The castle breathed a rare moment of peace.
In the great garden of the western wing, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Petals danced in the air as Arin walked with Astra by his side. Her expression was still unreadable—serene, yet somehow always burdened. He noticed the way she watched the sky, her hand often drifting to the long spear on her back.
"Do you ever… wish you weren't the Void Queen's daughter?" he asked softly.
She glanced at him. "No," she replied. "Because if I wasn't, I would have never found you."
Arin smiled faintly. "Smooth."
Astra leaned in closer, whispering, "I learned from Lilith."
The couple chuckled, the tension between destiny and desire fading, if only for a moment.
—
Meanwhile, in the royal hot springs, Evelyn, Celestia, and Freya were soaking in the warmth of the water, steam rising around them.
"Another wife," Evelyn muttered, sipping her fruit wine.
Freya raised a brow. "She's powerful. I can feel it. But…"
Celestia smirked. "But she hasn't shared him yet."
Lilith entered the springs with a sly grin. "Ladies, shall we change that tonight?"
—
That evening, a celebration was held—not for a victory, but for the unity of the realm's protectors. Music played, wine flowed, and laughter echoed in the halls.
In his private chambers later that night, Arin was surprised to find not one—but all of his wives waiting for him. The air was warm, candles flickered, and their eyes held mischief, love… and hunger.
Celestia stepped forward, golden light bathing her curves. "Tonight," she said, "you belong to all of us."
Freya took his hand, pulling him closer. "No talk of war. No prophecies. Just you."
Lyra leaned in next, whispering, "Let us remind you why you fight."
Evelyn closed the door behind them. "Time to make our hero forget the world."
What followed was a night of deep affection, playful teasing, and unspoken promises. Every touch spoke of love. Every kiss, a memory made. Astra, even with her celestial calm, melted into his embrace, revealing a side of her even she didn't know existed.
And in that chamber, surrounded by those who had chosen him—not for fate, but for the heart beneath the armor—Arin felt invincible.
—
But far across the seas of time, in the depths of the Shattered Gate… something opened its eyes.
The Void Queen was awakening.
[TO BE CONTINUED...]