from such a feral state. It's just not possible." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!