**Chapter 452**
**Return to Lantilles**
**Scene 1**
The *Gray Wolf* emerged from hyperspace above Lantilles, flanked by a small escort of loyal vessels. Thrawn's *Nightdragon* remained only long enough to exchange final encrypted data packets before vanishing back into the Unknown Regions. The Grand Admiral had his own report to deliver to the Chiss Ascendancy — warnings of Yuuzhan Vong forward bases and the growing threat in the shadows.
Only three days had passed in realspace since the rescue operation began. To Dagon, it felt like a lifetime.
A secure holoconference was arranged almost immediately with the Jedi Council. Masters Yoda, Windu, and several others appeared in the briefing room, their expressions grave.
Dagon stood at the center, flanked by Shin Wren and Erictia. The rest of the girls waited just outside the chamber, still recovering.
"The incident on Lantilles," Dagon began, keeping his voice steady, "was caused by a rogue Dark Jedi known as Vergere. She infiltrated the training complex, captured the girls for experimentation, and triggered an ancient, unstable device of unknown origin. We engaged her forces, destroyed the facility, and rescued everyone."
Master Windu's eyes narrowed. "And Vergere?"
"Dead," Dagon replied flatly. "She will not threaten anyone again."
Yoda's ears twitched. "Your eyes, young Marek. Changed, they have."
Dagon met the ancient Master's gaze without flinching. The three-pronged red star burned against the black field of his irises.
Nox stepped forward, calm and authoritative. "Ancient Sith Lords and powerful Dark Jedi often manifest physical changes when their connection to the Force grows exceptionally strong. The eyes are the most common sign — spirals or patterns forming as power increases. The more pronounced the marking, the greater the mastery."
The Council members exchanged uneasy glances. They didn't fully believe it, but Dagon's previous miracle — the healing of Naboo — still carried significant weight. After a long, tense silence, Master Yoda finally nodded.
"Accept this explanation, we will… for now. Rest, you all should. Much to discuss, there is."
The hologram faded.
Dagon exhaled slowly, shoulders slumping the moment the transmission ended.
Shin placed a gentle hand on his back. "You did well."
"Now," Erictia whispered with a soft smile, "let's go see the others."
**Scene 2**
The moment the doors to the private recovery suite opened, the emotional dam broke.
Stella was the first to reach him, throwing herself into his arms with a sob. Kayla followed, then Ahsoka, Zule, Flare, and Visenya — all of them colliding into one massive, tearful group hug. Hands clutched at his armor, faces pressed against his chest, voices overlapping in a mixture of relief, love, and lingering fear.
"We thought we lost you…" Stella cried.
"You idiot," Ahsoka whispered, half-laughing, half-sobbing. "Don't ever do that again."
Dagon held them all as tightly as he could, his new black armored arm gently wrapped around the group. Tears — something he hadn't allowed himself in years — burned at the corners of his remaining natural eye.
"I'm sorry," he murmured into their hair. "I'm so sorry for everything. For pushing you away. For thinking I had to do it alone."
They cried together for a long time — a cathartic, healing release of everything they had been through.
Eventually, Nox and Ashara quietly excused themselves, giving the group complete privacy. The door sealed behind them with a soft hiss.
The atmosphere in the room shifted.
What began as tender kisses and gentle caresses quickly grew heated. Hands roamed. Robes and armor pieces were shed one by one until everyone was bare. Dagon found himself at the center of a sea of soft skin, loving touches, and desperate need.
Shin Wren was the first to push him down onto the large bed, straddling his waist. Her long white hair spilled over her shoulders like a curtain as she leaned down to kiss him deeply. Erictia moved behind her, kissing along Shin's neck while her hands explored Dagon's chest.
Ahsoka claimed his lips next, fierce and passionate, while Zule and Flare took turns lavishing attention on his neck and chest. Stella, still shy but bold in her desire, pressed soft kisses down his stomach. Kayla's Zeltron empathy amplified every sensation, turning every touch into pure ecstasy. Visenya moved with elegant confidence, her hands and mouth driving him higher.
Dagon lost himself in them.
He took Shin first, slow and deep, while she rode him with graceful rolls of her hips. Erictia kissed him passionately as he thrust upward, her hands tangled in his hair. The others touched, kissed, and caressed wherever they could reach — a beautiful, loving tangle of bodies and emotions.
They switched positions fluidly. Dagon took Ahsoka from behind while she moaned into Zule's mouth. Flare straddled his face, gasping as his tongue worked her. Stella and Kayla pleasured each other beside them, their soft cries mixing with everyone else's. Visenya rode him hard and fast, her warrior spirit showing even in intimacy.
Hours passed in a haze of pleasure, love, and reconnection.
They made love in every combination — slow and tender, passionate and rough, playful and intense. Dagon made sure each of them felt cherished, desired, and safe. The girls returned that love tenfold, healing the wounds between them with every kiss, every moan, every shared climax.
When they finally collapsed together in a sweaty, satisfied pile, Dagon lay in the center once again. Eight beautiful women curled around him — some draped over his chest, others nestled against his sides, legs tangled with his.
Shin kissed his jaw softly. "You're not alone anymore."
Ahsoka nuzzled into his neck. "Never again."
Dagon closed his eyes, holding them all close with both arms — the black armored one and the flesh one.
For the first time in years, he felt truly at peace.