Chapter 40: GRAND LORD VLADYA Standing at the outskirts of the southern wing, Lord Vladya gazed up at the starry night sky. Ottai had departed to join the festival, but Vladya had chosen to remain behind. In the distance, the sounds of merriment reached his ears as his people reveled in the festivities. It brought him some peace. These days, it took a great deal to bring happiness to their people. Centuries may have passed, but the horrors that had befallen the Urekai on that fateful night remained etched in their memories. Time was fleeting for them, so they did not easily forget the losses they had endured. Thus, whenever they managed to find joy in anything, it was welcomed. Vladya was troubled. Why had Daemonikai sought out the boy? True, the boy emitted an unusual scent-an incredibly enticing one, faint yet present. Almost like the scent Urekai females have during mini-heat. Such a thing was impossible. Vladya dismissed the thought. But still. Why would the beast single out the boy? It was highly unusual for a feral Urekai beast to seek out a specific individual. Their minds simply did not operate in such a manner. "By the gods. Please, Lord Vladya, I beg of you!" The female's sobbing voice came from behind. Vladya ignored the human princess. In the wake of recent events, the girl's fear of him seemed to have taken a back seat. Her concern for her sibling had become paramount. The princess had followed him persistently since he departed the chamber, beseeching him to return and rescue her brother. The girl dropped to her knees before him. "I am willing to do anything. I shall pay whatever price you demand. Please, save him!" Vladya spun around to face her. Whether it was the festive atmosphere, the throbbing headache pounding at his temples, or the recent encounter with the beast, his patience was wearing thin. Updates loaded at g????????????σv????????s.co???? Daemon's beast, he couldn't say. But for some reason, he found himself unable to summon the anger that usually surged within him in the presence of humans. Perhaps it was because he understood the need to save someone dear to you, even knowing deep down that you cannot save them. Perhaps it was because he knew what it felt like to love someone dearly, the desire to shield them from all harm. But all he felt now was weariness as he regarded the once-human princess. Her face was swollen, streaked with smeared makeup, tainted red by grief, and dampened by tears. "Aekeira, you cannot save him now. You can only hope that he retains even the smallest flicker of life when the beast is finished with him," he told her once again. He had uttered those words repeatedly to the stubborn female, but they yielded the same effect. She cried louder, staring at the path leading to her brother with longing, and began her plea once more. The young slave girl whom he had sent to Livia's chambers returned, bearing a potion with her. "Here it is, my lord." "Give it to her," he gestured to the female kneeling before him. Then, to Aekeira, he ordered in a calm tone, "Drink it. It will help you calm down." "No! No, I do NOT wish to calm down! I want to save my brother, I-" "I cannot help your brother if you don't take that potion, Aekeira," he interjected, his tone steady. The girl's brown eyes widened, and she quickly accepted the potion, consuming its contents. "Will you help Em?" Her voice was small, filled with hope. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!