27. AT MIDNIGHT, WHEN THE CROWS SLEEP
Chapter twenty-seven
AT MIDNIGHT, WHEN THE CROWS SLEEP
Grand Lord Vladya gazed out into the night, his arms crossed as he stood at the center of the Blackstone tower. His mind wandered far from his present location.
His mood remained as dark as ever, though he refused to analyze the reasons behind it.
Frankly, his moods had rarely been sunshine in the past few hundred years, so he believed there was no specific cause.
It absolutely had nothing to do with what transpired two nights ago.
He had lost control of himself. When he recalled half of the things he had said, it made him grimace.
Vladya refused to believe the person who had raged because the human princess undressed for Zaiper was him.
So what if the girl was attracted to the second ruler? It should mean nothing to him. He didn't even like the girl, so what the hell was that?
The fact that she had captured the attention of every male in court, their eyes greedily taking in her naked form, shouldn't have upset him so much.
As he battled the need not to unleash on her, he had almost succumbed to a beastflare.
He snorted. Accidental shifting was for young Urekai coming of age, not for an ancient like him. He was three thousand eight hundred years old, for Ukrae's sake.
So why in the fires of hell did it almost happen? He had fought against the shift...and had nearly lost.
Anger flared up inside him. Aekeira. It was all because of her.
What was it about the little human that made him lose control?
Vladya took a deep, calming breath, suppressing the anger. One would think that after making her pay for daring to invade his mind, he would feel a sense of calmness, but his mind was in chaos.
Nights in Urai were always beautiful, but tonight, the stars were few in the sky, and the moon was unusually barely a quarter.
But whenever a quarter moon appeared more frequently, it could only mean one thing—the Eclipse Moon night was near.
And, on that night, Daemonikai's beast would be killed.
His chest tightened, as if a hand had reached into his chest and squeezed to strangle him.
You have been preparing to let go for ages now, Vladya. You're running out of time to make peace with it. It's time you make up your mind.
Silent footsteps approached from behind and halted near him. "My lord, I have gathered information about the unknown person who has been feeding the grand king."
Lord Vladya spun around. "Who is it?"
"It's the young prince, Emeriel. He was assigned to clean the floors, but he took it upon himself to feed the beast. However, yesterday, he was not assigned there, and yet, he went over and fed the beast."
Emeriel?
Lord Vladya had never considered the boy. Perhaps a soldier or a Urekai maid, but never the human prince who had every reason to run away from the beast.
And he had done it twice now. But why?
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Lord Vladya dismissed him. Alone once again, his thoughts whirled. Was there some sort of connection between the beast and that boy, that he was missing?
There was no other reason for the boy to be so brave as to bring his hand close to a feral beast's mouth. And it would take bravery.
He had been there that night when the beast had singled the boy out to mount—Emeriel's fears had been real.
The thought of mounting brought his mind back to Princess Aekeira. Much to his annoyance.
In the light of day, he had stared at the girl's unconscious form as a prickle of conscience had stirred within him.
He was not that kind of person. Yes, he abhorred humans, and he was never lenient with them when it came to work or punishments for poor performance, or disobedience. But he was not the kind to forcefully mount a female.
Ottai had not exaggerated, Urekai females fell over themselves to get to him. He could have just about anyone he wanted.
Yet, that was the problem, wasn’t it?
He could have anyone, but in the past few weeks, he had desired no one but her. Not his beast. Him .
He had lost control with her, and every hidden ugly part of him came out, rearing their ugly heads.
It was a good thing he had satisfied his lust and rid himself of her. Now, he was back in control, and could concentrate on other pressing matters.
Wanting a human was simply unacceptable.
Vladya would sooner kill a human than allow them to have that sort of influence over him.
Emeriel awoke in the middle of the night, feeling feverish and restless.
Her body quivered with tremors, and painful cramps clenched her belly. She cried out, gripping her abdomen tightly.
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no! She was in such a state of arousal the need to spread her legs and relieve herself with her fingers was overpowering.
However, Emeriel had learned from experience that giving in to the urge would only intensify the heat.
In a panic, she sprang out of bed and hurried towards the door. The midnight silence enveloped her as Emeriel embarked on a search for Madam Livia.
Surely, there must be some herbs or remedies to make this heat go away. There has to be!
Emeriel was aware that her thinking was not rational. If there was an herb, wouldn't Madam Livia have already provided it to her?
But in her panicked and desperate state, Emeriel couldn't entertain rational thoughts. She had to escape the confines of her room rather than lie down and endure the torment of her heat.
A contraction seized her and she cried out, doubling over in pain.
She tried to stifle her cries, not wanting to alert the soldiers. Panting heavily, she squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the episode to pass.
When it finally subsided, tears streamed down her face. The ache was all-consuming. Her entire body felt ablaze with desire.
"Prince Emeriel?"
The familiar voice reached her before Amie came into view. The girl hastily adjusted her clothes, and through Emeriel's blurred vision, she noticed the red marks on Amie's face as she approached and touched her arm. "Are you alright?"
Her skin crawled, and Emeriel jerked her arm away.
"Who is that slave? What business do you have wandering in the night?” a soldier demanded, his footsteps drawing nearer.
Amie stepped in front of Emeriel, shielding her. "Everything is fine here, soldier. This slave was merely returning from an errand for Madam Livia. There is no cause for concern."
"Worthless humans! Return to your quarters if you wish to avoid flogging this instant,” barked the soldier in a low voice as he adjusted his clothing.
"Thank you, sir. We will leave now," Amie took Emeriel's hand, ignoring the wince of pain that crossed Emeriel's face. Together, they began to walk away.
"Same time tomorrow, Amie. Do not make me seek you out," the soldier called out, his words laced with a threat.
A deep sadness etched over Amie's face. "Of course, sir," she responded with feigned cheerfulness.
As they reached the servant's quarters, Amie finally slowed her pace. Another spasm gripped Emeriel, causing her to wrench herself free from Amie's grasp.
She pressed her body against the wall and began to desperately rub against it, seeking relief.
Tiny whimpers escaped her throat, soon turning into painful groans as the stimulation only left her more frustrated.
When the episode subsided, Emeriel slid to the floor. She drew her knees up and tightly squeezed her legs together, resting her head upon them. "It hurts...it hurts."
"I'm sorry," Amie said pitifully. "What can I do to ease your suffering?"
Emeriel shook her head, then raised it and let it rest against the wall. Sweat drenched her face, pouring down from her forehead.
"You know, um...it might be easier if you met with one of the soldiers,” Amie suggested, tentatively. “You could venture into the woods. The guards stationed there would not recognize you in your nightgown, your breasts free, and your hair unbound. You could seek...relief there."
Would it truly be so terrible?
Emeriel groaned at the thought. Even entertaining the notion was a testament to how bad her condition had gotten. How desperate she had become.
"Get Madam Livia, please," she managed to whisper.
Amie nodded. "Alright, alright, just wait for me here." She started to run off, paused, then looked back. "Don't go anywhere, okay?"
Emeriel nodded. Talking felt like too much effort.
As she awaited Amie's return, Emeriel endured.
The first contraction hit, even more intense than the previous ones, and by the time she emerged from it, Emeriel found herself curled up on the ground, trembling like a leaf.
The second contraction came just a few minutes later, and Emeriel had to bite down on the back of her hand to stifle her screams of agony.
Oh the sky, so much pain...
In that moment, she realized she was fighting a losing battle. She needed something inside her. And she needed it urgently.
Before she knew it, she’d risen, her moving of their own accord.
As if her body instinctively knew what it desired, while her sluggish mind struggled to keep up. Her legs led the way, while her body followed.
"Where is she?" Madam Livia asked as soon as they turned into the hallway where Amie had left Emeriel.
"I left her here, madam," Amie whirled around as if she expected Emeriel to magically appear. In a much lower voice, she added, "She agreed to stay."
Madam Livia began searching for her as Amie trailed behind her.
Their footsteps echoed through the corridors as they scoured the bedroom and slave quarters. However, their efforts proved fruitless. She was nowhere to be found.
"Maybe she took my initial suggestion," Amie said, breaking the silence.
"And what might that be?"
“I told her that she could meet the soldiers for relief,” Amie confessed, her cheeks reddening as she lowered her head.
Madam Livia snorted. "What are you doing awake and wandering around here anyway?"
"Nothing!" Amie said, all too quickly. "Absolutely nothing. I was merely heading to relieve myself when I stumbled upon Prin—Emeriel."
The older woman paused, studying Amie closely. She couldn't meet her gaze.
"Are the guards bothering you again? You know you can confide in me, right? I would report them and ensure they face punishment."
Amie was well aware of that. She had reported incidents before, and true to her word, Madam Livia had demoted the guard to sentry.
But no one had informed her about the consequences of exposing soldiers and slavemasters. Amie learned the hard way. "Of course, Madam Livia. Nothing is happening at all."
The head maid resumed walking, but surprised Amie when she reached the intersection and took the path leading to the fourth wing.
Why would Prince Emeriel go to the fourth wing?
A moment later, Amie couldn't hold her curiosity any longer. "Um... Madam Livia? Why are we heading towards the Abyss land?"
Madam Livia remained silent as they continued walking.
As Amie prepared to ask the question again, she heard hushed voices.
"Leave me alone," a shaky, familiar tiny voice said.
"Why does this slave have such a sweet scent? It's almost as if she's in heat," a deep male voice remarked.
"Right? A mini-heat, maybe, the scent is faint. My dick hasn't gone down since I caught a whiff," another male voice chimed in.
"Who is she? I can't recall seeing such a pretty face before. Or such luscious hair. She's almost angelic. I would definitely remember," spoke the first voice.
"Let me go," Emeriel's voice came out weak and small.
"Such beauty. Look at those curves... and her skin, it's practically radiant. Quick let's pin her against the wall, what do you say? I'll go first."
"No, no, leave me a-alone."
Madam Livia quickened her pace. "Oh, this is trouble." Amie promptly followed suit.
As they rounded a corner, the corridor leading to the forbidden chambers loomed before them while two soldiers restrained Emeriel against the wall.
One had lifted her nightdress, exposing her undergarments and creamy thighs, while another had already undone his trousers, his manhood peaking out as they tried to steady a struggling, distraught Emeriel, who had a sweaty, tear-streaked face.
"Release her at once," Madam Livia commanded, her authoritative voice cutting through the tense atmosphere as she marched towards them.
Their heads snapped towards the sound and they slowly released their grip on Emeriel, though they remained close.
"Stay away from this, head maid. This doesn't concern you. This human was trespassing," one of the soldiers stated.
"That is my sister's child, and she works for Grand Lord Vladya. I sent her on an errand, but she must have lost her way. She's new to the fortress, after all," Madam Livia explained.
"A message? In her night garment?" one of the soldiers questioned skeptically.
"Would you like to confirm it with the third ruler? Because I would welcome that." Madam Livia stared them down. "Let us go to Grand Lord Vladya and inform him about how I caught you away from your duty post, on the verge of raping a female he sent on an errand."
The soldiers exchanged glances. Reluctantly, they released Emeriel, grumbling under their breath. "Fine," one of them muttered.
"But why does she smell so..." the other guard began, scrutinizing Emeriel who was sweating profusely, and Amie followed his gaze.
The princess's eyes were glazed over with lust and pain, and she seemed to be suppressing what Amie guessed was another heat contraction, judging from the body tremors.
"Why does she possess such an intoxicating scent? Like a gift from the gods?"
"If I didn't know better, I would think she was a syren in heat," the first guard added, his eyes glazed over in lust.
"That's because she was drugged, you fools," Madam Livia snapped. "One of you soldiers drugged her earlier tonight, which is why she's on this errand—to walk it off."
"Hey, watch your tone," the other guard raged, taking a threatening step forward. "You may be the Head Maid, but you're still human. Your position is beneath us."
"Is that so?” Madam Livia didn't back down. “Try laying a finger on me, then. Come on, I dare you."
The second Urekai whispered something to the angry soldier.
In the end, he took a step back.
Amie suspected the second soldier might have mentioned how Madam Livia held the power to have Urekai soldiers and slavemasters demoted or even lose their jobs.
"Come on, let's return to our posts," the second Urekai said to the angry soldier.
"Actually, there's an issue with that. You have been relieved of your duties for the rest of the night," Madam Livia stated. "Orders from Grand Lord Vladya. That's what I came here to inform you before I caught you attempting to force yourself on a Blackstone slave who happens to be my niece. I still think we should discuss this matter with the grand lord if you're interested."
The two guards simply walked away. They stood there, watching until the guards disappeared from sight.
"You can return at dawn," Madam Livia called after them.
"Wow, those are some serious lies, Madam. Are you sure you won't get in trouble with the grand lord when he finds out you lied in his name?" Amie asked as they approached Princess Emeriel.
"One thing about guilty people is they never want their offenses to be exposed. What happened tonight will surely be buried by those Urekai," Madam Livia said, her gaze softening as she laid eyes upon Emeriel. "You're burning up, Emeriel. What are you doing here?"
"I have no idea, Madam Livia," Emeriel panted, reaching out and grasping Madam Livia's arm desperately.
"Please help me. I truly don't want to be here. I don't understand why my body brought me here." The last word was lost in a loud moan, Emeriel’s deep blue eyes widening in panic. "Oh, I think it's getting worse. Help me, please."
"Widen your legs," Madam Livia commanded. She looked to Amie. "Support her stance, Amie, so she doesn't fall."
"Yes, Madam." Amie quickly got into position, and Emeriel complied, her legs trembling.
Madam Livia reached under her night garment, tore her undergarment, and carefully inserted two fingers into her drenched opening.
Emeriel let out a strangled scream as a powerful orgasm surged through her.
As she rode the waves of pleasure, grinding against the head maid's knuckle, Madam Livia methodically searched for her syren gland. She didn't have to search for long. Her fingers to locate it, enlarged and throbbing.
With a firm touch, she pressed down on it, hard.
Emeriel emitted a piercing scream, her body convulsing into a second orgasm so intense that her eyes rolled back into her head.
She nearly broke free from Madam Livia's grasp if it weren't for Amie holding her firmly.
Madam Livia continued to press down on the oversensitive bundle of nerves inside her that yearned to be completely satisfied by a Urekai male and coated by their potent sperm.
Emeriel sobbed as the third release washed over her, unintelligible words spilling from her lips as her body soared to heights that made her knees buckle.
But Amie's surprising strength—despite her small stature—kept Emeriel upright and supported, with wild eyes and flushed cheeks.
Finally, Emeriel slumped against Amie. Some of the haze in her eyes cleared, and she seemed to regain her composure. Only then did Madam Livia withdraw her fingers.
"That should provide some relief for a few minutes," she said.
"Thank you so much," Emeriel mumbled, her breathing still erratic.
"But those screams... The grand lords have exceptionally heightened hearing. I'm certain they heard that," Amie murmured, her voice filled with panic.
Just then, a deep growl rumbled from the chamber at the end of the hallway.
The three of them froze.
Emeriel's face turned pale. "The beast has awakened."
Madam Livia glanced at Amie. "To address your concern, I highly doubt the grand lords heard that amidst the countless female screams and male shouts I heard coming from Greyrock as I passed by tonight. It sounded like the depths of hell itself."
Neither of them was surprised. Nights without screams emanating from Grand Lord Zaiper's manor were rare.
Most of his slavemasters chose midnight as the opportune time to torture their slaves, whether male or female.
Some slaves were even tied up and stoned for Lord Zaiper's entertainment. He was unquestionably the cruelest of all the lords.
"I'm afraid we cannot stay here for long, Emeriel. If my assumptions are correct about why you were brought here tonight, I believe the beast has been awake since the moment you set foot in the fourth wing. It has only chosen now to make its presence known," Madam Livia stated.
"Attempting to leave with us is impossible,” Madam Livia continued. “It would mean the beast breaking free and our blood staining these walls. Besides, your relief is only temporary. You still need to endure this heat. If your legs brought you here, then your body has chosen the beast for its satisfaction. And I can only advise you to follow your body's lead."
Another terrifying growl echoed behind them. Emeriel glanced at it, her fear evident. "I have no idea what I was thinking," she whispered, helplessly.
"I have my speculations, but the truth is, I also have no idea what is happening. What I can tell you is your mini-heats are becoming more frequent and intense. It won't be long before your first full heat comes. You must find a way to come clean with one of the grand lords before that happens," Madam Livia said.
"Because on that night, every Urekai male in this fortress will be able to smell you. And they will all come running, consumed by the desire to mount you. They will challenge and fight each other, and in these situations, they fight to the death. Then, countless males will mount you over the course of the three days it would take to sate your body. Now, imagine their feelings when the haze wears off and they discover your deception."
Emeriel swallowed tightly.
"Imagine what they would do when they find out they killed each other because you were reckless enough not to protect them by telling them the truth about your gender?"
Emeriel couldn't fathom it. Just the thought of that scenario filled her with panic. What would she do?
She opened her mouth, but her eyes widened comically. "It's happening again. Please hold me tight."
Madam Livia and Amie held her tightly, but nothing could calm the storm raging within her.
The storm came, taking her away, the burning wave cresting inside her. She writhed and cried out as the storm broke repeatedly, until she was drenched in sweat…wailing, begging to be mounted.
"Shh," Madam Livia whispered in her ear, gently rocking her through the agonizing ordeal. "I'm here. I've got you."
Emeriel clung to the head maid, whimpering. They led her away, but Emeriel had no awareness of her surroundings. Every step was painful. The storm raged and broke within her until Emeriel lost all sense of time and place.
And when she finally came out the other side of that wave, she was inside the forbidden chambers, rocking on her hands and knees, ass in the air, crying for her beast.
She heard the growl first. Followed by the overwhelming heat of a massive presence surrounding her.
The beast was behind her, and Emeriel didn’t bother to fight it. Not anymore.
She spread her legs wide, lowering her upper-body to the ground, her knees pressing into the hard surface. She grasped her pussylips and pulled them apart, presenting to the beast. Offering herself.
The beast let out a primal roar that echoed through the chambers. In the next moment, it was mounting her.
As its manhood nudged her, Emeriel was ready to be taken. With one powerful thrust, its organ penetrated her drenched body.
She screamed, overwhelmed by waves of pleasure and pain. The tension in her muscles snapped as she came, convulsing uncontrollably.
The storm of sensations intensified as the feral creature relentlessly and forcefully ravished her.
It hurt, but unlike the last time, the pain brought a strange pleasure. The intense agony of the heat lessened and transformed into pure pleasure.
She felt stuffed. So full.
Sniff. Sniff. Sniff. A cold nose pressed against her neck, taking a deep inhale.
The sensation sent shivers through Emeriel's body, her nipples aching, her breath quickening. She could feel another orgasm building within her.
A low rumble emanated from the beast's throat. Its sharp claws dug into her skin, pulling her closer as it continued thrusting in and out of her.
An irresistible urge overcame her, a relentless need pressing within. Emeriel surrendered to it, and the words poured out.
"Oh, my Beloved. You feel so good inside me. Yes, just like that," she cried out. Embarrassment flooded over her. Where had those words come from?
The beast practically purred. Plunged in twice more, before pulling back and rising. Then, it lifted Emeriel into its arms.
She yelped, her eyes wide with fear. What was he doing? Was he going to tear her apart?
The beast took her behind the metal barricade—its favorite place, pressing her against the wall with its large body.
His domain. The feral beast had brought her to its sacred domain.
Emeriel had read that a Urekai beast was territorial about its domain, and anything entering without an invitation would be devoured. Yet, it had brought her there.
With a snarl, it entered her again, and all coherent thoughts vanished from her mind as another orgasm ripped through her.
“Yesssss!” Emeriel sobbed, riding the crest of pleasure. Desperately holding on for dear life.
His phallus pressed firmly against that swollen gland inside her body, no longer moving, and her eyes rolled back into her head.
Shockwave after shockwave of ecstasy cascaded through her, leaving her feeling lightheaded. She was fearful of passing out.
Once the waves subsided, the pounding continued. The beast angled her hips and thrust deeper into her relentlessly, into her oversensitive body. The pleasure waned, replaced by increasing pain.
"It hurts," she cried out, but of course, the feral couldn't hear. The bane of being taken by a feral. It rides on pure instincts.
Sniffing her neck, it intensified its thrusts, going harder. As if it wanted to batter its way into her womb. With every plunge against that sealed entrance, its low growls turned into angry grunts.
He wanted to take her in the most possessive way a Urekai would take a female in heat.
"I'm not in full heat, it won't open for you!" Emeriel screamed, writhing in agony, her hands clawing at the wall.
Yet, the beast effortlessly held her close, trying to force her to open for him. As if it thought that if it took her hard enough, her womb would let him in.
Did he scent those other male’s scent on her? Is that why he was desperate to take her in every way?
The beast delivered a particularly forceful thrust, ruthlessly pounding against her closed cervix, violently pressing her forward into the wall.
Emeriel screamed, tears falling down her cheek. She was going to pass out, wasn’t she?
Gods, she shouldn't have come here.
But who was she kidding? She never really had a choice.
Even delirious with the agony of heat; her body, mind, and soul had brought her here.
And if it were to happen again in the future, they would likely bring her here once more.
As if they knew something she didn't.
As if they knew something she did but didn't want to acknowledge, she thought as she passed out cold.