My demon

Zaria’s POV

I opened my eyes to find myself in his bedroom; my whole body hurt. I touched the side of my neck.

The door opened, and Malacar walked inside. “ My love, forgive me. I know it hurts. He leaned in and licked it; my body reacted immediately."

If it weren’t for the council meeting, I would let you stay in bed. He lifted me and carried me to the shower.

Then dried me and helped me dress. I wanted to cry, tired and confused about his behavior. I was happy he was my mate; I was in love with him. But he was risking everything for me.

Malacar, it's not too late to hide the mark. I don’t want you to get in trouble for me.

Now you’re hurting my feelings. I will do anything for you. Once your powers awaken, we finish the bond.

We walked together down the hallway as students saw the mark on my neck and whispers spread like wildfire. The room we entered was a conference room—six factions at the table. Mr. Cardenas had the throne of the realms.

"Zaria, please sit down..." He noticed the mark on my neck. Who is your mate?

The silence was thick inside the room; everyone looked at me. I am, " Malacar said loudly and powerfully.

Gasps. Mr. Cardena hit his hands on the table. Master Malacar, what faction is she from?

Beasts, I have no doubt, and now she is my mate. He knew something I didn’t.

Congratulations, someone said at the table. That calls for an upgraded room for the newly mated.

Mr. Cardenas paled. The reason we are here today is her behavior in the school.

Glad you brought this up, sir. He approached the table and set a flash drive. Someone inserted it, and the big screen lit up—Astrid's endless attacks on me, humiliation.

My mate, he emphasized, has outstanding grades; last night she did what she thought was right.

They are enslaved; we can do whatever we want to them, Mr. Cardena said.

What are you teaching us exactly? I finally spoke. To kill and hunt other factions? Who gave you the right to keep them as enslaved people?

Are you questioning my authority, Zaria?

I’m questioning your teachings, Mr. Cardena. Imagine your faction people as enslaved people and being hunted…

Enough, I vote for Zaria's expulsion from the Academy, he shouted.

That won’t be possible, Malacar said. As per Academy rules, if a student mated on the grounds of the Academy, they have the right to stay and finish their studies.

The council members agreed with Malacar. Mr. Cardena, the shifter king, said, "Your daughter's behavior is unacceptable." As for Zaria, she spoke the truth, and I vote that she remain in the academy.

I got the majority of the votes except the fairy king and Mr. Cardena. He was angry; I made an enemy out of him. I didn’t care.

Thank you, I said, then bowed, locking eyes with Mr. Cardena. Malacar took my hand, and we walked outside. When the doors opened, Valerian, Noctis, and a few more students were standing there.

They saw the mark on my neck. Valerian and Noctis walked in front of us.

"Marking her makes no difference to us, Valerian said. Noctis nodded.

Until then, remember she is my mate, Malacar said, and she will reside in my quarters. He turned to me, leaned in, and kissed my head. I will see you later.

Zaria, you mated with him because he is a beast?

Valerian, Noctis, I want to understand all this… but the trials and exams will start tomorrow, and I need to study. I turned, and Noctis grabbed my wrist.

Nothing changes, Zaria; we are not going anywhere. Now please tell us what you need so we can help you.

The day moved pretty fast; as I passed a room, the women inside were talking. They’ll kill the enslaved monsters tomorrow at the trials. I’m scared, another said.

I stood in place. Then I had an idea.

By the time I got to his bedroom, it was late, and I dropped onto the bed. Zaria, let me out, a voice said in my head. Is me…I opened my eyes to find myself in Malacar’s arms. I smiled sleepily. Let me out, the voice said again…

I got free from his arms and went into the bathroom. Looked in the mirror. My hair ends were bright red; my irises were green and black. Everything was changing; I wondered if it was normal.

Back in bed, I closed my eyes. The dream was vivid.

King Abrax was holding the bundle and peppering it with kisses. Alexandra was sleeping in a large post bed; fur covered her body. Her black hair spread on the pillows.

" Your mom is tired, and it's best to spend time with me," he said to the bundle. A knock on the door. He walked and opened it. Malacar.

Sir, we have word they will attack…give the order.

King Abrax looked at the bundle. Hold her; let me have a few moments with my queen.

Malacar walked outside, and I followed him in my dream. They didn’t name you yet? You’re beautiful; I would’ve named you Amalia, Zalea? His lips kissed the baby's forehead. His eyes glowed.

He cursed loudly as the door opened. You're my mate, he whispered. He handed the child back to Abrax and rushed down the long hallway.

Zaria, the voice interrupted my dream.

I opened my eyes and looked around the room. Malacar’s arms pulled me close to him.

Maybe I’m losing my mind, I thought.

Zaria, let me out, the voice was stronger in my head. I jumped.

Malacar looked at me. Everything okay? Had a bad dream?

I…think I’m losing my mind….I hear a voice calling my name. He stood up. Zor came out. MATE.

Malacar looked at him. His eyes glowed. Zaria, let her out…

I stood up, looking at him, confused. Let who out, Malacar?

Your demon, he answered, smiling.