Chapter 20: The guards stiffened and exchanged glances. Without a word, two of them stepped forward, grabbing Emeriel by the arms and pulling him away. "No! Let me go, right now!" He fought with all his strength, but it was as useless as trying to kick solid rocks. They dragged him out of the building and into the courtyard, where the busy movements of others surrounded them. Then they pushed him roughly, and Emeriel fell to the ground like a sack of potatoes. One guard leaned down, his voice full of threat. "If we catch you near the fourth wing again, we'll cut your head off," he growled. With that, they walked away. Tears filled Emeriel's eyes as he lay there, helpless. GRAND LORD VLADYA Vladya stayed silent. He felt nothing about the girl's death, either. Maybe he would have felt guilt-or something like it-if he still had a soul. Sadly, his heart had become an empty space where his soul once resided, and his conscience had died five centuries ago. Along with his former bondmate. And best friend. Lord Vladya rose from his chair. "I must remove her dead body from the forbidden chambers. The young prince will go next." His lips tightened in disapproval. "This means Lord Ottai and I must make another trip to the human lands. This time, we will travel across the twelve kingdoms and take all the princesses, even the daughters of the wealthy. We made a mistake bringing back only two. We should have taken at least fifty." "That course of action could potentially trigger another war," Ottai protested. "I would not mind one," Vladya deadpanned, his tone devoid of emotion. "In fact, I welcome any fight that comes my way." gⱯlnσν????????s․com holds stories for every mood As always, Ottai tried to keep the peace and gave him a pleading look. "Let us be careful. I believe we can reach our goals without starting a war." "I must leave now. I promised Morina I would hunt with her this morning." A familiar sting of jealousy struck Vladya's chest. Ottai had been bonded to Morina for a thousand years and would gladly give his life for her. He may have lost his only son that tragic night, but at least his bondmate was still alive. Ottai left first, and Vladya followed, heading toward the grand entrance. "Lord Vladya?" Zaiper called out. Vladya stopped and turned to face him. "Our grand throne cannot stay empty any longer." "I have no plans to challenge or fight Daemonikai," Vladya stated firmly. Zaiper's anger rose, and his eyes burned with fury. "I know he was your best friend, but that is not Daemonikai anymore! He is now a wild beast that must be killed!" Vladya looked at him with a calm, uncaring gaze. "Let me make it clear. I will not challenge or fight the beast." With that, he turned to leave. "I will speak to the Elders then. It has been five centuries. I'm sure I can convince them to see reason," Zaiper said with determination. Vladya stiffened, anger burning inside him. But he kept his face calm as he turned back. Zaiper grinned wolfishly. "It's a shame that princess died. I haven't heard a girl scream like that in a long time. She would have been fun to mount, wouldn't you agree?" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!