Bound to Four : The bond Inheritance rule

✨ AUTHOR’S NOTE Welcome to Bound to Four This is a Reverse Harem fantasy story. Before starting, here are a few things to know about the world of this story: Long ago, the Velmora Empire faced a crisis that nearly destroyed humanity. As the male population continued to decline over generations, natural reproduction rates collapsed. Men became scarce and extremely rare. Eventually, the population dropped so drastically that women could no longer sustain reproduction alone. In response, a third gender was created through ancient biological and magical experimentation. These individuals became known as Mers. Mers resemble men in appearance, but their bodies are fundamentally different. Unlike ordinary men, Mers possess a unique reproductive system capable of carrying and giving birth to children. Women in this world are capable of impregnating Mers, while Mers themselves can give birth to women, other Mers, and in extremely rare cases, male children. Ordinary men, though incredibly rare, are capable of impregnating both women and Mers alike. Because of their role in reproduction and bloodline continuation, Mers eventually became deeply tied to noble inheritance systems, politics, and household structures across the empire. Over time, society evolved into a female-dominated world where women lead households, rule noble territories, and form official bonds with Mers. In this world, a bond is far more than marriage. Bonding is a sacred and legally recognized ritual that permanently links a woman and her Mer—or Mers. Once bonded, their lives, emotions, and futures become connected. A bonded Mer officially becomes part of her household and may gain protection, status, political influence, and inheritance rights depending on his position within the bond. Some bonds are formed for love. Others are formed for survival, duty, power, or politics. Among noble houses, multiple bonds are not unusual—especially for powerful bloodlines required to maintain household stability and succession. For House Theryx, imperial coronation law requires four bonded Mers before the next Duchess can officially inherit her title. This story takes place in a fantasy empire with customs, laws, and relationship dynamics very different from modern reality, so some aspects may feel unfamiliar at first. More details will be revealed naturally throughout the story. And finally—Bound to Four is a slow-burn fantasy romance filled with political tension, emotional conflict, dangerous attraction, possessive bonds, and a household that slowly changes everyone involved. I hope you enjoy the journey ♡ — Tashella ❤️