Moonlight spilled into the chamber like liquid silver, draping every surface in a hazy, ghostly sheen. The air hung heavy with the scent of strong spirits and something sweeter, almost cloying.
Kael Ashvane sat alone at the rough-hewn table, cup in hand. He took a slow sip, eyes half-closed, then swallowed with deliberate care. A sudden jolt ran through him. He slammed the cup down and bellowed, "Damn fine brew! That's what I'll call it—Temptress Three-Step Soft!"
He poured two more mouthfuls, savoring the burn and the strange, floating warmth that followed. A satisfied grin split his face. "The old tales didn't lie. Those crimson grass fruits are pure gold for making liquor. Just two of the little bastards turned this swill into something heavenly. Throw in a few more and a man might sprout wings and fly straight to the gods."
Emboldened, Kael plucked another pair of the glistening fruits from the cluster, peeled them with clumsy fingers, and dropped the flesh into the jug. He shook it hard, then kept drinking as he mixed, testing each new batch. Half the jug vanished before he realized how much time had slipped away.
The more he drank, the more he craved company. His gaze kept drifting to the door, hopeful. No sign of Zaeli. A flicker of disappointment twisted in his gut. "Where the hell is she? If she doesn't show soon, I'll finish this alone." Then a darker thought followed: "She's never been much for drink. Probably won't come at all tonight…"
Kael's tolerance was usually solid—he'd matched the rowdiest spirits of the Jade Peaks more than once—but this brew hit like a warhammer. The world tilted. In his growing stupor, thoughts of Eya drifted in unbidden. Wonder if she drinks? If she were here, would she sit with me, share a cup?
The image of her sharp, lovely face filled his mind—smiling, teasing, lonely in that damn vault for days on end with no one to talk to. A sudden, drunken urge seized him. He yanked the Wardian Satchel toward him, fumbling for the Heartseek Ward. The incantation slipped from his tongue three times and the satchel refused to open.
He scratched his head, cursing, then tossed the satchel aside in frustration. In the haze, another idea surfaced. "Shit… how did I forget Peria?"
Staggering to the windowsill, he snatched the slender blue porcelain vase holding the Lone-Bud Branch. The simpler command came easier this time. A hazy silhouette bloomed in the empty air—small, delicate, unmistakably Peria.
Kael's face lit up. "Get out here, girl. Got something good for you!"
The form sharpened. Peria floated before him, even more ethereally beautiful than before, her features flushed with a fresh, seductive vitality. The faint traces of his earlier "gifts" had clearly agreed with the little peach spirit.
He reached out and gave a gentle tug. She melted into his arms at once, slender snow-white limbs wrapping tight around his waist.
"Miss me?" Kael murmured, voice thick.
Peria lifted her head, eyes bright with equal parts joy and reproach. "I did. I thought about you all the time… Why did you wait so long to call me out?"
"My fault, my fault. Yesterday got messy," Kael said, genuine regret softening his tone.
"Don't forget again. Peria… Peria really likes being with Kael," she said shyly, then beamed as if proud of remembering the word.
"I won't. Here, I've got something nice for you…" Kael reached for the satchel again, intending to give her the captured rainbow ribbon, but the command still wouldn't come. He gave up with a sheepish grin. "Tomorrow night. Promise."
"What is it?" Peria asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Kael hated seeing that look. An idea sparked. "Something real good to drink." He scooped her up—she weighed nothing, like warm mist—and carried her back to the table. Pouring a cup, he pressed it to her lips. "I made it myself. Try it."
Delight bloomed across her face. Peria leaned in and took a dainty sip. Instantly her body gave a little shiver. Color flooded her cheeks, a delicate rosy flush that made her look heartbreakingly tempting.
"Taste good?" Kael asked.
"It's sweet… so sweet I don't even know how to say it," Peria replied, staring into the cup where the liquid shimmered with deep violet swirls. "What is this?"
"Temptress Three-Step Soft. Kael Ashvane's legendary masterpiece. Future bards will sing about it," he declared grandly, staring out the window with mock solemnity.
Peria didn't quite follow the boasting, but she smiled anyway. "I want more."
He fed her another cup. After a few more sips her face glowed crimson, eyes turning glassy and moist. She licked her lips slowly. "Every time I swallow, my belly gets all warm… really nice and warm inside. Is it okay to say it feels good?"
Kael nodded, transfixed by the sight of her small pink tongue gliding over those glistening lips.
"I want more," Peria said when he didn't move. She took the cup herself, tilting it back twice more. Her slender neck flushed deep red. She parted her lips, breathing hard, sweet-scented vapor rolling off her tongue.
The smell hit Kael like incense and sin. Already drunk, he lost the last thread of restraint. He lunged forward, claiming her mouth in a rough, hungry kiss.
Peria gave a soft "mmph," then responded eagerly, thin arms looping around his neck. Her eyes fluttered half-closed, lost in the sensation.
Kael pried her lips apart, tongue plunging deep, exploring. Before long she copied him, her own soft tongue darting into his mouth, playful and curious, sliding and teasing like a mischievous fish.
Perfect little treasure. Glad as hell I claimed her that day, Kael thought, a surge of possessive satisfaction cutting through the haze—until Peria suddenly pushed him back.
"Can't… breathe…" she gasped, then touched her own burning cheeks and moaned softly. "So hot… my face is on fire…"
"Then take the clothes off," Kael rasped. Without waiting, he yanked the thin jade-colored gauze apart. Two small, perfect breasts spilled free—snowy, supple, flawless as fresh cream. He seized one greedily, kneading hard.
Peria cried out, a sweet, broken sound, body going weak against him.
Throat dry, Kael bent and buried his face in the soft mounds, sucking and licking with raw hunger.
Peria trembled violently, then suddenly giggled between gasps. "It tickles… so strange… Are you wanting to play that game with Peria again?"
The memory of their last night together sent fresh blood roaring through Kael's veins. He growled low. "You want to?"
"I do… I like it a lot… Ah!" Peria yelped suddenly, looking dazed. "You… you bit me?"
Kael didn't answer. He kept sucking, teeth grazing, hands roaming everywhere.
Peria squirmed, overwhelmed, not knowing what to do with the rising heat. Then a sharp, tingling pain bloomed between her legs as Kael's fingers slipped into her slick folds, invading the tight little entrance.
Her whole body stiffened. She couldn't see past his shoulder, but she felt him there, probing.
Whether from the wine or his skilled fingers, Peria suddenly melted, boneless as a rag doll sliding downward.
Kael caught her, lifted her easily, and laid her back on the sturdy table. He tore at his own belt, shoved her slender thighs wide apart, and hiked the gauze up to her waist. His thick cock sprang free, heavy and flushed, the blunt head pressing insistently against her closed slit.
Peria flinched as if burned. Her narrow waist twisted. A glistening bead of nectar welled from her tiny opening, trickled down the delicate pink groove, and dripped onto the wood.
Kael pushed forward, parting the soft lips with his cockhead. The slick warmth coated him instantly, making the swollen tip shine.
Peria's small chest heaved. Remembering his crude words from before, she panted, "Kael… are you going inside Peria again?"
"Not just inside," Kael growled, voice thick with lust. "Deep. All the way."
Her eyes glazed with sudden desperate need. Those pretty legs spread wider, trembling. "Hurry… Kael, hurry!"
He was about to thrust home when a furious shout split the air.
"Where do you think you're going, you filthy little spirit? Trying to seduce my Frater?!"
Both of them jerked in shock and looked toward the door. Zaeli streaked in like a wrathful gale, hands already forming a lethal exorcism seal, eyes blazing with righteous fury.
"Shit!" Kael's drunken fog shattered. He remembered inviting her. Panic flooded him. "This is bad… why the hell did she come so late?"
Zaeli closed the distance in a flash. The exorcism seal streaked straight for Peria's forehead.
Kael recognized the killing technique meant for demons and spirits. Horror spiked through him. "That'll erase her!"
"No!" he roared, throwing his arm up to block the strike.
"You're protecting the spirit?!" Zaeli cried, furious. She spun, trying to strike from the side.
"Wait—listen to me first!" Kael blocked again, then barked at Peria, "Go!"
Peria snapped out of her daze, terror wiping away the drunken flush. She yanked the gauze around herself as her body began to fade into mist.
"She can turn to vapor!" Zaeli exclaimed, pressing the attack harder. But her skill and power couldn't match Kael's. Every strike was deflected or absorbed. Frustration burned in her eyes.
Kael spotted an opening. He triggered Ember Dash, a burst of star-like sparks carrying him forward. He caught Zaeli around the waist, locking her in place.
"Let go! She's getting away!" Zaeli struggled wildly.
Peria's face twisted with fear and confusion. Her nearly naked, alluring form fully dissolved into mist and vanished. At the same moment, the Lone-Bud Branch reappeared silently in the blue vase on the windowsill.
"She got away…" Zaeli finally relaxed, then turned on Kael with burning cheeks. "Are you trying to die? What kind of demon was that?"
"Easy, Soror. Just a little peach spirit. One I know," Kael said, forcing a placating smile.
"You know her?" Zaeli blinked, then grew angrier. "You're not afraid she'll harm you?!"
"She's harmless. Barely formed. Never hurt anyone," Kael assured her.
Zaeli's worry spiked. "Peach spirits and fox spirits are the worst deceivers! Especially a fresh one—they crave a man's virilic essence more than anything. Don't you know that?" As she spoke, she finally noticed the compromising position—his cock still hard and exposed, her own body pressed close. Mortified, she shoved at him with all her strength.
Kael realized the situation and quickly released her, yanking up his trousers and fumbling with the belt while offering an awkward grin.
"Damn it!" Zaeli spat, face crimson. She stomped her foot in pure embarrassment and fury.
"She's not a bad spirit," Kael tried again, cheeks burning.
"You still don't get it! That little temptress has you bewitched. I'm telling Lady Isara right now!" Zaeli spun toward the door.
Kael's face drained of color. He lunged after her, grabbing her arm. "Please don't! Master would skin me alive. Soror, just this once—have mercy…"
Zaeli kept trying to leave. Kael clung desperately, begging without shame.
"Will you do it again?" she demanded.
"No. Never," Kael swore, looking properly repentant.
"Truly?" She stared hard.
"Truly. I swear."
"Where did that peach spirit come from?" Zaeli pressed.
"I… I don't really know," Kael lied. Admitting more would drag out every other spirit he'd met.
"There aren't any peach trees around here…" Zaeli frowned.
"The back mountain's huge. Lots of places we haven't been," Kael said vaguely.
Zaeli studied him, concern softening her anger. "You fool… peach spirits are dangerous. You can't just play with them."
Kael saw the storm passing and relaxed a fraction. He smiled. "I won't be stupid again. Don't worry. By the way… why'd you come so late?"
Zaeli's face flushed deeper. "What, mad I ruined your fun? Then I'll leave!"
"No, no—stay." Kael caught her hand and pulled her gently to the table, excitement returning. "Here, taste the Temptress Three-Step Soft I made myself."
"I don't drink," Zaeli said, though her eyes lingered on the cup.
"Just a little," Kael coaxed, pouring a full measure.
Zaeli shook her head.
"Look at the color," Kael urged.
She glanced down and her resistance cracked. The liquor shimmered with deep, swirling violet waves, impossibly beautiful. "It really is pretty…"
"Tastes even better. You'll regret it if you don't try," Kael pressed.
Finally tempted, Zaeli accepted the cup and took a tiny sip. Her body gave a visible shiver.
"Well?" Kael asked eagerly.
"Sweet… not bad," she admitted. She took another sip, eyes half-closing in pleasure. "Actually… quite good."
Kael grinned wide, knowing she rarely touched wine. "Drink more. I'll make another batch if it runs out."
"You really made this?" Zaeli took another swallow. Two lovely red clouds bloomed on her cheeks. Her lips glistened purple and wet in the lamplight, achingly inviting.
"Of course. This is the Temptress Three-Step Soft I mentioned this morning. Let me tell you what goes in—" Kael's words died as his gaze locked on her mouth.
"What?" Zaeli asked, licking her lips unconsciously before drinking again. Half the cup disappeared without her noticing.
Kael stared, dumbstruck. For the first time, he truly saw how stunning she was—how dangerously tempting.
"Why aren't you talking?" Zaeli noticed his silence, shifting uncomfortably.
"Zaeli…" Kael's breathing grew heavy.
"I should go," she said suddenly, rising—only for her legs to buckle. She swayed, about to collapse.
"Careful!" Kael shot up and caught her.
Zaeli panicked, trying to push away, but every limb felt like water. She slumped helplessly against his chest.
"Soror…" Kael's eyes fixed on her glistening lips. Raw hunger surged through him.
Zaeli breathed shakily. "Why… after only half a cup… I have no strength left?"
"It's good, but it's strong stuff," Kael said, voice low.
"You should have warned me… Did you do this on purpose?" Her voice had turned soft and husky. Sweet wine-scented breath wafted from those wet purple lips, intoxicating.
"I…" Kael couldn't hold back. He kissed her hard, mouth sealing over hers.
Zaeli jolted, made a weak attempt to resist, then her slender arms slid around his neck, holding on.
Kael's heart hammered. He felt her trembling, felt the feverish heat of her skin, felt her soft tongue shyly push into his mouth. They lost themselves for long moments before breaking apart, both gasping.
"You invited me tonight just to trick me into drinking, didn't you?" Zaeli whispered, voice low and accusing.
"No," Kael lied.
"Bad man… still denying it…" She stared into his eyes, half-angry, half-playful.
"Really didn't," he insisted.
"Then why are you holding me like this?" Zaeli squirmed, small hands pushing weakly at his chest.
"I… I like you, Zaeli," Kael blurted, arms tightening around her.
Her scolding expression melted into a bright, sweet smile—beautiful and full of sudden, unguarded joy.
Kael's blood ran hot as he stared down at Zaeli. Her face was flushed deep crimson, those purple-stained lips parted and glistening, eyes heavy-lidded with wine and something far more dangerous. The sweet, heavy scent of the spirit fruit clung to her breath. He leaned in, hungry to claim her mouth again.
But Zaeli suddenly turned her face aside, voice cold despite the tremble in it. "That's right. My heart already belongs to Lord Rovan Ashford. You'd best let me go right now."
Kael froze for a heartbeat, then remembered his own careless words from days earlier. He forced a laugh. "Come on, sister. I was only joking that day."
"Joking?" Zaeli gave a delicate snort, still refusing to look at him. "You were joking. But me? I really do fancy the young marquis."
Seeing the genuine flash of anger in her eyes, Kael's stomach dropped. He rushed to make it right. "Don't be mad, Zaeli. I was wrong. I won't say anything stupid like that again."
"Can you even joke about something like that?" she shot back, still pouting, arms crossed tight over her chest.
"I… I was just nervous," Kael muttered, ears burning. "You keep defending that bastard every chance you get…"
The moment the words left his mouth, Zaeli's irritation melted away. She turned back to him, eyes sparkling with sudden delight. "You really get nervous over me?"
Kael's face went scarlet.
Zaeli reached up, pressing one small, soft hand against his chest and rubbing gently. Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. "You fool. What's there for you to be nervous about? I… I…"
Her beautiful eyes grew misty, cheeks burning like sunset. "Even back on the mountain, long before any of this… my heart has only ever had room for… well, you know. That bracelet you gave me? I wear it every single day."
The confession hit Kael like warm honey poured straight into his veins. Joy surged through him. He kissed her fiercely, devouring those wine-dark lips that looked so damn inviting. Zaeli met him shyly at first, then her slender arms slid around his waist, pulling him closer.
They kissed until the world blurred—deep, messy, desperate. Kael's hands grew bolder, roaming over her soft curves, squeezing the yielding flesh he found beneath her robes. Zaeli gasped into his mouth, a weak "Don't…" slipping out even as her body pressed tighter against him, her full, supple breasts flattening warmly against his chest.
The half-hearted resistance only inflamed him more. She had come to his room this late for a reason, and they both knew it. His hands turned wicked, slipping under fabric, stroking smooth skin. Zaeli melted, boneless and trembling, whether from the strong drink or his touch he couldn't tell.
Kael's fingers quested lower, sliding beneath her skirt and up the silky length of her thigh. Zaeli buried her burning face in his neck, breathing fast and shallow. When his hand reached the apex of her legs and cupped the soft, delicate mound there, he felt the thin cloth of her undergarment already soaked through—hot, slick, and slippery. His cock throbbed painfully at the discovery.
He yanked at her sash, eager to strip her bare.
Zaeli, a couple of years older and no stranger to the vague notions of what happened between men and women, had clearly come tonight with expectations. She suddenly whispered, "Not here."
Kael blinked, then grinned like a wolf. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her the few steps to the bed.
"The door," she murmured, voice tiny as a mosquito.
He set her down long enough to slam the door shut and bolt it, then hurried back. Before he could climb on, she added, "The curtains."
Kael yanked the bed curtains closed with frantic speed. Finally enclosed in the dim, private space, he crawled over her. Zaeli lay there looking up at him, shy and flushed and so damn lovely his heart hammered against his ribs. He kissed her gently at first, then began tearing at their clothes with impatient hands.
She helped him shyly until she was down to just a small apricot-colored bodice and her thin undergarment. Then she balked, refusing to let him remove the last layers.
Kael grew frantic, afraid she might change her mind. He coaxed and sweet-talked, kissing every inch of exposed skin.
"It'll look ugly if I take everything off," Zaeli protested, biting her lip and hugging her arms over her chest.
"You could never look ugly. You're so beautiful I'm drunk just looking at you…" Kael breathed the words against her skin, wine-scented and rough. His hands kneaded her small, firm breasts through the thin bodice, thumbs teasing the stiff little peaks that poked against the fabric.
Zaeli had never felt anything like it. Her body shuddered and twitched. Her arms slowly loosened. Between gasps she managed, "Tonight… you can't tell anyone I came here…"
Kael nodded eagerly. While she was distracted, he tugged the bodice down, freeing one pale, perfect breast. He latched onto the rosy nipple like a starving man, sucking hard.
Zaeli cried out softly as waves of tingling warmth spread through her chest, making her limbs weak. Still she forced the words out: "And you're not allowed to laugh at me in your heart!"
"Mmm, never. I'm only grateful, Zaeli. So damn grateful," Kael mumbled around her breast. One hand sneaked downward, slipping boldly inside her undergarment.
She let out a sharp, helpless moan. Even as she struggled for breath, she added foolishly, "If I wasn't scared that peach spirit would seduce you… I never would have… tonight…"
Kael nearly laughed but kept his mouth busy with "Yes, yes, I understand. I'll remember your kindness tonight for the rest of my days." He sat up, grabbed the waist of her undergarment, and yanked it down in one smooth motion.
The thin cloth slid away, revealing a soft patch of dark down and the delicate pink slit beneath. A glistening trail of slickness already traced down one side of her puffy lips. The sight nearly undid him.
Zaeli tried to cover herself in shame, but Kael caught her wrists and pinned them aside. When her legs instinctively tried to close, he forced them open with his body, settling between her thighs. The blunt, searing head of his cock nudged against her soaked entrance.
He rubbed the thick crown up and down her slit, coating himself in her juices, teasing the tender inner folds. Zaeli whimpered and squirmed, overwhelmed by the foreign heat and pressure.
Kael tried to enter her carefully, but his size and her tightness made the attempt clumsy. Zaeli's breath hitched, then she suddenly convulsed. A fresh gush of hot nectar spilled over his cockhead.
Unable to wait any longer, Kael pushed. The fat head slipped inside her with a wet sound.
Zaeli gave a sharp cry. Her hips bucked upward involuntarily, driving him deeper—straight through her maiden barrier and all the way to her deepest core.
Kael hissed in raw pleasure. Any thought of gentleness vanished. He slammed his hips forward, burying every thick inch in one brutal thrust, tearing through her virginity and battering against the soft, yielding cervix.
Zaeli screamed. The pain was blinding. Her whole body went rigid, tears pouring down her cheeks.
Kael froze immediately, murmuring soft apologies and stroking her hair, kissing away her tears. Even through the pain, Zaeli felt an overwhelming sweetness. The girl who had always played the older sister now let herself be small and helpless beneath her man, whimpering and coaxing every bit of tenderness from him.
They stayed locked together for a long while, kissing and whispering until the worst of the pain ebbed. Slowly, experimentally, they began to move—gentle rocks and grinds that sent sparks of pleasure through both of them.
Zaeli's eyes glazed over, face flushed dark. Her breasts heaved with every breath. Her slender white legs twitched and curled around him.
"Does it feel good, Zaeli?" Kael panted.
"It's… so strange… why does it feel like this…" she whimpered, biting her finger.
"Can I move a little?" he asked, barely holding back. His cock was strangled inside her impossibly tight channel.
"Aren't you already moving?" she scolded breathlessly.
Kael flushed. "Faster? Just a little?"
Zaeli stayed quiet for several heartbeats, then whispered, "Do whatever feels good to you… I'm yours tonight."
Kael's grin was feral. He began to thrust—slow and deep at first. Her extreme tightness dragged deliciously along his shaft with every stroke, making her whole body rock. The one exposed breast jiggled enticingly with each motion.
Zaeli kept her eyes squeezed shut, brow furrowed in shy concentration, arms fluttering awkwardly as if she didn't know where to put them.
As he found his rhythm and sped up, Kael felt sudden extra wetness flood around him. He glanced down. Their joining was slick and shining. A thin streak of blood mixed with her juices.
Zaeli gave a little jerk and soft cry.
"Still hurting?" Kael stopped at once.
She shook her head, then nodded, then shook it again. "Don't worry about me."
"But you're bleeding!" Kael's voice cracked with sudden guilt.
Zaeli pushed herself up, fished a handkerchief from her discarded clothes, and wiped herself quickly. She glanced at his pale face and couldn't help a soft, embarrassed laugh.
"I… I didn't mean to…" Kael stammered, mortified.
Zaeli finished cleaning, tucked the cloth away, and gave him a gentle smile. "Don't be afraid. I've heard every girl bleeds the first time."
"Really?"
"If it wasn't true, would you let me go? With something this… this big shoved inside me, how could I not bleed?" Her tone was half scolding, half teasing.
Kael suddenly understood. Of course—both Selene and Peria had bled their first times too. Relief washed over him.
Zaeli lay back down. When he still didn't move, she flushed and said, "Are you… done already? Then I'll get up."
"No, no!" Kael pinned her down again, laughing. "I'm nowhere near done. I still want you, Zaeli." He resumed thrusting—harder, deeper, faster.
Zaeli's body jolted with every impact. Soon her soft moans filled the curtained bed. Kael drove into her relentlessly, his massive cock kissing her deepest spot with nearly every stroke.
"Don't… not so deep… ah… please, not so deep…" Zaeli begged, face twisted in overwhelmed pleasure-pain. The sight only made Kael fuck her harder.
He pounded away, sweat flying, until his cock suddenly swelled violently inside her, veins standing out like coiling dragons along the shaft—the Dracoiling awakening.
Zaeli screamed, arms locking around his neck. "You… it's getting even bigger… so hot… you're burning me up…"
Kael grunted like an animal, slowing to heavy, punishing strokes that battered her sensitive cervix. Zaeli's mind blanked. His raw masculine scent overwhelmed her.
Staring down at her, Kael grabbed her pale legs, pushed them wide apart and back toward her shoulders, folding her in half. He watched his thick cock slam in and out of her stretched, dripping pussy without mercy.
Zaeli caught a blurry glimpse of the obscene sight and burned with fresh shame, but she was too far gone to care. Her body stiffened. Pleasure coiled unbearably tight.
Suddenly her inner walls clamped down like a vice, rippling wildly around him.
Kael roared and slammed home one final time, grinding the swollen head hard against her womb. His balls tightened and he erupted, flooding her with thick, hot jets of seed.
Zaeli arched like a bow, a broken cry tearing from her throat as her own climax crashed through her, pussy gushing and spasming around his pulsing cock.
They ground against each other desperately even as exhaustion took them, foreheads and sexes pressed tight.
Finally they collapsed, limp and spent, breathing ragged.
"Zaeli…" Kael panted.
"Hmm?" she answered weakly, sprawled boneless on the sheets.
"You alright?"
"So… that's what it's like…" she murmured, eyes closed, chest still rising and falling rapidly, cheeks glowing.
"Was it good? Did it feel good?" Kael asked, suddenly anxious like a boy awaiting judgment.
Zaeli was quiet for a long moment. Then she lifted her head and placed a soft, sweet kiss on his forehead.
Joy exploded in Kael's chest. He rained kisses over her face—eyes, nose, lips.
"Your hand…" Zaeli said softly.
"What?"
"My arm hurts," she complained cutely.
Kael pushed up quickly and saw he had pinned one of her arms badly, leaving it pale and marked. He bent down and blew gently on the sore spot. "Damn it. I'm sorry."
Zaeli raised both arms, cupping his face tenderly. "You fool. Don't say sorry. Just… keep me in your heart from now on. Hide me safely inside it…"
-------
"Loose!" an officer barked.
Two heavy arbalest crews released their triggers. Massive bolts crafted from Warding-Vase Bamboo screamed across the training field and slammed into a boulder thirty yards away. The stone exploded into dust and shards with a thunderous crack.
A soldier sprinted up and dropped to one knee before Rovan Ashford. "My lord! The bolt is completely undamaged!"
"Excellent! Outstanding!" Rovan laughed heartily and punched Kael's shoulder in excitement. "You've done us a hell of a service this time, brother. Name your reward!"
Kael smirked, though the condescending tone irritated him. He answered with a hard punch of his own to Rovan's shoulder. "I'm not one of your soldiers, Ashford. I didn't haul that bamboo all the way back just for you. No need to thank me."
Rovan staggered from the blow, wincing as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Insolence!" "How dare you!" Several fully armed officers behind him shouted, hands flying to sword hilts.
Rovan raised a hand to silence them. The officers obeyed at once, though their faces remained stormy.
Kael stood with arms crossed, utterly unconcerned.
Rovan turned and bowed respectfully to Isara Ashvane and Lyra Farrow. "Shreve Ashvane, Shreve Farrow—the demon threat grows heavier by the day, yet our chances of holding Mirekeep look better than ever. Many capable fighters have already come to our aid. And now Kael has delivered this Warding-Vase Bamboo. The Earthrend Arbalests will cut through the foul ones like never before…"
He paused, then continued with clear pride. "Moreover, several days ago I sent word to the capital requesting reinforcements. Yesterday we received good news—an imperial emissary has entered the Mire and is racing toward Mirekeep even now. The Emperor must have answered our call with troops!"
Relief and hope showed on every face. Isara nodded. "The fell aether around Mirekeep thickens daily. The assault cannot be far off. When will this emissary arrive?"
"Reports say they reached a waystation fifty miles north last night. Barring trouble, they should reach us by midday," Rovan answered.
Isara gave another short nod and fell silent.
Lyra Farrow smiled. "Have you sent anyone to escort them, Ashford? The roads around Mirekeep are surely crawling with demons by now."
"I anticipated as much, Shreve. I dispatched a full guard detachment last night to meet them," Rovan replied smoothly.
Lyra's smile widened. "You think of everything, young marquis. Most reassuring."
Kael noticed how even Isara and the others—including Selene, who had joined them—were watching Rovan with clear approval in their eyes. Jealous irritation flared hot in his chest, plain on his face.
Rovan caught the look and grinned. "What's the matter? Jealous that the ladies approve of me? Care for another little contest between us?"
"Fine by me," Kael snarled, eyes flashing. "If you're so eager to look like a fool again, I'll oblige."
Rovan's smile turned sly. "Then how about we settle it with a drinking contest?"