Chapter 28: "I did not think I would, my lord," she replied truthfully, meeting his eyes. "Where is my brother? Is he well?" "I ask the questions here, human princess. Not you," Grand Lord Vladya said coldly. "How did you manage to survive being mounted by his beast? Honestly, I did not expect you to live through it." Aekeira clenched her fists tightly. By the gods of light, she hated this man. She hated all of them. "I do not understand what you mean, my lord," she retorted. Her tone was sharp, and Aekeira realized she was glaring at him. Grand Lord Vladya's cold, gray-yellow eyes locked onto hers. "Allow me to rephrase the question. This time, give me a response that satisfies me, or I will summon the nearest slave master to strip you and give you thirty lashes. Do you understand?" Aekeira believed him. The hint of rebellion in her vanished as her heart raced. "Yes, my lord." "Good. Now, tell me everything that happened from the moment you entered the forbidden chambers." Aekeira recounted the events in detail, stumbling over her words a few times as she tried to distance herself from the horrible memory as much as possible. "I lost consciousness several times. I thought I would die. Truly, I do not know how I survived," she finished. Grand Lord Vladya studied her intently, and Aekeira made sure to look innocent. To look as if she were not hiding anything. "Do not celebrate just yet," Lord Vladya said at last. "Rest well and take your medicines, for in five nights, our people will celebrate the moonlight festival. On that night, you will return to the forbidden chambers." What…? Aekeira's blood ran cold. Just when she had begun to hope for survival, this man shattered it. Tears sprang in her eyes. "Surely, you do not mean that," she whispered. мσяє υρ∂αтєѕ ιи gαℓиσνєℓѕ.¢σм "I assure you, I never say what I do not mean," he replied calmly. "But do not worry; I am not completely heartless. The healer will attend to your needs, providing you with the necessary treatments and herbs." Those chilling eyes met hers. "But, make no mistake, your duty remains the same. Whether you choose to return to the forbidden chambers or send your dear little…" "Brother in your stead is of no concern to me. But one thing is certain, one of you will be there." To hell with the consequences. "You have no soul," Aekeira spat, venom dripping from her tone. "A manifestation of the devil himself." "Compliments, slave princess. Compliments." There was no remorse or anger in his eyes, only indifference. He stood and turned to leave, glancing over his shoulder. "Until we meet again, human princess. If we meet again." As the door closed behind him, tears streamed down Aekeira's face. By the gods of light, she had never cried easily. Not for anything. And she refused to start now-not because of a male like him. Her body ached as if she had been immersed in boiling water overnight. The area between her legs was raw and bruised, and the thought of being mounted by the beast again made her feel as though she might die. But she would rather go back herself than allow Emeriel to be sent there. Especially because the king's beast wanted Emeriel. It may have mounted Aekeira, but it was Emeriel's scent it was hungry for. Why? Aekeira had no idea. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!