Even if they all took their beast forms, rolled over on the floor, and showed their bellies in the most humiliatingly submissive behavior, there was no way the feral would leave the court without taking a few lives. That was simply the way of a feral, and they all knew it.

This time, the beast circled Emeriel.

The boy's eyes widened, and he quickly bared his neck. But, instead of leaving it at that, the imposing feral buried its nose in the little prince's neck, breathing in deeply.

It emitted a purr like a satisfied cat. Then inhaled deeply once more, as if it wished to draw every trace of the boy's scent into its lungs.

Surprised murmurs filled the air.

What was happening here? Was it the boy's blood? Did it smell that enticing to the beast? Did it want to drain the boy dry?

Pulling back, the beast’s massive head tilted as it studied the boy. Then, slowly raised one enormous paw.

It was about to deliver a blow that would end that boy’s life, wasn’t it?

But instead of striking, the beast hooked its claws around Emeriel’s waist and lifted him effortlessly off the ground.

A startled squeal escaped the boy as his feet left the floor. He whimpered softly, but fortunately for him, but he didn’t struggle. The boy’s small form looked impossibly fragile against the feral’s broad chest.

The king beast turned, eyes sweeping the crowd one last time. As if daring anyone to challenge it...?

No one did.

Steps majestic, the beast made its way out of the court, each step oozing lethal grace.

Chapter thirty-three

SO MANY QUESTIONS...

Silence enveloped the room. The people were too stunned to find their voices, their mouths agape in disbelief. Even the grand lords wore expressions of utter shock.

Then, chaos erupted in every corner. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices, asking questions that no one had answers to.

"What just happened!?"

"Is that truly the king's beast!?"

"How could this be!?"

Though their words differed, the underlying question was the same. Had their feral grand king truly broken free from its confinement, entered a room full of prey, and casually picked up a human boy before leaving?

Amidst the murmurs, people began fleeing the court, eager to escape in case the beast returned. The fortress descended into commotion, with screams and frantic footsteps echoing through the halls.

"I need to ensure the safe evacuation of everyone," Lord Ottai declared. Turning to Vladya, he added, "Could you check which way the beast went? Is it heading towards the arena or the wings? We must be certain."

"Of course," Lord Vladya responded, taking a step forward to leave.

”Daemonikai's feral beast is a menace, that much I can tell you." Lord Zaiper stood rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the grand entrance.

"Why? Because you thought it would be amusing to provoke it, only to end up being lifted off your feet?" Ottai quipped, with barely concealed amusement.

Zaiper muttered a curse under his breath.

“How’s the arm?” Vladya stared at the spot where the Daemonikai had dug into Zaiper. “That wound looks deep.”

“It’s nothing. I didn’t even notice it,” Zaiper stated.

Vladya cocked his head to the side. “That’s not how I remember it. I’ll have you know the smell of your fear is not enticing at all. It smelled like ash.”