Direbound: A Dark Romantasy (The Wolves of Ruin Book 1)
by Sable Sorensen
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Following Meryn's public declaration, she and Killian dance before the court and then meet King Cyril, who gives formal—but unsettlingly predatory—approval of their relationship, praising Meryn's lethal performance during the Purge Trial with disturbing pleasure. The couple retreats to Killian's chambers, where he confides his desire to reform the kingdom's cruelty as future king and envisions Meryn at his side, before they consummate their now-public bond in a passionate encounter.
Summary
After Meryn's public declaration that she belongs to Killian, the ballroom erupts in whispers and stares. Meryn blocks Anassa's attention through their bond, overwhelmed by the moment. Killian signals the musicians to resume playing, and the two begin waltzing together while curious nobles crowd the dance floor to observe the Rawbond who dares to claim their prince. Meryn focuses entirely on Killian, finding comfort in his presence, and they dance through multiple songs while Stark watches from the edges of the room with predatory focus.
Killian then leads Meryn to meet his father, King Cyril, on the dais. The king, with Audelie on his lap and his wolf-pommel sword across his legs, assesses Meryn with an invasive gaze. He praises her "ruthless efficiency" during the Purge Trial, speaking of Perielle's death with disturbing pleasure and sexual undertones, calling it "girl-on-girl action." Meryn forces herself to thank him despite her revulsion. Cyril then formally approves of Killian and Meryn's relationship, telling her to "be honored" and offering his "due approbation." Though Killian is triumphant, Meryn finds the king's phrasing and demeanor unsettling.
The two slip away from the ball through a servant's entrance and retreat to Killian's chambers. As Killian lights the fireplace himself—an intimate gesture reminiscent of their earlier days together—Meryn voices her discomfort about how King Cyril spoke of Perielle's death as entertainment. Killian acknowledges his father's bloodthirsty nature and confides his desire to change the system of cruelty when he becomes ruler, envisioning Meryn by his side. Meryn recognizes this as the first real discussion of their future since she learned his true identity.
Their conversation gives way to an intense sexual encounter. Killian pins Meryn against the wall, then bends her over the bed, dominating her with commands and possessive declarations that echo her public claim on the dance floor. Afterward, Killian holds Meryn as she weeps in silent relief, and she falls asleep against his chest to the sound of his heartbeat.
Who Appears
- MerynRawbond protagonist who publicly claims Killian, meets King Cyril, and grapples with the king's disturbing approval.
- KillianPrince who dances with Meryn publicly, introduces her to his father, and confides his vision of reforming the kingdom.
- King CyrilKillian's father who gives predatory formal approval of Meryn, praising her lethal Trial performance with disturbing pleasure.
- StarkDark, lurking presence who watches Meryn and Killian from the ballroom's edges with unwavering predatory focus.
- AudelieRawbond seated on King Cyril's lap in a sheer dress, silent and exposed during the audience.
- AnassaMeryn's bonded direwolf whose attention Meryn blocks through their bond during the overwhelming public declaration.
- IzabelMeryn's packmate spotted chatting at a food table with Tomison, not watching the dance floor.
- TomisonMeryn's packmate seen conversing with Izabel at a food table during the ball.