As the glow of the arrays surrounding the platform slowly faded, Asterios and the girls took a good look around. At first sight, nothing much had changed in Althea’s underground lair. But, that was a good thing and they all felt relief gently wash over them.
Without the means of communication between the two realms, they had no way of knowing what was going on in Kraedorion. Naturally, it might not have been completely impossible, especially in the later stages of their journey, but they didn’t want to risk their mission. Not unless some truly disconcerting hints were discerned in their deep bond.
Thankfully, the lair remained the same, with no signs of interdimensional accidents. The formations on the ground didn’t look touched in the slightest. The expressions adorning Bryn’s and Grea’s faces further confirmed that they had faced no issues on that front. Asterios was fairly confident in seeing through their masks by this point, and he could only spot honest joy at his group’s healthy return.
Returning his eyes to the smiling demon researcher, he smirked back. “Apologies. You know how it is with interrealm travel through draconic cracks. The traffic was abysmal.”
The crimson-skinned lady snorted softly. “I bet. Especially since I can’t see your guide by your side. I take it she’s too giddy to escort her knight in shining—albeit black—armor home?”
Asterios shook his head. “There’s a lot to do after our input. It might take a while for her and her new assistant to stabilize things. Speaking of which, are we truly that late or…?”
“There were no signs of time dilation, Master.” Bryn offered him a small bow from behind her sister-mate. “We experienced the same number of days as you, soon bordering on two months.”
“Thank gods…” Tina let out a delicate sigh while touching her chest.
“It would have been a nightmare to catch up on all the administrative matters over a longer period with how quickly Glimmervale is progressing.” Silvia joined her with a quiet chuckle, squeezing the blue-haired girl’s shoulder.
“I see.” Asterios nodded. “If we are nearing two months, how are we doing with that other important case? Are we still good?”
“You were damn close to missing it.” Grea clicked her tongue. “We were discussing the option to reach out somehow and remind you, but ultimately, we came to an agreement that we would rather not disturb your focus. And thought that you wouldn’t be too mad about having to wait for a little longer.”
“Ten more days before the first festivities at Wintercrown begin,” Bryn added. “But, since that’s just the day when the place opens up more towards the outside world, there’s still more time before the activities we are specifically interested in take place. That is if you don’t mind missing out on the welcoming ceremony and some cultural celebrations, Master.”
“You made the right choice.” He responded with a warm gaze, both women feeling the sincerity of his words. “Thank you for not only keeping an eye on things here but also for looking out for us.”
By this point, the hints were starting to become extremely strong.
It hadn’t escaped Ast’s attention how Grea showed certain signs of impatience or eagerness. A slight tug on her attire here, a small rub of her hands there, some tiny peeks aside while they had been talking, and now, the full body shivers she was trying so hard to contain.
Thus, he wasn’t surprised in the slightest when his agitated lover sprang forward like an arrow.
And he was ready for it.
Or so he thought.
As predictable as the following actions were, his foresight was proven completely wrong.
Instead of fully body-slamming into him with the force of a mature bear, Grea abruptly slowed down right in front of him and pressed herself into his front with a shocking level of gentleness and restraint. Her arms slowly coiled around his figure, one tightly hugging his waist, while the other wandering north, her fingers tenderly sliding into his hair. With a deep and deliberate inhale, she kept her chin resting atop his shoulder, holding onto him in a very intimate embrace, lacking any of the usual mischief or salacity.
Asterios stood there stunned for a few seconds, just like all his other mates, before he returned the embrace with equal love, placing an affectionate kiss on Grea’s hair. Bryn was looking at them fondly as if knowing something they didn’t. Something that made her feel cordial too.
After a moment, Grea unhurriedly pulled back a bit, her palms moving to caress Ast’s cheeks. Once more surprising him, she leaned in for a subtle kiss, joining their lips dearly. She didn’t pursue more than it was chaste, yet didn’t fight back either as he pressed against her more, keeping their mouths softly connected.
That single kiss took a good while, but it wasn’t like anyone would object to them taking their sweet time. Finally released from the clutches of their swelling hearts, they gazed into each other’s eyes from up close. Immediately, Asterios could tell something was different. He had seen the vulnerable side of his scarred lover many times, but as familiar as this current sight was, it wasn’t completely the same.
“Are you alright?” The words left his mouth before he even thought about them.
Grea smiled beautifully and took a step back, taking hold of his hands. “You know, when a woman is left alone with her thoughts for a long time, it gets her thinking. About herself.”
Ast’s brows furrowed a tad, but as his lips parted to form a response, the unusually collected lady in front of him pressed a finger to them.
“No, this doesn’t come from the self-doubt revolving around me wondering how long you are going to tolerate my crass side,” she quickly said, locking onto his gleaming red eyes. “I haven’t forced myself to change for your sake like you are worried I have. And I know the next thing you are going to say is how you love me the way I am. It took me a while, but that’s why I think I can finally be the real me. As scary as that feels.”
A weak laugh escaped her and he reassuringly brushed his thumb over the soft skin of her palms.
“You’ve always known it was a facade, no need to lie about it. Not much more than a coping mechanism. Sure, I inherited a decent deal of demon sass from my father, but you’ve met enough of us to understand that we aren’t ciphered to constantly be overbearing.” Grea’s gaze wandered over Ast’s chest, stopping at the thin chainlet dipping into his collar, where she pulled the tiny, precious necklace from, and looked up to his face after a few seconds of staring at it. “For numerous weeks already I’ve been pondering, and the last few were intensified. Perhaps all those demon therapists might have been onto something suggesting to cut yourself off the strongest distractions to heal properly. I may or may not owe a few people an apology. And a good healer.”
She snorted quietly, daintily nibbling on her bottom lip.
“You were one of the most mature pupils I have ever seen across all the continents. Way more mature for your years.” Her attention slipped to his mouth briefly before she refocused. “Now, it might be time for me to mature into the woman I should have been for you ages ago. If you will still have my true self?”
Moving closer, she offered Asterios a dainty peck, closing her eyes. He wasted no time to deepen it as his unspoken answer. A quiet moan fled their connected lips, albeit lacking any uncouth sensuality. It was still brimming with love and strong emotions, surprisingly pure. Perhaps as pure as Grea’s deepest self she had been actively locking behind the vault of vulgarity.
When they parted again, she was brimming with happiness again.
“However, do not fret. I’m not planning to deprive you of the depraved slut you so much deserve and enjoy.” Her bright red eyes shone with a stronger glow. “All I’m saying is that public image is once more brought into consideration while what’s private stays private. To a certain considerable extent. I think we will all agree that’s a necessary step for the right hand and personal assistant of the Trifecta Institute of Draconomic’s Headmaster.”
Asterios was going to assure Grea that he respected and appreciated all those difficult decisions, but paused, blinking at her smiling, a tad cunning face.
“Now, hang on there for a moment.” He pointed a finger at the sly demon. “I’m what now?”
A few giggles reached his ears from behind.
“He’s not even going to question the naming anymore,” Miria whispered.
“Shush!” Selene’s reprimanding reply arrived with the sound of a light smack.
Grea meanwhile grinned at Ast’s bewildered expression. “What? It’s obvious the position goes to the strongest and most knowledgeable individual who continues to discover norm-shattering breakthroughs in the field of magic and not only. We’ll soon get a school, and every school needs a headmaster. You don’t think everyone has been looking for anyone other than you to take upon it, do you?”
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“Me? I’m this very nation’s ruler, Grea. Not to mention all the other obligations that often take me off the world.” Asterios threw his arms into the air. “I can’t be everything and everyone at once.”
“Why not?” She shrugged, then winked. “It’s not like you need to be there all the time. It’s normal for the figures in power to offload their work onto those below, like their vices or assistants. And you are standing in front of one.”
“Sure, that isn’t exactly wrong.” He crossed his arms over his chest, then squinted. “But why complicate things when there’s a much better option in front of us? The perfect person for the job. With all the wisdom and experience already in place.”
“Who?” Her brows furrowed.
A single brow rose onto Ast’s forehead as he continued to stare back.
Grea’s eyes widened to the brim. “You gotta be kidding…”
“Would I really?” Asterios asked.
“There is no way you are serious! Me? I’m possibly the worst pick!” She shook her head vehemently. “I’m just a shut-in researcher with a massive trauma that can ruin everything! I can’t lead people like you do! Hell, I can’t even teach properly without making a mess of it! Not to mention instructing more than one person at a time! I can do whatever I can to help, but it should be—”
“Grea.” He cut her off, gently cupping her cheeks. “You spoke so much about being true to one’s heart. You know well this is again your insecurities speaking. Neither of us is perfect, but you come much closer to that line than me without even realizing it. And you’ve proven yourself plenty of times. Just ask around. Are you not the one leading multiple projects for my and Glimmervale’s sake?”
Taking her turn to blink blankly at him, Grea stood still, enjoying the warmth of his touch and confidence. Still, she dared to fight against his hold to peer over her shoulder. The winged beauty met her gaze with a smile full of the same conviction. There would be no support for her pitiful arguments there.
She had dug her own grave, so it seemed.
Returning her face forward, Grea sighed weakly. “I… I will think about it… There’s still time…”
“That’s all I’m asking for.” He grinned appreciatively, watching her cheeks darken considerably.
When his crimson lover began to withdraw, Asterios tugged the fine demonic female back, evoking a surprised gasp, which was silenced by a rough kiss, then replaced by a slightly more lascivious noise of contentment. One of his palms snaked to her supple behind, grasping a handful strong enough to make a statement, while the other caressed her black hair with the finest care. They kissed each other harshly, her leg winding over his waist to cling closer.
“Please, stop making me so wet…” Grea whispered amidst their exchange. “I really don’t want to go back on my word…”
Chuckling deeply, Asterios bit her lip. “Last time I checked, we were in private…”
“Fuck…” She trembled in his arms, and he felt something grasp his crotch. “I’ll give proper greetings to the mighty Dragon later… You have my word…”
Snorting, he stole one more peck and let her go. Licking her lips, Grea fixed her clothes a little, visibly attempting to push down her raging desire. It was honestly cute. And respectable. Asterios was already looking forward to the upcoming days and weeks. He had a feeling she was going to show him a lot now that his fragile professor was so decisive about opening her heart to the world after decades of isolation.
With one last nod, Grea slowly passed him, heading towards the girls standing behind. As they embraced her all together, he looked at the other lone woman. Bryn approached him gracefully, stopping near. Her golden eyes gleamed with longing and happiness. The next moment, her lips were on his, and her bountiful chest squeezed between them softly, lacking the usual protection of the armored plate. It was definitely by intention.
“I missed you, Master.” She nuzzled their cheeks together after they parted.
“I missed you too. We all did.” He pressed one more kiss to her temple. “So, do you have any surprises for me too, or am I safe now?”
Drawing back, her irises sparkled with mirth. “I’ll save the good news for later. You already have too much on your head, Master. It can wait. Enough shock for one day.”
A little curious and confused, he peered into those radiant gems of hers, then glanced down ponderingly. Noticing it, Bryn caught on right away, flushed mightily, and lightly smacked him on the chest.
“Not that!” The gorgeous Valkyrie continued to turn redder and redder. “Even though I wouldn’t really mind…”
“Sorry,” Asterios apologized honestly, brushing a lock of her hair aside. “I’ve been thrown so far off the path that I have no idea what to expect anymore. I’ll wait patiently for a moment of respite. I’m sure there’s a lot to touch on now that we are finally here.”
She nodded gratefully and offered him one more kiss, directing his hand to her marvelous breast, pressing his fingers into her delicate flesh.
“A lot of touching… Yes…” Bryn whispered hotly, squeezing harder. “Some matters require your firm hand… Very soon…”
Thoroughly enjoying his firm hand for a good few seconds, the winged lady composed herself and stepped away. They smiled at each other cordially, no words necessary. It looked like Grea wasn’t the only one affected greatly by the absence of her beloved mate. In the end, he had been in the care of his affectionate lovers while they had only each other. He understood that, as much as the girls shared deep bonds and feelings, he was the one connecting them together.
Offering Bryn a hand, Asterios brought her to the group, allowing his other lovers to reunite with the proud Valkyrie. Lots of hugs, kisses, and laughs were exchanged in the next minute or two. Then, the parties separated into the initial configuration.
“We are home.” Asterios began, looking over everyone. “We are home now. And I can’t help but notice that two amazing women were waiting for us. Did you set up a watch or were we just lucky?”
Grea put her fists against her hips. “Call it… woman’s intuition.”
The girls snickered while he rolled his eyes.
“But seriously, no. We did have someone in here now and then, be it Visenna, Rusi, Phatru, and so on. However we knew you wouldn’t be happy with us just vegetating here and fussing over your well-being without any means to catch what’s happening on the other side,” she replied.
“It was luck, then?” Althea wondered out loud.
“To a certain extent, yeah.” The demon woman nodded mysteriously. “A combination of some personal effort and that pinch of luck sprinkling onto us just recently allowed me to keep an eye on you.”
Pressing her fingertips into the sides of her head, Grea closed her eyes and focused with visible strain. A black, vicious pattern surfaced on the edges of her forehead, quickly spreading towards the middle, where it coiled around her slumbering Third Eye. Then, the slit popped open, evoking gasps of surprise from everyone present. Save for one winged individual.
Grea’s additional eye had changed. What was more, Ast’s party immediately recognized the new blood-red circuit running in a slightly open circle connected to the vertical pupil inside of it, combined with the pitch-black background.
“The giant eye! That was you?!” Miria pointed a finger at her in pure shock.
Their demonic friend opened the rest of her eyes, which also turned black, and snickered cunningly. “That and all the other ones, but the first time was quite difficult to control and ended up plastered over the entire sky, thus easily noticeable, so—good fucking gods! What the fuck happened to you?!”
She interrupted herself, all three eyes turning into saucers as they landed on the sweet panthergirl. Her gaze wandered over the others, including Asterios, just as flabbergasted as they were.
“I could ask you the same question,” he said. “That feels new. And powerful.”
The draconic energies flowing through the marks, the eye, and Grea’s circuits were like a mighty torch to his special sight. And most of them bore the deep dark shade of his Onyx ancestry.
“Okay. I’ll begin. Though, I’m starting to figure out what it actually was.” She shook off her stupor and took a deep breath. “I’ve been working on being more useful to you—yes, I know, I’m already useful a lot, let me have it, okay?—and about a day ago, I had a breakthrough. Your energy filled me to the brim like never before and went straight to my racial trait. It somehow evolved, though the pain was insane. Almost instantly, I knew it could now peer into the very essence of spiritual energy, and therefore have no true restraints anymore.”
“So you used it to penetrate through the weakened seal and take a look at us,” Selene deduced.
“Just so,” Grea confirmed. “I came back after spotting the fight, not wanting to be a distraction. Getting a better grip on it, I made a few more attempts, and not meaning to boast too much, they were decent enough for you not to notice the tiny eyes I kept on you until your very return. Albeit, I feel like that was only possible thanks to our bond. It’s not so accurate otherwise. But, I’m still testing its limits. And dimensional farsight isn’t all that is to it. Looking at you—inside you—I can see how much more powerful you have gotten. And in the case of Miria, I have no fucking idea what I’m even looking at. She’s like a completely new person.”
Asterios and the girls exchanged glances.
“You aren’t that far off with your assessment.” He chuckled wryly. “We’ll fill you in on all the details soon, but to sum it up, I connected on a deeper level with my Onyx lineage. Our trip in the Nethernight realm ended up as a resource-gathering quest of a kind, where I absorbed a lot of light divine energy. Abyss helped too. All the variables combined, and in the last fight…”
“You advanced into your dark side so much it affected me!” His demon lover cackled madly. “Fuck me! That’s why Bryn was feeling so restless! She was getting boosted too! Your love for us couldn’t be stopped by a mere insignificant seal, hah! Oh, man. Even not coming with you we are reaping benefits. What did we do in our previous lives to deserve this?”
Asterios met Bryn’s awed eyes and he smiled at the pair lovingly. “No idea about that, but I can mention a thing or two from your current lives that would be enough.”
The duo shared a glance, then trotted up to him, placing a kiss on his cheeks from each side.
“You are too much, love...” Grea sighed dreamily.
“Master…” Bryn hugged his arm.
He accepted their affections wholeheartedly, waiting for the amazing ladies to calm down.
“Alright. Enough. I have a feeling we’ll stay like this for days at the current pace. Should we exchange information on the way to the city?” his demon mate suggested.
“A good idea,” her angelic companion agreed. “It’s after the noon already and I’m sure Master would like to see the changes before we retreat to… rest.”
The hopeful glance she was directing his way hid something else in its depths too, but whichever thing would come true in the end, Asterios was sure he would greatly enjoy it.