Semua Bab BOUND TO THE DEMON LORD: Bab 31 - Bab 40

🎀CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE🎀 Lady Maera stepped into the infirmary, carrying a bowl of warm water and a towel. “You can leave,” she said softly to Kai. He nodded and left without another word. She set the bowl down gently and dipped the towel, wringing it carefully. As she reached to press it against his forehead, she froze. Tears were sliding down his cheeks. She’d never seen him cry. What’s happening in there? she whispered to herself. Gently, she touched his temple with the warm cloth, then let her fingers brush a strand of his silky hair from his face. Leaning closer, her lips nearly brushed his—until she heard a voice. “What… are you doing?” His eyes were open now, but his gaze was still clouded. She pulled back quickly. “Oh… Lord Asher… you’re awake,” she murmured, voice trembling. She moved to help him sit, but he waved her hand away. She stumbled, caught herself, and steadied her breath. When he sat up, his voice came out low and steady. “Call Kai.” Lady Mae

🎀CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE🎀 It was still very early morning. Too early. The air was cold—enough to bite through skin and sink straight into the bones. Prince Nil stood by the mountain lake, staring at the dark water. He wasn’t really looking at anything. His thoughts were elsewhere. Was this really the right choice? Footsteps approached behind him. “Your Highness,” Orion said quietly. “The men are ready.” Nil didn’t respond right away. The cold wind brushed past him, rippling the surface of the lake. After a moment, he nodded once. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s move.” ******************************** Zayla stood in front of her mirror, straightening her thick cloak. The morning air was colder than she expected. A soft knock at the door made her jump. She went to open it. Lyra was there, holding a lantern. The light barely cut through the early morning darkness. “My lady,” Lyra whispered, her eyes darting around. “the supply cart will be moving soon. They’re sti

🎀CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE🎀 Zayla reached into her cloak and grabbed a small coin bag. She dumped all the winnings into it with a soft clink and a satisfying rustle. Every coin rattled together like a tiny army. She stood up slowly, letting the bag rest on her hip. She looked around the table, all eyes on her. “Thank you, gentlemen,” she said, voice a bit high.“For giving me this… wonderful opportunity.” She raised the bag slightly, a polite, almost teasing smile on her face, then turned and walked out. Her low heeled shoe clicked lightly on the floor, each step echoing like a small drumbeat. The room froze for a moment. Then it erupted. “That… that girl!” one man shouted, shaking his fist. “She actually beat Marco!” “She cheated somehow, there’s no way!” another added, glaring at the empty chair where she had sat. Marco didn’t move. He just sat there, fists curling around the edge of the table. His face was red, veins showing in his neck. His eyes burned like fire as t

🎀CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE🎀 The door clicked open. The woman stepped inside, eyes darting around the room. “They’re gone,” she said, voice low. Zayla straightened, brushing some dust off her cloak. “You saved me… I don’t even know how to thank you,” she said, a little breathless. The woman gave a small, knowing smile. “Don’t mention it,” she said. “Come on, I’ll get you out of here. Was headed out anyway.” “Oh… you’re a lifesaver,” Zayla muttered, tugging at her cloak, cheeks warming. They moved through the quiet streets. Zayla’s steps stayed careful, eyes flicking to every shadow, but the tight knot of panic in her chest loosened just a bit. “I… really owe you,” she said again, glancing at the woman. The woman smiled keeping her pace steady beside Zayla." It's nothing at all." Zayla felt her chest lighten a fraction. For the first time in hours, she let herself take a slow breath. They reached a narrow street, the woman pausing to glance around. “I’ll take this

🎀CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN🎀 Eldrador The kingdom of Eldrador was alive with celebration. Banners covered the streets. Bells rang from dawn. People were ordered to smile, to cheer, to bow as the palace prepared for the wedding of its crown prince. Prince Rian was getting married. Not everyone was happy. Most people attended because they had no choice. Refusing to show up would be noticed, and being noticed by Prince Rian was never a good thing. He was not known for kindness. He did not greet people. He did not laugh with them. To him, others were beneath notice, useful only when they served a purpose. He spoke sharply. He punished quickly. He treated people like dirt under his boots. Today, he was marrying Lady Sonia, the daughter of a powerful nobleman. The match made sense. Sonia was no gentler than the man she was about to wed. When she first arrived at the palace weeks earlier, she had barely stepped into the halls before showing her nature. During her tour, a se