**Chapter 514**
**Link Bond**
**Gray Wolf – Bridge**
**Dagon POV**
The bridge of the *Gray Wolf* hummed with quiet efficiency as the fleet maintained its blockade around the captured Valahari orbital station. I stood at the central holotable, reviewing the latest tactical overlays while the senior officers waited for my orders.
Fleet Admiral Dittmar stepped forward. "We have established a full blockade, General. The station is under our command, and surrounding space is secured. No Separatist vessels have attempted to break through."
I nodded. "Good. That means we can proceed with the next phase. Our primary target is the Ethrani system — that's where most of the rebellious noble houses have gathered. We'll conduct a two-pronged assault and split our forces."
I gestured to the holographic map. "Jedi Master Urlik, along with Stella and Flare, will lead the strike on Ethrani. Not total war — a surgical snatch-and-grab of the important noble families. I will personally lead the operation on Valahari itself: rescue Lady Elodore Vane and arrest the remaining rebellious nobles."
The Jedi nodded and disappeared from the holoprojector one by one as they prepared their teams.
I was about to give final instructions when I felt a familiar, very affectionate presence press against my side. Erictia had somehow attached herself to my left arm, nuzzling against me like a contented tooka cat. Her cheek rested against my shoulder, and she let out a soft, unmistakable purring sound.
Dittmar blinked, visibly confused. "Uh… sir, we made sure the Padawan wasn't seen by the enemy, but… is she supposed to be purring?"
I cleared my throat, trying to maintain some semblance of command dignity. "Never mind that. Back to your stations."
The officers quickly returned to their duties, though I caught a few amused glances. I gently guided Erictia with me as I left the bridge and returned to my private quarters.
**Scene 2**
The door hissed shut behind us. The rest of the girls were already waiting — Ahsoka, Zule, Shin, Flare, Kayla, Stella, Visenya, and Aayla — along with Nox and Ashara, who had joined via hologram.
"Uhmm, Erictia… would you mind letting go?" I asked calmly, trying to peel her off my arm.
"Aww, why Honey Bear? Don't you like this, Darling?" she replied in an overly sweet, affectionate voice, clinging even tighter and rubbing her cheek against my chest.
Shin's eyes widened. "Darling?! Honey Bear?! Padawan, as your Master, I command you to let go of Dagon right now!"
Erictia refused, curling up even more possessively against me and letting out another happy purr.
Nox, watching the scene with clear amusement, chuckled. "Yep. She's head over heels now. You performed that link bond, I think."
"Link bond?" Ahsoka asked, confused but clearly annoyed as she crossed her arms. "Dagon joked that when the Force bond is strong enough, both users can fight as one… but I thought it was just for fighting."
"Yeah, and I never heard of falling head over heels with each other," I added, still trying to gently detach Erictia.
Nox leaned back, clearly enjoying himself. "Never mind that — this is where my ancient Sith knowledge comes in. You see, a Force bond is unlike a Dyad. Both parties choose it. Over time, romance blossoms. Then, in a high-stress environment, their souls can merge — allowing them to see, feel, and fight as one."
"So when I rushed to protect her…" I began.
"Yes and no," Nox replied. "My guess is Shin mentioned the rings Dagon gave you protected your Padawan from Dooku's Sith lightning?"
Shin blushed. "Yes… and I'm most grateful you cared so much about us."
"Well, there you go," Nox said. "Erictia's sudden enhanced emotional connection was the final straw. The soul merge pushed everything else over the edge."
Zule tilted her head, watching Erictia nuzzle even closer. "Okay, so Erictia got bitten by the love bug. I get that. But how do we fix it? We can't have her staying attached like this forever. And why are her eyes turning pink?"
Erictia's eyes had indeed shifted — the usual warm amber now glowing a soft, heart-shaped pink. Faint pink lightning crackled gently across her skin as she looked up at me with pure, unfiltered adoration.
She suddenly pulled me down into a fierce, passionate kiss. Her lips claimed mine with surprising strength and hunger. I stumbled back a step as she pressed her body fully against me, hands roaming my chest while her tongue danced eagerly with mine.
The kiss was deep, needy, and filled with raw emotion. Erictia moaned softly into my mouth, pouring every ounce of her amplified feelings into it. The bond between us flared brightly, letting me feel the overwhelming wave of love, desire, and devotion crashing through her.
Nox quickly stood up. "She's in heat. She needs to burn it out." He practically fled the room, Ashara following with an amused smile.
The girls stared, a mix of shock, jealousy, and reluctant understanding on their faces.
Shin sighed. "Well… this is new."
I gently broke the kiss, breathing heavily as Erictia continued to cling to me, eyes half-lidded with affection. "We'll figure this out," I promised the group. "Together."
Erictia nuzzled my neck happily. "My Dagon…"
Ahsoka pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is going to take some getting used to."