Page 127 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

The beast moved with a speed that defied its size, its tail bristling with sharp spines swept forward, scattering thefirewood, sending flames skittering across the floor. Then, halted for a heartbeat in front of Emeriel’s stunned face, before coiling around the ropes that bound her.

With a quick tug, the ropes snapped and fell away, freeing her arms and legs.

Her captors barely had time to react before the beast charged at them in a blur of motion. The first male didn’t have time to scream before the beast’s claws moved, seperating his from his shoulders.

The second one had almost reached the entrance when the beast’s tail snagged him, dragging him back as if he were no more than a ragdoll.

"Please, plea—" he began, but the beast caught him midair, snapped his spine, and discarded his lifeless body.

The third assassin’s desperate plea was cut short as the beast crushed his body against the cave wall, the sound of bones snapping followed. The remaining ones shifted into their beast forms, their bodies rippling with the change.

Emeriel, trembling with adrenaline, watched from a distance. The size difference was staggering. Even in their transformed state, the assassins were dwarfed by the grand king’s massive form.

But it was three against one.

She watched, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest. The fight was vicious, brutal.

One beast lunged forward, only to be lifted off the ground as if it weighed nothing and hurled across the cave. It landed with a bone-crunching thud, a yowl of pain escaping its lips as it crumbled to the ground. The other two charged together, their claws flashing, their roars filling the cave.

Blood splattered across the cave floor. For a short moment, they held their own against the grand king. Emeriel winced asscratches appeared on her beloved's skin, dark lines marring his otherwise flawless hide.

Then, with a powerful swipe, the grand king sent another head flying, the body crumpling lifelessly to the ground.

What is it with her beloved and rippingheads off shoulders?A rush of fondness bubbled up inside Emeriel.So magnificent, so adorable.

Then, she caught herself. There was nothing ‘adorable’ about death, blood, and gore.What in Ares’ name was that?

When she looked again, the battle had ended.

Her beast had shifted back, and in his place stood King Daemonikai, fully clothed in his regal attire, his back to her. In his grasp was the last of her attackers, now dying.

"Who sent you?" the grand king thundered.

Emeriel gasped.

He turned toward her, his features stormy and intense. "Soulbond?Galilea? You are my Soulbond!?"

Reality crashed down on Emeriel like a blizzard. He knows.

He. Knows.

Her knees buckled under her, and she curled into herself.

"How are y-you here, my king?" the dying man croaked, blood bubbling at his lips. "How did... how did Emeriel get you here on time..." He coughed, spasmed, and then went limp in King Daemonikai’s grip.

"Emeriel?" Her beloved's brows pinched together, looking utterly confused.

Emeriel's eyes met his, helplessly. She was physically naked, yet in that moment, she felt more exposed than she ever had in her life.

King Daemonikai's eyes roamed over her, taking in every detail.

The torn slave garments discarded carelessly on the other side of the cave. The messy state of her ponytail, the dirt smudging her face.

His gaze bored into her, scrutinizing. Analyzing.

"I have only met Emeriel once. One night, a night of heat when lust clouds all senses. But I have seen, and I have been with Galilea," the grand king said, in a low, dangerous tone. "I know every inch of her body, every feature of her face.Everything."

His stormy features darkened further, eyes blazing with dark green fire. "And I am certain I stare at Galilea right now. So, tell me, Galilea…Who. Are. You?"

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