2. SOLD TO THE UREKAI
Chapter two
SOLD TO THE UREKAI
Aekeira cried for over an hour after they left the courtroom.
At first, she had been angry, shouting at Emeriel about his foolish decision. Then she broke down, crying as if her heart had been shattered. Now they were left alone in a tiny room of the carriage.
Emeriel remained quiet throughout his sister's breakdown, the weight of his decision finally sinking in.
By the Light-gods, he was now a slave. Lower than a lowborn. Lower than a carpet servant.
And not just any slave, but a Urekai slave. Or many Urekai, Emeriel had no idea yet.
He would serve those heartless, ruthless beings who despised humans.
“You're a pretty boy. You will not lack masters to service.”
A shiver coursed down Emeriel's spine. They were going to violate his body.
What he had always worried about would finally come true. Only now, it wouldn't be just one beast, it would be many. As many as his master wanted.
They would spread him apart, subjecting him to the dreadful act of sex.
Emeriel swallowed the bile rising in his throat. His breath seized as panic set in.
"Breathe, Em. Come on." Aekeira appeared by his side, rubbing his back. "In... and out... come on, Em."
Aekeira's voice was gentle and soothing, giving Emeriel no choice but to follow its sound.
Aekeira continued rubbing his back. "Good girl. That's my girl."
Two Urekai came in and forced them to take an unknown pill.
Surely they hadn't paid all that money just to kill them before they even became slaves, right? Emeriel thought as she swallowed it.
Minutes later, they both dropped unconscious on the floor.
Emeriel woke up to the bumpy ride of the carriage. His head felt woozy, and his senses were disoriented as he blinked several times to adjust his vision. Rising, he walked to the carriage’s wooden window and pushed it open. A gasp left him.
They are in Urekai land. Emeriel could see dozens of them.
But what had his jaw on the floor was the humans.
There were plenty in sight. Many females nearly match the number of males.
Everyone knew the Urekai had acquired and held numerous humans captive after the war, but the sheer number he could see surpassed his expectations.
And they were all slaves.
Some were working in the fields, their weary bodies bent under the weight of their labor. Some were hauling heavy loads, their muscles straining with each step, under the watchful eyes of Urekai.
Some Urekai held whips, while some held swords. The sight turned Emeriel's stomach, making him sick.
Is this to be our life now?
Aekeira's groan of wakefulness echoed behind him, and Emeriel quickly turned to his sister, concern etched on his face.
"Are you alright, Kiera?" he asked, his voice hushed.
Aekeira nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Where are we?" she asked, eyes scanning their surroundings.
"Their kingdom, Urai," Emeriel whispered, keeping his voice down so the carriage master would not overhear.
Together, they took in the huge fortress in front of them. The carriage headed straight for it.
"This place looks highly luxurious," Aekeira said.
Emeriel nodded. As royalty, they were well-acquainted with luxury, but this was on an entirely different scale.
Which begged the question...
Who exactly were the males who had purchased them? And if they weren't his and his sister's masters, then who was...?
They were led into an empty room after passing through numerous chambers and passages. "This shall be your quarters for now," a soldier announced.
The room was surprisingly spacious and tastefully decorated.
Not long after the soldiers left, the sound of approaching footsteps reached their ears, growing louder with each moment.
The door swung open, and an older human woman marched in, accompanied by a younger woman and three Urekai males. The older woman's gaze fell on Emeriel, and she did a double take. "You are one remarkably handsome male. I have seen many pretty males in my time, but even I can hardly think of one who is half as pretty as you."
Feeling uneasy, Emeriel took a step back, finding solace behind Aekeira, who spread her arms protectively to shield him from prying eyes.
"Well, it's a shame you're not the one we came for," the woman said dismissively, turning away. "Prepare her, boys. Amie, get the bath ready."
The three males closed in on Aekeira, beginning to undress her. Their hands removed her clothes while another tended to her hair, undoing the knots.
"What are you doing?" Emeriel asked concerned.
"Getting her ready for what is to come.” The older woman didn't bother to look at him. “You can either stay or leave. I care not. But if you disturb me, I will have you reported to the soldiers and thrown into the dungeon."
Numerous questions swirled in Emeriel’s mind, but a shake of Aekeira's head silenced him.
He watched helplessly as they undressed her, while the younger girl, Amie, preparing a large tub filled with water.
Eventually, Emeriel decided to step out and explore, wandering the halls aimlessly. He followed one to a secluded passage that appeared hidden from casual glances.
Voices echoed in the distance, so he moved closer towards them.
"What shall we do with the boy? He was not part of the plan," one voice said.
"I do not care, Lord Ottai. Perhaps we will think of something later,” Lord Vladya's voice came. “For now, let us focus on the girl. The bad weather delayed our journey, I had expected us to return yesterday.”
His voice, chilling and authoritative, Lord Vladya added. “Time is running short. She must be in the forbidden chambers tonight."
Forbidden chambers?
Emeriel didn’t like the sound of that at all.
"Calm yourself, Vladya. That young girl cannot handle the beast," Lord Ottai added.
"I do not care. They have made their beds, and they shall lie in them," Vladya said defiantly.
A heavy sigh followed. "It would be heartless to send that girl in to service the beast without any inkling of what to expect. I know you have no love for humans, and frankly, neither do I, but we can surely do better than that," Lord Ottai reasoned.
"Do as you wish, Ottai. Tell them everything or tell them nothing. I care not,” Vladya stated. “Whether she lives or dies, I care not either. I shall throw in the pretty little prince next, and if he perishes too, I shall be on the next carriage to the next human kingdom to select another princess for him. That is the only aspect of this that concerns me."
A silence fell, leaving Emeriel's mind racing with fear and disbelief.
Service the beast? Die?
Emeriel was horrified. I must rescue Aekeira! We need to escape!
"I know you are there, pretty prince. I can smell you," Lord Vladya's voice rang out.
Emeriel gasped, frozen in place as Lord Vladya’s imposing figure emerged from the door. His cold, lifeless gray and yellow eyes fixed upon Emeriel.
Instinctively, Emeriel took a step back. Then another.
Lord Vladya smirked. "I would advise against whatever thoughts are brewing in that little head of yours. You have no inkling of where you are, do you?"
Emeriel could only discern they were in the tallest, most fortified fortress he had ever seen. He shook his head, his fear palpable.
"You are in Ravenshadow," Lord Ottai said, coming up behind the scarred Lord.
Ravenshadow?
The Ravenshadow!?
No, by the Light, this cannot be happening.
"R-Ravenshadow Citadel? The home of the f-four grand rulers of the Urekai. The Whispering Abyss of great power?" Emeriel blurted out, unable to contain his terror any longer.
Lord Ottai snorted. "That is what humans call it. We do not. But yes, you are correct. You are in the Ravenshadow Citadel, Prince Emeriel."
"You do not need me to inform you this is the most secure place in Urai, with vast lands where you could get lost if you tried to escape." Lord Vladya smirked. “A vortex that would swallow you, never to be seen again. There is no escape from Ravenshadow."
Emeriel heard their words, but his mind was consumed by far greater fear.
"The four grand rulers of the Urekai reside here?" Emeriel mused, dreadfully.
"They do." Lord Ottai sounded mildly amused, drawing Emeriel's attention.
Emeriel had no idea he'd said that out loud.
Inching closer to Lord Ottai—he seemed the less intimidating and a preferable choice in that moment—Emeriel threw weary glances at the scarred lord. "I have heard rumors about Urekai.”
“What exactly did you hear?” Lord Ottai asked.
“They are said to be deadly, unpredictable, and almost feral in their actions."Emeriel listed off on his fingers as he rambled. "Their mating habits are said to be as brutal as their killings, and while they have bloodhosts, they prefer to drain humans' blood. And, after their king ran wild, they—"
"Terrific. Just what I needed to hear," Lord Vladya added in a dry tone.
Lord Ottai, still somewhat amused, spoke up, "I will leave the briefing to Lord Vladya. I need to attend to the council."
What!? Please do not leave me with him! Emeriel almost shouted. But he bit his lips hard, restraining himself.
Lord Vladya, however, did not hold back. "Think again, Lord Ottai. There is no way I will—"
"Would you prefer Lord Zaiper handle the briefing then?" Lord Ottai asked quietly.
A muscle twitched on Lord Vladya's jaw and he gave Emeriel a hard look, as if actually considering the option.
Lord Ottai must have picked up on that, quickly adding, "You know you don't want that to happen. Besides, let us not forget the favor you owe me. Remember that?"
Lord Vladya glared at him, and Lord Ottai offered a wolfish smile. "I believe it's time to collect. You do the briefing. Off I go." With that, Lord Ottai strode away, exuding an air of sophistication with every step.
Finally, Emeriel and Lord Vladya stood facing each other.
"Come." Lord Vladya began walking, and Emeriel fell into step behind him.
"Forget whatever rumors may have spread in the human realm. Some may hold a grain of truth, but most are truly bizarre.” Lord Vladya looked mildly annoyed. “However, I will not delve into the vast knowledge of our kind, for it is too extensive to cover. Instead, I will share the parts that pertain to your sister's presence here."
Emeriel braced himself.
"Five hundred years ago, and even before that, my people and humans coexisted peacefully. Grand King Daemonikai made sure of that."
Grand King Daemonikai.
The mere mention of the name had goosebumps spreading on Emeriel's skin, knees quaking in barely concealed fear.
One of the oldest Urekai to have ever existed, his reputation was known throughout the world, even to a child born in present times.
He wasn’t just one of the four rulers, he was the very first. The ultimate ruler.
His power and strength were legendary. Some even suggested he couldn't be killed.
That name, Daemonikai, was one that struck terror into the hearts of every species existing in this world.
"His son, Alvin, made friends with a human prince," Lord Vladya continued. "During a conversation over a glass of champagne, Alvin, in a drunken state, told the prince the secrets of our people. The Eclipse Moon night."
“A night when the Urekai were naturally stripped of their power and strength by the moon, right?" Emeriel asked, wondering if the rumors were true. "It comes every five hundred years, rendering you lots incredibly weak. Weaker than a newborn baby. Vulnerable to attack,”
The scarred Urekai stopped and eyed Emeriel, nodding before walking again. "What Alvin didn't know was the prince's father used his son to gather information about us. King Memphis had his eyes set on our land. To make a long story short, the humans breached our defenses and attacked us on the Eclipse Moon night, inflicting significant damage upon our kingdom."
A shadow crossed Lord Vladya's eyes. "Many of our people were killed. The survival of the Urekai was largely due to the efforts of the four rulers, particularly Daemonikai." He looked distant, as if he could see that night playing out before him. "Daemonikai exerted every ounce of his strength to save his people. Sacrificed everything he had... knowing the consequences it would bring."
Consequences? Emeriel suddenly felt bad. The humans regarded that night as a victory. Talked about it as a great achievement. But hearing it now, it was nothing short of barbaric.
"After that night, everything changed,” Lord Vlayda said. “Many Urekai lost their bondmates and children. Those who remained were hardened by the loss. Even our revenge did nothing to ease the pain in our hearts."
“Your kind almost decimated the human population, forcing many into hiding." Emeriel couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his tone. "The Urekai took numerous slaves and nearly depleted the human lands of their females. And it did nothing?”
As those chilling eyes once again stared at him, Emeriel snapped his mouth shut.
"Then, Grand King Daemonikai gave in to his beast and went mad. His mind was completely lost and has remained so for the past five hundred years. The very people he sacrificed everything to protect are now in danger from him." Lord Vladya turned a corner. "The beast breaks free periodically, going on ruthless, brutal killing sprees. To prevent further loss, the beast is confined here in Ravenshadow."
Okay... that sounded like a good idea. What was the problem?
"But confinement alone is not enough. Our inner beasts require two basic substances to survive. Blood and sex." Lord Vladya surveyed Emeriel with a piercing gaze. "And that is where your sister comes in."
Emeriel grew uneasy. He did not like where this was going.
"Princess Aekeira will fulfill the beast's sexual needs. That is why she was acquired. As for you, since I have no use for you, both of you belong to the beast," Lord Vladya asserted firmly.
"What?" The disbelieving whisper tore from Emeriel. "Surely, y-you can't mean that."
"Tell Princess Aekeira to present to the beast. If she presents well, who knows? She might survive another day. I care little for the outcome."
Emeriel collapsed to his knees, tears blurring his vision. "Please, Lord Vladya, don't subject her to this. To be a sexual slave? To a beast... the king's beast? My sister will die!!" he screamed, his words tainted with anger.
Lord Vladya did not bat an eyelash. "Good luck trying to run away from Ravenshadow. For every attempt, you will be met with fifty lashes of the whip." With that, he turned on his heel, striding away.
Anger surpassed terror, and Emeriel surged after him, but the Urekai soldiers blocked his path.
"Who do you think you are!?” Emeriel screamed. “Do you consider yourself so all-powerful that you can dictate the fate of living beings!? You are nothing more than beasts! You're a monster, Lord Vladya!"
Lord Vladya halted at the doorway, casting a glance over his shoulder. "That is a compliment, human prince. And to you, it is Grand Lord Vladya."
Emeriel froze.
Grand Lord?
As in, one of the four rulers of the Urekai, that GRAND LORD!?
Holy Light-gods, we’re doomed.
The night descended upon them.
Aekeira's face turned pale upon hearing everything from Emeriel. She had not uttered a single word in hours. Instead, tears streamed down her face.
Emeriel could hardly recognize Aekeira after the "treatment" Livia had given her.
Aekeira was incredibly beautiful, well-groomed, and all dressed up in that scanty piece of nothing.
He despised the purpose behind her transformation and dreaded the impending arrival of the Urekai guards, who would soon take her away.
"Let us escape,” Emeriel suggested urgently. “This place is vast, and—"
Aekeira shook her head. "I cannot risk your life, Em. Grand Lord Vladya warned you about the severe consequences of attempting to escape. Moreover, if we’re caught, they will undoubtedly discover your secret when they strip you down to whip you. It is simply not an option."
Emeriel approached his sister and shook her firmly. "Pull yourself together, Aekeira! You will be forced to serve a UREKAI in its BEAST FORM! One that has lost its sanity and has remained feral for over five hundred years! You cannot subject yourself to such a fate! You will die if you do this!"
"We have no other choice!" Aekeira screamed right back. "I will not put you in danger, Emeriel. Can't you understand? Our parents risked everything to protect you, and I will do everything in my power to do the same. Not because you are a burden, but because I am your elder sister, and I love you dearly!"
Emeriel bit his lip, struggling to hold back tears. "And who will protect you, Aekeira? Who will ensure your safety?"
Aekeira's desperate arms grasped Emeriel as she gazed into his eyes. "They must never discover you are a girl, Emeriel. Never! Neither the humans nor the Urekai must find out."
The door swung open, announcing Livia's return, accompanied by the young girl, Amie, and another group of Urekai soldiers.
"It is time. Let us proceed," Livia declared as her eyes widened. "It is inadvisable for you to touch her now. You do not want to leave your scent on her. Release her immediately."
Emeriel quickly pulled away. "What do you mean? What will happen if I touch my sister?"
"The beast must not detect any other scent on her. If it catches a scent it dislikes, it may become even more brutal—perhaps even tear her apart.” Livia nodded for the men to escort Aekeira out of the room.
Emeriel followed.
The journey was long and silent, involving a lot of twists and turns.
They passed by human slaves and Urekai maids within the vast fortress, but as they approached their destination, the faces grew scarce, and the surroundings became eerily quiet.
Fear and goosebumps crept over Emeriel as they entered a haunting corridor.
A strange sensation fell over Emeriel, and the silence became almost deafening. It felt as though they were walking through a graveyard.
"This is as far as we go," Livia whispered at the entrance of the hallway. You can proceed from here, Aekeira."
Emeriel ignored the head maid's words about not touching his sister and gripped Aekeira's arm tightly.
"Don't do it," he pleaded, shaking his head vehemently.
Aekeira did not turn to look at him as she gently pulled her hand away and continued forward.
Back at their chambers, Emeriel began to pace.
He scratched his arm, feeling restless and irritable.
All he wanted was for his sister to remain alive until the next day.
Whether she was wounded or in pain, it didn’t matter as long as she was alive. It might have been selfish of him, but he couldn't bring himself to care.
But as he paced, Emeriel felt really, really strange.
Hot. So hot.
As if he was burning from the inside.
The forbidden chambers were engulfed in pitch-black darkness. Unable to see anything, Princess Aekeira's fear skyrocketed.
But she could sense she was not alone. Something was watching her.
Goosebumps spread across her body.
With trembling hands, Aekeira began to undress. The Urekai possessed exceptional night vision, so she was certain this beast could see her clearly.
Present to the beast. You might be able to survive if you present well.
Naked, she fell to her knees, her body trembling. She lowered her upper-body until her shoulder pressed against the cool floor, spreading her knees wide open to expose her privates fully.
Don’t present your anus. The older woman had instructed her as she poured copious amounts of liquid as lubrication into Aekeira's intimate area.
There is no consciousness within the beast. Only sex, bloodfeeding, and killing.
Aekeira let out a long breath trying to still her shaking body.
He won't bloodfeed from you, his bloodhost came yesterday.
Carefully, Aekeira avoided touching her buttocks. Instead, she grasped just beyond them, reaching for her vaginal folds, spreading them apart as much as her position allowed.
A growl rumbled from the dark room.
Aekeira cried out, startled. It sounded much closer than she expected...!
Trembling like a leaf, she stared ahead into the darkness, awaiting the inevitable.
The position she held was uncomfortable, but Livia had instructed her to maintain it for as long as possible.
A large hand rested on her small hip. The shadow was enormous... a towering figure hovering behind her.
Aekeira held her breath, beyond terrified.
The beast sniffed her. Then stilled.
Took another sniff.
Its growl intensified… as if it had caught another scent?
Before Aekeira could think about it, the beast pressed its cold nose at her arm and inhaled deeply.
The same spot Emeriel held her before they parted ways.
A loud snarl echoed behind Aekeira.
Then, he mounted Aekeira, forcefully thrusting inside her.
She screamed in agony as the large beast ravaged her mercilessly. Mindlessly.
The pain was excruciating, unlike anything she had ever endured.
Her screams reverberated through the silence, shaking the walls.
The beast continued to sniff her arm, groaning and snarling. It wanted more of that scent. Annoyed, it couldn’t get more...!
Its pace was inhuman, fast and forceful, as if it wanted to penetrate Aekeira's very soul.
"Please!!!" she screamed, overwhelmed.
Her small body felt completely consumed by him. He truly was a beast.
She could feel the hard scales against her skin. Limbs like tree trunks. Talons as sharp as daggers.
She feared they would cut into her, given how tightly the beast held her.
Oh, divine gods, I’m going to die!