The search for the demonic horse proved to be more difficult than Aurelia realized. Lord Bathory had no references to the creature. He asked the team to keenly observe it so he could add it to his creature compendium. They questioned everyone around all three taverns in Venmere.
Zinjo leaned against a wall and sighed, "I don't get it, dark princess. I would've expected a demonic horse to have a local legend. It's as if the horse didn't exist."
"What does the culture of Kianzangi say about demonic presences?" Aurelia leaned next to Zinjo. She held his hand and stared at the handsome face. She promised to dedicate herself to the marriage once they dealt with Lebende.
"The demons collect souls, and they often choose families to torment. Back home, a Hyena warrior named Rashid encountered a demon named Mbulu. Like any person, he challenged Mbulu to a fight. Mbulu promised Rashid great riches if he won, and if Mbulu won, he would possess Rashid's soul."
Aureli
Aurelia and Zinjo held each other as night fell over the city of Venmere. They both knew this would either herald a new age for Shadowfen or end in their death. The entire plan hinged on the greed of the Cheval Mallet herd terrorizing the outskirts of Venmere."Do you think the accursed beasts will come for their victims?" Zinjo caressed Aurelia's hair and held her tight.Aurelia laid her head on his shoulder and stroked her husband's chest, "If they don't. I have a backup plan. You won't like it.""You plan to lure them using the Anzu form?" Zinjo chuckled, "I know you too well, dark princess. You will try to save everyone, as always," He kissed her."I don't see a better way, do you?""Nian and I could taunt them, but I suspect they will sense we are not easy prey. Your idea is much more workable. Nian's men will signal us when the herd arrives."Aurelia steadied her nerves. Everything she accomplished along the way had prepared her for th
Princess Aurelia stared out the carriage window. It was a perfect day for doing nothing. A day to sit and daydream about being immortal and endlessly thirsty. A day to imagine running through the forest during a full moon in pursuit of prey. She knew her dream would never become a reality. Today would be another senseless waste of everyone's time. Some ancient royals decided a kingdom is better ruled by two people instead of one. Any heir to the throne must perform the soul call to find a mate. Aurelia does not want to do this. Her mother rolled her eyes, "Aurelia, you look like death." "It's how I feel inside," Aurelia's melodramatic tone sounded tired and hopeless.Sophie played with her daughter's midnight hair, "Third time's a charm." Black lace gloves pulled tight against slender hands before they brushed away the Queen's manicured mitts, "Mother, nobody else had any trouble with the spell as far as I know. I am damaged goods. The gods h
The predator yellow eyes of the man she saw on the way to the altar watched Aurelia with hunger. She drank in every second and allowed her face to redden under its intensity. Who was he, and what nation birthed his beautiful form? His attire suggested he came from a distant land to Shadowfen. He towered above all the other men by at least six inches. Unfortunately for Aurelia, embarrassment would still find her on this day either. The priestess tapped her on the shoulder, “Forgive me, your majesty, but the public awaits your words. Perhaps you would like to cast the spell?”A wicked smile played across the face of yellow eyes, and Aurelia felt hot and bothered, “Could I get a cold glass of water, please? The heat in here is unbearable,” she whispered while she waved a silver fan she carried with her at all times. The priestess nodded and returned with a crystal class. Ice clinked against the side of the cup. The liquid vanished down Aurelia’s throat in the mos
Aurelia squirmed in the lion's grip, “Put me down, Zinjo. We have to go out and face the public. I hardly think a seven-foot lion man is going to inspire confidence.” You are the future queen, yes?” Zinjo gently set her back on the hard stone without injuring her. Aurelia noted he smelled like fresh grass, sweat, and leather. The scent tore at her pleasure center. “Yes, I am," Aurelia’s face grew hot under the yellow eyes. Something about his gaze caused a deep longing in her. Zinjo knelt, “Then you must step outside with me like this.” "Why?” The lion's smile unsettled Aurelia a little, but all the same, it had a certain charm to it. “The people will respect your bravery,” He said. Aurelia thought it might encourage the townsfolk to bring their torches and pitchforks to her front door. However, Zinjo had no plans to change back into a human any time soon, “Okay, just remember your
Aurelia secretly envied other girls. Some she envied for their way with men, others for their skill in matters of statecraft, and those who had been gifted in the chest area. Today, the tables had turned, thanks to Zinjo, the werelion. Aurelia walked tall next to him and carried herself regally, and pretended not to hear the petty comments coming from those who ridiculed her. “It won’t last, the princess in black is jinxed.” “He can do better than her. She messed up the heart’s call twice…” Each comment became a small arrow piercing the stoic visage of Zinjo, who probably heard everything thanks to his enhanced hearing. He turned to face those who would insult Aurelia. Aurelia didn’t know much, but turning into the werelion wouldn’t solve anything. She gripped his hand and pulled him back, “They are entitled to their opinion. I am in a position of
The gothic style suit did wonders for Zinjo’s appearance. Mr. Silke clapped his hands as the young werelion emerged from his cocoon, a stunning butterfly. “A finishing touch,” he placed a pair of glasses with red lenses on his face. Zinjo didn’t care what the human tailor had to say in the least. He responded with, “Hmmm.” He faced Aurelia in his finery, “Does this please you?” he asked. Aurelia swore she heard a hint of worry in his voice. Words could not describe how Aurelia felt at that particular moment. In her mind, she had already torn the suit from his body and took what was rightfully hers. A second thought reminded her, they still had dinner with Sophie. An overprotective queen for a mother complicated matters a bit. Aurelia found her voice, “You are easily the most handsome m
Aurelia laughed at the way people hurriedly ate in the presence of Zinjo. Everyone left and Zinjo, The Queen, and Aurelia remained. The werelion was dangerously close to stealing her heart. Since they’d met, Zinjo had done nothing but lift her and made her feel like a person again. It bothered her that people hoped to see her miserable. It bothered her that everyone waited to laugh at her next mistake. The queen kept watching her with a strange look on her face. “Something wrong mother?” Aurelia asked. Zinjo sniffed the air and kept the raptor yellow eyes on the wall, “Hmmm.” his ears twitched. “No,” she put her hands down and folded her hands on the table. “Tonight was not what I expected...is he okay?” Sophie pointed to Zinjo who now walked along the wall, his nose in t
The queen urged Zinjo to bathe before they spoke again. Aurelia led her future husband to the tub area where a fresh bath awaited him. He began to strip in front of Aurelia who closed her eyes tight and put up her hand. "Zinjo, you could've waited for me to leave." She fumbled around and almost fell in the tub. Zinjos' strong hands guided her to the chair in the corner, "You smell embarrassed," He commented as he sat her down. "I'm not embarrassed, I've never seen a man naked before," Aurelia stroked the muscular chest and felt dizzy with excitement. Apart of her wanted to join him in the tub. A part of her said to savor the first steps i