Their arrival in Moondrip did not go unnoticed.
It would have been difficult to arrange otherwise.
A grand carriage pulled by two enormous Shadow Bulls was hardly an everyday sight, even in a city accustomed to unusual creatures and extraordinary visitors.
Children abandoned their games to chase after it. Merchants stepped outside their shops, and conversations stopped as people recognized the passengers through the carriage windows.
"Are those the Vixens?"
"That's Nyxian Nightveil!"
"Is that Jax Darquebane?"
By the time the carriage turned onto the broad avenue leading toward the Nightveil estate, a small procession had formed behind them.
Jax glanced through the window.
"Well, so much for a quiet arrival."
Nyxian smiled, although there was nervousness behind it.
"Darling, you brought two enormous shadow creatures into a city where people rarely see anything larger than a horse."
"They're your summons, beautiful."
"That's not the point."
"If you wanted us to be discreet, maybe you should have directed us another way."
"Jax."
"What? They're not going to attack anyone."
Bunny leaned forward to look outside.
"Oh! They're waving!"
She waved back enthusiastically.
Several children cheered.
Pixelle hovered beside the window.
"I think we're famous."
Llandra glanced toward Nyxian.
"Your family lives farther from the city center?"
"On the northern edge. Mother always preferred having enough land that the neighbors couldn't complain."
"About what?" Zee asked.
Nyxian closed her eyes.
"Everything."
Lexi giggled.
"Now I'm really looking forward to meeting her."
Nyxian looked at Jax.
"Remember what I told you."
"That your mother is beautiful, your sister is beautiful, and they're both shameless flirts?"
"Yes."
"And that I should be very careful?"
"Especially that."
Jax smiled.
"Nyx, I'm coming here to marry you. Not shop for alternatives."
Bunny nodded approvingly.
"That's a good answer."
"Thank you, Bunny."
Nyxian leaned against his shoulder.
"It had better be."
The Nightveil estate appeared beyond a row of dark flowering trees.
Tall iron gates opened onto a sweeping drive bordered by violet blossoms and silver-leafed shrubs. Pale stone pathways wound through gardens surrounding a magnificent three-story mansion.
Jax studied the property.
"Beautiful place."
Nyxian smiled faintly.
"I grew up here."
"Explains a few things."
"Such as?"
"The expensive taste."
She laughed.
"Darling, you bought an entire restaurant because you liked the food."
"I bought it because I didn't like the food, and I made it better. And that's an investment."
"And three hotels?"
"Also investments."
"And a carriage with a house inside it?"
"Transportation for six wonderfully needy women."
Llandra shook her head.
"He's remarkably good at justifying his purchases."
"I learned from the best."
Bunny looked up.
"Me?"
"Obviously."
She glared at him, then glanced down at the new shoes he was conspicuously admiring.
After a moment, she gave a reluctant nod.
"Okay. Fair."
The carriage stopped before the entrance.
A servant emerged from the house, his expression shifting from professional curiosity to astonishment when Nyxian stepped down.
"Lady Nyxian?"
"Hello, Corwin."
He stared.
"Lady Nyxian!"
Before she could respond, he hurried through the front doors.
"MISTRESS NIGHTVEIL!"
Nyxian winced.
"Well, there goes the surprise."
Jax offered his arm.
"Too late to run?"
"For you? Absolutely."
They had barely reached the steps when the doors flew open.
"NYXIAN?"
A woman appeared in the entrance.
For a moment, she stood perfectly still.
Then her face lit up.
"My baby!"
"Mother!"
Velmora Nightveil descended the steps so quickly that Jax wondered whether she intended to jump the last few.
She swept Nyxian into her arms.
"Oh, my darling girl!"
Nyxian laughed as her mother embraced her tightly.
"Mother, I can't breathe!"
"Nonsense! You haven't visited in nearly two years. I'm entitled to at least another minute!"
Velmora held her tighter.
Nyxian stopped protesting. Her arms wrapped around her mother, and for several moments, neither woman said anything.
Jax watched quietly.
This wasn't the intimidating family confrontation Nyxian had spent thirteen days imagining.
It was a mother holding a daughter she'd missed terribly.
When Velmora finally released her, she kept both hands on Nyxian's cheeks.
"Look at you! You're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you."
"You always say that."
"Because you keep proving me right!"
She kissed Nyxian's forehead.
"And not one proper visit! Letters, yes. Newspaper articles, certainly. But do you have any idea how worried I've been?"
"I've been busy."
"Oh, I know you've been busy! My daughter has become one of the most famous women in the kingdom!"
Nyxian blushed.
"Mother..."
"Don't you 'Mother' me. Do you know how many people have come here asking whether you're truly my daughter?"
She straightened proudly.
"And do you know what I tell them?"
"Yes, Mother."
"I tell them, of course she is! Where else would she get all that beauty, intelligence, and charm?"
Jax smiled.
Nyxian noticed.
"Don't."
"I didn't say anything."
"You're thinking something."
"Several things, actually."
Velmora laughed.
"Oh, I like him already!"
Then she paused.
Her hands remained on Nyxian's shoulders, but something shimmered briefly in her violet eyes.
"Darling..."
Nyxian tilted her head.
"What?"
"Your aura."
Velmora studied her more carefully.
"You've grown stronger."
"A little."
"A little?"
Her brows rose.
"Sweetheart, I can't even determine how strong you've become."
Nyxian grinned.
"Really?"
"Really! And you've imprinted!"
Nyxian's cheeks colored.
"Yes."
"Oh, darling!"
Velmora pulled her into another embrace.
"I'm so happy for you!"
Then she stepped back.
"Wait."
Her eyes shifted toward Jax.
Then back to Nyxian.
Then toward Jax again.
"Oh."
Her smile became considerably more mischievous.
"Oh, my."
Nyxian closed her eyes.
"Mother..."
Velmora Nightveil was breathtaking.
Jax understood immediately why Nyxian had been concerned.
Her long dark hair fell in luxurious waves over her shoulders, framing a face seemingly untouched by age. Her violet eyes sparkled with intelligence and mischief, and her elegant gown followed her figure with the confidence of a woman who had never worried about attracting attention.
She could easily have passed for Nyxian's older sister.
And judging by the way she was looking at him, she knew precisely what effect she had on people.
"Well," Velmora said, approaching him, "you must be Jax Darquebane."
Jax smiled and offered his hand.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Nightveil."
She took his hand, then stepped closer and placed her other hand against his arm.
"My goodness."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"Something wrong?"
"Quite the opposite, darling."
Her fingers traveled appreciatively over his sleeve.
"Nyxian, you neglected to mention how handsome he is."
"I mentioned it repeatedly, Mother."
"Your mere words did him no justice."
Velmora looked up at him.
"And such lovely shoulders."
"Thank you."
"Broad chest."
"I grew it myself. Thank you."
"Wonderful arms."
Jax glanced down at her hand.
"Are you conducting an inventory?"
"Only a preliminary one."
Her gaze briefly dropped lower.
"Oh, my."
"Mother!"
Velmora laughed.
"Oh, relax, sweetheart. I'm admiring your excellent taste."
She looked at Jax again.
"Although I must say, I understand why you've been keeping him from me."
Jax smiled.
"Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson?"
Velmora tilted her head.
"Mrs. Robinson?"
"A woman from my lands who had a particular interest in younger men."
Velmora's eyes sparkled.
"Oh, darling. She and I would be fast friends."
Nyxian covered her face.
"This is going to be a very long visit."
Pixelle grinned.
"Oh, I hope not."
Velmora laughed again.
"Now, where are my manners? These must be the famous Vixens!"
Llandra stepped forward.
"Llandra Darquebane. It's an honor to meet you."
Velmora took her hands.
"Oh, sweetheart, the honor is mine! Such elegance. And your skin is absolutely flawless."
"You're very kind."
"Not kind. Observant."
She moved to Zee.
"And you must be Zephrial."
"I'd be honored if you called me Zee."
"Then Zee it is. Such lovely green eyes. And you have the most wonderfully calming presence."
Zee inclined her head.
"Thank you."
"A healer, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"I can tell."
Velmora studied her for another moment, then a knowing smile spread across her face.
"And something a bit... adventurous."
Zee returned the smile.
"Perhaps."
Jax looked between them.
What was that about?
Velmora turned toward Bunny.
And stopped.
"Oh, my."
Bunny blinked.
"Hello!"
"I absolutely adore that top."
Bunny beamed.
"Thank you! I picked it myself!"
"Excellent choice, darling. And the way it fits you..."
Bunny glanced down.
"Oh! They're natural."
Velmora laughed.
"Sweetheart, I wasn't going to ask."
She paused.
"But I'm delighted you told me."
Jax looked away to hide his smile.
Nyxian caught him.
"Don't encourage her."
"I haven't said a word."
"Your face is encouraging her."
Velmora noticed Pixelle hovering nearby.
"And who is this lovely little creature?"
Pixelle planted her hands on her hips.
"Queen Pixelle Darquebane. Professional troublemaker, occasional hero, and generally the most interesting person in the room."
Velmora laughed delightedly.
"Oh, I adore you already!"
Pixelle grinned.
"See? She gets me."
Finally, Velmora greeted Lexi, who performed a graceful little bow in midair.
"Two beautiful fairies! Nyxian, darling, you certainly know how to surround yourself with wonderful people."
Lexi smiled.
"Your daughter has excellent taste."
"She gets that from me."
Jax chuckled.
Nyxian turned toward him.
"Not. One. Word."
He raised both hands.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
They had barely entered the mansion when a voice rang out from the upper landing.
"WHO ARRIVED IN A CARRIAGE PULLED BY MONSTERS?"
A woman appeared at the top of the staircase.
She stopped.
Her eyes widened.
"NYX?"
Nyxian looked up.
"Hello, Sera."
Seralya Nightveil practically flew down the stairs.
"YOU LITTLE BRAT!"
She threw her arms around her younger sister.
"Where have you been?"
"Traveling."
"For nearly two years?"
"Yes."
"Without bringing me anything?"
Nyxian laughed.
"I brought you something."
Seralya stepped back.
"Really?"
"A brother-in-law."
Seralya looked toward Jax.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh, my goddess."
Jax sighed internally.
Here we go.
Seralya approached him with a grin that could only be described as dangerous.
"So you're the famous Jax Darquebane."
"That's me."
She looked him up and down, then slowly turned toward Nyxian.
"Little sister."
"Yes?"
"Well done."
Jax laughed.
Seralya offered her hand, which he shook. She immediately squeezed his arm with her other hand.
"Oh, Mother, you weren't exaggerating!"
"I told you," Velmora replied.
Nyxian crossed her arms.
"He's standing right here, you know."
"We noticed."
Then Seralya's attention shifted toward the other women.
She saw Bunny.
Stopped.
And stared.
"Oh, my goddess."
Bunny smiled.
"Hi!"
"Those are enormous!"
Bunny blinked.
"My ears?"
Seralya looked at her, then at her chest, then back at her face.
"Not the ears, sweetheart."
Bunny's cheeks turned pink.
"Oh!"
"Are those triple D's? Or bigger?"
Bunny glanced toward Jax.
He was suddenly fascinated by a painting on the wall.
"I don't actually know."
Seralya laughed.
"Well, that's something we should remedy."
She gestured questioningly toward Bunny's top. Bunny, thoroughly amused, nodded.
After a brief inspection of its fit, Seralya stepped back.
"Definitely bigger. I'd wager a G-cup, at least."
Bunny looked delighted.
"Really?"
"Sweetheart, if I had your figure, I'd never wear anything that didn't show it off."
Bunny considered that.
"I actually prefer not to wear anything at all."
Seralya stared at her.
Then she burst out laughing.
"Oh, I absolutely adore you!"
Nyxian sighed.
"Mother. Please tell her to behave."
Velmora smiled.
"Darling, she's behaving exactly as I raised her."
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Jax leaned toward Nyxian.
"I can see the family resemblance."
She jabbed him lightly in the ribs.
"Quiet."
The Nightveil sitting room overlooked the gardens through tall windows. Elegant furnishings surrounded a broad central table, while portraits, books, and decorative curiosities filled the room.
Servants brought refreshments, and Velmora insisted everyone make themselves comfortable.
The conversation quickly turned to their journey, the Vixens' adventures, Jax's businesses, and the unusual Shadows Nyxian could summon.
At one point, Echo appeared from a nearby shadow, climbed onto Nyxian's shoulders, and settled there as though he'd always belonged.
Velmora looked delighted.
"Oh, he's adorable!"
Echo regarded her with bright, curious eyes.
"He's one of our smallest Shadows," Nyxian explained.
"Then I sincerely hope the larger ones are equally well-behaved."
Jax smiled.
"Most of the time."
"That's reassuring," Seralya replied.
Within minutes, Llandra and Zee were discussing recent adventures with Velmora, while Bunny and Pixelle entertained Seralya with stories about the latest clothing styles across the United Kingdom.
Lexi appeared to be taking mental notes.
Nyxian watched with growing disbelief.
Her mother had charmed everyone.
Again.
And Jax looked perfectly comfortable.
Of course he does.
She stood to retrieve another drink and walked past him.
He didn't react.
Nyxian stopped, turned, and stared.
"Beloved."
Jax looked up.
"Yes?"
"You seem to have forgotten something."
He frowned.
"Did I?"
She stepped backward and turned slightly, presenting her backside.
"Your hands have been suspiciously well-behaved."
Jax blinked.
Velmora laughed.
"Oh, don't keep my daughter waiting, dear."
Seralya grinned.
"Honestly, Jax. She's practically begging."
Jax looked around the room.
"Am I the only one who thinks this is an unusual family conversation?"
"Yes," several women answered.
He sighed, then reached out and gave Nyxian's backside a firm, affectionate squeeze.
She smiled triumphantly.
"Much better."
She continued toward the refreshments with an exaggerated sway.
Velmora watched her go.
"Well, that's certainly encouraging."
Jax stared.
"Encouraging?"
"Oh, darling. A man who understands his woman's needs is a treasure."
Seralya nodded.
"And apparently my sister has very specific needs."
Nyxian called from across the room.
"I can hear you!"
"We know, sweetheart!" Velmora replied cheerfully.
Dinner was an equally lively affair.
The Nightveil household seemed delighted to have Nyxian home, and Velmora spared no effort in making her daughter's companions feel welcome. By the time dessert had been cleared away, even Nyxian had stopped worrying about what her mother might say next.
That changed when they returned to the sitting room.
Velmora settled into her favorite chair, accepted a fresh drink from Corwin, and turned her attention toward Jax.
"Now, darling. May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"You intend to marry my daughter?"
"Very much."
"Good."
Nyxian blinked.
"Good?"
"Of course, sweetheart."
Velmora smiled.
"I've read quite a bit about Jax and the remarkable women who travel with him."
Seralya grinned.
"Six wives. That's impressive."
"Five wives," Jax corrected. "Nyxian will be the sixth when we marry."
Velmora waved a hand.
"Details, darling."
"It's difficult enough to find a man who can keep one woman happy, let alone six."
Seralya nodded enthusiastically.
"Mother, I think we've discovered a rare specimen."
Jax looked at Nyxian.
"Should I be worried?"
"Yes."
"Good to know."
Velmora leaned forward.
"Now, Jax. You understand that our family has traditions concerning marriage?"
"I've heard a little."
Nyxian shifted beside him.
Velmora noticed.
"Oh, sweetheart, don't look so worried. I'm not going to frighten him away."
Seralya smiled.
"Not intentionally."
"Sera!"
"What?"
Velmora chuckled.
"The important thing is compatibility."
Jax nodded.
"That seems reasonable."
"For our kind, it's particularly important."
She gestured toward herself.
"Tell me, Jax. How old do you think I am?"
Jax studied her.
"Old enough to know that's a dangerous question, and young enough to do something about it if I tried to answer."
Velmora burst out laughing.
"Oh, I really do like you!"
"Smart man," Seralya agreed.
Velmora settled back into her chair.
"Succubi and incubi draw energy from intimate encounters. It's part of our nature. That energy sustains us, strengthens our vitality, preserves our youth, and helps us remain healthy."
She smiled.
"Which is why I can still pass for my daughter's sister."
"You certainly can," Jax replied.
"Flatterer."
"Just observant."
Velmora winked.
"Careful, darling. You're very good at that."
Nyxian groaned.
"Mother."
"But the point is that choosing the right partner matters. Greatly."
Velmora's expression became more serious.
"Someone may be charming, handsome, wealthy, or powerful. None of those things guarantee compatibility."
Jax nodded.
"Agreed."
"And for a succubus, a poorly matched partner can mean far more than an unhappy marriage."
Zee leaned forward.
"Because of the energy you require?"
"Exactly, dear. Emotional fulfillment matters. Affection, trust, desire. They all contribute. But physical compatibility matters the most."
Pixelle raised a hand.
"Question!"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"So the more compatible the partner, the better the energy?"
"In general, yes."
"What happens if they're not compatible?"
Velmora considered the question.
"Then a succubus has two choices. Find another source of the energy she needs, or gradually lose the vitality that sustains her."
"Meaning?" Pixelle asked.
"She would age, weaken, and eventually die."
Pixelle looked at Nyxian.
Then Jax.
Then Nyxian again.
Her eyes widened.
"WAIT!"
Everyone turned.
"As long as she's with Jax, Nyxian's going to be immortal!"
Jax stared at her.
"That's not how immortality works."
Pixelle waved dismissively.
"You know what I mean!"
Velmora laughed.
"Well, I wouldn't promise immortality, darling. But a remarkably long and healthy life certainly becomes more likely with the right partner."
Nyxian smiled.
"I intend to keep him."
Lexi nodded.
"For medical reasons, obviously."
Zee covered her smile.
Jax looked around.
"Apparently I'm a healthcare plan now."
"A very comprehensive one," Seralya observed.
Nyxian pointed at her sister.
"Don't."
Velmora folded her hands.
"So, naturally, I want to know whether you and my daughter are truly compatible."
Jax nodded.
"Of course."
"And when I say compatible, I mean physically. The affection is obvious. But affection alone won't sustain a succubus."
Nyxian's cheeks colored.
"Mother..."
"Darling, there's no reason to be embarrassed. It's an important question."
Before Jax could respond, Llandra spoke.
"They are."
Everyone turned toward her.
Llandra sat gracefully, her expression composed.
"I believe genuine love changes the nature of intimacy. Attraction may bring two people together, but love allows them to experience something far greater than physical pleasure alone."
Velmora listened attentively.
"When two people trust one another completely, when they understand each other's desires and care deeply about their happiness, that connection elevates everything they share."
Llandra glanced toward Nyxian.
"I've watched their relationship develop. Their affection isn't simply something they express when they're alone. It's present in every part of their lives."
She smiled.
"And I can assure you that their physical relationship reflects that same connection. They're exceptionally well suited to one another."
Velmora nodded approvingly.
"Beautifully said, dear."
Jax gave Llandra an appreciative smile.
Excellent. Sensible testimony.
Lexi leaned forward next.
"I've noticed something too."
Velmora turned toward her.
"Please, darling."
Lexi smiled at Nyxian.
"She always looks so happy when she's with Jax. Even when they're not doing anything special, she wants to be close to him."
Nyxian's expression softened.
"And when they've spent time alone together, she comes back looking like she hasn't got a single worry in the world."
Lexi glanced toward Jax.
"Sometimes she just sits beside him afterward, smiling to herself. It's really sweet."
Velmora smiled warmly.
"That sounds very much like my daughter."
"It is," Lexi replied. "And I think that's because Jax makes her feel loved in every way that matters."
Nyxian reached over and squeezed Lexi's hand.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
Jax nodded.
Two for two. We're doing well.
Then Zee spoke.
"As a healer, I can offer a more informed perspective."
Velmora's interest sharpened.
"Oh?"
"Nyxian's vitality has improved significantly since meeting Jax. Her energy is exceptional, her emotional well-being is excellent, and she appears healthier than I've ever known her."
Velmora nodded.
"I noticed the difference in her aura immediately."
"Exactly. And while I can't attribute every improvement to their intimate relationship, I can certainly attest to how attentive Jax is to her needs."
So far, Jax was perfectly comfortable with the conversation.
Then Zee began offering examples.
At first, her observations were entirely reasonable. But as she continued, the stories grew increasingly elaborate, including several accounts of private encounters that Jax was fairly certain had improved considerably in the retelling.
He glanced toward Zee.
She appeared completely serious.
Nyxian's cheeks were growing steadily redder.
By the time Zee finished, even Llandra was studying her with a mixture of admiration and disbelief.
Velmora blinked.
"Well... that's quite the compatibility."
Her smile remained pleasant, although she seemed uncertain how much of the testimony she'd just heard was entirely accurate.
Jax looked at Zee.
What happened to the medical opinion?
Zee returned his look with an innocent smile.
Then Bunny raised her hand.
"Oh! I can help!"
Jax closed his eyes.
Oh, no.
"Of course, sweetheart," Velmora said.
Bunny leaned forward enthusiastically and began explaining just how compatible Jax and Nyxian were.
Within moments, Llandra nearly dropped her glass.
Lexi turned scarlet.
Zee stared at Bunny as though she'd just discovered an entirely new branch of medical science.
Seralya slowly leaned forward, absolutely fascinated.
Velmora's eyebrows climbed higher with every passing sentence.
Jax turned toward Bunny.
Then toward Nyxian.
Then back toward Bunny.
Where is she getting this information?
Bunny continued, completely unaware of the effect she was having on the room.
At one point, Seralya covered her mouth.
At another, Velmora actually set down her drink.
When Bunny finally finished, she sat back with a delighted smile.
"There! See? They're perfect for each other!"
Nobody spoke.
Jax stared at her.
"Bunny..."
"Yes?"
He opened his mouth.
Closed it.
Then shook his head.
"Never mind."
Bunny beamed.
"You're welcome!"
Seralya was struggling not to laugh.
Velmora looked toward Nyxian, who had buried her face in her hands.
"Darling..."
"Please don't ask, Mother."
Then Pixelle shot into the air.
"Oh, that's nothing!"
Every Vixen turned toward her.
"Pixelle..." Lexi whispered.
But it was too late.
Pixelle planted her hands on her hips.
"Every time Jax walks into a room, Nyxian falls to the floor in ecstasy!"
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Jax stared.
"WHAT?!"
Nyxian's mouth fell open.
Llandra closed her eyes.
Zee looked toward the ceiling.
Bunny's ears stood straight up.
Lexi covered her face.
Pixelle looked around at everyone.
"What?"
She spread her arms.
"It's because they're so compatible!"
For another moment, nobody moved.
Then Seralya burst out laughing.
She laughed so hard she nearly slipped from her chair.
Velmora joined her, covering her mouth as she struggled to regain her composure.
Jax looked at Pixelle.
"That has never happened."
Pixelle shrugged.
"Well, it could."
"That doesn't make it testimony!"
"I'm helping!"
Nyxian shook her head in disbelief.
"Pixelle, please stop helping."
The fairy folded her arms.
"Fine. But don't blame me when Mother asks for more evidence."
That sent Seralya into another fit of laughter.
Eventually, Velmora managed to compose herself.
She looked around at the Vixens, then toward her daughter.
"Well, I certainly appreciate how thoroughly you've all investigated Nyxian's compatibility."
Jax sighed.
"Please don't encourage them."
Velmora smiled.
"Darling, I have absolutely no idea how much of what I've just heard is true."
Her gaze moved from Llandra to Lexi, then Zee, Bunny, and finally Pixelle.
"But I do know one thing."
She reached across and took Nyxian's hand.
"These women love you dearly."
Nyxian glanced around at her companions.
The women who had traveled halfway across the kingdom with her. Who had listened to her worries for nearly two weeks. Who had just made complete fools of themselves trying to convince her mother that she'd chosen the right man.
"They're usually smarter than this, Mother."
Velmora raised an eyebrow.
"So they usually lie for you better? Is that what you're saying?"
Nyxian closed her eyes and grinned.
Jax laughed.
"Careful, Nyx. There's no winning that argument."
Velmora squeezed her daughter's hand.
"I'm glad you've found people who care so much about your happiness."
Nyxian looked at the other women.
Her smile softened.
"So am I."
Eventually, Corwin appeared at the sitting room entrance.
"Lady Nightveil, the guest suite is ready."
"Wonderful. Thank you, Corwin."
Velmora rose and approached her daughter, taking both of Nyxian's hands.
"I'm so glad you're home, sweetheart."
Nyxian smiled.
"So am I, Mother."
Velmora embraced her, then stepped back and looked toward Jax and the other women.
"Corwin will show you to your accommodations. I trust you'll find everything comfortable."
"Thank you, Lady Nightveil," Jax replied. "You've been incredibly welcoming."
"Oh, darling, please. You're practically family already."
Her eyes sparkled.
"And we can continue our conversation tomorrow."
Nyxian sighed.
"Of course we can."
"How adorable."
Jax offered Nyxian his arm as Corwin led them toward the hallway.
She took it, smiling despite herself.
As they followed the servant through the elegant corridors of the Nightveil estate, Jax considered his circumstances.
He was spending the night in a mansion filled with succubi, including a future mother-in-law and sister-in-law who seemed to consider embarrassing him their favorite pastime.
And he was heading to bed with six beautiful women.
He shook his head.
My life has become very strange.
Beside him, Nyxian squeezed his arm.
"Something wrong, beloved?"
Jax looked at her.
"Not a thing, beautiful."
And together, they followed Corwin toward the guest suite.