Chapter Twelve - A Beast Howl For Its Lover (Part 2)

Akila opened her mouth to ask another question when something glistened in the darkness beyond the haven of the ballroom. Someone lurked outside, possibly near the gardens and her instincts told her to find out who it was. "I-I think I'm feeling disoriented from our conversation." She feigned breathlessness. "I would like a refreshment."

"Certainly, where are my manners?" Castelis chuckled apologetically. "You look so much like your mother that it feels as if 'm talking to her again." He led her to the perimeter of the ballroom. "Wait here. I shall fetch you a drink."

Akila didn't know what to make of this enigmatic Dryad who claimed to know her mother. Was he friend or foe? Should she be wary of how he treated her like a friend? Only time would tell and right now, she had other matters to resolve.

"Thank you," she murmured absent-mindedly, her eyes lifting only to brush against a couple taking their turn on the dance floor. Akila stiffened. Her eyes weren't playing tricks on her! Zagan was truly dancing with a woman! She didn't know what to feel...mostly shocked that he knew how to dance and...maybe slightly hurt that he didn't ask her for a dance.

"Psst!" A noise beckoned from the shadows.

Whipping her head around, she saw a figure by the window beckoning for her to follow. Cautious but desperate, she searched the ballroom for her keeper, spotting Balan in deep conversation with an official. Relieved, she stealthily left through the open balcony and descended the side stairs that led into the maze garden.

"Where are you?" She called out above a whisper, hiking her skirts to cut through the tall, shapely bushes. The night was chilly with a slight breeze in the air as she reached the fountain that marked the night her life changed. There was not a soul in sight save for a white envelope on the the stone bench. The phoenix shaped seal caught her attention. Snatching the letter, she tore it open and swallowed the gasp of recognition. It was from Garrin! The words that greeted her were written in the dead language of Kings. Her brother was being careful. Only the royal children of Cronoa and Queen Lilja understood this extinct language.

My dearest sister,

Tonight, will be the demon king's downfall. An assassin has been dispatched to use Daragh Madyr on him, so please be careful and stay hidden. Be inconspicuous. The rebellion will attack when the demon is at its weakest. Be ready.

Your Brother, Garrin.

She fisted the letter, her mind racing wildly. Daragh Madyr was an ancient poison their ancestors used to cripple their enemies — to kill — for it stopped the body from healing. Once wounded, the person would bleed to death. Even a demon was susceptible to nature's own toxin. Her heart thrashed against her ribcage, her breath falling short.

What should she do?

She didn't want to be Zagan's concubine but, she also didn't want to see him killed. Shock immobilized her. Had Castelis been right? Did she truly have feelings for the demon king? She grimaced. There was no time to dwell on necessary thoughts. Hesitation wouldn't save a soul. Shutting out the doubts and voices in her head, she rushed back into the castle, hoping that she wasn't too late.

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He was beginning to regret his decision when it was clear that every other female in the room expected him to dance with them. Retrieving a special flask from his inner coat, he took a healthy swig and allowed the familiar taste of blood to calm his beast. It didn't assuage the hunger, but it dulled his senses. Despite his uninspired mood, the evening fared better than expected. He had been introduced to every important official and lords of the smaller nations – Cerith, Aerule Island, Bocelus and Salome. The only one worth noticing was the Dryad lord, Castelis, who played escort to his little lamb.

Zagan might not have spent the evening with Akila but, he knew where she was and who she entertained at all times. He didn't like the Dryad's friendliness and tender gaze, implying a familiarity that warned him that Lord Castelis would be imperil to his plans. His instincts were rarely wrong, and he'd wager the Dryad was privy to Akila's sentient heritage, leaving Zagan in an unsettling disadvantage.

"Your Majesty, may I trouble you for a dance?" Latifah, the prince of Salome's aunt sidled up to him with a coquettish smile.

He stifled a sigh, knowing that manners dictated he shouldn't turn her down for the sake of propriety. It was distasteful to realize he was becoming more human by adhering to their rules. Humans were perverse, he decided. They created strict rules to govern and constrict their lives while most enjoyed secretly breaking them — adultery, gambling, whoring and so on.

Zagan's played his part with grim-faced dignity. "I would be a fool to turn down a dance with a beautiful woman." He hoped his honeyed words made up for the lack of enthusiasm in his tone.

As they took their positions on the floor, he caught a whiff of his little lamb re-entering the ballroom. He was no fool. A rat had snuck into their ranks tonight and he was curious to discover what the enemy planned. He knew the moment Akila was lured away, though he was confident Balan watched her from the shadows. Should she betray them, he would have to keep her under lock and key.

"I must admit that you're a light on your feet, Your Majesty," Latifah purred, batting her thick lashes. Her hand boldly slid up his arm, reaching his shoulder in a hard squeeze. "Are you as good in rigorous, night activities?"

The carnal innuendo wasn't lost on Zagan. His eyes deliberately wondered over her voluptuous curves, landing on the twin mounds that threatened to spill over her bodice. Once upon a time, he would have taken up her offer to fuck her senseless. Loose women were easy prey to feed and slake his lust, but lately his tastes ran towards pure and innocent, or rather dark haired, gold eyes and a sharp tongue. "I'm disinclined to mix business with pleasure."

Latifah pouted unbecomingly, her chest brushing into his. "Is there no other way I can convince you?"

He indiscreetly stepped away, his patience vanishing into this air. "Desperation is not a good colour on you, madam." His words were an icy drawl that cut across her skin with whiplash cruelty. "Men tire easily if women acquiesce without a challenge."

The woman's lips thinned, anger sparking her sapphire eyes. "Well, if you're going to be insulting then I won't apologize for what I'm going to do."

Alert but unsure, Zagan didn't expect the dagger she wrenched from beneath her skirts and aimed for his heart. Before he could react, someone slammed into him and shoved him out of harm's way. Zagan scented HER blood before he heard her cry of pain. All around, the humans scattered, screaming in abject terror of the emperor's attempted assassination. Balan was already there, forcefully apprehending the struggling assassin.

"Akila!" Zagan roared, twisting around to see her writhing on the ground with the dagger lodged deep between her ribs. Dark red bloomed on her bodice and her blood scented the air, mingled with a suspicious, acrid odour that sent his beast into a mental rampage. Falling to his knees, he curved an arm around her waist, gently laying her down and smoothing the strands of her hair. "Stop moving," he chastised, frustration burning in his gut. "You'll aggravate your wound."

"I'll fetch the physician!" They heard Balan amidst the commotion.

"I-I've always known that getting stabbed would be painful but—" she winced, trembling like a leaf. "It hurts!"

"Dammit, you're bleeding out!" The first note of panic slipped past his lips. "I can't take the dagger out; you'll only bleed faster. I have to stop the bleeding!"

"It's alright, Zagan...I knew what I-I was...doing...," she choked through a mouthful of blood.

That wasn't a good sign.

Zagan's eyes met her bleary ones and she sucked in a harsh breath at the pure anguish reflected in his silver depths. For once, his soul was bared to hers. "Foolish woman! What have you done?" It was more an accusation than a demand. Questions burned the tip of his tongue, questions he wanted answers from, starting with why she had endangered her own life for his. It didn't make sense and he didn't want to dwell on it or the hope it inspired. Hope was a dangerous emotion for a demon with something to lose. After the way he treated her, he couldn't believe she would regard him with any sort of affection.

A faint smile crossed her lips, her quivering hands gripping onto his like a lifeline. Zagan was overwhelmed with panic when her eyes drifted shut, her words slurring with the echoes of her conscience. "I couldn't...let them..."

"Akila! Don't fall asleep! Keep your eyes open, listen to my voice!" he practically shouted, vigorously shaking her shoulders. Dread unfurled within the core of his soul as buried his face into her neck.

"Didn't want you...to get hurt...my fault..." she mumbled, head lolling backwards.

"No! Don't close your eyes!" He cursed, crushing the strands of her hair in his fist. "You can't leave me. You're mine!" Determined, Zagan tore his shirtsleeve and bit down hard on his inner wrist, blood flooding his mouth before smashing his lips to hers, forcing her to drink. Demon blood was a well-guarded secret against humanity for its accelerated healing properties, making it highly valuable. If it became common knowledge, demons would be hunted to extinction and their life source bottled up on shelves. For the second time in his life, Zagan felt as helpless as a babe. The woman he unknowingly cared for was dying in his arms, her blood soaking through their garments. Even the aroma failed to arouse his beast's insatiable hunger.

And for the first time in his life, Zagan wept for a human — his newfound heart.

A solid presence appeared behind him.

"I can heal her."

Lost in a state of despair, Zagan walked a fine line between man and beast, baring his fangs at the interloper. His arms sheltered his precious female, keeping her safe from further harm. "Humans did this!"

"Come with me to Bocelus," Castelis insisted, his face strained. "There is a cure that can neutralize the effects of Daragh Madyr. In fact, it's the only cure that can save her now. Your demon blood won't do her any good."

Zagan's beast refused to let her go, his red gaze filled with mistrust.

Castelis was keenly aware of how the demon king was protecting Akila as if she were his mate. "Please," he begged, eyes pleading woefully. "Akila means as much to me as she does to you. I won't allow her to die. Let me offer my help."

The dryad's plea resonated with Zagan's remaining sanity, comforting him on some level that the man was only trying to save his woman. Rising to his feet, Zagan hefted Akila into his arms. "Fine. Take us to Bocelus."

Shoulders sagging with relief, Castelis conjured a portal with his magic, astonishing Zagan with his hidden ability. Under normal circumstances, Castelis would have smirked at the demon's stunned expression, but not today. "This is no time to be surprised, demon king. Akila's life is at stake. The more time we waste, the harder it will be to call her spirit back."

Without hesitation, Zagan followed the dryad through the portal, stepping into a whole new world, one completely at odds with Cronoa. It was a paradise of lush green forests, endless waterfalls, fresh air, and wild animals traipsing everywhere. He had to admit Bocelus's beauty was incomparable, its forests enchanted and from what he had learnt, only few beings were permitted entry. It felt wrong for a tainted demon like him to be in this pure environment. It certainly didn't feel like home.

"You must truly care for her to have left your empire behind," Castelis commented as he led the way to his home. "Once again you've proven me wrong."

He assumed the pensive looking demon wasn't going to respond, until Zagan spoke quietly. "You don't know what you're talking about, dryad. This female is important because of her blood, and I suspect you already know the truth, don't you?"