No.
The hotness, the itching. The familiar burn in his lower body.
Heat.He was about to go into heat again.
"No, no, no," Emeriel cried out in horror, eyes widening like saucers. He took two steps back, away from Madam Livia.
The older woman appeared bewildered. "What is it, Emeriel?"
"No, by the lights, no. Not again." It seemed like just as he had identified the problem, the heat intensified.
His intimate areas flared hot, wet, and swollen. The prickling sensation focused on his lower belly, causing it to ache intensely. Emeriel was consumed by maddening arousal, his body trembling uncontrollably.
Then, the first wave hit him.
Collapsing to his knees, Emeriel cried out as spasms wracked his body relentlessly. His lower belly contracted so violently he feared something would tear inside him. Clutching his abdomen, he sobbed in agony as the spasms continued.
"By the gods..." Madam Livia's voice reached his ears distinctly. "You're in heat."
Tears streamed down his cheeks. One hand gripped the floor tightly as he rode out the wave. Spasms after spasms racked his body. His private area licked slick.
The wave was never-ending. It wanted to rend Emeriel apart.Oh, Light, I don’t know if I can bear this again!
"I'm here with you. I'm here," Madam Livia's hand rubbed soothingly against his sides. The pain was simply unbearable.
When the wave finally passed, Emeriel felt lightheaded.
Grand Lord Vladya stood fully attired, prepared to venture to the festival grounds. He had been so engrossed in his duties, it was no surprise that he was running late.
As he stepped outside his abode, a deafening sound reverberated through the air—twice.
The beast had broken free once again.
By the Gods, not tonight.The fortress was filled with festival-goers, and if the beast were to roam free, it would slaughter every last soul within its reach.
Vladya quickened his steps, hastening from the western quarters toward the southern wings. His soldiers intercepted him halfway, clearly having heard the clamor as well.
"The king's beast has broken free, Your Majesty." Yaz, his head soldier announced.
"I heard. We must act fast," he declared. "Two of you, locate the maids and instruct them to evacuate everyone from the southern wing. They must guide them outside the fortress and toward the festival grounds. Our foremost priority now is to vacate everyone from the fortress and prevent the beast from reaching the festival grounds."
"Did you hear it too?" Ottai's voice rang out as he emerged from the eastern wing.
"Yes. Where is Morina?" Vladya asked as they met at the intersection. Together, they set off along the path leading to Frostfall—the southern wing.
"She is already at the festival grounds,” Ottai said, relief all over his face."We must ensure the beast remains within the building."
"That is my plan as well,” Vladya affirmed. Silence enveloped them as they pressed on, exchanging no further words.
"Do you think Zaiper was right?” Ottai asked, at last.
"Zaiper is never right, but about what specifically?" Vladya queried.
"Killing the beast." Ottai drew a deep breath, his tone tinged with sorrow. "We gamble with our people's lives each day, Vladya. If the three of us unite…join forces, employ the ritual of the Eclipse Moon and the Chalice, we can kill the beast."
Vladya remained silent as they veered into the corridor that led to the Abyss land.
"He was your friend, your best friend, so it is a difficult decision to make," Ottai continued. "And Ukrae forbid we listen to Zaiper, but I believe he has a point in this case. It's high time we consider it."