Chapter 59

In the quiet after their near-intimacy, Zevander watches Maevyth sleep and acknowledges the mate bond foretold by Dolion. He wrestles with the cost of claiming a mortal mate, his violent conditioning under General Loyce, and his determination to be gentle with Maevyth despite his ravenous urges.

A creak at the window draws Zevander to a lurking presence. Cadavros, in his antlered, bark-skinned beast form, initiates a telepathic exchange and steps to the porch. He proposes a bargain: Zevander’s fealty in exchange for power and rule of Mortasia as Pestilence spreads.

Zevander rejects the offer, but Cadavros needles his loyalties and reveals a critical bind: Prince Dorjan’s life is linked to Cadavros by blood magic, so killing Cadavros would kill Dorjan, while Dorjan’s death would unleash a black plague.

Cadavros then attacks Zevander’s mind, forcing a vivid, escalating sexual hallucination of Maevyth that twists into violence, commanding Zevander to kill her. Zevander fights the compulsion, refusing the order as Maevyth’s terrified cries echo in his head.

With Zevander’s resistance clear, Cadavros delivers an ultimatum: swear loyalty or he will take everything Zevander loves. The encounter leaves Zevander shaken, the stakes sharpened around Maevyth’s safety and Dorjan’s perilous soulbond.