The Demon King of Sundari, Kellan, is a powerful and dreaded creature. He is haunted by his past, which is why he makes conscious effort to keep his heart locked up. But ignores the pull of the status bond, when he meets his fated mate in the dream world. With his past being what it is, he has no desire to make a life with the female. Unable to ignore the bond for long, Kellan takes on his demon spirit's need for its mate. He intends to utilize their connection to keep him from turning rogue while keeping his heart firmly rooted in the past. Elise has been having dreams about the Demon King since the age of six. When she begins to get glimpses of his past, old betrayals emerge, including an ancient brotherhood that has been operating against the pair for decades. Elise decides to fight for their future despite the fact that she knows Kellan may never love her as she loves him. She will protect everyone she cares about from the devious group or die trying.
Chapter 1 Prologue
The raspy voice echoed across the trees, "Come nearer, little one."
The ensorcelled voice of the monster reverberated off Elise's skin, making the hairs on her arms and neck stand at full alert. Thankfully, just his voice had been able to penetrate her impenetrable wall.
She lowered her head and focused on her doll, ignoring the guy. Her beautiful auburn hair fell over her shoulder, concealing her face from the sly beast like a dark, silken curtain.
He had been popping into her dreams more and more. He became more confident with each visit. He had gone all the way to the clearing's edge tonight to observe her from the tree line. He had never ventured thus far.
She was relaxing on a blanket while playing with a variety of toys in her dream. In the adjoining tiny field next to their house, her two sisters were chasing each other through the thick goldenrod. Elise chose not to call them. When the devil came, they were unable to see him.
In this dream world, he wasn't like her sisters. Nora and Eden weren't present. They were ethereal fragments of Elise's mind, unable to be anything other than what she imagined them to be.
It was a genuine demon. Corporeal. He had intended to be here. He was now hiding in her woodland after finding a way to get through.
Despite not having a clear view of him yet, she could feel his power. His voice had an inflated bass that was dark and threatening. Normally, demons had a low voice, but this one was strange—almost otherworldly.
She tried to feel his strength the first time he had made it through using her senses. When he resisted, it was frigid and vulgar, like a cold, wet tongue probing her taste.
She had become ill from it. It was... incorrect in some way.
"Girl, let me enter the meadow. All I want to do is chat.
He was lying, that much was clear. Her magical whispers urged her to keep him at a distance.
Elise wished he had never been. No matter how many times she wished he were gone, she had never been able to make him go.
It was frustrating not to be able to control her dreams. She had no choice except to erect a barrier and wait him out.
For a week, the monster had been appearing every night. He could ultimately figure out how to find her in the clearing, Elise feared.
She asked the Goddess of Sanctus Femina to either keep her safe or make her strong enough to fend him off before she went to sleep that night. She got the unsettling impression that she was about to learn if any of her desires would be fulfilled.
Elise tightened her hold on her doll as the man became impatient. She resisted, however, looking up.
As she reclined on her gold and black blanket, silence became longer. She was aware that he was still there, presumably making a show of leaving. Elise would not be duped. She was still aware of his vile magic.
Demons could be able to sneak into other people's thoughts using their abilities. Those they kept against their will were under their authority. Elise thought such abilities were odd.
King Edward, her father, had reassured her that she could defend herself against an assault, that her will was strong, and that she would not be at risk. Elise was reluctant to put his notion to the test.
She planned to either discover a simple technique to drive the demon away or discover a means to awaken herself from her nightmares. She had tried both but had failed despite her tremendous resolve. It didn't mean she wouldn't strive harder or that she wouldn't defend herself if necessary.
Elise eagerly awaited his departure. Her fingers itched as she stared at the tattered, worn-out figure in her palms. Her abilities were whirling, eager for a clash.
She was only six years old, yet despite her youth, she was not frail. She would be ready if he managed to get past the defense.
In the distance, there was a buzz in the atmosphere. It gradually became louder, reminding her of an impending storm. Elise lifted her face to the skies as the electrical currents in the air became more intense.
Overhead, a brilliant light burst. She followed it with her gaze until it vanished, settling behind the intruder amid the trees.
The evil guy hissed once more before running in the direction of where the moving light disappeared into the foliage. It was just out of her field of vision.
Even though she was tempted to look inside it, Elise stayed on her blanket. The echoes of snarls and moans coming from the woods took the place of the noises of her sisters' play.
The sounds disturbed the forest's peace. It sounded as if two fierce animals were engaged in combat. After a thunderous crash, there was stillness.
Concerned, Elise got up. She could make out the silhouette of a person rising to its feet through the gap in the trees.
Uncle, you've gone too far.", boomed the voice.
I haven't gone far enough, not at all. Kellan, you'll never rule as king. You're going to steal this kingdom away from me over my dying corpse.
Brennen, I didn't want the bloody throne. You've given me no other options now.
For her to follow, the two men were moving too quickly. Unexpectedly, a corpse fell against the magical wall she had constructed as protection for herself, dividing the clearing from the jungle.
Sparks of purple and white pulsated on the unseen shield. With dark eyes gazing at her through gleaming black strands of unruly hair, a large guy sprang to his feet.
Kellan. He had been dubbed Kellan by the nasty guy.
He didn't let go of her for a heartbeat, and she was unable to breathe. His eyes opened a little, then slanted down swiftly in irritation.
Elise saw some movement behind him. "Watch out!", she screamed.
The strange magic tentacles of Brennen soared out of the forest. Kellan darted to the side as Elise's barrier was pounded by the ethereal appendages as they attempted to punch through it.
Kellan raged, looking for his uncle's whereabouts in the darkness. "You'll never get to her," he said.
"So neither will you," he said.
As Brennen emerged from the thicket, a massive swirl of murky grey magics sprang out of nowhere and whirled about him like a nest of vipers. His eyes were crazy big. His lips twisted as if he were carrying a heavy weight.
Shite! Kellan cursed internally. Brennen had lost all self-control. He gave the child one final glance in the hopes that he might stave off the danger.
"Run! He growled at her, "
Elise threw the toy down and fled for her life.
* * *
Kellan jerked himself from the floor of the cave while gripping his chest. He felt for his heart, his heart racing.
still present.
His blood was pumping against his hand, and he could feel it. His skin was coated in a sheen of perspiration, which cooled him in the humid air. The discomfort from the dream persisted.
When he touched him, his pectoral burned with irritability. Kellan's shaking hand raised and drew blood with it. His clothing was torn to pieces by deep gashes caused by his uncle's claws, which easily cut through the flesh and muscle underneath.
He had dreamwalked, or had someone called him? It wasn't Brennen who went looking for him; his uncle had been taken aback to meet him.
the female. The child with the odd eyes had to be the culprit.
Some demons could get into people's heads, particularly if they were calm and asleep. More than simply the physical body becomes susceptible during sleep.
He could only speculate as to the horrible things Brennen must have done to learn the identity of the girl. The man had deliberately entered the child's imagination.
To what end? Kellan had no idea. Regardless of what Brennen had in mind, his uncle deserved the outcomes he'd brought upon himself.
Kellan knelt on his back and grinned at the idea of Brennen's exposed chest being discovered by the Sundari royal guards. without a heart.
"All right, Sir?"
When Kellan heard Favin's voice, his head jerked in that direction. The man with black hair who was lying across the alcove was scarcely visible to him. The fire from last night was mostly extinguished.
"Nothing's wrong, Favin. Tomorrow, we'll go back home.
"Truly? His Second muttered, "
"Truly. The guys will be informed in the morning.
But how...?"
The next morning, Favin.
Well done, sir.
Kellan closed his eyes while having a dream about the little boy who had just given him the kingdom.
The raspy voice echoed across the trees, "Come nearer, little one."
The ensorcelled voice of the monster reverberated off Elise's skin, making the hairs on her arms and neck stand at full alert. Thankfully, just his voice had been able to penetrate her impenetrable wall.
She lowered her head and focused on her doll, ignoring the guy. Her beautiful auburn hair fell over her shoulder, concealing her face from the sly beast like a dark, silken curtain.
He had been popping into her dreams more and more. He became more confident with each visit. He had gone all the way to the clearing's edge tonight to observe her from the tree line. He had never ventured thus far.
She was relaxing on a blanket while playing with a variety of toys in her dream. In the adjoining tiny field next to their house, her two sisters were chasing each other through the thick goldenrod. Elise chose not to call them. When the devil came, they were unable to see him.
In this dream world, he wasn't like her sisters. Nora and Eden weren't present. They were ethereal fragments of Elise's mind, unable to be anything other than what she imagined them to be.
It was a genuine demon. Corporeal. He had intended to be here. He was now hiding in her woodland after finding a way to get through.
Despite not having a clear view of him yet, she could feel his power. His voice had an inflated bass that was dark and threatening. Normally, demons had a low voice, but this one was strange—almost otherworldly.
She tried to feel his strength the first time he had made it through using her senses. When he resisted, it was frigid and vulgar, like a cold, wet tongue probing her taste.
She had become ill from it. It was... incorrect in some way.
"Girl, let me enter the meadow. All I want to do is chat.
He was lying, that much was clear. Her magical whispers urged her to keep him at a distance.
Elise wished he had never been. No matter how many times she wished he were gone, she had never been able to make him go.
It was frustrating not to be able to control her dreams. She had no choice except to erect a barrier and wait him out.
For a week, the monster had been appearing every night. He could ultimately figure out how to find her in the clearing, Elise feared.
She asked the Goddess of Sanctus Femina to either keep her safe or make her strong enough to fend him off before she went to sleep that night. She got the unsettling impression that she was about to learn if any of her desires would be fulfilled.
Elise tightened her hold on her doll as the man became impatient. She resisted, however, looking up.
As she reclined on her gold and black blanket, silence became longer. She was aware that he was still there, presumably making a show of leaving. Elise would not be duped. She was still aware of his vile magic.
Demons could be able to sneak into other people's thoughts using their abilities. Those they kept against their will were under their authority. Elise thought such abilities were odd.
King Edward, her father, had reassured her that she could defend herself against an assault, that her will was strong, and that she would not be at risk. Elise was reluctant to put his notion to the test.
She planned to either discover a simple technique to drive the demon away or discover a means to awaken herself from her nightmares. She had tried both but had failed despite her tremendous resolve. It didn't mean she wouldn't strive harder or that she wouldn't defend herself if necessary.
Elise eagerly awaited his departure. Her fingers itched as she stared at the tattered, worn-out figure in her palms. Her abilities were whirling, eager for a clash.
She was only six years old, yet despite her youth, she was not frail. She would be ready if he managed to get past the defense.
In the distance, there was a buzz in the atmosphere. It gradually became louder, reminding her of an impending storm. Elise lifted her face to the skies as the electrical currents in the air became more intense.
Overhead, a brilliant light burst. She followed it with her gaze until it vanished, settling behind the intruder amid the trees.
The evil guy hissed once more before running in the direction of where the moving light disappeared into the foliage. It was just out of her field of vision.
Even though she was tempted to look inside it, Elise stayed on her blanket. The echoes of snarls and moans coming from the woods took the place of the noises of her sisters' play.
The sounds disturbed the forest's peace. It sounded as if two fierce animals were engaged in combat. After a thunderous crash, there was stillness.
Concerned, Elise got up. She could make out the silhouette of a person rising to its feet through the gap in the trees.
Uncle, you've gone too far.", boomed the voice.
I haven't gone far enough, not at all. Kellan, you'll never rule as king. You're going to steal this kingdom away from me over my dying corpse.
Brennen, I didn't want the bloody throne. You've given me no other options now.
For her to follow, the two men were moving too quickly. Unexpectedly, a corpse fell against the magical wall she had constructed as protection for herself, dividing the clearing from the jungle.
Sparks of purple and white pulsated on the unseen shield. With dark eyes gazing at her through gleaming black strands of unruly hair, a large guy sprang to his feet.
Kellan. He had been dubbed Kellan by the nasty guy.
He didn't let go of her for a heartbeat, and she was unable to breathe. His eyes opened a little, then slanted down swiftly in irritation.
Elise saw some movement behind him. "Watch out!", she screamed.
The strange magic tentacles of Brennen soared out of the forest. Kellan darted to the side as Elise's barrier was pounded by the ethereal appendages as they attempted to punch through it.
Kellan raged, looking for his uncle's whereabouts in the darkness. "You'll never get to her," he said.
"So neither will you," he said.
As Brennen emerged from the thicket, a massive swirl of murky grey magics sprang out of nowhere and whirled about him like a nest of vipers. His eyes were crazy big. His lips twisted as if he were carrying a heavy weight.
Shite! Kellan cursed internally. Brennen had lost all self-control. He gave the child one final glance in the hopes that he might stave off the danger.
"Run! He growled at her, "
Elise threw the toy down and fled for her life.
* * *
Kellan jerked himself from the floor of the cave while gripping his chest. He felt for his heart, his heart racing.
still present.
His blood was pumping against his hand, and he could feel it. His skin was coated in a sheen of perspiration, which cooled him in the humid air. The discomfort from the dream persisted.
When he touched him, his pectoral burned with irritability. Kellan's shaking hand raised and drew blood with it. His clothing was torn to pieces by deep gashes caused by his uncle's claws, which easily cut through the flesh and muscle underneath.
He had dreamwalked, or had someone called him? It wasn't Brennen who went looking for him; his uncle had been taken aback to meet him.
the female. The child with the odd eyes had to be the culprit.
Some demons could get into people's heads, particularly if they were calm and asleep. More than simply the physical body becomes susceptible during sleep.
He could only speculate as to the horrible things Brennen must have done to learn the identity of the girl. The man had deliberately entered the child's imagination.
To what end? Kellan had no idea. Regardless of what Brennen had in mind, his uncle deserved the outcomes he'd brought upon himself.
Kellan knelt on his back and grinned at the idea of Brennen's exposed chest being discovered by the Sundari royal guards. without a heart.
"All right, Sir?"
When Kellan heard Favin's voice, his head jerked in that direction. The man with black hair who was lying across the alcove was scarcely visible to him. The fire from last night was mostly extinguished.
"Nothing's wrong, Favin. Tomorrow, we'll go back home.
"Truly? His Second muttered, "
"Truly. The guys will be informed in the morning.
But how...?"
The next morning, Favin.
Well done, sir.
Kellan closed his eyes while having a dream about the little boy who had just given him the kingdom.
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