The morning light spilled through the arched windows of Queen Ava's bedchamber, gilding the black silk sheets in a soft shimmer. Sil still lay curled against her, asleep, her breathing deep and slow, lips parted in a faint smile. Ava stroked her silver hair once before slipping free from the bed's warmth.
The room had the scent of magic, sweat, and sleep—of possession and serenity.
Adam stirred near the foot of the bed. He had taken up his place on the floor as ordered, draped in a simple tunic, his wings folded tight against his back. His gaze met Ava's without surprise.
"Time to move," she said softly, already dressing herself in a sleek black coat adorned with silver trim and a high collar that screamed both royalty and danger.
Ash, Nicholas, and the beast had risen at dawn. They waited outside in the hall. As Ava stepped out with Sil and Adam behind her, they fell into step without a word, the unspoken bond of command binding them all like silk-threaded chains.
They made their way down the winding corridor and out through the obsidian gates of her keep, walking toward the Gilded Registry. The building was carved from a single piece of crimson stone, its surface enchanted to shimmer faintly under the rising sun. A double-arched entrance loomed ahead, guarded by two constructs—stone warriors in golden plate, eyes glowing with runes.
Ava stepped forward, the guards not daring to move. As she passed, the constructs bowed their heads in silent deference.
The registration hall was vast, with vaulted ceilings etched with celestial maps. Mages and travelers moved about—some noble, others barely clothed. The Gilded Registry was neutral ground, where titles mattered less than magic and coin.
At the marble desk ahead sat a young woman in purple robes, her hair braided with copper charms that marked her as a registrar. She looked up as Ava approached and her eyes widened slightly—not in fear, but in recognition.
"Queen Ava of the Dark Reach?" she asked, voice light but respectful.
Ava nodded, folding her hands behind her back. "I'm here to register as a Gild member. I'll need access to the eastern network and full transport sigils."
"Of course," the woman said quickly, summoning a glowing form from the ledger with a flick of her fingers. "Do you travel alone?"
Ava smiled faintly. "I have… friends with me. Nicholas. Adam. Sil. Ash. And one bonded beast."
The registrar's brow rose at the mention of the beast but she didn't question it. "Understood. I'll need each of them to sign the enchantment scroll or allow a glyph mark."
Ash stepped forward first, offering his hand. The mark etched itself into his skin with a flash of light—no pain, only magic. One by one, the others followed: Nicholas with his wolf-like grace, Adam with his silent strength, and Sil, who looked at Ava for reassurance before holding out her hand.
The beast needed no mark. Its very presence was enough to register in the leyline.
"Registration complete," the woman said, sealing the scroll and tucking it into a gold-threaded pouch. "You now have full Gild member status. Welcome, Queen Ava."
Ava inclined her head. "Is there a hotel nearby that can accommodate us all?"
The woman smiled. "There's one just across the plaza—The Emberhall. It's private and secure. They're used to... unconventional guests."
"Perfect," Ava said. "Thank you."
As she led her companions out of the registry, the wind picked up. Her coat billowed behind her like storm clouds gathering. The Emberhall stood just where the registrar had said, nestled between two towers of alabaster and glass. Its door was oak, reinforced with dragonbone and laced with silver veins.
Inside, the scent of lavender and warm bread greeted them. The main foyer was cozy but elegant—red carpet, golden chandeliers, a hearth with an enchanted flame dancing in a glass orb.
Behind the desk stood a tall woman with olive skin and eyes like polished obsidian. Her smile was polite, practiced. "Welcome to the Emberhall. Do you require rooms, my lady?"
"A single room," Ava said. "For me and my friends."
She didn't specify the nature of their bond. She didn't need to. Her presence alone commanded enough ambiguity to silence curiosity.
The manager nodded, pulling a key from a wall lined with hooks. "Room 18. It's one of our larger suites. Third floor, end of the hall."
Ava took the key and thanked her with a nod. "Come," she said to the others, and they followed without question.
Room 18 was spacious—but not enough.
Two beds sat against opposite walls, large but not fit for the numbers Ava commanded. A small sitting area, a bathing alcove behind a curtain, and a mirrored wall completed the space. The window overlooked the inner courtyard, its stained glass throwing dancing colors onto the floor.
Ava stepped inside, considering the arrangement. With a simple flick of her wrist, wind stirred around her, invisible but strong. The beds groaned, then shifted, the wood stretching and reshaping until the two frames joined into one larger expanse—enough for four, though barely.
"There," she said, dusting her hands. "That will do."
She turned to face her companions. "Nicholas, Ash, and the beast will take the floor. Sil, Adam, and I will share the bed."
No one argued.
Ash set his pack on the floor near the window and began unstrapping his boots. Nicholas stretched out, arms behind his head, already making himself comfortable on the rug. The beast curled near the door, eyes half-closed, ears twitching.
Sil sat on the edge of the expanded bed, her legs swinging slightly. Adam remained close to Ava, his expression unreadable.
Ava approached the bed slowly, placing a hand on Sil's back and brushing Adam's arm with her fingertips. "You two," she murmured, "with me."
She undressed leisurely—unbuckling her coat, pulling the tunic over her head, stripping down to bare skin without shame. Her body was artful muscle and smooth, pale skin marked with tattoos that glowed faintly in the dim light.
Sil blushed but didn't look away. Adam's wings flared slightly behind him before settling again.
"Come to me," Ava said, voice like velvet dipped in flame.
Sil crawled up the bed, trembling but eager. Adam followed more slowly, his movements deliberate, gaze locked on Ava.
Ava slid beneath the covers, drawing Sil into one arm, Adam into the other. Their warmth pressed against her, two different flames—Sil was nervous energy and soft sighs, Adam was heat and quiet tension.
She kissed Sil first—slow and reassuring, her hand cradling the back of her head, fingers threaded into silver strands. Sil whimpered into her mouth, relaxing by degrees, her body molding to Ava's like it belonged there.
Then she turned to Adam. Their kiss was deeper, more intense. His lips crushed hers, breath warm, hand cupping her waist like he didn't know his own strength. Ava let him explore, let him hunger—then pulled back, eyes gleaming.
"No rush," she whispered. "This night is long."
Sil nestled against Ava's side, face buried in her neck, breath warm. Ava reached down to caress her thigh, slow and patient, drawing circles that made the girl squirm and gasp. Adam's hand slid along Ava's stomach, stopping just below her navel.
"Both of you," Ava breathed, "are mine. This night, and every one after."
And so they tangled together—slowly, sensually, not a moment rushed. Ava gave to each what they needed: comfort, strength, dominance. Sil trembled and whimpered and clung to her. Adam grunted, eyes hooded, mouth trailing along Ava's shoulder as his hands explored her curves.
Outside, the wind howled faintly. The others lay in silence, listening. Not out of jealousy this time—but reverence.
When at last sleep claimed them, the three lay twined together like a single creature of many limbs and quiet hearts. The great bed held their heat and breath, and outside, the city moved on without knowing what power slept quietly in Room 18.